The average home has 22 windows.
The appearance of your windows can make or break the look of your home. If your windows look run down or have outdated curtains, your home might look the same way.
Fortunately, updating the look of your windows doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming.
Want to learn about ways to spruce up your windows? Here are some options for easy window treatments.
Cleaning
Windows allow sunlight to enter your home. During the cold winter months, we need that natural light to boost our mood. During the summer, the early morning light signals the beginning of a brand new day.
Sunlight also allows us to maintain our circadian rhythm. In the morning, natural sunlight wakes us up, and in the evening as the sun goes down, we start to get tired, and our bodies adjust for bedtime.
If you have an energy efficient home, you can use the sunlight to maintain warmth during the day.
That’s why you want to have clean windows that allow sunlight to shine through. Before embarking on any easy window treatments, take a look at your windows and see if they need a thorough cleaning.
How to Clean Windows
To clean your windows, all you need is glass cleaner, a microfiber cloth, and a vacuum with the brush attachment.
Using the brush attachment on the vacuum, vacuum up the dirt on the window sill and frame. Next, spray the window with the glass cleaner. Wipe the window, window sills, and frames.
Window Treatment Options
When it comes to window treatments, you can choose from blinds, shades, or curtains to cover your windows. Not sure what the difference between all these window coverings? Let’s take a look at each.
Blinds
Blinds are coverings made of slats. You can lift them up and down, but you can also open the slats to allow light in. Blinds come in all types of material such as vinyl, wood, or aluminum.
Blinds with slats that are 1 inch or 1/2 inch are called mini-blinds. Blinds that have 2-inch slats are called Venetian blinds.
If you want a no fuss, simple window treatment, then blinds are the choice for you. With blinds, you don’t need to pull them up or out of the way to let light in. You just need to open the slats during the day and close them at night.
Blinds are easy to maintain, and you can get them in a variety of styles to match the decor of your home.
If your home has a rustic farmhouse style, shutters are a great option. For an economical option, you can get mini-blinds that come in all types of colors to match your home.
If you have simple blinds, you can also add curtains or drapes if you want to customize the style of each room in your home.
Shades
Another easy window treatment option is to add shades to your windows. Unlike blinds, you would have to roll shades up or down to let light in.
If you want more choices when it comes to fabric and color, shades are a good option. You can use them to set the style and tone for your home. You can also add curtains on top of shades if you want to change up the style.
Whether you get blinds or shades depend on your personal preference and style. Do you want a cozy look and feel to your home, then fabric shades might be a better choice.
Or, do you have small children and you want the option that’s easiest to clean? Blinds may be easier because you can wipe them down.
Curtains or Drapes
You can also go with curtains or drapes. Depending on the type of curtains or drapes you purchase, you might not need blinds or shades.
Although they’re similar, there are differences between curtains and drapes. Drapes are usually thicker and heavier. They are meant to block out light and maintain privacy.
Drapes are also usually more formal. They hang from the top of your windows and reach the floor.
Curtains are usually lighter and for decorative purposes. Many times they are sheer or see-through.
Most people like to add curtains to windows that already have blinds or shades. When it comes to decorating with curtains, you have many different options.
There are sheer curtains which add a light, colorful touch to a room. There are also valances which decorate the top of the window.
There are formal types of curtains such as goblet pleat curtains. If you want a casual look, there are tab top or eyelet curtains.
You also have options when it comes to how to hang your curtains. There are different rod materials and fixtures to choose from.
Additional Tips for Window Treatments
As you can see, there are many options when it comes to window treatments. You can transform the look of your home by updating your window treatments.
You can do something very minimal and simple that allows the maximum amount of light in such as sheer curtains and simple blinds. You can also go grand and formal.
If you update your window treatments, but you still don’t like the look of your windows, you may also want to consider options for replacement windows. New windows can drastically update your home.
Final Tips for Easy Window Treatments
Now that you’ve looked at several easy window treatments, you can go forth and start decorating.
Want more inspiration and interior design ideas? Read more articles on our interior design section.