Window Treatments

If your windows seem bland and empty, enhance them with attractive window treatments. Finding the right solution requires understanding the broad category of window coverings available on the market, including popular selections from Ashley. The best choice comes down to your specific needs and the unique features of your windows. Window treatments can do wonders to increase your home's comfort and curb appeal. Explore all the options and discover the beautiful styles we offer.

A window treatment is any product or material used on or around a window to control light, ensure privacy, improve energy efficiency, or enhance a room's appearance. Options range from rigid fixtures installed inside the window frame to fabric panels that hang from ceiling to floor. There are two main types: hard and soft window treatments. Hard treatments use materials like wood, vinyl, aluminum, or composites such as blinds, shutters, and some shades. Soft treatments are made from fabrics, including curtains, drapery, Roman shades, and valances. Some modern coverings, like cellular or sheer shades, combine features from both types, offering structure with a fabric finish.

The sheer volume of window treatment options can be overwhelming. To simplify the selection process, it helps to break down the options into their core categories: blinds, shades, shutters, and drapery. Each type operates differently and serves specific functional purposes. Blinds: Blinds are hard window treatments constructed of individual horizontal or vertical slats. These slats can be tilted open or closed to control light and privacy, or the entire unit can be raised, lowered, or pulled side-to-side to expose the window entirely. Roman shades: When lowered, Roman Shades hang flat against the window like a standard fabric shade. When raised, they fold up into neat, horizontal pleats. They bridge the gap between hard and soft treatments, offering the structured operation of a shade with the rich fabric textures usually reserved for drapery. Sheer shades: These complex treatments feature horizontal fabric vanes suspended between two layers of sheer fabric. They operate much like a standard blind, allowing you to tilt the vanes open to filter incoming light through the sheer layers, or close the vanes for complete privacy. Shutters: Shutters are substantial, permanent architectural fixtures attached directly to the window frame. They feature a rigid frame holding horizontal louvers (similar to blind slats) that can be tilted by moving a central tilt bar or a hidden rear mechanism. Curtains: Generally lighter in weight and unlined, curtains are often used for decorative purposes or light filtering. Styles like the cafe curtain cover only the lower half of a window, providing privacy while letting natural light pour in through the top. Drapery: Drapes are typically made from heavier fabrics (like velvet, heavy cotton, or linen) and are lined. The lining provides structure, protects the face fabric from UV damage, and adds functional benefits like insulation or room-darkening capabilities. Drapery panels usually run floor-to-ceiling, creating a dramatic, finished look in living rooms and bedrooms.

Choosing window coverings means weighing your room's light, privacy, and style needs plus your budget. 1. Assess light control and privacy: Window treatments affect light and privacy. Decide how much daylight and privacy you want: Sheer / light-filtering: Soften daylight while keeping rooms bright. Some privacy during the day, little at night. Good for living, dining, and sunrooms. Room-darkening: Block most light, great for media or sunny rooms. Blackout: Block all light when paired with side channels ideal for bedrooms, nurseries, or home theaters. 2. Prioritize energy efficiency: Windows can let in heat or cold. For harsh temperatures or sunny windows, choose energy-efficient styles. Cellular shades (honeycomb) offer top insulation. Wood shutters and lined drapes also cut down on heat transfer. 3. Consider operating mechanisms: Think about daily use and safety, especially for high windows or homes with kids and pets. Corded: Traditional, but cords can be unsafe for children. Cordless: Adjust by hand, safer for kids and looks tidy. Motorized: Control with a remote or smart device, convenient for large or high windows. 4. Room-by-room Functionality: Every space has unique needs: Kitchens and bathrooms: Pick moisture-resistant options like faux wood blinds, vinyl shades, or composite shutters. Bedrooms: Use blackout shades, cellular, or lined drapes for better sleep. Living rooms / open spaces: Try layering, sheer shades, or wood blinds for flexible light and privacy. For stylish and practical solutions, explore window treatment collections from Ashley. You'll find a wide range of designs tailored for every room and need.

Window treatment trends tend to change slowly because quality coverings are long-term investments. Today's popular styles focus on natural materials, automation, and simple designs. Key trends include: Organic and natural textures: Woven wood shades made from bamboo, jute, and grasses are in demand. They add warmth and texture, complementing modern interiors. Minimalism and clean lines: Heavy, ornate treatments are out. Roller and cellular shades, mounted inside the frame with slim headrails, create a neat, uncluttered appearance. Smart home integration: Motorized shades are now a standard feature. Homeowners can schedule shades to open at sunrise, lower during peak sun to protect interiors, and close at night, supporting energy efficiency. Layered treatment: Combining window coverings such as pairing sheer shades with blackout drapes remains popular. This approach lets you control light and privacy, while mixing textures and colors for added interest.

You can buy window treatments directly from Ashley. We have a wide selection of window blinds, shades, and curtain, making it easy to find the perfect ones. Our stunning drapes come in various materials, colors, patterns, and cuts. They deliver an eye-catching appearance that makes any home feel lavish and sophisticated. Find ornate drapes or curtains that go with your home decor! Use dark curtain drapes to block sunlight and create a moody atmosphere, perfect for traditional or contemporary styles. Sheer curtains add a light, airy feel, making them ideal for modern, coastal, or bohemian spaces. Sheer scarves offer an ethereal, relaxed touch suitable for bohemian or eclectic settings. Bold patterns provide a vibrant look for maximalist or contemporary styles. For simple and effective window coverage, opt for modern shades.