Choosing interior window shades can often be a long and extensive process—as there are many different products to choose from and things to keep in mind. Fortunately, we’re here to help make finding window shades and deciding which ones to buy a little more simple. In this short blog, follow along as we explain what factors you should consider when choosing interior window shades and discover which window treatment is best for your living situation.

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Style

Like it or not, interior window treatments can impact how a room looks and feels, which is why choosing a style that compliments your home is an important factor to consider. After all, you’ve no doubt spent hours choosing the decor of each room of your home, whether you were picky about your furniture, accessories, or the paint, and you should treat your window treatments just the same. 

Here are some things to consider when thinking about style: Windows dressed in heavy fabrics tend to offer a traditional look, whereas styles with less layers and more light can often make for a refreshingly minimal, albeit modern look. You’ll also find that specific types of shades tend to offer a specific look. Roman Shades, for example, blend the ornamental look of curtains with the light-blocking capabilities of shades. Whereas Woven Wood Shades are made from all natural materials—including bamboo, reeds, grass, and jute—which can contribute their own distinct aesthetic. 

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Privacy

The amount of privacy you require is another important factor to consider, since you can choose the openness factor of the weave, allowing you to select the opacity level you prefer. By taking into account how much shade or privacy you want or need, you can choose a shade that provides privacy at a degree that comforts you. 

Moreover, some types of shades, such as roller and solar screen shades, can even be retrofitted so that they utilize two shades—a blackout shade and a less opaque shade—in one unit. These “dual shades” are extremely popular for homeowners concerned about privacy, since they allow them to switch from moderate to maximum privacy in seconds, and offer multiple ways to shade their home. 

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Energy-Efficiency

Your choice of window shade can have a big impact on energy efficiency, since different rooms can get less or more sunlight, and the type of shade you get can influence how much exterior heat is brought in. If you want to keep heat out, it’s wise to choose shades that provide UV protection, and that cut down on glare and solar heat gain. You may also consider shades with a blackout liner, which can also significantly block out the sun. 

Finally, East or West facing rooms that get a lot of sunlight can benefit from shades with light colors that absorb less energy and keep it cool. Whereas heavier, darker shade materials can be a good choice for rooms that get very little sun, since they will retain heat.

Really want to cut down on energy? Cellular Honeycomb Shades use small pockets of fabric to trap in air, creating a layer of insulation between the window and the room they’re in. This provides a layer of protection that can keep heat outside during the summer and keep it inside during the winter, significantly cutting down on the energy required to keep your home comfortable. 

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The View Outside

Interior details aren’t the only thing to consider when choosing interior window shades. If you have a beautiful outside view from your windows, being intentional about what shades you get can ensure you keep it that way.

Window shades—whether they’re interior or exterior—should never detract from the view. That’s why you should pick shades that add to the room they’re in, while also being considerate of the “points of view” that those shades permit. Shades that provide numerous view-through options, such as our Duette® Duolite Honeycomb Shades, or our Solar Screen Shades, can provide just enough shade to observe your surroundings, without obscuring the view. 

You may also want to consider shades with Top-Down/Bottom-Up capabilities, which can easily move up and down, from top or bottom, by themselves, or in combination, using a remote control. They can allow you to customize the layout of your shades, so that they provide shade and allow unrestricted views at the specific viewing angles. 

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Get Professional Help Choosing Your Interior Window Shades!

Need help choosing interior window shades for your home?

Hartley Window Coverings can help! Our team of interior designers and window treatment experts would love to work with you to discover the best interior shades for your specific needs. During our in-home consultation, we’ll work with you to find the best product for your needs and preferences, while taking all the aforementioned factors (and plenty more) into account. We can also answer any questions you have about our interior window treatments the minute they come up!

Contact us today to learn about our top-quality interior shading products or to schedule a consultation with one of our design-consultants!