Top Window Treatments That Will Transform Your Home (Renter-friendly options!) 

If you loved this video, check out the ULTIMATE GUIDE TO WINDOW TREATMENTS for a deeper dive into materials, measurements, and MORE here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-IzEUFDhOnyM.html

0:42 Drapery Panels 2:12 Curtains 3:05 Sheers 4:03 Shades 6:07 Blinds 7:25 Shutters 8:29 How to Choose 10:36 Bedroom 10:35 Bathroom 12:23 Kitchen 13:08 Living/Family Room 13:46 Dining Room 14:23 Patio Doors 15:11 Office

Great video!!!❤❤❤😊 QUESTION: Is it appropriate, from a design standpoint, to have varying window coverings throughout the house or should they be consistent for design cohesion?

Here's my input, being a salesperson of custom window coverings for the past 5 years and having trained people on customs for 2 years: Drapery segment: 1- "blackout" doesn't exist and is a physical impossibility -- room darkening is the proper phrasing, but that is neither here nor there 2- assuming you have a "blackout" liner, there are no opacity changes... it should be either at or below 0.01% light transfer. 3- traverse rods are not always hidden... traverse rods are usually only hidden on either inexpensive/non-decorative rods, when using pinch pleat, tailored pleat, or inverted pleat drapes on a low-profile traverse rod. 4- drapery panels can be hung on rods with or without rings... so she is correct there, however there are 100 things to take into account: drape stack (how much space the drape takes when the drape is fully open), fabric fullness (ranging from 200-300% of the window width, you need to have far more fabric than the window width so your drape does not look like a fitted sheet on the window), width/bracket count (having a standard rod over 94" in most cases/depending on the brand, will require 4 mounting brackets and will cease all functional use of any drape other than C-shaped rings as a drape cannot pass the brackets), ease of draw (rod pocket drapes, for example, are awful to draw back and forth). Curtains: 1- right off the bat, the difference between drapes/curtains is not the liner... the difference is that drapes go past the window frame, and are at least "apron length." Apron length is (generally) either about a foot past the bottom of the window frame, or 1/2 the distance from the bottom frame to the floor. Curtains are generally to the bottom sill, or are mounted within the window frame. 2- every picture shown at the end of that segment is of drapes. Sheers: 1- "sheers" are either drapes or curtains and it depends on the length. 2- "sheer" simply refers to the opacity of the fabric and specifically entails that there is some level of visibility through the fabric 3- referring back to #2, sheer drapes/curtains are one of the single worst products for privacy, as whatever your visibility is during the day time is reversed at night so people can see straight in Shades: 1- labeling for those shades was off on multiple fronts: Roller shades- flat fabric rolled down from an upper roll. Not the best for room darkening, as the gaps on the sides of the shade will be usually about 3/4". Roller shades, like most products, can be cordless, corded (with a continuous cord loop/pulley system), or motorized. Solar shades- mechanically identical to a roller shade, however the fabric is particularly intended to allow visibility (like a sheer fabric), and block solar rays in ratings ranging from 20%-1% (the amount of light let through the fabric, 20% being more open than 1%) Banded shades (sometimes called zebra shades)- two striped layers of fabric that shift to either open or close visibility -- built on a roller platform Sheer shades- two sheer layers of fabric with solid fabric vanes between. Take a shade and mix it with a blind, essentially -- built on a roller platform. Available in either a horizontal fashion, or vertical for sliding doors/larger windows. Roman shades- "roman shades" are used too often as a blanket term for all roman shades and offers little specificity. Speaking strictly about a true "roman shade," the fabric is more stiff, as if it were starched; the fabric is generally in a more modern style, offering simple pleats and no "relaxed" look because the fabric is more rigid. On the "fabric shades" image section, the only true "roman shade" is image 6, all others are soft roman shades. Woven wood shades- similar overall to a true "roman shade," however the fabric is manufactured out of real natural (and brittle) materials (reeds, sticks, bamboo, jute, etc.) Soft roman shades- similar to a true "roman shade," however the fabric is more closely aligned to drapery fabrics, allowing a wider range of relaxed design. Images 1-5 on the "fabric shades" section are soft roman shades. Honeycomb/cellular shades- either the first or second most common shade style (skipped over entirely for whatever reason). The shade is built like two zig-zagged pieces of fabric, adhered in the center to create tubes/honeycomb shaped pockets stacked on top of each other. These shades are the best for darkening rooms (better than drapes, even), the best for insulating from heat, the best for insulating from sound, and are comparably cost effective in comparison to any style of roman shade. 15:20 is a honeycomb shade, particularly a top-down bottom-up honeycomb shade set (both adjustable from the top and bottom, only available in honeycomb/cellular shades and *some* roman shades). Pleated shades- similar to a cellular shade, however pleated shades are outdated. They are a single layer of zig-zagged fabric, and are usually only worthwhile if the fabric is sheer. Panel track shades- usually used for sliding glass doors/large windows. The product is literally giant pieces of fabric, suspended in a track at the top with weights at the bottom, allowing the fabric to slide back and forth (stacking up on whatever stack side is chosen). Blinds: 1- agreed, builder-grade products are awful, however you can definitely get high quality faux wood blinds. The only scenarios I will put faux wood blinds in a home are if the blinds are intended to be white, matching the window frames, and the windows are not over 74" wide (it's a weight/structural thing). 2- I'm sorry, fabric blinds? Fabric blinds only exist as fabric vertical panels, and nothing else. Also, fabric vertical blinds are undoubtedly the more traditional look. I assume she meant sheer shades, mistaking them for blinds. Shutters: No issues there. I, personally, love shutters; they look nice, they are clean, they are functional, and they increase (most) home values. Choosing the right fit: 1- function is the main issue, however the reality of each situation needs to be the #1 issue. If the window has 1/8" of internal mounting space, nothing can go there. If you are thinking of drapes, yet the window butts into the corner, where will the rod finial go, and how will the light gap on the wall be covered? 2- formal does not always mean drapes... drapes are just the easy way out. Why would you put drapes into a high traffic area where they will get dirty? Why would you put drapes into a room with little space in front of the window (drapes project anywhere from 5"-16" from a window)? Rooms: Bedrooms- right back to drapes...why? Layered sheers/room darkening drapes in custom fabrics for a 70"x84" sliding door will easily surpass $8000 at a minimum... that is a total waste of money to me. If you want layering, either do a day/night shade (cellular shade with dual-fabrics), or use sheer shades with a room dimming fabric. Shutters on a track with a day/night function are also nice (essentially a shutter with a room darkening honeycomb integrated into the rear side that can be pulled to darken the room as much as is physically possible without using a can of spray paint on the window). Bathrooms- relaxed roman shades (in the subcategory of soft roman shades) are the second worst product to put in a room with high humidity. Have you ever left your laundry in the washing machine overnight? Yeah... imagine that you just spent $800 on a single shade, and now it makes your bathroom stink because it was soggy for a few hours. Use either a nice shutter, a faux wood blind, or a single-layer solar shade (which is usually made of fiberglass) in a 1% openness. Kitchen- same thing as the bathroom. Shutters, faux wood, or a solar shade due to humidity and cleanliness. Living room- sheer drapes/curtains provide privacy only during the daytime and are acceptable if there is 0 worry about anyone ever looking in through the windows at night. Sheer shades are adjustable and provide the same effect, yet are able to be closed off to A: provide privacy and B: negate more light if there is ever any direct sunlight. Dining room- drapes are not a good option for *most* dining rooms. If there is plenty of space between the table and the wall, then okay. I usually put a more decorative, inside mounted shade in dining rooms; usually something within the roman family of shades or a nice shutter, but it largely depends on if you have children or not. Sliding doors- right back to drapes... why is the suggestion drapes for nearly every window? Try putting in vertical sheer shades (or silhouettes, per Hunter Douglas), or perhaps a nice vertical honeycomb shade? Even getting a motorized horizontal shade works, because you can press a button and open up the windows entirely, preserving any view. I just have to say that 14:52 is the single worst idea on a window; light colored, puddled drapes on a patio door will be destroyed in even the most clean households within 6 months. (continued in comment, maxed to 9500 characters)

Another great video! ❤ Would love to see a video on how to address window treatments or other upscale privacy options for front doors with glass windows and/or sidelights. The house we are building has a large window w/sidelights on either side, showing the full view of our open floorplan (living/dining/kitchen), so we’ve been wrestling w/ideas to cover, avoiding the bunched sheer panels we grew up with. If we switch the glass to filtered decorative options offered by the door manufacturer, we lose the efficient insulation qualities of the glass currently installed in the door/windows. Any thoughts or videos I may have missed along the way where you speak to that issue? Thanks so much! 😊

i have shutters (on the inside) on all windows. I would love to hang curtains too, but i can´t get a normal drill in these natural stone walls. But when i move i will definitely watch this video again for suggestions, because love fabrics.Especially coloured and sheer , might even use the sari´s i have or buy something similar.

Julie, you are amazing and all your tips so full of wisdom, taste, professionalism and good vibes. I came to understand that interior design is part science part art. One does have to understand the geometry of light, of shades, of positive and negative space, of the contrasting colours. So thank you for illuminating these for me. 🙏🏼

Enjoyed this video and the pace in which you've shared.

I have 4 south-facing windows that are 2 feet wide and 6 feet tall. This is a bump-out so two of the windows are at an angle and there is a bench seat below. We need to block out the summer sun. The other problem is a German Shepherd that lies on the bench seat and will make window coverings dirty. I don't know what is best. Don't really like short curtains, but they cannot go to the floor because of the built-in bench. Help!

Great video! What are your recommendations for windows with an arch? I love the light that streams in from that top area. If you hang sheers/curtains/etc should the hardware be placed between ceiling and arch top or between the arch and the lower segment of the window?

I just bought a new house and I've had a lot of fun cutting window treatments for every room. My living room has sheers and curtains on a double rod, my bedroom has velvet curtains and my kids room will have curtains as well. My kitchen will have a roman shade.

I've had many different window treatments and blinds are my favorite for light control and keeping clean.

The sheers behind you are absolutely beautiful! Could you tell me where you got those? Lovely video, very helpful!

Great video. But, please remember that while those sheer shades look nice in the bathroom during the day people can see in at night from outside when the bathroom light is on!!

Hi Julie! I am your recent follower of your content! Want to ask one question, what’s your take on zebra(day and night) window treatments? And will it look good with drapery panels? Like two layer of window treatment?

Me too, I like this type of sheer curtains. Not only, it's best to let light in, it's also easy to laundry.

I do not like blinds and shutters. I prefer motorized dual shades, one for view and the other for privacy, layered with sheer curtains for added softness.

Thank you for all your great advice! ❤️ Question: what do you think of new windows with blinds inside them for the living room? We are building new & although I love the look of our current 2 inch wooden blinds, I hate cleaning them! Thank you!

Wonderful videos! I love when you provide places to purchase. Please help me get a great bureau for the bedroom. You did a great video for night stands and I am getting the Canope bed frame you suggested and thank you for those. But I cannot find a quality bureau because I don;t know what to look for and if spending $3,000 it needs to be well made and I don't know how to ensure that so places to buy is so good. Thank you! Kathy

I need window treatments. I have a wide window in the living room, next to the sliding door, which is also next to my kitchen, which is big as well. I bought curtain panels for the living room window and sliding door, what about my big O window in kitchen? I was thinking of Roman shade. My color curtains linens are cream beige. Will roman shades match with my curtains? I feel like my colors don't match too.

I see youve listed the products. Of the 6 Drape Panels which one has 100% opacity? I really need 100% opacity. Which one can do it for me?

What is that black robed & hooded figure grabbing a tiny child @ 13:52? C-r-e-e-p-y!!

I have a bath room with a window over the tub/shower. What type of material should I use for a window treatment? Fabric will mold quickly if not maintained as I live in the humid south. Thank you for your helpful videos.

What color rod should I use if the crown molding is white, wall is swiss coffee and the curtains are ivory/cream. The rods will be hung on the wall at the lower edge of the white crown molding. Thank you

I"m surprised you like sheers so much. They feel very dated to me. Maybe because my mom always had so many sheers in her homes. I can't imagine ever using them.

Hi Julie. Another great video! Thank you. I appreciate how you incorporate a lot of pictures into your videos to show what you’re talking about. That is very helpful.

Love, love this video!! I live in an apartment which has horizontal blinds on every window accept the sliding glass door which have vertical blinds! I hate blinds and wondered if I can use curtains over them since I’m not sure I’m permitted to remove the blinds?!

Just on time, I was looking a Roman shade, but now I will wait

Thank you! What about windows with a half arch above them? How do you address those that are not rectangular?

How would you cover a slightly arched bedroom window that faces the street?

While it all looks nice, I think reality is more important. My kitchen is directly across the street from the neighbors living room. The bedroom windows are low, and anyone walking by can look right in. I put up white custom shutters to have privacy. I can tilt the top half to let in light. The bottoms are always closed. No better choice. I am on a 4000 square lot in a condo community. Workers around frequently.

Never change, you have always a great ideas to share for everyone of us. Happy holidays! Thank you ❤

We bought and love our NORMAN SHUTTERS and three Norman motorized rollers

So funny you mention shutters. We're in the middle of remodeling our kitchen and one of the things on my must haves is shutters on my south-facing wall of windows. Bc that's where all my potted herbs are and shades are NOT keeping my cats out of them. Im really hoping the shutters will do a better job cat-wise 😂🤣😂 I have to go watch your ultimate guide video now

how do I measure each of double drapes with a triple pleat header? should I add few more inches each panel to ensure there will be no gap in between?

Hi Julie, thanks for this rundown on window treatments! What kind of window coverings do you choose when you have a double height ceiling in the living room with two rows of windows? I feel like I’m pretty much relegated to having to choose Roman shades or roller shades but so far the quotes are really adding up. Especially since you probably need to have motorized ones for the hard to reach upper level of windows?

wrap around curtain rods vs straight? which is better?

This video was incredibly helpful, Julie! Your tips on choosing the right curtains for different rooms have completely transformed my home. Thank you for sharing your expertise!

I have Mimi blinds and grateful to have them cause that's what I can afford . I love Julie videos so helpful and full of information .

I love floor length curtains, but my apartment radiators are right below my windows 😢

I want to use roller blind as the first layer, and sheer curtain as the outside layer, so it would look good during the day, and a complete blackout at night. I don't know if it's a good idea. My apartment is small, i think 2 layers of curtain is too much

I have a sliding door panel that is 105" × 105" in a livingroom with 12' ceiling. Should I hang the curtain all the way up? Or just 4~6" above the door frame?

Can we mix blinds ans sheer together?

My bedroom has three large windows in row. The wooden frame at the top of windows is wide and not much space between it and the tray ceiling. I’m not sure if a rod will fit between this space. Any suggestions for window treatments?

Great video....... Question: My wash room has a large teal colour closet. The wall is light grey. What's the best colour blinds could I use at the windows? There are two windows.

Can you show it closer couldn't see the sheer close enough

We have a bow window in our master with semi privacy. We are lookingbfir something elegant to finish off the space. We also have an open livingroom/dining room. We need more privacy in the dining room. Any recommendations are greatly appreciated. I just recently found your channel, but love your videos

What do you recommend for a large living room window that has a 6” baseboard heater below? I want the curtains floor length . Is this possible? The dining room will have same curtains but there is no heater. Your help is greatly appreciated.

Love you videos! I have rads under windows but also need privacy. Is it okay to have Roman blinds with (decor) panels to frame? Same colour? Help?!

Julie; I just discovered your channel. I’m building a custom home, I’m at the window treatment stage. What type of window treatment can I use for patio doors in my bedroom. My husband wants to tint the windows as we have no neighbors and have complete privacy.

I have expensive shutters ALL over my house-bathrooms too! No other window coverings. I think I'd like curtains for a new look.

Hi Fan from India. I have a very difficult living room it has 4 doors n one large window I recently painted my walls n took down all existing wall n window treatment please help.

After years of experimentation, decided to go with single track semi block out curtains , doing away with sheers and yet sufficient privacy even at night. Way less material required

Does it say in the packaging what percentage "opacity" it is? Been looking for the best ones to make my bedroom pitch black to increase sleep quality...

Hi Julie. I have a beach house whereby the entire 20’ wall is sliding glass doors. I do not want to loose the water view! There is enough of a balcony that I do not get direct sun, but the temp of the room is significantly different than the rest of the house and will certainly increase my utility bill. I’ve thought of Solar shades to maintain my view but will they help with temperature? Thank you. Deb

Love your videos! Whats the best window treatment for sliding glass doors. Need some insulation for cold and heat. Thanks!

Hello Julie, thank you for your videos about home interior designing. I have been watching all your video on feng shui, window treatments, sectionals, etc. What is your sofa right now behind this video?

Hello Julie, just viewed your video. Are you still offering assistance for windows covering?

Thank you JK! . I have bay windows and these are not easy to treat :(

What would you do for a valance? I bought Ikea's motorized roller shades and am thinking of covering up the roll, sad they don't seem to sell a cover (unless I missed it). I need to be able to replace the battery so I might need to do a removable valance or leave a decent gap. I am mounting them inside the frame

Thank you for this video. What would you do with a triple window with a half round window above the center window. Would the rod go above the semi circle window or below it across the top of all three? Thank you in advance.

Hey Julie, awesome video! Thank you! What's the best way to hand curtains WITH sheers? Two rods one behind the other is okay?

0utstanding!👍💕W0W...this video timing is right on time for current living room window treatments DIY project.

Thanks Julie! This is great. Question - where do you typically get the curtain rods with extended length? We have a wide window (108 inches) and I’ve been having trouble finding a rod that’s long enough..

Julie, I just moved to a new home and you have helped me out with all my windows in my home. Thank you so much for all your help

Betty Stewart I love your video it really help me I just moved into an apartment and I have five windows with double pains and do not know how to decorate this at living room shape it’s like an oval shape please help

I thought window treatments should be uniform throughout 🤔..

Great video Julie! I’m always so indecisive about what to use on my windows. I may reach out to you in the future when I’m ready for a specific room or area. Thanks again for sharing all of your knowledge.

Thank you; here in Germany we often combine cheers with curtains?

Can I match the window treatments in my master with the same pattern/color in wallpaper in master bath?

Thank you for this. What about sliding doors from the kitchen to the back patio? We have a round eat-in kitchen table sitting in front of the door. I was thinking a roller shade but now I’m thinking would drapery or curtains also go for this door?

Where is the best place to buy drapes and curtains? Thank you.

There was no mention of cellular shades? May I ask why?

Hi I have a 6’x6’window in my kitchen above a bench seat used with a 6’ x 24” table….no privacy issues to worry about…main reason I need any window covering is to filter light away from certain object that can get bleached by sunlight during summer and for some extra warmth during winter months…I’m thinking natural roller shades or roman shades. It would have to be an inside mount because the seat and window bump out 12” from floor. The window is configured as a transom with two double hung windows beneath. My question is should i get 1 large shade or break into two? The transom is what throws me off…any advice would be most appreciated…thank you for sharing 😊kim

Thank you so much for sharing your amazing reviews and tips on choosing beautiful furniture! Your videos are incredibly helpful and inspiring.

What treatment would you use if you have plantation shutter?

so many choices ...... yikes! I've got my work cut out for me ....

What about curtains for the laundry room???

Hi Julie, thanks for this video. Good timing, we just finished changing the windows in our living area. My husband and I are looking/thinking what is the best window cover? Our purpose is to minimize sun shine to go through our living area..we also consider the nice view (fjord).

I have low ceiling windows in my bedroom, what kind of curtains I should use?

❤

I never knew I needed so much education on window treatments! I love the way she keeps everything functional and practical despite the inherent design aesthetic viewpoint. When I was growing up, the most common blinds were made of aluminum - Is that still a thing?

Thank you for an informative video! Any advice on how to dress a corner window?

Julie, I was hoping you you he'd on windows with arched tops.I have custom shutters because I know not what else to do !!! And alot of sun...in Arizona! Could you do a video to help people like me? Thankyou,Margo

Hi Julie, I really enjoy your informative videos! I am going through a major renovation of a Spanish Colonial-style home. We are fortunate to have beautiful views and no neighbors behind. There are a lot of windows and French-style doors that currently have power shades. Would you add/ layer sheers?

We have french doors in our kitchen and next to them we have windows that measure 68" x 28" (26" from the floor) and when I hang my sheers, should I cover the windows or leave them exposed? The sheers would not open/close, they would be there to simply soften the lines of the door/windows. I did order my sheers from one of your recommended sites. I needed 120" sheers and was having quite the time finding some that I liked with nickel grommets. On the length, since I'll have a few inches to play with, would you suggest puddling the bottoms or giving them a 2" hem? Thank you.

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Hi Julie, I have a bay window in my Dining room, which faces south, and I am at a loss as to window treatments. I currently don’t have anything on the windows. I love the view, but don’t like feeling as if we’re in a fishbowl when we’re eating. Are sheers my only option? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Hi. Thank you for all the information. Can we line white sheers? Like I want the light look but I also want a little privacy without layering with any other form of window treatment. I might put dummy curtains on both sides though, at a higher height, like 2-3 inches below the ceiling. Unfortunately as I have a split A/C right above the window centre, which can’t be moved anywhere else. So the sheers can’t go all the way to the top, I can put these sheers only a few inches above the window, the ac blocks the height. For height thinking of giving dummy curtains on the sides, which will go all the way up. So can I line them?

Hi Julie, I am about to install the WiFi control motorized curtain tracks for my MBR’s sliding door (open one sided with views) and customize the curtain, your video is comes in time. Please advise if it’s better to set it as both sides openings (sake’s if symmetrical) or one sided opening which will pull it to my wall corner(not blocking view when not use) . There is another small windows next to this sliding door that I’m using the top down bottom up honeycomb shades.

I’m currently looking to install windows blind treatment. Great tips subscribed 😊

Do u think the top down bottom up shade is better compared to roller shade? I like the roller shade in my dining room but it doesn’t have the function thought. So if I chose the roller with lighter filtering would be ok since I am in a ranch home with closing with neighbors. Thanks

I have 196 inches sliding door, any suggestions for covering? Thx

Thank you!! I have newsy neighbors. I have to get roman shades and drapes for my living room and dining room.

Best guide to window treatment video I've watched! Didn't realize how deciding on window treatments could be so overwhelming and your video has put me at ease! Thank you!

I have blinds and I hate them but don’t want to spend money replacing them as I’ll be buying a new home in the future. Any ideas to replace them on a budget or maybe just leave it? 😢😂

Hi Julie. Great video, exactly what I needed. I have a large arched window in our front living room, next to the entry. It is south facing so the sun shines through in the afternoon and it faces the street. I would like to keep the brightness in the room, filter the direct sunlight during the day, but have privacy at night since anyone walking by at night could see right in. The house has great curb appeal with this window front and center so would like something that looks nice from the outside as well. I am on the verge of going with shutters but would love your input. Thank you!

The shade, the SHAADEE of it all!

Ok I have a small living/ dining room combo n the ceiling is low.. And it's a 6 windows in the little room what to do..I have more wall than wall

What about decorative window film. I like to use these on my small basement windows. Let's in light and adds privacy.