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Beige sheer window shades on living room windows
March 20, 2025

How To Decide Between Different Types Of Window Treatments

Window shades, blinds, and plantation shutters–oh my! The range of available window treatments might seem overwhelming when selecting one for your Riverside home. Knowing the pros and cons of every option will help you figure out the top treatment for your interior and unique needs. Read on to learn more about the different types of window treatments and how they can enhance your enjoyment of your windows.

The Pros And Cons Of Interior Shutters

White Polywood shutters on a kitchen window

Frequently referred to as ”plantation” or “louvered shutters,” interior shutters are constructed of rigid materials. They include movable panels set in a frame secured to your window. All panels have a row of tiltable louvers. You can tilt the louvers and open and shut the panels to your ideal position.

The Pros

Thanks to their sturdy construction, plantation shutters are typically able to offer anything you want from a window treatment:

  • A beautiful architectural element for windows
  • Classic colors to coordinate with your decor
  • Complete privacy 
  • Outstanding governance over outside light 
  • Effortless operation
  • Unmatched longevity and amazing durability from Polywood® shutters 
  • Perfect fit for windows of all shapes and sizes
  • Better energy efficiency than other window treatments 
  • Increased resale value for your home 
  • Child- and pet-safe 
  • Multiple optional features to personalize how your shutters work

The Cons

Plantation shutters aren’t right for everyone. If you prefer a soft textile on your windows or wish to introduce a pop of color, you’ll need to explore some different types of window treatments in Riverside. 

The Pros And Cons Of Window Shades 

Blue natural fiber shades on living room windows

Window shades are available in many styles, but they usually all include a length of fabric hung above the window. Hold the bottom of the shade and move it up or down to cover or uncover your window. You can also get automated shades. You adjust these with a remote, wall button, or even a voice directive or an app if you choose smart shades. You can also set smart shades to shield or uncover your window on a schedule. Motorized shades offer incredible convenience. 

The Pros

Window shades and automatic shades can do an excellent job of impeding daylight and the sightline into your home. Their primary attraction is the numerous styles they come in. Pick from your preference of: 

  • Colors
  • Designs
  • Materials
  • Opacities 

The different window shades have their own benefits as well. Roller shades offer a sleek appearance. Cellular shades are energy efficient. Motorized shades of all styles provide more convenient management over sunlight and home comfort for windows of various sizes. 

The Cons

Window shades lack the sturdiness of rigid window treatments and are often a chore to clean. Their fabric panels will in time discolor from daylight or might become stained, damage, or grow mold. 

Window shades also offer less versatility in balancing privacy and daylight than louvered shutters. They might leave gaps around the edges or allow shadows to appear if your lights are on after dark. 

The Pros And Cons Of Window Blinds 

Brown wood window blinds on a large window

Window blinds have a sequence of long slats constructed from a firm material that you drop down over your windows to shield them. You can also rotate the slats open or shut for extra governance over outside light. 

The Pros

Blinds are made to block sunlight and views into your Riverside home, but their material and quality decide how effective they are. While some blinds are known as insubstantial, premium wood and faux-wood blinds give you enhanced durability and other benefits like: 

  • Effortless operation
  • Longevity
  • Aesthetic appeal

The Cons

Even the most well-built blinds have a few downsides. They can permit light to enter along the border or move in a strong breeze, opening your home’s living space to outside viewers. They provide little insulation and, due to their construction, won’t last as well as more robust shutters. They can also be tricky to clean. 

The Pros And Cons Of Drapes

White drapes on French doors in a formal dining room

Drapes are created from long, flowing fabric utilized to cover windows. Their material is generally heavier than curtains and lined for improved insulation and room-darkening capabilities. Drapes might use a pair of panels that you pull apart from the middle or one large panel that you draw across your window from the side. They may suspend from and move along a curtain rod or a track. 

The Pros

Dense drapes excel at obstructing light and air movement when shut. They come in many different colors, patterns, and textures to coordinate with your interior. They lend a classy, timeless feel many people like.

The Cons

Drapes can have an overly formal appearance that isn’t right for every family. They can look luxurious on larger windows but can be awkward to adjust unless you get them motorized. Drapes also don’t have many options for controlling privacy and exterior light–they’re either closed or open. 

Consult With Sunburst About The Different Types Of Window Treatments In Riverside

Let the specialists at Sunburst Shutters Riverside assist you in finding the right window treatment. We carry an extensive variety, and we’ll help you select a product from the numerous different types of window treatments in Riverside. Call us at 951-517-3030 or complete the following form to book a free in-home consultation and review your possibilities!