Below, we’ll break down 9 different types of bedroom window treatments to shade your space and help you decide what’s best for your home. Curtains are especially popular in the kitchen, although they are also frequently found in the bedroom. Curtains are available in many different styles, colors, and patterns, making them an easy way to add a shot of color and pattern to your room. These options are often cheaper (but less durable) than drapes, which are made with heavier materials. Since curtains are customizable for many different lengths to fit basic window measurements, there are various ways to hang them and tie back the panels. Some methods include puddling the curtain panel on the floor, basic right or left tie-back, and cascading. If you’re having trouble sleeping because your room is too light, blackout drapes—which have a heavy lining to block out all light—are a great solution. These drapes not only keep out daylight but also block cold drafts or heat from leaking through the windows. Read more about our Diversity and Inclusion Pledge to make The Spruce a site where all feel welcome. Sheers are a nice choice for a small bedroom, as their gauziness gives the room an open, airy feel. They are especially popular in cottage, coastal, and country designs. Because sheers are made with lightweight, delicate fabrics, they are not as durable as curtains (and usually have similar prices). There are many varieties of shades, including Roman shades, bamboo, cellular (translucent), pleated (shown here), solar, motorized, balloon, and roller (the most basic type). Shades can vary in price and durability based on their material and system of lifting. Motorized shades are available for high-end, luxury designs, while many types of Roman and bamboo shades are long-lasting and suitable for lower budgets. Blackout shades are also a popular choice for blocking out sunlight in bedrooms. Blinds are hung horizontally with an inside mount over smaller windows, or vertically over a sliding glass door or very large window. There are many different styles and colors of blinds to suit various budgets, but higher quality blinds are more durable and often have moderate to high price points. Shutters make a great option for a durable, long-lasting window treatment, and typically cost more than blinds or shades. They are usually made from painted or natural wood, although faux wood is another option. You’ll find shutters in a wide range of colors, although white and natural wood tones are the most popular. Valances can create a dramatic effect in both casual and formal rooms, such as primary bedrooms, parlors, kitchens, or dining rooms. Valances are not typically moved often, so even sheer options can be durable over time. They also tend to be cheaper in cost than curtains or blinds because they do not require much material. Swags are typically draped over a horizontal rod in folds. They might match the underlying window treatment, or more often, add a contrasting dose of color or pattern to enliven the room. Swags can cost considerably less than cascades and are customizable to various shapes. Cascades are lengths of attached fabric that either drape down the sides of the window in a zigzag-styled fabric or puddle across the top of the window. They can be used underneath or over swags, curtains, or shades. Cascades are high-end window treatments that are typically reserved for elegant spaces. The bottom of a cornice can be shaped and trimmed in many different ways, and some homeowners opt to have their cornices custom-made to match the material of their furniture. Cornices are more durable than other types of window treatments thanks to their sturdy design, and they typically have a higher price range (especially when custom-made). If your window treatments will be moved often (lifted up and down or pulled shut), it’s also best to choose durable options. Thankfully, most types of window treatments come in various levels of quality. For rooms that are best suited to blinds, for example, it’s possible to use wood or metal blinds that won’t deteriorate when used regularly. On the other hand, curtains and drapes can both be long-lasting when made with hardy materials. Consider your bedroom’s decorating style, too, when deciding what type of window treatment will complement the decor. Heavy drapes might not suit a cottage style as well as sheers, shutters, or curtains, while Roman shades, drapes, and swags complement a traditional style.
