Window Treatment Breakdown from Roller Shades to Cornice Boards

Have you recently moved into a new home and all of a sudden realize you forgot to purchase Window Treatments? Or, have you just noticed something missing from you space? If this is you, then keep reading! There are so many different kinds of Window Treatments on the market today and it can be confusing to figure out exactly what your windows may need. Today we are going to walk you through each type of window treatment so you know exactly what you need!

First up we have Roller vs Roman Shades. If the sun is pouring through your windows and you need something to block the sun, roller or roman shades would be perfect for your space. The difference between a roller vs roman shade is how they are stored.  A roller shade is wrapped around a metal or plastic rod that sits at the top of your window. This type of shade can be capped or uncapped. A capped or enclosed roller shade has a very high end luxurious look and definitely something we would recommend to our clients opting for a roller shade. A roman shade folds up, almost like an accordion. When a roman shade is folded down, a flat surface will cover your window. When it is folded up to let light in, the fabric will lay on top of itself over and over again. Both of these shade types are typically controlled by a chain and come in blackout options. Below are some examples of both of these window treatment types!

The next type of window treatments we are educating on are Blinds vs Drapes. There is a big misconception when it comes to these two. To explain the difference, we will start with blinds. Blinds are a type of window treatment that are oriented horizontally and move up and down. They are typically mounted inside the window. Blinds can be made from many different materials such as wood or fabrics. Drapes are a type of window treatment that are oriented vertically and move side to side. They typically are mounted using a “curtain rod” or drapery hardware. We recommend hanging your drapes a few inches from the ceiling with a little drag for some drama. When deciding between blinds or drapes, it is important to know that when it comes to energy efficiency, blinds are your better product. Blinds are typically meant to blend in with your window and not stand out like drapes. We love drapes here at EED and we think they are a great addition to any space. When it comes to deciding between the two, we usually recommend both. One is for efficiency while the other is an extra layer of privacy and protection that gives a lux design look. Below are some examples of both of these window treatment types!

The final window treatment types we are breaking down today is the valance vs the cornice board. These two terms often get intermixed because they are a very similar window treatment type. Both of these types are often used to cover hardware or to give a decorative look to your window, but there is a huge difference that separates the two. A valance is similar to a type of drapery, but it is not long. It usually extends about a foot below the top of the window and it is a piece of flowing fabrics. A cornice also sits at the top of the window, but the fabric is fastened to a hard board and does not flow. A valance is a more lightweight look while a cornice has a study more permanent appearance. Both of these window treatment types are great, but they are mainly used for decoration. They don’t have any energy efficiency or privacy elements. Below is an examples of these window treatment types!

We hope you have a better understanding of some of the major window treatment types. There are so many more to explore. Thats right we didn’t even cover them all. If you would like to learn more about window treatment types and want to see another breakdown, let us know! In the mean time, make sure to check out our blog for more awesome reads all about your home!