Savvy shopper's guide to buying window coverings

Never shopped for window coverings before? No clue what to look for? Here’s some advice to help you get what you want from among the many choices available – at a price that fits your budget and flatters your home.

When it comes to window coverings the choices are staggering, but in the best kind of way: curtains, drapes and window panels have aesthetic appeal, while blinds and shutters are generally more functional and efficient. So where should you begin your search? And how will you know what works best for you? By knowing a bit more about your options.

Vertical and horizontal vinyl blinds are traditional window treatments in office and business settings for their utilitarian qualities of low maintenance and streamlined construction.

For homeowners, blinds are easily adapted as an alternative to drapery, and suit most modern styles of decor when made of pliable materials in complementary colours.

• Faux wood blinds can add warmth to living rooms and common family areas.
• Mini-blinds are a practical solution for bedroom windows and are adjustable to filter light at all hours.
• If energy-efficiency is top of mind, consider cellular blinds, which are designed with air channels that provide an extra layer of insulation.

It’s common to see drapery panels in formal settings as part of a coordinated backdrop to period or classic furniture and in rooms with crown mouldings and other architectural details.

• Drapery is often combined with sheer curtains. Sheers filter sunlight during the day while heavier drapes can be drawn shut for privacy at night.
• Grommet curtains have replaced curtain hook installation in most contemporary products.

Although the infinite variety of drapery fabrics, colours and textures allow you to adapt your window coverings to any style of décor, they are more expensive than blinds.

Many people like the nostalgic effect of these cottage-like window coverings with adjustable louvers (horizontal slats), often as an alternative to vertical blinds.

• Shutters have the advantage of swinging open at the hinges like cupboard doors to allow full light into your home. They can also be left closed and adjusted like blinds.
• Custom wood shutters for interior use are generally quite expensive and the cost can rise depending on the type of wood and finish.

The size of room, exposure and your budget will help determine your final choice of window coverings. Key points to consider include:

Exposure
Weigh your need for privacy and light control.

• South-facing windows will receive constant sunlight throughout the day and usually need constant covering on warmer days.

Climate
Fabric window coverings can offer an extra layer of insulation.

• On frigid winter days, you'll be thankful for the additional protection from the biting cold outside.

Maintenance
Cleaning curtains can be a significant expense.

• So many low-maintenance, attractive alternatives to curtains – such as blinds – means no more horrendous dry cleaning bills.

Durability
Cheaper solutions make sense if you’re renting or planning to move.

• If you have boisterous – or many – children, durability may be a better option.

Fashion
Neutral colours readily adapt to changes in your decor.

• Changing window coverings is also a ridiculously easy and cheap way to refresh the look of any room.

Because your window coverings will be the first things you see when looking out the window, here are a few extra hints:

On a tight budget?
Bamboo blinds and roller blinds are inexpensive window covering choices for anyone who needs to pinch pennies.

Hope for a perfect fit?
Always check the mounting hardware for ease of installation and compatibility with window trim

Concerned about your children's safety?
Avoid floor-length curtains and pull strings that pose a safety risk to kids and pets.

Want to avoid paying extra?
If your windows are standard sizes, shop for ready-to-hang blinds to avoid extra costs.

You can choose window coverings based on practicality or romance, but it usually comes down to your budget. A major investment in expensive materials only makes sense if you plan to stay put.