Long gone are the days of traditional vertical blinds. These days window treatments are more versatile, interesting, and reflect your personal taste and home decor versus trends that are obsolete. From modest venetian blinds to dramatic austrian shades, here are some of the latest and inspiring window treatments that are on the market today:

Venetian Blinds

A modern and modest look, these horizontal blinds offer an updated appeal to your space while providing easy access to different variants of light and privacy. Seen in a lot of updated homes and businesses, venetian blinds are a popular choice among many homeowners as they are simplistic enough to go with most styles of decor, while having clean lines that leave your living or working space looking crisp and new. They are highly adjustable too, letting you let in full to almost no light at all.

Roman Shades

If you’re looking for something with a sophisticated edge, roman shades are an interesting alternative. This sought after fabric shade usually comes in a variety of colors and styles best suited for your personal taste, but are mostly seen in earth tones and natural shades as to not distract from the rest of the house. Roman shades can be used as creative solutions to darken, or “black out” rooms completely, which helps promote sleep. They provide coverage from outside light, but also look elegant as it naturally folds itself towards the top of the window when open.

Matchstick or Slat Blinds

If your personal aesthetic is earthy, these blinds are for you. Designed to let some light in, matchstick (or slat) blinds are usually created with either natural materials such as bamboo or wood, but can be manufactured with vinyl as well. These are best suited out in the living room, and add a slight bohemian look to your living space. Matchstick blinds are for shade and style, and aren’t built for privacy. If you like the look of matchstick blinds and want more privacy, some have a fabric liner built in so you can have the best of both worlds.

Louvered Shutters

With endless designs, types of wood, and uses, interior louvered shutters provide exciting variation within a home, a business, a cafe, and more. Often times used as classic, cottage-like window treatment, louvered shutters are being used as a fun alternative to traditional blinds. There are many different sizes too. If you live on the bottom floor of an apartment building, having half-tier shutters keeps eyes away from staring straight into your apartment, while you get the rest of your window for daylight. Looking for a more traditional feel? Getting a full solid shaker (with no slats) will provide maximum blockage from sunlight, and give your home a rustic charm. Because most are built with wood, you’ll be able to find the right treatment, paint, and style for your dream design.

Pleated Shades

For pleated shades, thin fabric is folded into an accordion effect, and makes a room glow with diffused light. Depending on the size of the window, pleated shades can be used for a variety of sizes, as very little room is needed to install this window treatment. Often made with thin, paperlike fabric all the way to thicker woven materials, pleated shades are extremely versatile for most room situations and take on a warm, inviting glow.

Austrian Shades

If you want to bring on the drama, look no further than the austrian shades. Also known as balloon shades, this window treatment has a romantic, dream-like appeal, and will make any room feel elegant and sophisticated. Usually made with sheer or high quality fabric, it is then sewn in billowy folds, and ends up looking stunning and regal. You may see austrian shades in high class hotels in bright white or cream colors, as this option is often symbolic of wealth, or part of a princess themed room for modern-day royalty.

Sliding Panel Blinds

Evoking an Asian tradition of sliding screen doors, there are a variety of sliding panel blinds that provide the same privacy but let light stream through your living space. Sliding them back and forth on a track, you can adjust light and privacy depending on where you’re sitting in the room. Want the full day sun streaming in, but you don’t want it directly on your face? Move all of the panels over each other to block the direct sun. Want a steady softer light throughout your room? Have all the panels stretched out and enjoy the soft light surrounding your space. Sliding panel blinds are a respectable alternative to old-fashioned blinds, while still providing the same vertical lines.

Curtains

There are endless amounts of curtain styles, prints, sizes and fabrics available for your home. Arguably the “boldest” of window treatment options, as there are so many easy-to-buy options out there from multiple locations. From the traditional “tieback” (where the fabric can be held back by a tie or a snap to let light in), or the shorter cafe curtains you see at diners and cafes around town, curtains can be installed usually by consumers without additional help. Curtains can say a lot about your style, and are often purchased in colors or prints that reflect your furniture or accessories.

Drapes or Drapery

Firstly, it’s important to note the difference between drapes and curtains. Often confused for one or the other, drapes are lined and curtains are not. Drapes also traditionally hang from the top of the window to the bottom, nearly touching the floor. Due to these differences, drapes may be used in more “upscale” settings, or provide a more mature look, whereas curtains are slightly more versatile as they don’t fit a particular mold or situation for windows.

Roller Shade

Seen in many suspenseful movies as a way to intimidate captives, roller shades have a bad rap. Contrary to the dreary movie sets, roller shades are quite elegant in real life and are made with materials that are necessary for productivity. Seen in many office settings and restaurants in black vinyl to block out direct sunlight, they are also offered in light cream colors to brighten up your home. Roller shades can also be used to black out large windows if you’re trying to watch a thrilling movie.

Need help finding the right window covering for your home? We have an array of window treatments to choose from, as well as experts who can provide the guidance you need. Contact Aero Shade Co. today!