Window treatments are used by homeowners to dress a room, provide privacy and manage direct sunlight, which improves energy efficiency in the home. They’re a popular decor item, with over one-third (39%) of renovating homeowners purchasing a window treatment in 2018, according to Houzz research.
Editor at Houzz Australia and New Zealand, Vanessa Walker, has spoken to a variety of professionals about window furnishings.
“Curtains are the most searched on Houzz and this may be because of a growing love for sheer curtains, which adds a sense of luxury to a room without reducing natural light. However, sheer curtains have poor insulation so if used in a room that you want to keep cool, such as a bedroom, it would be wise to pair them with blockout curtains or blinds,” she says.
“Blinds offer a lot of privacy, covering the window from edge to edge, which makes them versatile and suitable for every room. The most popular choices are roller, roman and venetian blinds.
“When having blinds installed, make sure you provide the installer with the correct measurements to avoid the blinds covering too much or not enough of your window.”
For extra convenience, consider a motorised blind which allows you to open and close them from a smartphone or remote.
Shutters, in particular plantation shutters, are also popular in coastal or federation homes.
“An important thing to remember is that shutters take up extra space when folded away so are more suited to a larger home.
“The cost of shutters will vary depending on the style, material choice and whether they’re custom-made, but they are often considered more expensive than other window treatments.”
Safety first
Window coverings, such as curtains, shades and blinds, with cords and chains can cause injury and death to young children and babies if they become wrapped around their necks. The ACCC suggests all cords throughout the house should be secured; cords can be secured with tie-downs (cleats) or tension devices that enclose cords and chain loops, and out of reach of children. Alternatively, consider replacing corded blinds and curtains with cordless alternatives. Safer designs of window coverings are available for most applications.
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