ARTICLES AND HELP GUIDES

Window Treatment Tips and Tricks

We’ve been making custom window treatments since 1951—and in that time, we’ve learned a thing or two. Here are some recommendations to help you navigate your choices and pick the right options for your space.



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Design Advice

Wood Blinds: Real Wood VS. Faux Wood

A large window is covered by natural light brown wood blinds with contrasting dark fabric tape behind a large wood dining room table.

Explore the key differences between real wood blinds and faux wood blinds.

What you’ll learn...

  • What makes real wood so beautiful
  • When faux wood makes more sense
  • Features and options available
Window Covering Basics

Everything you need to know about blackout shades

A contemporary bedroom in light grey tones has three windows partially covered by black room-darkening roller shades.

Let’s go through some of the most commonly asked questions about blackout shades.

What you’ll learn...

  • Will blackout shades make my room pitch black?
  • How dark will blackout shades make my room?
  • What are the most popular blackout shades?
Design Advice

CORDLESS BLINDS & SHADES — EASIER & SAFER

Cascade or zebra striped shades in grey cover a large window in a small dining room.

Cordless is a much sought after option many people look for in today’s window treatments.

What you’ll learn...

  • Advantages of cordless
  • Safety features
  • How they operate
design advice

BEST WINDOW COVERINGS FOR YOUR BEACH HOUSE

A bright, spacious living room with modern beach decor features a large window with a tan roman shade paired with white sheer drapery..

Depending on your decor, there are a number of products that are available to suit your needs. This article will concentrate on three specific styles of interior decor.

What you’ll learn...

  • 4 Styles for a Naturally Inspired Look
  • 4 Contemporary Styles for the More Modern Beach House
  • 3 Great Styles for the Classic Beach House
Design Advice

ARE VERTICAL BLINDS OUTDATED?

Light filters through fabric vertical blinds that partially cover a giant window in a contemporary bedroom in grey tones.

A common question many people ask is “Do people actually still buy vertical blinds?”

What you’ll learn...

  • Do people actually still buy vertical blinds?
  • Where to use them
  • Light control options
Window Covering Basics

HOW TO DRESS YOUR SLIDING GLASS DOOR

Bi-fold doors that cover a sliding glass door are pulled open revealing the door.

While there are many options available, there are certain benefits and considerations to keep in mind.

What you’ll learn...

  • Options other than vertical blinds
  • Benefits and considerations by type
  • Why panel tracks are a great alternative
Design Advice

CHOOSING THE RIGHT WOOD TONES

A contemporary kitchen features dark-toned 2

Having the presence of wood in a space is a great way to incorporate natural beauty while benefiting from durability.

What you’ll learn...

  • Approaches to keep the colors uniform
  • Common color combinations
  • Size of space considerations
Design Advice

WHY YOU NEED MOTORIZED BLINDS & SHADES

Five adjacent tall windows in a contemporary living room feature individual room-darkening roman shades in a neutral tan color.

Believe it or not, there are certain situations wherein motorized isn’t just a trendy mechanism, but the best option.

What you’ll learn...

  • Uses for high windows
  • Benefits for the elderly
  • Working with room layouts
window covering basics

OPEN CONCEPT – SHOULD I USE THE SAME WINDOW TREATMENTS THROUGHOUT MY HOME?

A kitchen and adjacent dining area feature white roller shades in an open concept design layout.

You can choose the same window treatment within the shared space, or you might prefer similar colors and fabrics.

What you’ll learn...

  • Your style choices
  • Why coordination is still important
  • Options for location & size of the window
window covering basics

ROLLER SHADES VS. HONEYCOMB SHADES: WHICH ARE BEST FOR KIDS?

A child's playroom is filled with fun, bright colors including orange roller shades on four windows.

If you have little ones running around you may find yourself wondering what the best window treatments are for homes with children.

What you’ll learn...

  • Visual differences between roller shades and cellular/honeycomb shades
  • Pros and cons of roller shades for children
  • Pros and cons of cellular/honeycomb shades for children
design advice

MOVING CHECKLIST: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO MOVE INTO YOUR NEW HOME

A room void of all but boxes has a large widow with now window covering.

Moving into a new home? We've made a checklist that may help you with the planning.

What you’ll learn...

  • Tips to help you prepare for a big move
  • Handy materials to have on hand for your upcoming move
  • Helpful things to remember on moving day
window covering basics

FOUR EASY WAYS TO CHILD-PROOF YOUR WINDOWS

A cordless, tan roman shade covers two windows behind a child's bed in a beautiful neutral bedroom.

Child-proofing your home?  Don't forget your window treatments

What you’ll learn...

  • Tips to make your home safe for little ones
  • Which areas in the home are often overlooked in child-proofing 
  • The importance of high-quality window treatments in homes with children
design advice

THE BEST BLINDS FOR MODERN HOMES

The clean and modern silhouette of roller shades compliments a contemporary entry way.

Want your home to feel more modern? Window treatments in the right colors and silhouettes can do just that.

What you’ll learn...

  • Which shade silhouettes lend a modern feel to your home?
  • Can window treatments in dark colors feel modern?
  • Does a valance fit into modern decor?
design advice

HOW SHUTTERS FIT INTO BOTH MODERN & TRADITIONAL HOME DECOR

Shutters cover a large window in small dining room.

Indoor shutters are becoming very popular. Read on if you are wondering if they will fit into your decor.

What you’ll learn...

  • Why did people start using shutters
  • What are the benefits of Morview shutters
  • What are the benefits of Ideal shutters
design advice

Sun and Shades: The Best Window Shades For Sunny Rooms

A large contemporary bathtub is situated under three large windows featuring solar shades.

Do you have a really sunny room? We have the shades for you.

What you’ll learn...

  • Which shades will block some of the sunlight but not your view
  • Which shades let light in but also keep the house cool when it is warm outside
  • Which shades offer transparency and privacy
Design Advice

WHAT'S TRENDING IN WINDOW TREATMENTS IN 2022

Curtains paired with Serenity sheer shades cover three windows in a contemporary style living room.

Curious what is trending in window treatments for 2022?

What you’ll learn...

  • What current trends are driving people to update their home
  • Which window treatments are currently the most popular for upgrading your decor
  • Trends in window treatments that can make your home "smarter"
design advice

ZEBRA SHADES ARE TRENDING

A painting of a zebra with sunglasses hangs next to a window with Cascade sheer shades

Find out why our Cascade sheer shades are so popular

What you’ll learn...

  • Why are Cascade Sheer shades also called zebra shades?
  • What makes Cascade shades the most customizable window treatments?
  • How can sheer shades darken a room?
design advice

Easy Decor Updates For Summer

Teal curtains cover a window in a splendid living room.

Summer is the perfect time to add some color to your home. Read on for tips on where to start if you are color-curious.

What you’ll learn...

  • How to find color inspiration in a room that is mostly neutral
  • Often overlooked spaces that can benefit from color
  • An easy way to add color to the window treatments that you already have
design advice

How to choose window treatments for the bathroom

White faux wood blinds cover a large window in a bright bathroom.

Bathrooms can be difficult to style due to humidity and the constant need for privacy. Which window coverings will address the unique needs of this intimate space.

What you’ll learn...

  • The best shades for humid areas
  • The best blinds for humid areas
  • The best window covering for your privacy needs
Design Advice

WHEN TO CHOOSE BOLD COLORS FOR WINDOW TREATMENTS

A modern living room with large windows features sheer white drapery paired with purple velvet drapes

Are you looking for tips on how to add color to your rooms through window treatments?

What you’ll learn...

  • How to give a room a facelift with little downtime
  • The safest place to try bold colors in your home
  • The best window treatments to add color to a room
Design Advice

TURN A ROOM INTO A CALMING OASIS

A children's room with woven wood shades and a blue and white textured walls.

If an ocean-like atmosphere puts your mind at ease, go for light and bright in your decor choices.

What you’ll learn...

  • How to bring calming colors into any room
  • Which window treatments will bring in the most light
  • The clutter-free way to incorporate plants into your decor
Design Advice

CERTAIN CURTAINS: The right way to hang drapery

A living room with light grey textured sheer drapes

Curtains can add style to any room -- if you know how to hang them. Avoid common pitfalls to hanging drapery with tips from the pros.

What you’ll learn...

  • Proper placement of hardware
  • The right width and fullness for drapes
  • Tips for choosing your hardware finish
Design Advice

Fabric Window Treatments: Should they match or contrast to the rest of your decor

Woven wood shades cover four side-by-side windows in a modern, bohemian bedroom.

An expert design consultant offers her take on matching and contrasting fabric window treatments.

What you’ll learn...

  • What colors compliment a minimalist decor?
  • What shades will draw the eye to other decorative pieces in a room?
  • What type of decor would coordinate well with small pops of color in your window treatments?
design advice

Window treatments that let in lots of light

Beautiful white sheers in an elegant living room with tall French doors.

Let a Blinds To Go design consultant help you choose window treatments that will bring the light in.

What you’ll learn...

  • Can window treatments bring in light while adding elegance to your decor?
  • What are the best window treatment to let light in through sliding glass doors and large windows?
  • Which curtains/drapes will let in the most light?
design advice

All about sheer window shades

An elegant dining room with a large dining table features three windows partially covered with white Serenity sheer shades in a closed position.

Cascade and Serenity sheer shades are a favorite window treatment of design professionals. Find out why they are so popular.

What you’ll learn...

  • What rooms are best suited to sheer shades?
  • Can sheer shades provide privacy?
  • How can I customize sheer shades to fit my preferences?
design advice

CHOOSING BUDGET-FRIENDLY WINDOW TREATMENTS FOR THE ENTIRE HOME

A house-shaped key chain dangles from a key in a lock.

Moving into a new place? Let the pros at Blinds To Go help you pick the best blinds and shades for your home and budget.

What you’ll learn...

  • Why you should you tell your design consultant what your budget is.
  • If I am on a budget should I put the same window treatment in all of the rooms?
  • What information do I need to bring in to a showroom to get window treatments quotes?
design advice

CURTAINS AND SHADES THAT DRESS UP A ROOM

A roman shade with a blue and silver marbled print dresses up a bathroom.

Want to dress up a room? Window treatments can do that with texture, patterns, and luxurious fabrics.

What you’ll learn...

  • What are the new, modern window treatments that will dress up a room?
  • What are the classic window treatments that will dress up a room?
  • How to dress up the window treatments that you already have.
design advice

THE BEST WINDOW TREATMENTS FOR SMALL HOMES

An illustration of a desk in a small apartment with a roller shade

The right window treatments can any space feel bigger and brighter.

What you’ll learn...

  • Tips to make a room look larger
  • The best window coverings for all budgets
  • Window treatments that insulate
design advice

Modern options for the most durable blinds

White and blue bathroom with a large tub and light grey faux wood blinds

If you are looking for modern window treatments that will stand the test of time, read on.

What you’ll learn...

  • Which shades stand up best to harsh sunlight?
  • Can shades made of delicate fabrics be durable?
  • The best blinds for humid and coastal areas
design advice

The Best Window Treatments for Small Windows

White cellular shades cover a small window at the bottom of the stairs near the front door of a house.

Small windows can have big style. 

What you’ll learn...

  • What questions should you ask when choosing blinds and shades for your small windows?
  • What are minimum window sizes for shutters?
  • Can you put drapes/curtains on small windows?
design advice

HOW TO CLEAN BLINDS, SHADES, AND CURTAINS

A vacuum attachment with bristles being used to clean drapes.

Learn the tricks and tips of the window experts for keeping your window treatments looking their best.

What you'll learn…

  • What cleaning products are best for window blinds?
  • Should I vacuum or dust my shades?
  • Is it better to steam or iron drapes?
design advice

Window Treatments Terms To Know

A hand holds a measuring tape against a window's right side jamb.

The terms associated with window treatments are confusing. We can help.

What you'll learn…

  • What is a window jamb?
  • What is window depth?
  • What is the difference between blackout and room-darkening shades?

Ready to start shopping?

Shop our full selection of blinds, shades, shutters and drapery at your nearest Blinds To Go showroom or with a FREE in-home design consultation.
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