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Beige sheer window shades on living room windows
March 20, 2025

How To Pick Between Different Types Of Window Treatments

Window blinds, shades, and plantation shutters–oh my! The range of available window treatments might seem overwhelming when choosing one for your Indianapolis home. Appreciating the pros and cons of every option will help you determine the ideal treatment for your windows and lifestyle. Read on to investigate the different types of window treatments and how they might benefit your family.

The Pros And Cons Of Interior Shutters

White Polywood shutters on a kitchen window

Frequently known as ”plantation” or “louvered shutters,” interior shutters are built from solid materials. They feature movable panels mounted in a frame secured to your window. Each panel has a row of adjustable louvers. You can open and close the panels and angle the louvers to your desired position.

The Pros

Thanks to their solid construction, interior shutters are typically able to provide anything you want from a window treatment:

  • A beautiful design element for windows
  • Timeless colors to coordinate with your decor
  • Complete privacy 
  • Exceptional sunlight management and redirection 
  • Easy operation
  • Unmatched longevity and incredible durability from Polywood® shutters 
  • Ideal fit for any window size or shape
  • Enhanced energy efficiency over other window treatments 
  • Greater resale value for your home 
  • Child- and pet-safe 
  • Multiple optional features to personalize how your shutters work

The Cons

Plantation shutters don’t appeal to everyone. If you would rather have a softer material on your windows or would like a burst of color, you’ll need to look at some different types of window treatments in Indianapolis. 

The Pros And Cons Of Window Shades 

Blue natural fiber shades on living room windows

Window shades are available in various styles, but they usually all include a length of fabric hung above the window. Hold the shade’s bottom and raise or lower it to uncover or cover your window. You might also get motorized shades. You adjust these with a remote, wall button, or even an app or spoken command if you get smart shades. You can also set smart shades to shield or uncover your window according to a schedule. Motorized shades add remarkable convenience. 

The Pros

Window shades and remote-controlled shades can do a terrific job of obstructing light and the view into your living area. Their greatest advantage is the numerous styles they can be found in. Select from your preference of: 

  • Colors
  • Motifs
  • Textiles
  • Levels of opacity 

The various window shades have their own benefits as well. Roller shades offer a minimalist feel. Cellular shades add efficiency. Motorized shades of all types give you easier control over light and home comfort for windows of any size. 

The Cons

Window shades can’t provide the durability of rigid window treatments and are often a chore to clean. Their fabric panels will over time fade from exterior light or may become damaged, grow mold, or get stained. 

Window shades also provide less flexibility in balancing sunlight and privacy than plantation shutters. They may leave gaps along the borders or allow shadows to appear if your lights are on after dark. 

The Pros And Cons Of Window Blinds 

Brown wood window blinds on a large window

Window blinds include a series of long slats constructed from a firm material that you drop down over your windows to cover them. You may also turn the slats open or closed for added governance over daylight. 

The Pros

By design, all blinds block daylight and views into your Indianapolis home, but their material and quality dictate how successfully they do this. While some blinds are regarded as insubstantial, premium wood and faux-wood blinds provide greater durability and additional benefits like: 

  • Effortless functionality
  • Longevity
  • Visual appeal

The Cons

Even the most well-built blinds have several downsides. They can let light in around their edges or sway in a strong breeze, exposing your home’s living area to onlookers. They give you minimal insulation and, due to their construction, won’t hold up as well as sturdier shutters. They can also be challenging to clean. 

The Pros And Cons Of Drapes

White drapes on French doors in a formal dining room

Drapes are created from long, cascading fabric utilized to shield windows. Their material is typically heavier than curtains and lined for better insulation and room-darkening performance. Drapes may feature two panels that you draw back from the middle or one sizeable panel that you pull across windows from the side. They can hang from and glide along a drapery rod or a track. 

The Pros

Thick drapes do well at impeding daylight and drafts when closed. They come in many different patterns, colors, and textures to coordinate with your decor. They lend a graceful, timeless appearance many homeowners enjoy.

The Cons

Drapes can impart a formal, stiff appearance that isn’t right for everyone. They can look elegant on larger windows but can be awkward to operate unless you get them motorized. Drapes also don’t have many options for governing sunlight and privacy–they’re either closed or open. 

Ask Sunburst About The Different Types Of Window Treatments In Indianapolis

Let the specialists at Sunburst Shutters Indianapolis assist you in finding the ideal window treatment. We offer an impressive variety, and we’ll help you select a product from the numerous different types of window treatments in Indianapolis. Contact us at 317-558-9066 or complete the form below to arrange a free in-home consultation and investigate your choices!