Everything you Need to Know about Window Treatment Terminology

Upgrading your window treatments can have a dramatic impact on the look, feel, and livability of your home. However, an overhaul of the window treatments in your home can require much more than just a simple trip to the hardware store. How much do you plan to spend? What material will best suit your needs? Can your existing hardware be retrofitted?

These are all questions that will come into play as you make decisions about your new window decor. However, with so many choices on the market today when it comes to your windows, understanding the terminology can be overwhelming! Before you make your first foray into the wide world of window treatments, it pays to come prepared. That’s why we created this glossary with window treatment definitions. So, the next time somebody asks you if you’ve considered a traverse rod, you can confidently tell them yes…or no!

Types of Blinds and Shades

Before you even start to think about color or material, it’s important to narrow down which type of window treatment will work for your space. Though this list is by no means exhaustive (and while you may be exhausted before you have made your final decision!), here you will find a list of some of the most popular types of blinds and shades.

Blinds are window treatments made of horizontal slats. Raise or lower the slats using a cord or a pull chain.

Curtains come in a huge array of choices. Often confused with draperies, curtains are usually unlined window coverings that can be hung over windows using a curtain rod.

Draperies are made of heavier fabric than curtains, and they are often lined for enhanced energy efficiency or light blocking power. Draperies and curtains can both be motorized.

Shades is a catchall term to refer to pleated shades, Roman shades, roller shades and more. Shades can be adjusted manually and work well as motorized options.

Plantation shutters can be made of wood or faux wood and are used on both the interior and exterior. Plantation type shutters open out into the room and can be either half-window or full-window size, but cannot be motorized.

Blinds and Shades Styles

Now that you know whether you want a shade or a shutter, it is time to dive deeply into the styles of shades and blinds that exist.

Roman Shades – Soft fabric folds characterize these elegant shades. The pleats or folds are created when the shade is raised.

Café Curtains – Also referred to as tiered or kitchen curtains, café curtains usually cover the bottom half of a window. This style is excellent for a window near a dining table or by the kitchen sink to allow a view outside.

Valance – Valances are decorative window treatments that dress the top of a window. A chief benefit of this style is that they can hide unsightly hardware.

Blackout Curtains – Excellent for children’s or media rooms, blackout curtains are heavy, lined curtains that block out the light. This also means they are fairly energy efficient.

Cellular Shades – Characterized by an unusual honeycomb shape, these multilayered shades trap air inside of the honeycombs, making them energy efficient.

Types of Windows

Of course, windows come in just as many styles and varieties as blinds and shades. Understanding what your windows are called will help you converse with your contractor, designer, or salesperson on equal footing.

Awning Windows are top-hinged windows that open outward. Most often their width is greater than their height. A benefit to this sort of window is that is can provide additional ventilation.

Hopper Windows are the opposite of awning windows and hinge at the bottom and open into the inside. These are most commonly found in basements.

French Doors are often used as patio or interior doors and divide spaces between two similar rooms. Glass panes provide a visual connection between the two spaces.

Casement Windows attach to the window frame at the side and open out. A chief benefit is that they may provide an uninterrupted view of the outside.

Bay Windows are actually a set of three windows. The middle window is a picture window, flanked by two smaller windows on the side. The window panes may lie flat in modern homes, while a more traditional bay window might bow out.

Transom Windows, or fanlights, are windows placed directly above a door. These ornamental small windows were historically used to allow more light into the home.

Slider Windows open horizontally are usually wider than they are tall. They are a perfect space saving solution and are popular in hard to reach areas.

Window Treatment Hardware

Now that you know which type of blind you want for your transom (or awning or bay) window, you’ll need to understand how to install them. Today’s window treatments come in a wide variety of styles and functionality. Whether you appreciate an industrial flare, or understated simplicity is more up your alley, there is a hardware set up that will work for you.

A Tension Rod, as the name implies, uses tension to support itself. One of the most-user friendly window treatment hardware options out there! No drilling or fastening is required.

Holdbacks are decorative metal or wood curtain rods that usually have a medallion at each end.

Molly Bolts are wall anchor plugs with elbows that attach at each end of a curtain rod.

Brackets are the metal pieces attached to the wall that support a curtain rod.

Drapery Hooks or pins are often S-shaped hooks used for hanging drapes from a rod.

Center Draw Rods are those curtain rods that interlock in the center.

Window Treatment Material

Window treatments come in every shade and texture imaginable, from apricot to zebra print. But if you’re not an expert, the difference between damask and gingham may elude you. Before you start your window treatment project, know some of the frequent fabric options.

Lace is a fine and delicate fabric with an open weave that lets in light and air. Lace is usually paired with another fabric type when we are talking about window treatments.

Linen is made from flax. It is a smooth, soft fabric that is often blended with other materials such as cotton, silk, or polyester.

Gingham is a cotton or cotton-polyester blend that is characterized by small checks. It is a fun, casual material ideal for kitchens.

Boucle is an intentionally rough and chunky material made from thick-stitched yarn.

Polyester, the familiar synthetic, is easy to care for and may be blended with cotton for a more natural feel.

Chenille is thick and luxurious, with a dense pile. It holds in the heat, so it may not be an ideal choice for warmer climates!

Voile is often used as the filmy under-treatment beneath curtains or drapes. It is breathable and allows light to filter through.

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Now that you are a bona fide window treatment terminology guru, you will be well poised to converse with all of the designers, sales people, and contractors who will help make your window treatment dreams a reality. And, who knows? You may even impress someone with your knowledge of their transom window at your next cocktail party!

Ready to upgrade your window treatments? Connect with a Somfy Dealer to get started!