Want to know about different types and styles of window treatments that provide functionality and add decorative appeal to your space? This post explores various types and styles of shades, blinds, curtains, drapes that fit beautifully in any space.
Modern window treatments provide simple operation and come in numerous customization options, making them adaptable to any design style. They enhance decor, help control light, ensure privacy, and add a decorative element to make shades truly unique. With a huge variety available on the market, you can find the right one for your home.
Popular contemporary styles of window treatments include Roman shades, roller blinds, pleated shades, cellular/honeycomb blinds, sheer curtains, shutters, draperies, and blackout shades. You can choose the best product based on your requirements for design, texture, child safety (cordless design), lift options, durability, and affordability.
Scroll on to learn more about different types and styles of window shades from gorgeous blackout curtains to sheer accents, helping you to find ones that work best for you.
Different Types & Styles of Window Shades and Blinds
Here’s a brief description of different styles of window shades for homes, offices, and other spaces.
- Roman Shades: Roman shades are a classic option that can add a touch of elegance to any room.
- Roller Shades: Roller shades for windows are a great choice for those who want a clean, modern look.
- Solar Shades: Solar shades are perfect for those who want to reduce their energy costs.
- Woven Wood Shades: Woven wood shades for windows are a beautiful and natural way to add privacy to your home.
- Pleated shades: for windows are a great option for those who want a more traditional look.
- Sheer Window Treatments: Sheer shades allow you to let in natural light while still maintaining your privacy.
- Honeycomb Shades: Honeycomb or cellular shades are a great choice for those who want to insulate their home.
- Slatted Blinds: Slatted blinds offer a more modern look and can be adjusted to control the amount of light that enters your home.
- Blackout Shades: Blackout shades are perfect for those homeowners who want to block out all light.
- Motorized Shades: Motorized shades for windows offer convenience and can be controlled with the push of a button.
In Detail: Various Styles of Window Shades
Below is a detailed account of different styles of window shades.
Custom Made Roman Shades – Add Elegance of Drapes & Versatility of Window Shades
Roman shades are a type of window covering that can provide a variety of benefits for your home. Roman shades are made from a single piece of fabric that is mounted to a frame, and they can be raised, lowered, or adjusted with the use of a cord or cordless lift.
When choosing Roman shades for your home, be sure to measure the window frames carefully to ensure that the shades will fit properly.
Pros
- A Stylish Window Covering: They are an attractive and functional option for any window, and they can help you create the perfect look for your home.
- A Variety of Styles and Colors: They are available in a wide range of styles and colors, making them a versatile option for any room in your home.
- Privacy: These window treatments can provide privacy and security, as well as protect your furniture from harmful UV rays.
- Insulation: They can also help to insulate your home, keeping it cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Cons
- Roman shades don’t last as long as shutters.
- A costly window treatment option.
Roller Shades – Style, Child-Safety, Functionality at Budget Price
Roller shades are a type of window treatment that can be used in a variety of settings, from homes to offices. Below are some of the benefits of roller window shades.
Pros
- Light Control: They are made from a piece of fabric that is mounted on a roller, which can be raised, lowered, or adjusted to control the amount of light that enters the room.
- A Stylish Choice: They are available in a wide range of colors and styles, making them a stylish and functional way to improve the look of any space.
- Practical Benefits: In addition to their visual appeal, roller shades also offer several practical benefits. They can help to reduce energy costs by blocking out sunlight, and they can also provide privacy and noise reduction.
Cons
- If roller shades are made of sheer fabrics, the inside of the house can be subtly seen at night.
- Unsuitable for very narrow or shaped windows.
Solar Shades – Get UV-free Filtered Light & Save on Energy Costs
Solar shades are a type of window covering that can be used to reduce the amount of heat and light that enters a room. Below are some of the advantages of these window coverings.
Pros
- Reflective Properties: Solar shades are typically made of a reflective material that reflects sunlight away from the window.
- Inside and Outside Mounts: These window coverings can be placed on the outside of a window or the inside, depending on the needs of the home or office.
- Reducing Energy Costs: Solar shades are an effective way to reduce energy costs, as they help to keep a room cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
- Reducing Glare and Providing Privacy: In addition, these window coverings can help to reduce glare and improve privacy.
- Custom Options: Solar shades are available in a variety of colors and styles to suit any décor.
Cons
- Not suitable for blackout in bedroom
- Limited nighttime privacy
Woven wood shades – Infuse Organic Style, Texture, & Warmth into a Room
Woven wood shades are a type of window treatment that can add both style and function to your home.
- Warm and Organic Look: Made from natural materials like bamboo, rattan, and grasses, woven wood shades provide a warm and organic look.
- Excellent Light Control: They also offer excellent light control, making them perfect for rooms that need to be dark during the day, such as bedrooms and media rooms.
- Lots of Colors and Styles: Woven wood shades are available in a variety of colors and styles, so you can find the perfect option to complement your décor.
- Eco-friendly: Because they’re made from natural materials, woven wood shades are an eco-friendly choice for your home.
Cons
- Susceptible to sun and moisture damage
- Can fade and crack over time
Pleated Shades – Folded Pleated for Custom Look & Energy Efficiency
Pleated shades are a type of window treatment that can be used in a variety of settings. Unlike flat shades, which are made from a single piece of fabric, pleated shades are made from several pieces of fabric that are sewn together in pleats.
- Lots of Material Choices: Pleated shades can be made from a variety of materials, including cotton, linen, and synthetic fabrics.
- Formal Appearance: Pleated shades are often used in bedrooms and living rooms, as they provide a more formal appearance than flat shades.
- Lots of Colors and Patterns to Choose From: These window shades are available in a wide range of colors and patterns, and can be custom-made to fit any window size.
Cons
- Pleated shades have holes where cords run through.
- Not as energy efficiency as cellular blinds.
Sheer Shades – Get Beautifully Filtered Light for a Bright, Airy Feel
Sheer shades are a type of window covering that combines the features of both blinds and curtains.
- Light Filtration and Privacy: They are made from a lightweight fabric that allows natural light to filter through, but also provides privacy and protection from the sun.
- Diverse Styles: Sheer shades are available in a variety of colors and styles, making them an ideal choice for any room in the house.
- Light Adjustment: One of the main benefits of sheer shades is that they can be easily adjusted to control the amount of light and privacy. For example, they can be fully closed during the daytime to block out the sun or left partially open to allow in some natural light.
- Easy to Clean: Sheer shades are also easy to clean and maintain, making them a low-maintenance option for busy households.
Cons
- Look a little too formal
- Can be expensive
Honeycomb or Cellular Shades – Modern Design & Energy Efficiency
Honeycomb or cellular shades are a type of window treatment that can provide several benefits for your home.
- Insulation Potential: These shades are made of layers of fabric that are Honeycomb or cellular in shape, and they are designed to trap air in the cells. This helps to insulate your home and keep it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
- Reducing Noise Levels: They can also help to reduce noise levels and provide privacy.
- A Variety of Colors and Styles: In addition, Honeycomb or cellular shades are available in a variety of colors and styles, so you can find a look that fits your décor.
In short, honeycomb or cellular shades are a great option for any home.
Cons
- Difficult to clean every cell
- May obstruct your view when fully closed
Slatted Window Blinds – Flexible, Dust Resistant, & Easy to Clean
Slatted blinds are a type of window covering that consists of a series of horizontal slats, typically made from wood, plastic, or metal.
- Easy Operation: Slatted blinds can be opened and closed using a cord, wand, or a cordless lift, and they are available in a variety of sizes, colors, and materials.
- Adjustable Privacy and Light Control: One advantage of slatted blinds is that they allow for adjustable privacy and light control.
- Blackout Feature: The slats can be tilted to direct sunlight into the room or closed completely to block out light.
- Durability: Slatted blinds also tend to be more durable than other types of window coverings, and they are relatively easy to clean.
However, one downside of slatted blinds is that they can be noisy when opened or closed, and dust and pollen can collect on the slats. Overall, slatted window blinds are a popular choice for homes and businesses due to their versatility and stylish appearance.
Cons
- Don’t fit all windows and doors
- Take longer to clean
Blackout Shades – Ideal for Bedrooms, Media Rooms, & Baby Nurseries
Blackout shades are a type of window treatment that is designed to block out all sunlight. They are made of a thick, opaque fabric that prevents light from passing through.
- Creating a Dark Environment: Blackout shades are typically used in bedrooms or home theaters, where it is important to create a dark environment.
- Glare Reduction: They can also be used in offices or classrooms, where they can help reduce glare on computer screens and improve focus.
- Customizability: These window treatments are available in a variety of colors and styles and can be custom-made to fit any window size.
Cons
- Can be more expensive than room darkening blinds.
- May not provide a view to the outside.
Motorized Window Shades – Sturdy Hardware & Quiet Motors
Motorized shades can be controlled with a remote. Motorized shades are becoming increasingly popular because they offer several benefits. If you’re looking for a window treatment that is both stylish and functional, motorized shades may be the perfect option for you.
- Cordless Lift: They eliminate the need for cords, which can be a safety hazard for small children and pets.
- Greater Convenience: Motorized shades also offer greater convenience than traditional shades, as they can be opened and closed with the touch of a button.
- Programmed Opening/Closing: In addition, motorized shades can be programmed to open and close at specific times of day, making it easy to regulate the amount of light and heat that enters your home.
Cons
- Can be crazy expensive
- A bit complicated to get motorized blinds installed
Bottom Line
While window shades are available in a wide range of styles, you need to consider your taste, interior décor, material, color, lift options, size, and affordability to make a perfect choice.
FAQs
What are the three basic categories of window treatments?
Hard window treatments (wood and metal blinds), soft window treatments (sheers, curtains, drapes, & swags), and combined window treatments (layered curtains and blinds) are the three basic categories of window treatments you can buy on the market.
What is the most common type of window treatment?
Here’re 7 most common types of window treatments:
- Custom Classic Roman Shades for aesthetic and light control
- Insulating Cellular Shades for energy efficiency
- Roller Shades for a sleeker look
- Solar Shades for sun protection
- Natural Shades for rustic beauty
- Drapes – ornate window treatments for privacy
- Wood and faux wood blinds to add natural beauty to your space
What is the best window treatment for privacy?
Blackout shades, like blackout Roman shades, blackout roller shades, and blackout cellular shades, are the best window treatments for privacy. They are made with blackout fabrics and often have an additional blackout lining sewn into the back for an added layer of privacy.
What are the different styles of blinds?
Blinds come in a variety of styles, including honeycomb/cellular, Roman, roller, pleated, woven wood, faux wood, and more. These blinds come in 100’s of sizes and color to fit both window dimensions and decor.
What are the three types of shades?
Roman shades, roller shades, and vertical cellular shades are the ultimate all-purpose window treatments for providing aesthetic, privacy, light control, insulation, and UV protection to your home. They are easy to operate and come with an additional feature of child-safety.
What is the current trend in window blinds?
Window blinds in natural and muted colors are in trend for creating calm and serene living spaces. Homeowners prefer subtle hues, ranging from earthy tones to soft pastels, to bring a sense of understated elegance and tranquility to their interiors.
What is the trend in window dressing in 2025?
What is the most popular window treatment today? Window dressings in bold patterns and bright colors are among the latest trends for a modern look in 2025. Curtains, drapes, and shades in floral and geometric patterns are popular design choices for window treatments for living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms this year.
Need More Help?
Need more information about various styles and styles of window blinds, shades, curtains, and other options? Get in touch for free consultation! Use 24/7 live chat or give us a call at (800) 863-6109 to contact our experts for DIY custom window treatment solutions.