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

How To Choose Between Different Types Of Window Treatments

Window shades, shutters, and blinds–oh my! The range of window treatments available might seem daunting when selecting one for your Atlanta home. Knowing the pros and cons of each covering will help you decide the top treatment for your windows and unique needs. Keep reading to learn more about the different types of window treatments and how they might benefit your household.

The Pros And Cons Of Interior Shutters

White Polywood shutters on a kitchen window

Frequently known as ”plantation” or “louvered shutters,” interior shutters are made of rigid materials. They include hinged panels mounted in a frame affixed to your window. Every panel has a row of adjustable louvers. You can open and shut the panels and turn the louvers to your desired setting.

The Pros

Because of their sturdy construction, louvered shutters are typically able to provide all you want from a window covering:

  • A beautiful design feature for windows
  • Classic colors to harmonize with your decor
  • Total privacy 
  • Exceptional daylight control and redirection 
  • Simple operation
  • Unrivaled longevity and remarkable durability from Polywood® shutters 
  • Ideal fit for windows of any size or shape
  • Enhanced energy efficiency over other window treatments 
  • Greater market value for your home 
  • Child- and pet-safe 
  • Multiple custom options to further enhance how your shutters work

The Cons

Plantation shutters aren’t right for everyone. If you want a more pliable material on your windows or wish to add a burst of color, you should consider some different types of window treatments in Atlanta. 

The Pros And Cons Of Window Shades 

Blue natural fiber shades on living room windows

Window shades can be found in various styles, but they typically all utilize a section of fabric mounted above the window. Hold the shade’s lower edge and raise or lower it to reveal or cover your window. You may also purchase motorized shades. You control these with a remote, wall button, or even a cell phone app or spoken command if you choose smart shades. You may also schedule smart shades to shield or uncover your window per a schedule. Motorized shades add incredible convenience. 

The Pros

Window shades and automatic shades can do an outstanding job of impeding daylight and the sightline into your home. Their biggest attraction is the many styles they can be found in. Select from a variety of: 

  • Colors
  • Motifs
  • Textiles
  • Levels of opacity 

The various window shades have their own perks too. Roller shades give you a minimalist feel. Cellular shades add efficiency. Motorized shades of all types give you more convenient management over daylight and energy efficiency for windows of various sizes. 

The Cons

Window shades lack the resiliency of solid window treatments and are often a chore to clean. Their fabric panels will eventually wash out from daylight or may rip, become soiled, or grow mold. 

Window shades also give you less flexibility in controlling privacy and sunlight than plantation shutters. They may leave spaces along the borders or permit shadows to be visible if your lights are turned on during the night. 

The Pros And Cons Of Window Blinds 

Brown wood window blinds on a large window

Window blinds feature a sequence of long slats built from a rigid material that you lower over your windows to conceal them. You can also rotate the slats closed or open for additional command over exterior light. 

The Pros

Blinds are made to block exterior light and visibility into your Atlanta house, but their construction and quality decide how well they do this. While some blinds are regarded as insubstantial, premium wood and faux-wood blinds offer more durability and added benefits like: 

  • Easy functionality
  • Longevity
  • Visual appeal

The Cons

Even the highest-quality blinds have some disadvantages. They can enable daylight to enter along the border or move in a breeze, opening your home’s interior to outsiders. They provide little insulation and, due to their construction, won’t hold up as long as more robust 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 made of long, cascading fabric designed to conceal windows. Their material is typically thicker than curtains and reinforced for improved insulation and darkening performance. Drapes may come in two panels that you pull apart from the center or one larger panel that you pull across windows from either side. They may hang from and slide along a curtain rod or a track. 

The Pros

Heavy drapes excel at blocking airflow and sunlight when closed. They come in various different patterns, colors, and textures to coordinate with your home’s design. They provide a classy, timeless appearance many homeowners appreciate.

The Cons

Drapes can have a formal, stiff appearance that doesn’t suit every home. They can appear luxurious on taller windows but might be challenging to move unless you get them motorized. Drapes also don’t have many options for controlling sunlight and privacy–they’re either closed or open. 

Ask Sunburst About The Different Types Of Window Treatments In Atlanta

Let the experts at Sunburst Shutters Atlanta help you determine the ideal window treatment. We carry an extensive variety, and we’ll help you choose a product from all the different types of window treatments in Atlanta. Contact us at 404-962-8517 or fill out the form below to arrange a free in-home consultation and start investigating your possibilities!