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VALUE-ADD Shades of Spring YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO WINDOW TREATMENTS AND COVERINGS. Arguably the most eye-catching element in a home, windows are meant to grab your attention. They welcome in the warm sunlight and offer a glimpse of the cool outdoors, seamlessly blending functionality with style. How you dress your windows shouldn't be an afterthought. Thoughtfully selecting window treatments can transform and influence a room's atmosphere, tone, and intention with ease. Read on as we shed light on our top choices for window treatments. ROLLER SHADES Roller shades are durable pieces of laminated fabric that you roll up or down. A cost-effective and sensible option, roller shades are fade-proof and easy to clean. Plus, their tight binding and near-opaque transparency make them perfect for protecting your privacy. Hang them in simple, minimalistic interiors with limited space for other window treatments. SOLAR SHADES Solar shades, often dubbed "window sunglasses," are a type of roller shade that blocks harsh UV rays and peering eyes while preserving outdoor views. They're made from synthetic fibers like PVC and polyester, with the material woven loosely or tightly depending on the preferred transparency level. Excellent for regions with lots of sun, these sleek, eco-conscious shades are best for larger windows and will keep your home cool. WOOD BLINDS Wood blinds are a popular window treatment constructed from horizontal wooden slats that you can raise or tilt to regulate insulation and light. Mount them inside or outside the frames—they're customizable, long-lasting, and energy-efficient. Boasting timeless appeal, wood blinds pair with anything from traditional to contemporary decor, but shouldn't be used in high-humidity areas. INTERIOR SHUTTERS If you're after a practical window treatment, interior shutters are a favorite among homeowners. Unlike blinds, these shutters are fixed to the window frame and open like a door. They have wooden louvers, similar to slats, that you can adjust to control light, ventilation, and noise. With a classic look that never goes out of style, window shutters can add value to your property and deliver the peace and quiet you desire. PLEATED SHADES Made from a single piece of paper or polyester fabric, these shades have pleats that stack neatly in small folds when you raise them. This accordion effect creates a relaxed appearance, allowing a generous amount of natural light to filter through but still ensuring privacy. Available in many sizes, colors, and patterns, pleated shades offer convenience and are budget-friendly for windows, patio doors, and skylights. DRAPES Drapes are decorative window coverings made from heavier, more luxurious panels, like velvet, silk, and damask. Held up by a rod above the window, drapes cascade down to the floor in loose folds. Lined and used to darken a room or as a statement piece, they infuse elegance and sophistication. They're ideal for a formal dining room or other rooms with a dimmed setting, like a bedroom, living room, or home office. ROMAN SHADES Roman shades are fabric window coverings with soft, horizontal folds along the length of the shade. Combining the drama of drapes with the utility of shades, they fold and stack as you pull on the drawstring in a waterfall-like motion. They may rank among the most expensive treatments, but their versatility and craftsmanship will be the focal point of any room. COMING HOME MAGAZINE 9