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March 20, 2025

How To Decide Between Different Types Of Window Treatments

Window shades, shutters, and blinds–oh my! The number of window treatments for sale might seem overwhelming when picking one for your New York home. Knowing the pros and cons of each covering will help you decide the top treatment for your interior and unique needs. Keep reading to explore the different types of window treatments and how they may enhance your enjoyment of your windows.

The Pros And Cons Of Interior Shutters

White Polywood shutters on a kitchen window

Frequently called “plantation shutters,” interior shutters are built from rigid materials. They feature movable panels mounted in a frame attached to your window. Every panel has a row of rotating louvers. You can close and open the panels and angle the louvers to your preferred setting.

The Pros

Because of their sturdy construction, plantation shutters are able to provide anything you want from a window covering:

  • An elegant decorative feature for windows
  • Timeless colors to harmonize with your decor
  • Total privacy 
  • Superb control over sunlight 
  • Effortless operation
  • Unmatched longevity and remarkable durability from Polywood® shutters 
  • Exact fit for windows of all shapes and sizes
  • Better energy efficiency than other window treatments 
  • Higher market value for your home 
  • Child- and pet-safe 
  • Multiple customizations to personalize how your shutters function

The Cons

Solid interior shutters don’t appeal to everyone. If you prefer a soft fabric on your windows or would like to introduce a splash of color, you’ll want to consider some different types of window treatments in New York. 

The Pros And Cons Of Window Shades 

Blue natural fiber shades on living room windows

Window shades are available in various styles, but they generally all feature a length of fabric mounted above the window. Grasp the shade’s lower edge and move it up or down to uncover or cover your window. You can also get automated shades. You operate these with a remote, wall button, or even a cell phone app or vocal instruction if you have smart shades. You may also set smart shades to cover or uncover your window on a schedule. Motorized shades offer exceptional convenience. 

The Pros

Window shades and automatic shades can do a terrific job of obstructing daylight and the visibility into your home. Their greatest advantage is the numerous styles they come in. Pick from various: 

  • Colors
  • Patterns
  • Fabrics
  • Transparency levels 

The different window shades have their own benefits as well. Roller shades offer a minimalist feel. Cellular shades bring energy efficiency. Motorized shades of all types provide effortless control over sunlight and energy efficiency for windows of various sizes. 

The Cons

Window shades lack the resiliency of solid window coverings and are usually difficult to clean. Their textile panels will in time discolor from sunlight or may rip, become stained, or grow mold. 

Window shades also provide less flexibility in controlling exterior light and privacy than interior shutters. They can leave openings along the borders or allow shadows to show through if your lights are on at night. 

The Pros And Cons Of Window Blinds 

Brown wood window blinds on a large window

Window blinds have a sequence of slats made from a solid material that you lower over your windows to cover them. You may also turn the slats closed or open for additional control over daylight. 

The Pros

By design, all blinds obstruct sunlight and views into your New York house, but their quality and material determine how well they do this. While some blinds are considered insubstantial, premium wood and faux-wood blinds give you greater durability and added perks like: 

  • Smooth operation
  • Longevity
  • Lasting appeal

The Cons

Even the most well-built blinds have a few disadvantages. They can let daylight in around the sides or sway in a breeze, revealing your home’s living space to outsiders. They give you limited insulation and, by nature, won’t endure 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 created from long, cascading fabric utilized to shield windows. Their material is typically more substantial than curtains and backed for better insulation and room-darkening ability. Drapes might feature a pair of panels that you pull apart from the midpoint or one large panel that you pull across windows from the sides. They can suspend from and move along a rod or a track. 

The Pros

Dense drapes excel at obstructing light and air movement when drawn. They are available in various different patterns, colors, and textures to complement your home’s design. They provide a graceful, timeless appearance many homeowners like.

The Cons

Drapes can impart an overly formal appearance that isn’t right for every home. They can look luxurious on taller windows but may be awkward to adjust unless you get motorized ones. Drapes also don’t give you many options for controlling privacy and outside light–they’re either open or closed. 

Ask Sunburst About The Different Types Of Window Treatments In New York

Let the professionals at Sunburst Shutters New York assist you in finding the perfect window treatment. We have an extensive variety, and we’ll help you choose a product from all the different types of window treatments in New York. Contact us at 631-246-3930 or complete the form on this page to schedule a free in-home consultation and review your options!