Are you looking for a way to add an extra touch of style to your home while also providing privacy and protection from the sun? Window blinds are one of the best options out there, offering you a variety of window treatments that can be tailored to fit any type or size of the window.
However, what if you don’t want to use window blinds? What if you want to do something a little unique, creative, or just plain different?
Don’t worry – we are here for you. In this blog post, we will discuss in detail many available window blinds alternatives so that you can choose the best treatment options for your home.
Ready? Let’s get started.
Window Blinds Alternatives
As we said, when it comes to window treatments, blinds are considered one of the best and most common types of window coverings, but there are many alternatives available to choose from if you want something else. And these other options offer different benefits as well. The following is an overview of some of the most popular window blinds alternatives:
1. Roman Shades
Roman shades are a type of window treatment that combines the look and feel of a curtain with the practicality of a roller shade. They feature horizontal folds, which open and close in a cascading manner for elegant light control. The fabrics used in roman shades are usually lightweight, making them great for larger windows and patio doors.
Roman shades come in a variety of colors and materials, including natural fibers like cotton and linen as well as synthetic materials. And they can offer a dressier and more traditional look than many other window treatments.
Not to mention, roman shades are easy to install and require minimal maintenance, making them one of the best alternatives for traditional blinds.
2. Tie-Up Curtains
These curtains use ribbon or clips to tie up fabric valances in order to let some light into the room while still providing privacy. They come in a variety of styles, making them perfect for any type of window frame and décor.
Tie-up curtains can also be used to block out light completely with blackout fabrics, which makes them an ideal choice for bedrooms or media rooms where complete darkness is desired. All you need are the curtains, a rod, and the hardware to fasten it to the wall above the window.
3. Plantation Shutters
While, yes, these are technically a type of window blind, they are not your average cheap, plastic blinds that bend and break so easily. These shutters are strong and durable, providing a classic touch to any home.
They can be wood shades or made from synthetic materials, such as faux wood blinds, and the bonus is that they can be used for most types of windows. Not to mention, they offer privacy control with adjustable louvers, which can be opened or closed depending on the amount of light you want to let in.
The best part? They’re also energy efficient, helping keep your home cooler or warmer depending on the season.
4. Bamboo Shades
Bamboo shades are a window treatment that adds a rustic or nautical beach house feel to any room. They are both stylish and perfect for those who want an eco-friendly option, considering bamboo is a fast growing and sustainable material.
These shades are usually made from natural reeds that roll up or down. They come in different widths so you can customize them according to your needs. Bamboo shades can also be used to hide most light without completely hindering it, as opposed to something like blackout curtains, which eliminates all light.
5. Transitional Shades
When we say transitional shades, we mean those sleek and stylish roller shades. These shades are perfect for those who want the best of both worlds; privacy control with lots of natural light.
Transitional shades offer you more flexibility when it comes to controlling the amount of light entering your home. They’re also great for larger windows.
6. Traditional Curtains
Traditional curtains are always a good choice for those looking for window treatments. They come in a variety of fabrics, colors, and patterns so you can find the perfect one to fit your home’s decor.
Curtains are great at blocking light, providing privacy control, and protecting your furniture from harmful UV rays.
Traditional curtains also often come with various types of lift options such as ribbons or cords, so you can adjust them according to your taste. They often come with grommets or a pocket for the curtain rod to slip through in order to hang them, and they work great for places like sliding glass doors, which many window treatments simply won’t work on.
If you have glass doors or sliding glass doors that need some dressing up, traditional curtains are the perfect way to do it.
7. Macramé
If you want something unique and stylish, having macramé hanging in your windows might be just what you’re looking for. These window coverings provide an interesting texture with intricate lace designs that will add character and depth to any window frame.
Macramé hangings only offer a low level of privacy control, if any, so you may want to go with a more traditional window treatment for windows that require more coverage. However, macramé can be the perfect touch for any bohemian or eclectic home, so they are worth considering.
8. Fabric Valences
Fabric valences are a great way to add interest and personality to any window. They can be hung alone or with curtains, adding texture and softness to your windows. You can also find fabric valences in a variety of colors, materials, textures, and patterns so you can have fun experimenting with styles and looks until you find the one that best suits your home’s décor.
If you want full light in your home and you don’t care about privacy, then doing fabric valences all by themselves is a great alternative to window blinds.
9. Cellular Shades
Similarly to transitional shades, cellular shades offer the best of both worlds when it comes to window treatments. Not only do they provide privacy and light control, but they are also energy efficient, helping to lower your monthly bills.
Somewhat resembling horizontal blinds, cellular shades actually is one connected material that folds up on itself like an accordion or a fan. They are also referred to as honeycomb shades because their design combines two layers of material for maximum insulation.
10. Vertical Blinds
Vertical blinds are a great option for larger windows and sliding glass doors, providing privacy control as well as blocking out the light. They come in a variety of materials such as wood, faux wood, and plastic. Sometimes they are white or off-white, but they can ultimately be purchased in many colors.
These window treatments are usually hung by clips that connect to the window frame or door frame. They also provide a unique look, which can help add a bit of visual interest to any room, as well as functionality for places like sliding glass doors.
11. Lace Curtains
Lace curtains are a great way to add texture and interest to any window. They can be hung alone, for a more subtle, Victorian look, or alongside other types of window treatments.
Lace curtains come in many different varieties. You can find them with intricate designs featuring colorful birds and butterflies or with more delicate floral patterns. There are also lace curtains that come in many colors so you can always find the perfect one to fit your home’s décor.
12. Window Film
Window film is a unique and cost-effective window blinds alternative. Their main benefit is that they provide a lot of privacy, while still allowing in light, since they are not transparent like regular glass windows.
You can even get window films with unique designs so you can add an extra layer of style to your home. They are great for rental apartments where you don’t want to attach any hardware to the walls or windows, and they’re also perfect for small or odd shaped windows that really don’t lend themselves to other kinds of window treatments that are made in standard lengths and widths.
13. Plant Shelves
If you want to make your windows stand out from the rest, adding a plant shelf or two can be an interesting alternative to window blinds. Plant shelves come in all shapes and sizes, so you can find something that will fit most windows. Plus, they provide lots of added storage space for small pot plants and other decorative items.
No doubt about it, plant shelves are a cute space saver and they sure beat having a window that looks like all the others. They are especially adorable in little kitchen windows with lots of natural light.
Conclusion
No matter what type of window treatment you are looking for, there is an alternative that will help make your home look stylish and inviting. From transitional blinds to unique curtains and shutters, you can find the perfect window treatment to fit your needs. We hope this blog post has helped you learn more about all the different types of window treatments and which one might be best for your home.
Do you have any questions or suggestions about window treatments? We’d love to hear from you! Please comment below and let us know what window treatment alternatives you’ve found to be the best for your home. Happy Shopping!
