Though they seem to blend into the background, your window treatments are important parts of your home’s functionality and overall style. This is why if you notice that your current setup is looking worn-down, it’s imperative that you seek to replace them. This isn’t just a chance to replace your old window treatments—it’s also a perfect opportunity to try something new. If you’re looking to switch up the window areas in your home, make sure you avoid these common mistakes made when changing your window treatments.
Leaving Windows Uncovered
Upon taking down your older window treatments, you’ll probably notice a large increase in natural light as well as a spike in interior temperature. These things may seem immediately detrimental to your home, but they can oversaturate a room and make it less comfortable to be in, depending on the atmosphere and style. Because of this, you need to use something to maintain your control over the environment, whether it’s a new set of curtains, blinds, or shutters.
Not Considering the Environment
Because window treatments are primarily interior additions, it’s easy to forget that they need to be able to stand up to external conditions. Things such as harsh sunlight, hot temperatures, and frequency of storms can all damage certain types of treatments. Because of this, it’s crucial that you account for your local climate when making this renovation decision. As a general rule, shutters will typically perform better in extreme weather environments, while curtains and blinds are great for areas that get a lot of light.
Choosing the Wrong Hardware
Each specific type of window treatment also comes with its own kind of hardware that will work best with that model. Though it might seem straightforward, homeowners commonly pick either the wrong type of hardware for their treatments or the wrong color or finish. Both of these mistakes can prevent the new treatments from functioning as well as they should and even keep them from bringing a consistent look to your home. Do some research into the proper parts required for installation and how your new treatment will look in comparison.
Forgetting to Compare Treatments
Another common mistake you may make when you’re changing window treatments and trying to pick from a series of options is not weighing the pros and cons of your choices. For instance, shutters have their own share of downsides as well as certain advantages in specific situations. As such, you’ll need to compare the benefits and drawbacks of each treatment type before you can effectively narrow down the one that’ll be best for your home. Likewise, there’s also a fair number of mistakes to avoid when you’re choosing shutters, curtains, or blinds.