Choosing the right window shades can be an intimidating process for those who don’t have design experience. Designers have tricks they use to camouflage things like corner walls between windows, small windows, or even unattractive windows. Without hiring an expensive designer, however, you can use the same strategies to create your own customized, high quality window treatments. At Decorating Depot, we have some tips to get you started.

The first step is to use the color wheel. The first instinct of many is to choose entirely neutral window shades, hoping they will blend into the wall color (how many times have you seen cream-colored pleated shades topped with a beige or taupe cotton sateen valance)? Instead, select a neutral window shade and complement it with drapes or sashes that are on the opposite of the color wheel. As an example, let’s start with pleated shades.

Pleated window shades are available in fabrics that offer different levels of concealment, from sheer to fully private. Brands like Graber have developed patented designs that keep pleats uniformly spaced, so no unsightly sags or folds mar your window treatment. If you choose a soft, yellow-based cream for your shade, violet and red-violet are its opposites on the color wheel. Try an eggplant color infused with deep red tones for your curtain. By contrast, if you choose a soft blue-green shade, red and red-orange are its opposites–try a deep cranberry for maximum contrast.

After you’ve chosen the colors for your window shades and complementary treatments, decide how you want to highlight (or hide!) your windows. Many modern tract home designs offer plenty of windows, but they are usually short and narrow. Decorating around these windows is simple. Choose a fully opaque window shade (to avoid unattractive views of unfinished side yards or neighbor’s walls)–roller blinds, mini blinds, or honeycomb shades work well here. Next, choose light colored panels that are at least 10 inches longer than your window. Mount them about five inches above your window, and let them drop to the floor below. The elongated window treatment will give your narrow windows the illusion of height. Additional height can be added with ring tops and finials.

Popularity Index: 19%

When choosing new blinds, many homeowners aren’t sure which material to start with. The available options are many, so how should you go about choosing the style of blind that’s right for your space? Decorating Depot can help you get started.

Most people like the look and feel of wood blinds, but for some, these blinds are cost-prohibitive. They also aren’t appropriate for rooms that may be damp, as the wood can warp over time. For the look of wood without the cost, consider faux wood blinds or composite blinds. They are generally made of vinyl, and are sometimes combined with actual wood as well. Major brands like Hunter Douglas, Graber, Century, and Comfortex all have entries in the faux wood category. These blinds offer good UV protection, blocking 75 to 90% of the sun’s harmful rays. One of the drawbacks of faux wood are the limited color choices; however, standard colors like cherry, natural, and white are usually readily available.

Wider color selections are available in fabric shades, like horizontal sheers and cellular shades, as well as traditional aluminum blinds. Fabric sheers offer a softer look, filtering light without harsh lines, and offer even better UV protection than faux wood blinds (up to 95% coverage). Fabric is much easier to shape and maneuver than wood slats, so horizontal sheers work well for arches, bay windows, and French doors. Cellular shades can also offer a bit of extra insulation due to the fabric pockets that help insulate your windows from heat and cold.

For all-around versatility, aluminum horizontals are a safe bet. The color choices are comprehensive, and most come with a form of anti-static finish that helps keep your blinds dust-free. You can also find additional textures available in aluminum blinds, as well as added privacy features and remote control features. Made from heavy-duty six or eight gauge aluminum, these blinds are great for rooms that see heavy use, such as game rooms or family dens.

Popularity Index: 18%

In addition to beauty, woven wood shades provide another important benefit. As with other types of wood blinds and shades, they are energy efficient. Since window treatments are an investment, you will want to ensure energy efficiency in your home decor, as well as beauty and comfort.

There are several factors to consider in determining the most energy-efficient blind or shade. The R value is the rating that indicates the effectiveness of a blind or shade at insulating energy. You want a window covering to prevent the flow of warmth or cool air to the outside. The higher the R value, the better the insulation ability. In addition to R value, you should also consider the shading coefficient. This is the difference between the amount of heat lost from a window with a covering versus a window without a window covering.

You should also consider the UV transmittance. This is the amount of ultra violet rays and solar energy passed through the window covering versus the amount of solar energy absorbed by the covering. Lastly, you should consider how much light and noise are passed through the window covering.

Woven wood shades are highly efficient when evaluated with these energy factors. They are also aesthetically pleasing and a gorgeous addition to any room. With woven wood shades, you can transform any room into both a peaceful haven and an energy-efficient cost saver. Decorating Depot has an extensive selection of woven wood blinds by the top-selling brand of Prestige.

Popularity Index: 18%