When it comes to dressing windows, layering window treatments can be a great option.  When you select multiple window treatments, you add interest to the room, while adding multiple ways to block light.  The best way to layer window treatments, is to add a functional treatment, with a decorative window treatment.

A functional window treatment, is one that actual provides a specific function such as blocking light, reducing sound, or adding privacy.  You can achieve this with blackout curtains which would completely block all of the sunlight from entering the room.  This will also serve an additional function by reducing heating and cooling bills.  Another example of a functional window treatment is a custom balloon shade.  By having the balloon shade custom made to the exact measurements of your window, you add a great deal of UV protection as well as privacy in the window.  Solar shades, plantation shutters, and other window coverings that will completely cover the window will all offer a degree of privacy.

A non functional window treatment is used for decorative style.  The window treatments serve as eye candy and add beauty to the room, without having any real functional use.  This can be achieved with decorative cornice boards, top treatments, and valances.  All of the mentioned window treatments will set above the window and cover just a few inches of the actual window.  No views, privacy, or sun will be blocked.  You can also add decorative drapery panels which stay open and do not completely cover the width of the window.

When you decorate your window, experiment with a functional and non functional window treatment.  You will experience the best of both worlds, receiving UV protection and privacy, and still having a nice decorative look as well.

Blackout window coverings are almost always associated with energy efficiency because of their functional use and value-for-money benefits. Compared to standard window treatments, blackout curtains and shades serve the dual purpose of blocking out a substantial amount of light and providing an aesthetic covering for the home interior.

The Many Faces of Energy Efficient Window Coverings

Homemakers have a multitude of options when deciding which specific energy efficient window coverings to use for the home. Energy-saving window covers range from exterior window treatments such as awnings, mesh screens, and exterior shutters to the most common interior treatments such as curtains, draperies, or solar shades.

Among the list of energy efficient treatments, blackout curtains and shades are probably the most commonly used functional window coverings for the interior. Blackout window coverings differ from the standard ones for the former’s ability to block and filter almost 99% of the sunlight and to provide total privacy for the inside of the room. Primarily in the form of fabric curtains or roll-up shades, blackout covers have the following characteristics:

·         Materials. Blackout curtains basically consist of the regular curtain textiles and are also layered with foam-backed, opaque lining to totally screen out the incoming light or heat. Thick curtains made of heavy materials such as velvet, flannel, or wool can also be used as blackout fabrics even without the second lining. On the other hand, blackout shades are commonly made from woven and specialized vinyl materials, polyester mesh, or specialized shade cloth.

·         Flexibility. For blackout fabric curtains, customers have a choice between a 100% blackout or a 50% dim out specification of the curtain lining. While both varieties provide enough protection from the sun, they differ on the amount of light that will be filtered by the material.

·         Multi- purpose. Blackout window covers not only reduce the glare of the sun or the amount of heat seeping into and through the window, these blackout covers also protect the interior from the cold during winter seasons. This is one of the primary reasons why blackout curtains and shades achieved the image of energy saving items for the home – they reduce the need for cooling the interior during hot weathers and likewise lessen the likelihood of overusing the heating system during cold seasons. Moreover, these types of window treatments also have the ability to dampen the sound from the outside, thereby filtering the unwanted noise.

·         Material care and protection. Because of the specialized material that goes into blackout covers, extra care is needed when cleaning and maintaining these types of structures. While machine washing is not recommended, the use of vacuum, wet blotting, and dusting can be alternative measures for the expensive dry cleaning of blackout curtains and shades.

Blackout window coverings are often considered as the leveled-up version of standard interior curtains and roll-up shades, primarily because of the added value they deliver to users. These benefits come at a reasonable price to pay and when designed accordingly to the exact specifications of the home, blackout window treatments can deliver energy saving benefits which standard window coverings seldom promise.