Four Adult Ways To Cover Your Windows
If you’ve still been keeping the sun out of your apartment with an old tapestry, it’s time to grow up. There’s a slew of options to give your space the appropriate (read: adult) window treatment it deserves. From shutters to shades, we break down the benefits of all, along with some great options.
Curtains and Drapes
Pros: The sky’s the limit as far as the decorative look of curtains, whether you prefer solid, patterned, or textured versions. Of all options, they’re also easiest to install.
Cons: Cleaning curtains and drapes can be a chore (remove them from the hanger and clap them outdoors to remove dust), and unless you choose a blackout version, some light will always peek through.
Try: Kohl’s has some terrific options (you can shop by length), but if you’re looking for something slightly more fanciful, Anthropologie is a good place to look too.
Shutters
Pros: Shutters have a clean, spare look (French country house, anyone?) that give your home an elevated chicness. They’re also easy to wipe clean and block out light almost completely.
Cons: They’re expensive, and most often have to be custom built for your windows.
Try: Home Depot has an online tool that helps you create your own custom shutters once you input measurements—you’ll even get free samples.
Blinds
Pros: Easy-to-clean blinds are a great choice for dust-prone homes—just wipe them clean with a wet paper towel.
Cons: There isn’t much variation as far as the aesthetic choices you can make with blinds—it’s pretty much just white or faux-wood. And stay away from flimsy plastic versions that let in far too much light.
Try: Lowe’s allows you to build custom versions to pick up at your nearest store.
Solar Shades
Pros: Providing a great way to let in some light while blocking UV rays, solar shades let the outdoors in with the protection of sunblock.
Cons: It’s a very specific look that can recall Balinese resorts—they may not work for every home or apartment.
Try: Smith & Noble creates versions in textured and solid materials that are also customizable in their amount of light blockage.
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