What are Window Treatments?
Window treatments are decorative and functional coverings fitted to windows. They include blinds, curtains, drapes, shades, and shutters - used to control light, add privacy, insulate against heat and cold, and enhance a room's style.
Roller Shades
One of the most popular types of window treatments for office space is roller shades. Roller shades offer a clean and modern look, and you can customize the fabric, colour and texture!
Roller shades are a solid sheet of fabric that can be pulled down over your window. This kind of window treatment allows you to add privacy and block out some of the light without sacrificing style. These shades roll up into a panel at the top of the window! This panel completely conceals the shade, so it’s not visible when put away.
There are different kinds of roller shades that can be modified to match your space and your style. One of the different types of roller shades is solar shades, used with a UV protectant scene like mesh material to block out the sun but still let the light shine through.
Honeycomb Shades
Honeycomb Shades are also known as cellular shades, and these work great for sun control. You can install these on even huge windows! They are also ideal for improving your space’s insulation.
These shades sometimes have the appearance of pleated paper, with air pockets designed to help with insulation. The cellular construction means that hot air is trapped in the winter, and cool air is trapped in the summer. Similar to roller shades, you have control over the fabric, light control, pleats and textures.
Shutters
Shutters are typically used in residential spaces but also work great for office spaces. They allow you to control how much light and air come through a window throughout the day.
These window treatments are made of louvres that are mounted in a frame around the window. With shutters, you control the slats’ tilt, which changes how much light and air get in.
Shutters are a fashionable way to control light and airflow while still having an elevated aesthetic.
Vertical Blinds
Vertical blinds are an ideal choice for large windows or sliding glass doors. These window treatments have slats that run up and down. Vertical blinds hang from a track with a valance at the top of the window.
With vertical blinds, you control the material and width of the panel and the slats’ size. These are an excellent option for those hard-to-fit places, and they add visual height to a room. Sometimes vertical blinds also act as a room divider.
What Materials Are Available for Window Treatments?
There are endless materials that work for window treatments—literally hundreds of different fabrics, colours and opacities. If purchasing from a dealership like Office Interiors, these are all commercial-grade fabrics customized to fit your space.
There are wooden options, metal options, plastic options, and nearly every colour under the rainbow. There are also blackout and antimicrobial options available designed to fit every need.
How Much Do Window Treatments Cost?
Like most office furniture, how much window coverings cost is highly variable; however, we have a target budget that we recommend; we recommend budgeting approximately $10 per square foot of window.
While this is a very rough estimate and your actual price could vary quite notably, this number should give you a good place from which to work. For example, when fitting out our new Dartmouth Showroom with window coverings, we targeted a budget of just over $170 for each of the 36″ by 72″ windows, just a little under the $10 target budget.
What is the Buying Process for Window Treatments?
Evaluate the Room & Take Measurements
Make a list of your priorities, colours, and the light in the room. Take pictures of the room to use for reference further down the line. Conduct a DIY measure of the window you want to cover and include this in your window treatment folder.
Come to a Dealer & View Samples
With so many window treatment styles, materials, and price ranges available, working with a professional can save you time and costly mistakes. Book a consultation with a local dealer and bring your measurements, photos, and ideas. During your visit, you’ll be able to explore sample books, compare finishes, and narrow down options that fit both your space and your budget.
Place an Order & Schedule Installation
Once you’ve selected your preferred window treatments, your dealer will provide a detailed quote based on your specifications. After approval, your order will be placed and prepared for installation. Most window treatments have a lead time of approximately four weeks. Installation itself is typically quick and can often be completed in a single afternoon. To ensure a clean, precise fit and avoid issues, professional installation is strongly recommended.