Haven’t given much thought to your windows and how to dress them? Not many people do. But choosing the right window treatments can not only give your home that all-important finished look, but also save you a chunk of money – window treatments play a significant role in how you manage heat, cold, security and privacy. And you thought they just looked pretty.

Where to start

There are so many options for your windows these days – it’s not just a matter of selecting either blinds or curtains, although that will be one of your first decisions. Multiple-blind options and curtains (once considered a little stuffy) are making a comeback in beautifully designed fabrics. But first you need to consider the space where the window treatments are needed. This will have a significant impact on what you decide to buy.

Light

The type of curtain or blind you choose will be mostly determined by the amount of light your home gets. If the space is a little dark, consider sheer curtains or Roman blinds made with a lower light filter. If you want to diffuse light, lined curtains could be a better choice, or louvre blinds, which give you more control over the amount of light filtering into a room.

Colour

If you want to make a room appear larger, it’s best to opt for minimal colour contrast between the wall and the window treatment. If your walls and windows are neutral colours, this will create a sense of height as well as space.

Size

The room’s size and shape will also influence your choice of window treatment. Vertical blinds and curtains hung from just below the ceiling create a sense of height (and are more formal), while horizontal blinds make a room more causal.

Practicality

There are many elements to consider when choosing your window treatment. Will it provide privacy, enhance security, or block sound and damaging UV rays (which can fade fabric and floors)? Will it help regulate the temperature of your home in an energy-efficient manner?

Energy efficiency

About 40 per cent of your home’s heat escapes through windows. That’s fine in summer, you may think. But some estimates say that about 50 per cent of the sun’s heat also comes in through windows. If you choose your window treatments wisely, you could save money on your energy bill (and not be so reliant on airconditioning or heaters).

UV protection

If you’ve splurged on a beautiful new lounge suite, rug or timber floors during your renovations, the last thing you want is for damaging UV rays to age them prematurely. Some blinds are made with a sunblock fabric – Freedom’s Roman blinds with sunscreen fabric block up to 90 per cent of UV rays, which makes them a great option for protecting your living areas, and an equally smart choice for blocking annoying early morning light into you bedroom.

Privacy

Privacy is probably of greater concern if you live in the city or an apartment. You might need to block an unsightly view, or stop others from looking in. Venetian blinds or plantation shutters are ideal for blocking views while still allowing light to filter through. Privacy is also often an issue when considering the windows in you bathroom. Opaque safety glass can be installed by a glazier, or frosted-look vinyl can be bought from window tinters and stuck directly onto standard, clean window glass to create a sandblasted effect.

Sound

If you have noisy neighbours, or live near a rail line or in a busy street, you might want to consider hanging curtains to buffer external noise from entering your home. Plantation shutters are also good for shutting out noise.

Security

There are several external security shutters on the market that are specifically designed to protect your home from unwanted intruders. Sydney-based (with nationwide stockists) Blockout Shutters specialises in selling aluminium roller security shutters that cut summer heat by up to 90 per cent and reduce the loss of winter heat by up to 70 per cent. Temperature control aside, covering your windows will shield your home and its contents. Again, Venetian blinds or plantation shutters are good at letting light in while keeping prying eyes out.

Ready made v custom made

It all comes down to your budget. Ready-made window treatments are cheaper and you get them straightaway, but the choice is often limited to standard window sizes. Custom-made treatments are more expensive and can take a month or more to make, but you’ll get a fabric or product that lasts longer and blends perfectly with your home’s décor and your needs.

What’s what

• Vertical blinds have a similar control element to Venetians, and work well with tall windows and patio doors. Kresta sells verticals from about $200.
• Roman blinds are classic in design, but come in contemporary materials, such as bamboo. Ikea sells the Setaria blind for $32.
• Holland (also called roller) blinds are simple and practical. Luxaflex sells the Flexi Glide blind from about $460.
• Venetian blinds are great for privacy and controlling the light flow. Fantastic Furniture has a good selection from $39.95.
• Plantation shutters are great at controlling light, noise, airflow and privacy. In Vogue Blinds sells them from about $525.
• Curtains are making a comeback. They give an illusion of height if hung just below the ceiling. Freedom has ready-made curtains from about $40 per drop.
• Screen blinds reduce glare without blocking your view. All Window Fashions has flame retardant screen blinds, great for kitchens, from about $200.

For more great ideas and practical solutions for your home see http://www.reallivingmag.com.au/