Drapery or Shutters?
Style of Architecture
Depending on the style of architecture you have in your home and the size of your windows, the option to install shutters, blinds, shades, drapery or sheers are all excellent options to choose from.
Many custom homes have large, wide windows without the usual windowpanes we are used to seeing and are more of an aesthetic look and don’t open or close.
Depending on the size of each window, can determine which products(s) to install.
Plantation Shutters
I love Plantation Shutters because they are always amazing, create a softer look for each room and can easily be opened, whereas traditional metal or faux wooden blinds that just cover the window and cannot be pulled back like a plantation shutter allowing more light to come in and they only open and close with a drawstring up or down.
As we progress into 2026, blinds are losing their popularity, as other window treatments on the market are available. Not having any shutters or blinds is also a great option. If you have a sunny bedroom and need shades to block out that early morning sun that pours in before you get up, then black out shades are great to help with that.
Drapery
Using drapery with added sheers creates a soft, romantic look that can make any space warm and inviting.
You can choose to have the drapery (not drapes-people mistakenly use that word incorrectly) pulled back with a beautiful, fixed tassel to stay in one place, while sheers actually cover the window, so you can see out, but no-one can see in.
Heavy drapery is another option, so that you can close and cover the entire window at night. Shades or shutters underneath are great to block out unwanted visitors from looking in at night.
Outdoor Shutters
Shutters are also very nice on the outside of your windows as well. They add a nice touch to a Cottage, French, European or Farmhouse exterior. Some modern looking houses, have no shutters at all for a clean, uncluttered look. You can still add Plantation Shutters on the inside though for a nice, elegant look.
Sheers
Floor to ceiling sheers are also another great way to make your rooms look bigger, just make sure that whatever material you use to create this look isn’t overwhelming in color which can dominate the entire room and overshadow everything else. Mid-century Modern looks are keeping with sheers, lots and lots of sheers to soften the spaces.
I have clients that only purchase Plantation shutters and leave it at that. Clean lines and simple, no fuss, no muss which that can be a good thing if you have pets that like to climb the drapery or a toddler that pulls down everything they touch.
Shades
Shades come in so many textures and are also a wonderful choice for windows. They come in wood, natural grasses and beautiful fabrics. They can be stationary or move up and down electronically or with the help of cords and drawstrings. Depending on the color and texture, they too can add softness and warmth to any space.
Final thoughts
Whatever you choose, make sure you plan and prepare for all of your window treatments. Everything needs to be measured properly to fit every window and that takes a professional or someone who is skilled enough to know how to install rods, hardware, electrical components, wood elements, etc. If you truly want a designer look, then hire professionals to help you.
It can be a costly mistake if you get it wrong and extremely frustrating as well. But you need to cover your windows with some type of element, because we don’t want wide, open windows that everyone can see in and especially at night when you are exposed to everything. There are temporary paper shades you can purchase if you move into a new home, until you figure out which direction you want to go in. You don’t have to use the old newspaper or foil “tried and true” option, but we definitely want to keep windows covered, because we all need privacy.