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Beige sheer window shades on living room windows
March 20, 2025

How To Pick Between Different Types Of Window Treatments

Window shades, shutters, and blinds–oh my! The various window treatments for sale may seem staggering when picking one for your Minneapolis home. Appreciating the pros and cons of each option will help you figure out the best treatment for your living space and specific needs. Keep reading to explore the different types of window treatments and how they can increase your appreciation of your windows.

The Pros And Cons Of Interior Shutters

White Polywood shutters on a kitchen window
Choose Polywood shutters if you need a window treatment that can withstand adverse conditions like kitchen splashes and splatters.

Commonly referred to as “plantation shutters,” interior shutters are constructed of rigid materials. They include hinged panels enclosed in a frame secured to your window. Every panel has a row of adjustable louvers. You can open and shut the panels and turn the louvers to your ideal setting.

The Pros

Because of their solid construction, interior shutters are able to provide anything you want from a window covering:

  • An elegant design feature for windows
  • Classic colors to harmonize with your decor
  • Absolute privacy 
  • Exceptional management over outside light 
  • Easy operation
  • Unmatched longevity and remarkable durability from Polywood® shutters 
  • Exact fit for any window size or shape
  • Enhanced energy efficiency over other window treatments 
  • Higher home resale value 
  • Safe for pets and children 
  • Many custom options to further enhance how your shutters operate

The Cons

Solid interior shutters don’t appeal to everyone. If you would rather have a softer material on your windows or would like to introduce a burst of color, you’ll want to explore some different types of window treatments in Minneapolis. 

The Pros And Cons Of Window Shades 

Blue natural fiber shades on living room windows
Want more color? Window shades are your most colorful window treatment option.

Window shades are available in various styles, but they usually all include a section of fabric mounted above the window. Grasp the base of the shade and draw it down or up to cover or uncover your window. You may also choose motorized shades. You operate these with a remote, wall button, or even a voice command or smartphone app if you choose smart shades. You may also schedule smart shades to shield or uncover your window per a schedule. Motorized shades offer remarkable convenience. 

The Pros

Window shades and remote-controlled shades can do a terrific job of blocking exterior light and the view into your interior. Their primary attraction is the numerous styles they can be found in. Choose from your preference of: 

  • Colors
  • Patterns
  • Materials
  • Levels of opacity 

The different window shades have their own perks as well. Roller shades offer a minimalist appearance. Cellular shades bring energy efficiency. Motorized shades of all types provide more convenient management over light and home comfort for windows of various sizes. 

The Cons

Window shades can’t provide the resiliency of solid window coverings and are usually a chore to clean. Their materials will eventually wash out from sunlight or could become soiled, damage, or grow mold. 

Window shades also give you fewer options in balancing privacy and sunlight than interior shutters. They can leave gaps around the edges or enable shadows to appear if your lights are on during the night. 

The Pros And Cons Of Window Blinds 

Brown wood window blinds on a large window
If you like window blinds, you'll get the most out of them if you purchase high-quality wood or faux-wood blinds.

Window blinds feature a row of long slats made from a solid material that you let down over your windows to cover them. You can also rotate the slats open or shut for additional command over exterior light. 

The Pros

Blinds are designed obstruct sunlight and views into your Minneapolis house, but their quality and material decide how successfully they do this. While some blinds are considered insubstantial, premium wood and faux-wood blinds offer more durability and other benefits like: 

  • Smooth performance
  • Longevity
  • Lasting appeal

The Cons

Even the most finely crafted blinds have some disadvantages. They can permit light to enter around their edges or move in a strong breeze, opening your home’s interior to outside viewers. They offer limited insulation and, due to their construction, won’t endure as long as sturdier shutters. They can also be difficult to clean. 

The Pros And Cons Of Drapes

White drapes on French doors in a formal dining room
Luxurious drapes look elegant in formal rooms.

Drapes are created from long, flowing fabric designed to shield windows. Their material is usually heavier than curtains and lined for enhanced insulation and light-blocking capabilities. Drapes may come in dual panels that you draw back from the center or one large panel that you slide across windows from the sides. They can suspend from and glide along a drapery rod or a track. 

The Pros

Heavy drapes do well at obstructing airflow and sunlight when drawn. They can be found in various different patterns, colors, and textures to coordinate with your interior. They lend an elegant, time-tested appearance many people like.

The Cons

Drapes can have an overly formal appearance that doesn’t work for everyone. They can appear elegant on larger windows but may be awkward to operate unless you get motorized ones. Drapes also don’t give you many options for governing privacy and outside light–they’re either open or closed. 

Let Sunburst Show You The Different Types Of Window Treatments In Minneapolis

Let the professionals at Sunburst Shutters Minneapolis assist you in finding the perfect window treatment. We offer an impressive variety, and we’ll help you select a product from the numerous different types of window treatments in Minneapolis. Give us a call at 952-856-8130 or complete the form on this page to arrange a free in-home consultation and start exploring your choices! 

*Not all stores carry all products.