Window treatments are often the least glamorous aspect of home decor, but they can prove to be a deal-breaker for a room. Curtains, shades, and blinds serve both a decorative and functional purpose: they could be that finishing touch that brings an entire room together… or they might ruin an otherwise perfect decor.
Few design decisions have the power to inflate—or deflate—a room as quickly as what’s on the other side of the windows.
It’s easy to mess this up. The too-big size, an install that sits a few inches too low, or a forgotten color ordered online that looks gorgeous on screen but arrives three shades less flattering—and your room is doomed to be off-kilter from the get-go.
But these are errors you know about and, with some guidance, can avoid. So let’s dive right into this buying guide!
Why Do Blinds or Curtains Even Matter?
I used to think curtains were just decorations, used to fluff up a room and make it look pretty. But the truth is, they actually do a lot:
- Block or soften sunlight (huge if your windows face east).
- Give you privacy (unless you like waving at neighbors in your pajamas).
- Help control temperature; thick ones can actually keep a room warmer or cooler.
- Make a room look done.
And once you hang up a good pair? You kind of wonder how you ever lived without them.
The Curtain Rundown
You have a lot of options to choose from:
1. Sheer Curtains
Think soft, floaty, and slightly see-through. These are great for living rooms or any space where you want natural light but don’t necessarily want to put your whole life on display. They're not great for privacy at night, though, just as a heads-up.
2. Blackout Curtains
If you hate waking up at sunrise, live near streetlights, or work night shifts, these are non-negotiable. They’re thick and usually lined to block nearly all light. Good for bedrooms, nurseries, or home theaters.
Joydeco’s Blackout Curtains are a favorite—they actually look like good decor options, not just utility.
3. Linen Curtains
Linen always looks good. It has that slightly wrinkled but expensive feel, kind of like you meant it to be casual. Light enough to feel airy, but still offers some privacy. Works just about anywhere.
4. Velvet Curtains
Drama, in the best way. They’re thick, heavy, and feel fancy. Also pretty solid for insulation in the winter, if you’re trying to keep drafts out.
Explore our full Joydeco Curtains Collection and Joydeco Shades Collection for more design inspiration.
Shades Are Different
If curtains are soft and decorative, shades are more about function. They sit closer to the window, usually pull up or down, and are often better for small or modern spaces. I’ve used shades in places where I just didn’t want a lot of fabric getting in the way.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
1. Roller Shades
Basic, but not in a bad way. Clean lines, simple pull-up/pull-down. They disappear when rolled up, which is great if you want the view during the day. Good for pretty much any room.
2. Roman Shades
More decorative. These fold up in nice pleats when you raise them, so they look a little more elegant. If you want something tidy but not boring, these are solid.
3. Cellular Shades (aka Honeycomb)
These are the ones with the little air pockets. They’re known for energy efficiency—great if you live somewhere with hot summers or freezing winters. They’re kind of a hidden gem for people trying to cut energy bills.
4. Woven Wood Shades
These are made from things like bamboo or grasses. They let some light through but still give privacy. Definitely more of a casual, natural look.
Can You Mix Shades and Curtains?
Of course! And a lot of people do. You might consider installing blackout shades behind sheer curtains or using Roman shades on the window and adding curtains on the sides for decorative purposes. That way, you get the light control from the shades but still have that cozy curtain look.
One combo I’ve seen work a lot? These mustard velvet curtains, paired with a white roller shade, might sound bold, but trust me. It gives you a designer finish without looking like you’re trying too hard.
How to Choose the Right Option for Every Room
Here’s what I’ve learned after trial and error:
- Bedroom = Blackout. Always.
- Living room = Go light. Sheers or light linen feel relaxed and open.
- Kitchen = Easy to clean. Roller shades or short café curtains.
- Bathroom = Roller shades, especially if it gets steamy.
- Office = Something that cuts glare but doesn’t feel like a cave. Roman window shades or cellular shades work.
Also, measure your windows before buying anything. Otherwise, you're either stuck with curtains that look like high-water pants or shades that don’t cover the glass.
This guide from Joydeco is actually super clear if you need help measuring.
Why Does Joydeco Stand Out?
There are tons of places to buy curtains, but after trying a few (and returning a lot), I ended up liking Joydeco best for a few reasons:
- They’ll do custom sizing if your windows aren’t standard.
- You can get free fabric samples, which saved me from ordering the wrong color... again.
- They have actual humans who will help you figure out what fits where.
- And the prices are reasonable—no weird markups.
Start with their curtain collection if you’re not sure where to begin, or check out their shade collection if you want something more subtle.
Complete Your Space
A great set of window treatments finishes the room. It’s the difference between “almost there” and yes, this feels right.
Curtains and shades aren’t just for aesthetics; they also serve a practical purpose. They give you control over your space: the light, the privacy, and even the temperature.
So whether you want to keep things simple with some rollers or layer it up with velvet and sheers, don’t rush the decision. Measure first, explore a bit, maybe grab some swatches—and when in doubt, ask for help. Joydeco’s team really does make it easier.
👉 Ready to find something that actually works for your windows? Explore it all here.
