9. Upgrade Your Window Treatments
Replacing bland window treatments with elegant draperies or shades makes any room look finished. But the right window treatments can do much more, including dampen sound, provide insulation, block light and enhance privacy — all critical in a bedroom. If yours are failing in any of these regards, think of an upgrade as an investment in your well-being.
Sheer curtains can be layered over a roller or cellular shade for privacy and light control. Thick or lined draperies don’t necessarily need to be layered, but if you go without, swap your straight rod and finials for a French return curtain rod, which bends all the way to the wall, to block more light. Similarly, if choosing Roman shades, you’ll have less light leakage if you select an outside mount shade than an inside-mount design.
That said, while we need darkness to fall (and stay) asleep, the morning sun is helpful for waking us up. Blackout shades can disrupt that natural cue. If you need them, one solution is to install smart shades that are raised automatically at a designated time in the morning.
Which Window Treatment Should You Choose?
What to Know About Curtains and Drapes
Replacing bland window treatments with elegant draperies or shades makes any room look finished. But the right window treatments can do much more, including dampen sound, provide insulation, block light and enhance privacy — all critical in a bedroom. If yours are failing in any of these regards, think of an upgrade as an investment in your well-being.
Sheer curtains can be layered over a roller or cellular shade for privacy and light control. Thick or lined draperies don’t necessarily need to be layered, but if you go without, swap your straight rod and finials for a French return curtain rod, which bends all the way to the wall, to block more light. Similarly, if choosing Roman shades, you’ll have less light leakage if you select an outside mount shade than an inside-mount design.
That said, while we need darkness to fall (and stay) asleep, the morning sun is helpful for waking us up. Blackout shades can disrupt that natural cue. If you need them, one solution is to install smart shades that are raised automatically at a designated time in the morning.
Which Window Treatment Should You Choose?
What to Know About Curtains and Drapes