Without any window treatments, over two-thirds of the sunlight that reaches your window enters the room as heat. This, in turn, can force your HVAC to work extra hard to keep your room at a comfortable temperature, which can lead to an increase in energy consumption and, consequently, your electrical bills.

So, an obvious solution to this, of course, is to use window treatments. However, there are many types of window treatments out there, not to mention the myriad of materials used.

Today, we want to talk about the types of window treatment materials and what they can offer to you:

1. Wood

Wooden window shades are a great option, as they are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they offer ample natural light filtering properties—which is especially useful for those who live in areas with high sun exposure. Additionally, wooden shades are very sturdy and typically don’t require much upkeep, other than occasionally cleaning them with water and mild soap. Finally, wooden shades are typically quite affordable compared to other types of window treatments.

2. Vinyl

If you love the look of wooden shades but are concerned about the upkeep required, we have good news for you. You can get the look of wood without having to worry about the upkeep by choosing vinyl. These window treatments are made from recycled plastics, which means that they do not get easily discoloured and they do not need to be cleaned. In addition, they are strong and sturdy, but they are also very affordable.

3. Flax

Flax is a plant-based fibre that is woven into a fabric and used to make window treatments. This material is relatively affordable and offers quite a few benefits: being cool in the summer and warm in the winter, helping keep light out of the room, and being somewhat resistant to mould and mildew.

4. Linen

Linen is an all-natural fibre that is woven into fabrics, like curtains and Roman shades. Due to its durability and stiff, crisp texture, linen is often used to make window treatments because it stays smooth and crisp even after use and is easy to clean. Additionally, it is resistant to mould and mildew, it is fire-retardant, and it is great for soundproofing.

5. Silk

Silk is actually a byproduct of the silkworm’s cocoon. It is smooth and soft, but it is also very durable and does not easily wrinkle. It also does not require much maintenance, is opaque, and is great for soundproofing. It also acts as an excellent insulator, which is a bonus in keeping your rooms comfortable.

6. Synthetics

Synthetic fabrics are woven into fabrics, like curtains and Roman shades, to create window treatments. The most popular synthetic fabric used is polyester. It is wrinkle-resistant and can be cleaned easily with water and mild soap. It is also fairly durable and easily ironed.

7. Aluminium

If you want something that’s not only decorative but has more function than a regular curtain, you may want to consider a shade made from aluminium. These shades are typically made of wood but have been coated with aluminium to prevent deterioration. They also prevent sunlight from entering the room as heat, which can help to reduce your heating bills.

Conclusion

Overall, the type of window treatment that you choose has to do with your personal preferences and how each material fits into your budget. As you can see, different materials can offer different benefits to you. Do realise, however, that they also have their own downsides. Regardless, as long as you choose a window treatment that fits your needs, there’s no wrong choice!

Direct Fabrics is a supplier of high-quality fabrics for care homes, schools, and more. If you are looking for flame retardant blinds bland other window treatments for your commercial property, reach out to us today!