Beyond Blinds: 10 Window Treatment Alternatives

Published 7/17/2024

Discover the latest trends in window treatments beyond traditional blinds, exploring innovative alternatives like stylish shutters, elegant shades, and contemporary solutions that redefine interior design aesthetics.

Why Consider Alternatives to Window Blinds? 

More homeowners and interior designers alike are looking for alternatives to window blinds in an effort to enhance aesthetic appeal and functionality within living spaces. Traditional window blinds, such as horizontal slat blinds, can sometimes offer limited light control, pose maintenance challenges, or be less energy-efficient, depending on their construction.

Whereas trending alternatives like vertical blinds and mini blinds have gained popularity due to their enhanced performance, enhanced durability, and broad range of style options. Vertical blinds are particularly favored for easy operation on sliding glass doors, french doors, and wide windows. Moisture-resistant mini blinds outperform traditional blinds in kitchens and bathrooms, where basic blinds will warp and crack. These tailored solutions better suit the unique needs of each space.

Shades and shutters are also ideal for homeowners seeking to improve their energy efficiency, or simply trying to cultivate a certain interior design aesthetic. Each offers precise control over light and privacy, allowing you to create the desired ambiance in your space.

Shutters: Timeless Elegance for Your Windows 

1. Woodlore® Shutters

Woodlore® Shutters retain the excellent craftsmanship of traditional wood shutters but offer superior performance. Made from a solid composite wood core, these shutters withstand temperatures up to 140°F without sagging from window heat, unlike hollow vinyl products. They also resist cupping and warping, ensuring a tight closure and smooth operation on shallow windows.

2. Woodlore® Plus Shutters

Woodlore® Plus is a wood composite hybrid shutter featuring louvers made from lightweight yet durable ABS, ideal for shallow windows. This robust and versatile co-polymer is optionally waterproof and resistant to chipping, scratching, and denting.

Engineered with breakthrough InvisibleTilt™ technology, these shutters help you enjoy wider and more unobstructed views. Woodlore® Plus Shutters are truly the shutters of the future and are a favorite pick for living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, and more.

3. Brightwood™ Shutters

EcoSmart, stylish Brightwood™ shutters blend the finest features of Normandy® and Woodlore® shutters. With wider panels for a sleek, modern design and extensive customization options, Brightwood offers an affordable solution for covering windows of any size, shape, or paint color.

4. Normandy® Shutters 

Experience the beauty of natural hardwood shutters. Normandy® stained shutters are proudly crafted from Paulownia hardwood which features handsome wood graining and natural character. Constructed with mortise & tenon joints, uniquely engineered stiles, and an optional InvisibleTilt™ embedded gear and pinion system, Normandy® shutters are designed to last for decades and can even boost your property value.

Shades: Stylish and Functional Alternatives

5. Portrait™ Honeycomb Shades

For both charm and energy efficiency, consider Portrait™ Honeycomb Shades. Its wide range of colors and fabric options provide a multitude of design possibilities to match any existing decor. Not to mention, Portrait™ comes in various opacities for any level of desired light control, whether it’s sheer for better viewing or room darkening for substantial privacy. 

6. SmartFit® Dual Shades 

Experience the innovation of SmartFit® Dual Shades. The dual shades’ separation means a wide array of fabric choices in terms of color and opacity, opening up endless design possibilities. With both shades operating independently, you gain the freedom to raise or lower each fabric separately, offering enhanced privacy and flexibility in controlling light. Additionally, the inclusion of honeycomb shades with optional frames enhances energy efficiency and elevates interior comfort levels.

7. Soluna™ Roller Shades

Soluna™ roller shades are a practical yet elegant solution to cover your bedroom, home office, or media room windows. With exclusive PrecisionLift™ cordless technology, convenient motorization options, and more, these shades combine function and style to create a refined look for any space.

Choose from three different opacities: sheer, light filtering, and room darkening, to create the perfect ambiance with Soluna roller shades. For environments where blackout and privacy control are a must, such as bedrooms or media rooms, room darkening shades are the perfect choice due to their ability to block nearly all of the incoming light. 

8. SmartDrape™ Shades

Gently flowing and intricately designed, SmartDrape™ combines the softness of drapery with architectural finesse. Its sheer and fabric vane structure is crafted to enhance your space with style, adaptability, and a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living. 

With the unique feature of traversing the shade without the need for opening or closing, SmartDrape™ offers unparalleled convenience. Additionally, its machine washable fabric panels ensure easy maintenance, promising effortless cleaning for your peace of mind.

9. Centerpiece™ Roman Shades

Centerpiece™ Roman Shades offer a contemporary take on a classic design. Select from an array of luxury fabrics, including handcrafted Libeco fabrics from Belgium’s renowned textile industry. These 100% organic, high-quality flax fiber linens provide elegant, durable textiles perfect for enhancing a formal dining room or living room.

10. PerfectSheer™ Shades 

PerfectSheer™ Shades feature delicate, layered fabric that adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any shallow window. The sheer fabric gently diffuses light, creating a soft, natural glow while protecting against UV rays. They are a great choice for large windows and wide windows.

Factors to Consider when Choosing a Window Blind Alternative 

Functionality

When selecting a window blind alternative, it’s essential to prioritize functionality to ensure smooth operation and practical use. Consider cordless and motorized options for increased safety and convenience.

Aesthetic Appeal

Aesthetic appeal plays a crucial role in complementing your interior design scheme and enhancing the overall look of your space. Make sure your window treatments enhance your interior design vision for your space.

Durability and Maintenance

Durability and ease of maintenance considerations are vital to guarantee long-term satisfaction and upkeep. Invest in high quality materials that are built to last and easy to clean!

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency should not be overlooked, as opting for a solution that helps regulate temperature and reduce energy consumption can lead to cost savings and environmental benefits. Look for window treatments with insulating properties to lower your carbon footprint.

Customization Options

Finally, explore customization options to tailor window coverings to your specific preferences and needs. Doing so will make sure they integrate seamlessly into your home or office environment.

Get the Perfect Alternative to Blinds

Discover the ideal alternative to blinds with Norman®, your trusted source for premium window treatment solutions. Explore our extensive collection of alternatives that blend superior quality, innovative design, and customizable options to suit your unique needs and preferences. Find your nearest Norman® dealer to experience firsthand the excellence of our products!