The Best Window Treatments for Fall: Style and Functionality for Atlanta Homes

Autumn has arrived in Atlanta! Think spooky yard and porch decor, candy corn, cozy blankets, warm hues, and our little addition to the magic – window treatments. You’re eyebrow probably just raised up, as if to say, “Huh? What the heck are window treatments? And why would they help me with my autumn look?” All excellent questions.

Firstly, window treatments are the fancy term for curtains, shades, and other things of the same nature that accent or frame your window. As for enhancing your aesthetic, there are many different styles and functions of window treatments. 

Curtains: Your Home’s Cloak of Mystery

Just as a costume transforms you, curtains act similarly and can completely transform a room. If you’re going for the cutesy fall look, try neutral shades like cream, tan, or taupe. Wanting color? You can do burnt orange, dusty pink, or even a deep red. If you’re going for a more mysterious look, go for darker shades like burgundy, charcoal grey, or midnight blue. Both of these options bring a little magic to the space.

These aren’t just for looks, though. They can have other uses too. Curtains are window cloaks, if you will; they shield you from prying eyes, help insulate against the howling winds, and add an extra something-something to your decor. If you go with heavier fabrics or even thermal curtains, they work to keep out the chill. In an older home, where creaks and cold spots are a little more frequent, thermal curtains are a total lifesaver (or ghost-buster, if you will). 

Shutters: The Guardians of Your Home

Shutters are more like armor. They were created to protect your windows from howling winds and raging storms. If you’re in an area where these are common, shutters would be great for you. They also work great in adding an extra layer to block out unwanted peering and noise, like that wail from the neighbor’s Halloween yard display. 

Though functional, shutters are a classic choice for Atlanta homes’ style. They blend together that sweet Southern charm with sleek, eye-catching pops of color. Depending on your siding, you can also do shades of green, blue, white, black, or earthy tones. And the best part? Shutters are long-lasting and look great year-round. This means you don’t have to swap them out like your decor.

Roman Shades: The Perfect Cozy Layer

This kind of window treatment isn’t as well-known as some of these others. However, they’re the perfect fit for those who don’t want blinds, don’t really want curtains, but something in between. Roman shades work like traditional blinds do, only they’re made of fabric. Because they’re made of fabric, they’re versatile and cute. You can create the atmosphere you want.  Dark and mysterious? Go with blackout or dark hues. Or is warm and cozy more your vibe? Try colors like burnt orange, ochre, and burgundy. As an added bonus, they’re a fun way to add texture, like your favorite knit blanket or throw pillows on your couch. 

Psst… if you like burlap. They make burlap shades. Perfect for the fall season, while still being neutral and diverse. 

Cellular Shades: The Insulating Hero

Nobody likes a creepy chill running down their spine. It’s fun for scary movies or games, but in real life, the hair on your arms stands on end, and you’re in fight-or-flight mode. If you regularly get that little chill passing through your home, these might be the window treatments for you. These shades have a special honeycomb design that traps air and keeps your home all nice and comfy—think of them as the bubble wrap for your windows, but, you know, cute. As temperatures drop, and fall’s tricksy wind picks up, these shades would help regulate the temperature of your home. Plus, they come in all sorts of colors, providing you with the chance to add a little pop of flavor to your space.

Draperies and Layering: A Haunted House Staple – But in a Good Way

Okay… Remember when you last watched Haunted Mansion or really any haunted house film and noticed how they have fabrics everywhere and the windows are always draped in layers of old fabric? Well, in real life, drapery doesn’t have to be old and dusty and you know scary, it can be elegant and beautiful too. 

When you layer, it provides a few different things. One, it allows for more privacy. Two, it gives you more control over the amount of light venturing inside. And three, it gives a little more artistic dimension to your space. You can make windows look bigger than they actually are or add more texture. By layering curtains with shades or blinds or adding a little swoop in your drapes, you can create a look that’s both beautiful and useful, like a haunted house, but without the cobwebs and malevolent spirits. 

Functionality and Energy Efficiency: Don’t Get Tricked by Drafts

It’s all about balance. You wouldn’t wear a sexy nurse costume and heels if you’re going trick-or-treating with your kiddos. Just like you wouldn’t wear a demon-possessed nun to church trunk-or-treat. It would be way too cold and way too out of place, and you’d definitely get some weird looks. Though choosing window treatments isn’t nearly as dramatic as that, choosing the right ones for your home can save you from the “horror” of high energy bills. So, just like choosing the right Halloween costume, make sure you’re choosing something that looks great, but is also beneficial and practical. Fortunately, there are a ton of different options out there to fit anyone’s look. 

However, we do want to take a second and talk to you about drafts. If you’re really struggling with them or your HVAC is constantly working to keep up, then it might be time to consider a window replacement. Though it is more expensive upfront, it will pay off in the long run by saving you money and preventing the potential catastrophe of needing a new HVAC unit. 

Treat Your Windows This Fall

As we settle into Fall here in Atlanta, don’t waste the opportunity to “dress” up your windows. It might sound a little crazy, but it adds character and depth to your spaces, plus you’re already “dressing” up the exterior with that giant skeleton from Costco. Remember that this part is supposed to be fun, so don’t worry that you’ll get it wrong. You won’t. You can’t. Just turn it into your autumn haven and it’ll be perfect. If you have any questions or you end up needing that window replacement, contact us, and we’ll be ready to help!