Avoid These 5 Window Covering Mistakes

With years of experience in the window treatment field, we know the common pitfalls homeowners face when purchasing blinds, shades, shutters, or drapes. The right solutions should add comfort, light control, and energy efficiency to your home. Here’s our list of window covering mistakes to avoid and smarter choices to make.

Choosing How They Look Over Their Function

We’ve all been there. Wearing an outfit that looks amazing, but feels awful. You spend the whole night fidgeting, wishing you’d chosen comfort over style. The same mistake happens with window coverings. Homeowners see something beautiful online or at a friend’s house, but it doesn’t suit their own space or needs. When function takes a back seat to style, you’re left with daily frustration and regret. The truth is, you don’t have to choose one or the other. With the right guidance, you can have both, and that’s exactly where we come in.

hygge home comfort bedroom blinds Hunter Douglas Maple Grove 55369
Wood blinds look amazing but they probably won’t be able to offer the extensive light control you require for your bedroom.

 

Ordering Based on Each Room

First, identify the room and think about what it’s used for. Refer to our guide to window treatments for every room if you need some extra help. Secondly, inform yourself on the difference between light-filtering and light-blocking so you can decide what’s the best option.

Bedrooms: Blackout and privacy solutions for restful nights
Bathrooms: Humidity-resistant, easy to clean, and privacy
Living Rooms: Light-filtering for glare reduction and privacy
Kitchens: Light-filtering and low-maintenance materials
Home Office: Glare control and privacy
South-Facing Rooms: Energy-efficiency
East/West-facing Rooms: Light-Blocking for Sunrise/Sunset

Wrong Measurements

During your free in-home design consultation we take exact measurements. They will be exact and precise for a reason. Custom shades, blinds, and shutters need to be tailored to your windows. Even an ⅛” off can cause issues like light gaps, hardware scrapes, or incorrect fit. Windows need to be measured all the way from the top to bottom, left to right, middle and bottom and at the top.

measuring window with metal tape measure window covering mistakes
Metal tape measures or lasers do the best job to record the most accurate measurements.

Measuring and Other Considerations

If you’re measuring on your own, always use a metal tape measure for accuracy. Measure twice, and review the manufacturer’s recommendations before ordering. As part of the process, note the correct mounting type and any obstacles like window handles or cranks.

Not Seeing Swatches in Your Lighting

Every home interacts with light and color differently. Your paint, lighting, and flooring all create undertones that are completely unique to your space. Even the same fabric can look different depending on how light enters your home.

fabric swatches for hunter douglas shades in home design consultation Burnsville MN
Fabrics may appear different in a store vs. your own home because the light can be different.

Choose Smart and Confident

Get those swatches into your home before you decide! Morning light is cool and bright, while evening light has a warm, golden glow—and each room can make colors look a little different. Try taping the swatches to the wall or even to the window glass to see how the light changes the color and texture throughout the day.

Not Utilizing Today’s Operating Systems

This is a big one when it comes to window covering mistakes. Homeowners often don’t think of embracing cordless operations or motorized blinds because of cost, or they aren’t familiar with today’s best innovations.

motorized roller shades opening and closing in a living room
Motorized shades can adjust to go up or down and can open the vanes, tilting the same vanes, and can shift the fabric.

 

Operating Systems to Familiarize Yourself With:

Motorized Blinds: Convenience, light control, and privacy. Great for hard-to-reach windows. Use a remote, app or smart device.
Motorized Wand: A simple solution for singular windows, making everyday adjustments easy. Individual control at the window.
Cordless/Cord-Safe: No dangerous dangling cords. Available with cordless, push-button, or retractable styles with cords safely secured inside the frame.

Settling on Lower Price and Not Quality

We often remind our clients that window treatments are more than just a home investment, they’re part of your daily life. You use them every day and night, so it’s worth choosing quality that will last. You deserve window coverings that look beautiful, work smoothly, and provide comfort.

How To Avoid Low Quality

Choose window treatments built to last with strong mechanisms for dependable performance, durable fabrics, protective finishes that stand up to sunlight and everyday use, and a warranty that gives you peace of mind.

Let’s Get Started

Choosing the right company makes all the difference, and with Aero Drapery and Blinds, you can trust you’re in good hands. You get what you pay for, and who you work with matters just as much as the product itself. Skimping on quality can lead to long waits, poor installation, and no support when you need it most. We’ll make the process easy, help you find the perfect fit for your home, and create spaces you’ll love living in. Contact our team to schedule your free in-home design consultation today and skip the window covering mistakes.