A Guide to Dining Room Window Treatments

Whether your family is hosting a traditional celebration or keeping the festivities more intimate, you want your family and guests to be comfortable in your dining area. However, harsh sunlight, less than scenic views and foot traffic outside a window will distract your guests during their meal. For these reasons, selecting the right dining room window treatments for your space can be the difference between a comfortable private setting and an uncomfortable fishbowl feeling. Let’s elevate your dining room style this year!

Function

Function is just as important as style when it comes to dining room window coverings. The right shades or drapery can dramatically reduce glare from midday or afternoon sun, helping your guests dine comfortably without squinting. They also add privacy for cozy evening meals, allowing you to enjoy dinner by candlelight without feeling exposed to neighbors or passersby. This balance of light control and discretion creates the perfect ambiance from brunch to dessert.

Choosing Dining Room Window Treatments

Consider all existing elements in your dining room when selecting your window treatments. For instance, how much natural light does the room receive? Are there any privacy concerns? What time of day is the room most often used?

dining room before and after using window shades St Paul, MN
Silhouette® Window Shades

As you can see, the dining room above is filled with incredible natural light. However, with window coverings, this room was filled with harsh light and glare over the course of the day. Once these sheer shades were installed, this dining space showcased a glowing atmosphere. Looking for solutions for your own home? With a number of choices to consider, our team can guide you to the ideal selections. Let’s look at what’s possible…

Layering with Fabrics

Fabrics bring softness, style and color into your space. Add draperies for a simple yet elegant choice while achieving some light and privacy control. If more light control or privacy is desired, consider layering your window treatments.

long drapes frame dining room windows in St Paul, MN
Drapery Side Panels with Designer Banded Shades

This dining room uses Designer Banded Shades as a base layer to provide light control and privacy. This option offers diffused view-through when shifted open and light control & privacy when closed off.

Optimizing the Light and Gaining Privacy

When gathering with friends and family, a well-lit dining space coupled with privacy are often top priorities. If there are foot traffic distractions outside your dining room windows, a top down bottom up system may be your solution. While top down bottom up refers to shades, shutters are available with a similar feature to bring incredible benefits.

shutters provide privacy in St Paul, MN
NewStyle® Hybrid Shutters

This dining room uses NewStyle Hybrid Shutters which offers a “split tilt” system. In this system, the top of the shutters remains open, allowing light into the space, while the bottom of the shutters can be closed for complete privacy and light control at eye-level.

Tempering the Natural Light 

Who doesn’t enjoy a light filled dining room? Unfortunately, it is hard to break bread while squinting from glare or heating-up under direct light. If your dining room is filled with generous windows, sunlight may be causing discomfort to your family and guests. The ideal window treatments will give you control over these elements.

Pirouette shades diffuse light in Minneapolis, MN
Pirouette® window shades

Pirouette shades are used in this dining room to provide a range of light control. When these shades are opened, they reveal light diffusing sheer fabrics. However, when closed, they offer complete privacy, light blocking and protection from harsh UV rays.

Shades or Drapery?

Both shades and drapery can elevate your dining space, but each comes with unique benefits and considerations.

Pros of Shades

  • Excellent for precise light control and glare reduction
  • Sleek, modern look that suits a variety of décor styles
  • Many options include energy efficiency and UV protection
  • Features like top down bottom up allow customized privacy

Cons of Shades

  • Less texture and softness compared to fabric drapery
  • May require layering for full blackout or decorative effect

Pros of Drapery

  • Adds warmth, softness, and luxurious style to your dining area
  • Wide range of fabrics, colors, and patterns for personalization
  • Great for framing windows and enhancing room acoustics

Cons of Drapery

  • May require more maintenance (dusting or dry cleaning)
  • Provides less flexible light control unless layered with shades

Find the Perfect Dining Room Window Coverings

Every dining space deserves the right balance of style, comfort, and function. Whether you love the tailored look of shades, the elegance of drapery, or a layered combination, our experts at Aero Drapery & Blind will help you find the perfect fit for your home.

Narrowing the Window Covering Choices!

Ready to explore dining room window covering options that are custom to your home?  Our team at Aero Drapery & Blind can help you choose the best solutions. Please contact us for a FREE design consultation.