How to Choose the Right Window Coverings

A room-by-room guide from Oklahoma City's most experienced window covering team.

Start With the Room, Not the Product

The biggest mistake homeowners make when shopping for window coverings is starting with a product in mind. They see shutters somewhere, decide they want shutters, and end up with shutters in a bathroom where faux wood blinds would have been half the price and worked just as well — or shutters in a living room where draperies would have transformed the entire feel of the space.

Start with the room. What does it need — privacy, light control, insulation, a design statement, or some combination? What's the window situation — standard double-hung, oversized, specialty shapes? Once you understand what a room actually needs, the right product usually becomes obvious.

Room-by-Room Guide

Living Room & Family Room

Primary needs: Glare control, light management, design impact.

South- and west-facing living rooms in Oklahoma receive intense afternoon sun. Solar shades — especially Hunter Douglas screen shades — are purpose-built for this: they reduce glare and heat without darkening the room or blocking the view. For a more formal or layered look, drapery panels add warmth and frame the windows without sacrificing function.

Top picks: Roller shades, solar shades, silhouette shades, draperies.

Bedroom

Primary needs: Blackout, privacy, sometimes motorization for ease.

Bedrooms need full blackout capability and complete privacy. Roller shades in a blackout fabric are the most reliable solution — clean, simple, and purpose-built. Cellular shades with room-darkening or blackout liners are also excellent, with the added benefit of insulation. Pairing any shade with drapery panels gives you a finished, layered look that reads as designed rather than functional.

Top picks: Blackout roller shades, cellular shades, draperies.

Kitchen

Primary needs: Easy cleaning, moisture resistance, light without full privacy loss.

Kitchens are hard on window coverings — grease, moisture, and steam are facts of life. Faux wood blinds are the workhorse here: they wipe clean, won't warp from humidity, and offer practical light control. Roller shades in a wipeable fabric are a cleaner-looking alternative. Avoid real wood products, fabric shades without protective coating, or anything difficult to clean above a sink or range.

Top picks: Faux wood blinds, roller shades in wipeable fabric.

Bathroom

Primary needs: Privacy, moisture resistance, minimal footprint.

Bathroom windows need maximum privacy and products that handle humidity. Vinyl shutters are ideal — they look sharp, provide complete privacy at any louver angle, and are completely impervious to moisture. Faux wood blinds are a more affordable alternative. Fabric products generally don't belong in bathrooms unless specifically rated for moisture exposure.

Top picks: Vinyl shutters, faux wood blinds.

Home Office

Primary needs: Glare control (especially on screens), light without full blackout.

Screen glare on monitors is the most common complaint in home offices. Solar shades reduce glare without making the room feel dark — you can work in natural light without fighting your screen. For video calls, having a shade that diffuses but doesn't fully block light is ideal. Motorized shades are increasingly popular in home offices, where you want precise control throughout the day without leaving your desk.

Top picks: Solar shades, silhouette shades, motorized roller shades.

Dining Room

Primary needs: Formality, design impact, light control for evening ambiance.

Dining rooms are where draperies earn their place. Floor-to-ceiling panels add formality and depth to a space that would otherwise feel unfinished. Plantation shutters are an equally strong choice — they look architectural, light control is precise, and they never go out of style. Woven wood shades add texture and warmth for more casual dining spaces.

Top picks: Draperies, plantation shutters, woven wood shades.

The Questions to Ask Before You Buy

Before committing to any product, get clear answers to these:

Not Sure Where to Start?

We do free in-home consultations across the Oklahoma City metro. We bring samples, assess your windows, and give you an exact quote — no pressure, no obligation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best window coverings for privacy?

Shutters and cellular shades offer the best privacy. Shutters let you angle the louvers to block sightlines while still admitting light. Roller shades in opaque or blackout fabric are the cleanest full-privacy option.

What window treatments are best for bedrooms?

Blackout roller shades or cellular shades are the top choice for bedrooms — they block morning light completely and provide full privacy. Many homeowners pair them with drapery panels for a layered, finished look.

What window coverings are easiest to clean?

Faux wood blinds and vinyl shutters are the easiest to clean — a damp cloth is all you need. Real wood products require more care and should not get wet. Fabric shades can be spot-cleaned or professionally cleaned.

How much do custom window coverings cost in Oklahoma City?

Custom window covering prices vary widely based on product type, size, and features. Faux wood blinds are typically the most affordable option. Motorized shades and custom draperies are at the higher end. Sikes Interiors offers free in-home consultations with exact quotes — no obligation.