With the rise of remote and hybrid work setups, more and more people can do their jobs in the comfort of their PJs, eliminating the stress of commuting and avoiding the summer heat. But, creating a home office requires more than just setting up a computer, desk, and chair. You should also consider the color of your room, lighting, and insulation to optimize your productivity. Various window treatments can help you with that.
Light Filtering Shades
Light filtering shades are a type of window treatment designed to diffuse natural light without blocking it out entirely. This gives your room a soft and gentle glow, enhancing the overall ambiance.
They help reduce glare on screens and provide privacy while still allowing you to enjoy the benefits of natural daylight. Some types of light filtering shades you may want to consider for your home office setup are:
- Cellular Shades (Honeycomb Shades): The distinctive honeycomb design of cellular shades traps air in individual cells, creating a barrier between the window and the room, which helps keep your home office cooler in the summer.
- Roller Shades: As the name suggests, roller shades consist of a single piece of fabric that wraps around a cylindrical tube designed to roll up and down seamlessly. They provide a clean, modern look and are available in various opacities.
- Roman Shades: Roman shades, with their neat, horizontal pleats and elegant folds, provide an elegant touch to any room, including home offices. You can choose from unlined shades for a softer light or opt for lined or blackout options to block more light and improve privacy.
Blackout Curtains
If you want to block out all external light and prefer superior light control, blackout curtains may be your best option. This type of window treatment can block out light even during the brightest summer days, allowing you to work without the distraction of glare on your screens, ensuring complete privacy, and maintaining a consistent lighting environment.
Motorized Shades
Motorized shades allow you to control your blinds or curtains with the touch of a button. You can use a remote control or a smartphone app. This convenience makes adjusting light and privacy levels easy without interrupting your workflow.
You can open the shades gradually in the morning to let in natural light or close them automatically for privacy during conference calls.
The absence of visible cords or manual mechanisms helps maintain clean lines and a streamlined appearance. Motorized shades create a tidy and professional workspace, which is ideal for spacious offices and multi-function studios. You can ask the experts in commercial window treatments for the best advice based on your business goals and budget.
Sheer Drapes
If you prefer improving your room’s privacy but want to keep the space bright and open, sheer drapes are ideal. Sheer drapes filter natural light and reduce the glare on your computer screen and other reflective surfaces while still allowing enough light in.
The lightweight and breathable nature of sheer drapes allows for better air circulation in your home office. This can help keep the room feeling fresh and comfortable, especially during summer. This type of window treatment is also more affordable compared to heavier ones.
Dark Wood Shutters
Dark wood shutters are not only aesthetically pleasing but also incredibly durable. They are designed to withstand the test of time, providing a long-lasting window treatment solution that enhances the beauty and value of your home.
The slats can be tilted to control the amount of light entering the room for customized lighting and privacy. When fully closed, dark wood shutters effectively block out light. This type of window treatment is also highly versatile and can easily complement traditional and modern interiors.
Bamboo Blinds
If you prefer a more “nature-themed” home office, consider incorporating bamboo blinds into your windows. Most bamboo blinds are typically crafted from natural bamboo slats woven together with various materials, such as jute, cotton, or polyester.
Bamboo blinds provide an earth, organic look to your office and can usually be paired with liners or curtains. The woven design also allows for better airflow during hot summer days and is relatively easy to maintain, requiring only occasional wiping and regular dusting.
The biodegradable material of these blinds makes it ideal for people who value eco-friendly options.
Final Thoughts
Creativity is important when improving your home office. The recommended window treatments above can also be paired with other types of window treatments that weren’t mentioned.
For a more thorough and personalized approach, consider consulting with window treatment experts. They can offer valuable insights and customized solutions that cater to your home office’s lighting, privacy, and aesthetic requirements, ensuring your desired work environment.
About the Author
Zana Dodig has over 20 years of experience in the window-covering industry. She is the owner of Prestige Decor Window Treatments & Upholstery store in Mississauga Canada. Her expertise lies in custom curtains, drapery installation, blinds and fabrics. She loves sharing her professional experience and knowledge with the world.
