The Top Basement Window Treatments In Chicago
If your basement windows don’t have window treatments, you’re not alone. It’s difficult to find a window treatment in Chicago that lets in the sunlight your basement needs, while maintaining your privacy. And when you have small windows, covering them and matching them with your space becomes an even bigger challenge. Plus, basements often have high humidity, which affects the kind of window treatment you buy.
The easiest way to determine which kind of window treatment will work best for your basement in Chicago is to start with the kind of basement you have.
Window Treatments For Walk-Out Basements In Chicago, IL
Homeowners with walk-out basements in Chicago don’t have to worry as much about dampness and mold when choosing window treatments. But you do need to find a window treatment for your windows that gives you control over light and gives you privacy, especially if your big screen TV is in your basement.
Draperies offer privacy. If you use heavier material and blackout layers, they can block most of the light from shining through. But draperies don’t let you see the original architecture of your basement windows behind their folds. And they can get dirty easily and stay dirty until their annual cleaning. You have less light control with draperies as you’re only able to move the panels to one side or the other. Light can still come in through the sides of the window treatment.
Control your basement windows with plantation shutters. The shutter panels are encased in a frame that prevents light from coming through the sides. This gives you ultimate privacy. No one is able to look inside when you close your shutters.
You can tilt the shutter louvers to let in more light. You can even add a divider rail to operate the top of the basement window shutters separately from the bottom. And the weatherstripping on premium plantation shutters provides the temperature control larger windows need.
Plantation shutters are custom-built to match to the window’s shape. In that way, shutters show off the unique lines and curves of your arched and circular windows.
Another great option for walk-out basements is sliding barn doors. You can take advantage of the outside view by moving the panels to the sides of the window. And the barn doors become a work of art when they’re closed, contributing to the room’s style.
Keep in mind that there might be a small space on the sides where light can come in. That’s because of the way the barn door is installed.
For your walk-out basement door, you’ll need a durable window treatment that can endure the door’s constant opening and closing. Store-bought and mail-order Shades and blinds can bang as they hit the glass. And if they’re tied down to the frame, they don’t look finished. But custom, made-to-order blinds — especially faux-wood blinds — that are expertly sized and properly installed can work quite nicely.
Shutters are also a strong choice for walk-up basement doors in Chicago.
Window Treatments For Look-Out Basements In Chicago
We have another blog about how to choose window fashions for humid-heavy rooms here. For look-out basements in Chicago, the possibility of dampness and mold growth is something to keep in mind when selecting a window treatment. So you’ll want one that can withstand humid conditions and goes with your space.
Premium wood and synthetic wood shutters are moisture resistant. Certain plantation shutters have been shown to never warp. That’s what makes them a great choice for look-out basements.
You can bring the warm look of wood to this colder part of your house with the custom look of plantation shutters. These energy efficient shutters save you money on your utility bills year round and make relaxing in your basement an enjoyable experience.
Combine plantation shutters and window film for added energy efficiency. Now, you can swing open the shutter panels when the sun is shining while taking advantage of the benefits of window film.
For small basement windows, you can give the illusion of a bigger window by installing shutters that are taller than the window itself. And you keep all the benefits of privacy and light control.
