How to Choose Window Treatments That Feel as Good as They Look
Window treatments actively shape how we perceive and experience a space. The right balance of light control, material, and placement can influence everything from our mood and focus to our sleep quality and sense of security.
If you’ve ever felt instantly calmer in a softly lit room or struggled to focus under harsh lighting, you already understand the power of neuro design in action. Let’s talk about how to choose window treatments that support well-being, enhance accessibility, and make your space feel just right.
Curtains vs. Roman Shades: Which One Feels Better?
The way light moves in a room can impact how we feel. Some people need cozy, enveloping spaces to feel relaxed, while others thrive in bright, open environments that keep their energy up. That’s why window treatments should be customized to your sensory needs as much as they are to your aesthetic.
Curtains: Best for Soft, Restorative Spaces
Curtains create a sense of movement, texture, and warmth—which is why they feel right at home in bedrooms, living rooms, and dining areas.
Emotional Impact: The way curtains drape makes a space feel softer and more welcoming. If you want a calming, grounded space, go for heavier fabrics like velvet or linen.
Sensory Control: Blackout curtains help signal to your brain that it’s time to wind down—a great choice for bedrooms, nurseries, and home theaters.
Best for Large Openings: Sliding glass doors and floor-to-ceiling windows benefit from curtains because they provide full coverage without blocking access to natural light when open.
Roman Shades: Best for Precision & Simplicity
Roman shades provide a clean, tailored look and are perfect for spaces where fabric draping might get in the way.
Emotional Impact: Roman shades make a space feel more structured and polished, making them great for offices, kitchens, and bathrooms where you need functionality without clutter.
Sensory Control: A semi-opaque Roman shade can provide just enough privacy while letting in soft, diffused light—ideal for a workspace or a cozy reading nook.
Space-Saving: Unlike curtains, shades fit neatly within the window frame, which makes them a great choice for small spaces or areas with furniture close to the windows.
Blackout vs. Semi-Opaque: Controlling Light for Comfort & Functionality
Light plays a huge role in regulating our circadian rhythm, reducing stress, and even boosting cognitive function. Your choice between blackout and semi-opaque window treatments should depend on how much control you want over light exposure in a given space.
Blackout Curtains & Shades: The Ultimate Light Blockers
Perfect for bedrooms, nurseries, and media rooms, blackout fabrics help create a fully dark environment that signals to your brain it’s time to rest and recharge.
Best For: People who are light-sensitive sleepers, work night shifts, or live in urban areas with streetlights nearby.
Wellness Benefits: Total darkness helps improve melatonin production, leading to deeper sleep.
*Accessibility Tip: If pulling heavy blackout curtains is difficult, choose motorized drapery or roller-style blackout shades, which can be adjusted with minimal effort.
Semi-Opaque Curtains & Shades: A Soft Balance
For spaces where you want natural light but still need privacy, semi-opaque fabrics offer the best of both worlds.
Best For: Living rooms, home offices, or any space where you want to reduce glare without creating a dark environment.
Wellness Benefits: Softly filtered light can enhance focus and mood without being overstimulating.
*Sensory-Friendly Tip: If bright morning light disrupts your sleep, try a layered approach—a sheer curtain for the day and a heavier, blackout option for nighttime.
How to Make Window Treatments More Physically Accessible
Window treatments should be easy to open, close, and adjust for everyone, regardless of mobility, height, or sensory needs.
Cordless & Motorized Options
Traditional pull cords can be frustrating and difficult to use for those with mobility limitations. Look for:
Cordless Roman shades with a simple push-up or pull-down mechanism
Motorized blackout curtains or shades for effortless adjustments
Remote or voice-controlled smart shades that can be programmed to adjust with sunrise and sunset
If reaching high curtain rods is a challenge, use extendable curtain wands to pull drapes closed
Lightweight Fabrics for Easier Handling
Heavy drapes can be a struggle to pull open, especially if you have large windows. Consider:
Linen or cotton blends instead of thick velvet
Drapery rings or gliders that make opening and closing easier
Tiebacks with magnetic closures for quick adjustments
Window treatments aren’t just about looks—they shape how a room makes you feel. Whether you want a cozy retreat, a focused workspace, or a bright and open living area, the right combination of light control, fabric choice, and accessibility features can transform your space into one that feels effortless and intuitive.
By thinking about how your brain and body respond to different lighting, textures, and accessibility features, you can create a home that not only looks beautiful—but truly supports your well-being.
Our partner, Two Pages offers a plethora of options that can fit any budget and any space. Contact us today for a design and view Two Page’s offerings here.