You don't have to sacrifice style for privacy!
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Going With a Basic Roller Shade Is Not Always the Best Option
When choosing the best privacy window treatments, don’t settle or assume the most effective option has to be plain, basic or drab. Nowadays, there are a ton of incredible colors, textures, and patterns that allow your interior design aesthetic and personality to shine.
“Going with a simple white roller shade is not always the best option,” Jones stresses.
If you’re anything like me, you love a space that feels open, airy, and bright. I’m a fan of keeping shades up during the day and letting as much natural sunlight in as possible. Some of my favorite window treatments that balance privacy with natural light and style include Pottery Barn’s Riviera Striped Roman Blackout Shade—perfect for those who need their bedroom to be completely dark while they sleep, and Pottery Barn’s Custom Belgian Linen Dual Roman Light Filtering Shade, which offers privacy, filters natural light, and exudes a seaside retreat vibe thanks to its linen-cotton fabric blend.
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Don’t Make Your Window Treatments an Afterthought
One of the biggest errors homeowners make is failing to budget properly or overlooking the wide variety of window dressing options available. Window treatments can be the finishing statement you need to pull an entire room together, so they deserve your time, research, and investment. As with any important design decision in the home, this one absolutely should not be rushed.
“It is possible for the window treatments to be an afterthought and often the desire for function and availability will outweigh the aesthetics,” Jones says.
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Test Out Samples in Your Space Before Making the Decision
According to Jones, many home decor and window treatment stores offer free swatches, consults and estimates to ensure you’re making the best design decision for your space before investing. So grab some of your favorites and test them out in the room where they’ll be installed. Pay attention to how each one looks in different lighting throughout the day and whether they mesh well with the vibe you’re trying to achieve.
I’ve previously worked with The Shade Store while perusing options for my own master bedroom. The brand offers the most beautiful selection of fabrics available as free samples, from woven wood shades in the “artisan weaves” collection to white linen blend roman shades. Anything you choose can be customized with a privacy liner.
“For draperies, I use a local custom work room, but I have also had success using Home Depot for shades and shutters or 3 Day Blinds on some projects,” offers Maynard. “In the industry, Hunter Douglas is considered the best brands for window shades.”
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Lean on the Pros to Get Things Right
The measuring process can be quite overwhelming—especially if you’re having custom window treatments made. Jones’s recommendation? If you don’t feel confident in your ability to measure your space, just leave the measuring to the pros! Many window treatment companies offer free at-home measuring to take any stress out of the equation.
“If there is an error with the product, then you are not the one responsible to get it corrected. I always appreciate the measure twice rule and encourage having the professionals that will install, confirm dimensions before placing an order,” Jones says.
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Consider Where the Treatments Will Be Mounted
Considering the location of your window treatment is key to ensuring it serves its core purpose and functions in the best possible way.
“Mounting will depend on the amount of space you have in your window frame. As new windows are being replaced in older homes, the new windows often take more space in the interior of a frame, meaning sometimes there is not enough depth to mount inside,” Jones explains. “If you mount on the exterior of the window, you need to consider how much space you have around the window and the potential spacing on the sides of a privacy shade.”
On the one hand, an inside mount is positioned inside the window frame and exudes a more custom look for shades. Roller shades that are held down on the sides so that no light can escape are becoming more popular. This option can be beneficial for those who love taking afternoon naps or work night shifts and need to sleep during the day.
“[On the other hand, an] outside mount is used for drapes and is mounted above the window. This can work well if you need blackout or complete darkness with heavy black out lining, and an outside mount drape, you should achieve complete darkness,” Maynard tells us.
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Choose a Color That Blends With Your Wall Color
The color of your window treatments should complement your wall color. If your walls are painted a shade of white, for instance, Maynard recommends white shades rather than a color that creates a stark contrast.
“If you use brown shades on a white wall, it will be too bold for the shades; it’s better to blend with the wall and disappear rather than stand out,” Maynard explains. “But if you have a small window in a bathroom or kitchen to add interest to the room, this is a place to add a print to make a statement.”
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Choose Bamboo Shades for Texture
If you’re looking for a fun, textured element that coincides with the neutral earth tones in your space, Jones suggests bamboo shades.
“[They] instantly make a space feel more elevated and thoughtfully considered,” she says.
Skeptical about the privacy aspect of bamboo? Rest assured, many come with a built-in privacy liner, or they can be customized with one. And if you find a style you love that’s unlined and can’t be customized, consider them for a living room or kitchen that needs just enough privacy during the daytime while still letting gentle patches of sun to stream through.
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Consider Louvered Shutters
Ever since my parents installed louvered shutters in the bathroom of my childhood home—paired with a beautiful floral wallpaper—I’ve been obsessed with the timeless charm plantation shutters bring to a space.
“If your window looks into your neighbor’s yard or home, plantation shutters are great,” says Maynard. “They look classic and provide privacy; you can slightly tilt the lovers up to let in light.”
When completely closed, plantation shutters do an excellent job at blocking out light, and during the day, you can simply open them to let the sunlight in. What I love most about plantation shutters is that they can also be installed on just the bottom half of the window, offering the best of both worlds.
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Don’t Forget the Finishing Touches
The decorating process doesn’t end once you choose your window treatments. There are a few essential finishing touches that can pull the entire look together.
One way to enhance privacy shades is to add curtains. According to Jones, this method will make your privacy window treatment “feel more custom and intentional.”
Maynard also recommends installing trim or a valance at the top of the shade, which can help cover the metal headrail and operating mechanism.
“With drapes, select a nice rod—not an inexpensive telescope rod; it looks flimsy and cheap,” she adds.
About the Experts
- Jim Lapic is the Co-Owner of Kestrel Shutters & Doors, which has been around since 1989, serving as a global provider of fine quality interior and exterior shutters and doors.
- Dusti Jones is the Founder & Principal Interior Designer of Dusti J Design, which was recognized by the Interior Design Society (IDS) with a 2025 Designer of the Year award. Jones is also a Certified Color Expert.
- Robbie Maynard, CID, NCIDQ, is an award-winning Interior Designer and the Principal Interior Designer at Robbie Maynard Interiors in San Diego, California. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interior Design and has been in the industry for more than 30 years.
