Windows affect a room’s lighting, temperature, and color. I believe windows help establish my home’s character. It seems that window treatments do the same. My goal is to decorate my new home according to my style (French country/Tuscan), yet keep practicality and functionality without the house losing any character or style. This is most important to me.

I would like to savor as much natural light in each room as possible. In addition, it is important that I prevent as much heat from entering the house as possible. Is this done through certain types of blinds or by the type of windows that are installed in the house? It would seem to me that there would be certain types of window treatments that would be specifically designed to serve this function. I will do some research on this idea and see if such a product exists for this purpose.

My name is Vanny. I’m 25 years old. I am a newlywed. My husband and I are purchasing our first home together. My biggest frustration right now with the new house is deciding what kind of window treatments to use in each room. I guess the first thing I am wondering is whether I can use different types of treatments in different rooms (i.e. draperies in the kitchen, shutters in the living room, and blinds in the office). Or is that a faux pas? What are the pros and cons of the different options? How exactly do you go about choosing which option is the best option?