Bedroom Window Treatment Ideas: 23 Stylish Designs

Bedroom Window Treatment Ideas are the foundation of a thoughtful, well-planned space. This comprehensive guide brings together everything our editors have learned about Bedroom Window Treatment Ideas, from layout and lighting to materials, finishes and budget-friendly upgrades, so you can make confident decisions and avoid the costly mistakes we see repeated in homes every year. Whether you are starting a full refurbishment or simply refreshing a tired room, the Bedroom Window Treatment Ideas covered here will help you get the most from your space, your budget and your time.

Bedroom Window Treatment Ideas: Why the Right Window Treatment Is the Most Important Bedroom Decision

In most American homes, the bedroom window treatment is the single most important element of the room. The right treatment blocks the light that would otherwise wake the sleeper at dawn, controls the heat that would otherwise make the room uncomfortable, provides the privacy that allows the sleeper to relax, and adds the softness, color, and texture that make the bedroom feel like a sanctuary.

A well-chosen bedroom window treatment transforms the room from a place to sleep into a true retreat. A poorly chosen one, or no treatment at all, makes the room feel exposed, bright in the morning, and visually unfinished.

This guide brings together 23 bedroom window treatment ideas for American homes, from blackout shades to curtains, from modern to traditional, from off-the-rack to custom.

23 Bedroom Window Treatment Ideas

1. Blackout Curtains

The most important bedroom window treatment: blackout curtains, which block the light that would otherwise wake you at dawn. The curtains can be lined with a separate blackout lining for the best performance.

2. Blackout Roman Shades

Blackout Roman shades, mounted inside the window frame, are a clean, tailored option for bedrooms. The shades can be raised and lowered independently.

3. Blackout Roller Shades

Blackout roller shades, mounted inside the window frame, are a simple, effective option. The shades can be paired with curtains for a layered look.

4. Cellular Shades

Cellular shades, also known as honeycomb shades, are an energy-efficient option that traps air in the cells. The shades provide insulation and light blocking.

5. Top-Down Bottom-Up Shades

Top-down bottom-up shades, which can be lowered from the top or raised from the bottom, provide flexible light control and privacy.

6. Layered Curtains and Sheers

Layered curtains, with a sheer layer on the back rod and a heavier curtain on the front, allow for versatile light control.

7. Curtains with Blackout Lining

Curtains with a separate blackout lining, attached to the back of the curtain, provide excellent light control. The blackout lining can be added to any curtain.

8. Floor-Length Curtains

Floor-length curtains, hung from a ceiling-mounted rod, make the window and the room feel larger.

9. Velvet Curtains

Velvet curtains, in a rich color, add warmth, weight, and a sense of luxury. The velvet also provides excellent light blocking and insulation.

10. Linen Curtains

Linen curtains, in a soft neutral, drape beautifully and soften the light. The linen works in any style of bedroom.

11. Plantation Shutters

Plantation shutters, in a traditional or contemporary design, are a classic, durable option. The shutters can be adjusted for light control and privacy.

12. Wood Blinds

Wood blinds, in a real or faux wood, are a classic, natural option. The blinds can be adjusted for light control and privacy.

13. Faux Wood Blinds

Faux wood blinds, in a moisture-resistant material, are ideal for bathrooms and high-humidity bedrooms. The blinds look like real wood but are more durable.

14. Vertical Blinds

Vertical blinds are a practical option for large windows and sliding glass doors. The blinds can be drawn to one side and stacked neatly.

15. Panel Track Blinds

Panel track blinds, with large fabric panels that slide along a track, are a modern, sleek option.

16. Woven Wood Shades

Woven wood shades, made from natural materials such as bamboo, jute, or grass, add a natural, organic touch. The shades filter light while providing privacy.

17. Roman Shades in a Pattern

Roman shades, in a pattern such as a stripe, a floral, or a geometric, add visual interest. The pattern can be in coordinating colors with the rest of the room.

18. Valances

A valance, mounted above the window, hides the curtain rod and adds a decorative touch. The valance can be a simple pleated style or a more elaborate swag.

19. Cornices

A cornice, a fabric-covered board mounted above the window, hides the curtain rod and adds a tailored, traditional touch.

20. Café Curtains

Café curtains, covering only the lower portion of the window, are a charming, traditional choice. The curtains allow light in at the top while providing privacy at the bottom.

21. Sheer Curtains Alone

Sheer curtains alone, in a bedroom that does not need full blackout, soften the light and add a sense of romance.

22. Curtains with Tiebacks

Curtains with tiebacks, in a coordinating fabric or a contrasting color, add a traditional, romantic touch.

23. A Statement Window Treatment

A statement window treatment, such as an elaborate valance, a dramatic curtain, or a unique shade, can be the focal point of a bedroom.

How to Choose the Right Bedroom Window Treatment

The right bedroom window treatment depends on three things: the light, the style, and the level of privacy needed.

Consider the Light

If the bedroom faces east, choose blackout window treatments to block the morning light. If the bedroom faces west, choose heavier treatments that can be closed in the afternoon.

Consider the Style

The window treatment should match the style of the bedroom. In a modern bedroom, choose clean-lined Roman shades or roller shades. In a traditional bedroom, choose pinch-pleat curtains or plantation shutters. In a casual bedroom, choose Roman shades or café curtains.

Consider the Privacy

If the bedroom is on a ground floor or faces another building, choose window treatments that provide full privacy when closed.