There are many ways to bring extra warmth and comfort to your home this fall, but installing window treatments is one of the most effective. In older or drafty houses, dressing windows saves energy and makes rooms feel cozier. Autumn is the perfect time to take care of this so your home is snug for the colder months ahead.
We had white plantation shutters installed recently, and the change has been remarkable. Beyond improving coziness, light control, temperature and privacy, window treatments are an easy way to give a room personality and visual interest.
From the day we first saw this house I wanted to add more character. It already had charm as a solid older home, but there were details that felt like they needed something extra to elevate the space and define the style.
Deciding what kind of character to add took time. I thought about what would enhance the house without feeling overdone or out of place. The bedroom windows, with their 1950s proportions and placement, were especially tricky to figure out.
To refresh your memory (or if you’re new here), this is how that room looked when we moved in. Replacing or reshaping the windows wasn’t an option, so we decided to work with what we had and make it better.
Designing a room from scratch would be a dream, but improving existing elements is a rewarding challenge. After living with the windows for about two years and pondering the possibilities, I realized plantation shutters would give the house the lift I wanted.
At first I considered bamboo or woven blinds, which I love and have used elsewhere, but plantation shutters felt like the right choice. They add architectural weight and a chunky, textured detail that really suits the windows.
The view from these windows isn’t the main attraction of the house, so I wasn’t concerned about blocking scenery. With wide louvers, the shutters still allow you to enjoy light and a view of the trees while maintaining privacy by adjusting the slats.
Shutters also help keep dogs calm since they can’t see passersby. That alone is a huge plus if you have a noisy pup. I prefer bright rooms, so I don’t like pulling shades during the day. Tilting the shutters lets in light while keeping the room quiet, private and cozy—everything I want in a bedroom.
You can absolutely combine curtains and shutters. Curtain panels add softness and help frame the bed, balancing the window visually. In other rooms I might choose shutters or shades alone, so it’s nice that each room can be tailored to its needs.
Striped Curtains
Repeating shutters throughout rooms on the main and lower floors creates visual consistency inside and out. You can even spot a peek of the basement shutters from the exterior near the new deck. Shutters can significantly influence a home’s character—both inside and out—and I’ll share more photos and thoughts on that later.
Our shutters are from Select Blinds. They arrive ready to install after you provide window measurements. Having them custom-built and shipped saves on installation labor and can be very cost effective.
I was initially hesitant about a DIY install because we’re not particularly handy and I didn’t want a frustrating project. I was relieved to find the measuring and installation straightforward. Select Blinds offers guidance to ensure accurate measurements, and the installation was quicker than I expected. If we could do it, you can too.
HOW TO ORDER DISCOUNT SHUTTERS AND BLINDS
Use the referral code and link provided by the vendor at checkout to get the best available price when ordering custom shutters or blinds.
Use the link to Select Painted Wood Shutters (Birch White) and the code provided at checkout to receive an additional discount on top of current offers.
You can also find deals on other window coverings through the same retailer.
Do you have rooms or windows that could use a bit more coziness this fall?
Not every room needs shutters or shades, but if you want the snuggest space during cool, dark nights, window treatments could be just what your room needs.
Happy Fall-ifying! See you tomorrow!
Fall Nesting Series:
Happy Fall Nesting!
A Round up of Fall Doormats
Day One: An Autumn Mindset
Day Two: 20 Little Things to Love About Fall
Day Three: Cozying Up the House with Shutters
Day Four: How to Decorate Your Coffee Table in Any Season
Day Five: Fall House Tour
Day Six: Embrace Your Style (and adapt as needed)
Day Seven: Cozy Fall Morning Rituals
Visit my fall and home sources for shopping ideas and inspiration.
Cozy Fall Shop
Fall Doormats
Shop My House
Find my Homemaking & Decorating Books