There are many ways to add layers of warmth and comfort to your home for fall, and one of the simplest, most effective changes is to update your window treatments. If you live in an older or drafty house, covering windows can save on heating costs and make rooms feel noticeably cozier. Fall is an ideal time to make the change so you’ll be snug when colder weather arrives.
We recently had white plantation shutters installed, and the difference has been immediate. Beyond improving privacy, light control and temperature, well-chosen window treatments add personality and architectural interest to a room.
From the moment we first saw this house, I knew I wanted to introduce more character. The house already had charm, but some features needed a subtle enhancement to bring the overall look together and give it more presence.
Deciding how to add that extra character without going overboard took time. I wrestled especially with the bedroom windows—the 1950s style, placement and proportions posed a design challenge. Replacing the windows or changing their shape wasn’t an option, so the project had to work with what was already there.
For reference, this is how the room looked when we moved in. With the windows fixed in place, I focused on treatments that could elevate the room’s style without altering the architecture.
Designing a home from scratch would be a dream, but improving what you already have is its own rewarding challenge. After living here for about two years and thinking about those windows daily, I decided plantation shutters would be the right addition to the bedrooms.
I had considered woven or bamboo shades, which I love and have used elsewhere, but plantation shutters ended up being the perfect solution. They introduce a substantial, architectural texture that enhances the windows and the room as a whole.
The view from these particular windows isn’t the main focal point of the house, so losing a panorama wasn’t a concern. With wide louvered shutters, you can still see outside, control daylight, and maintain privacy simply by adjusting the louvers. They strike a great balance between light, view and seclusion.
Shutters also help reduce stimulation for pets; dogs can’t see passersby through the slats, so they stay calmer during the day. I prefer natural daylight in my rooms, so being able to tilt the shutters keeps rooms bright while keeping noise and distractions to a minimum—exactly the cozy atmosphere I want.
You can absolutely layer curtains with shutters. In our bedroom, curtain panels soften the space and frame the window, helping balance the width of the window around the bed. In other rooms I might choose just shutters or just shades—each room benefits from a solution tailored to its needs.
Striped Curtains
Installing matching shutters in multiple rooms on the main and lower levels created a consistent aesthetic throughout the house and even reads nicely from the exterior. Small, repeated architectural details like shutters can significantly lift a home’s curb appeal and interior coherence.
Shutters do a lot for a home’s character, both inside and out. I’ll share more photos and thoughts on placement and styling in another post.
Our shutters are from Select Blinds. They arrived ready to install after we submitted our window measurements. Having them built to fit saved money on labor and made the project much more manageable.
I was nervous about a DIY installation because we don’t consider ourselves very handy, and I wanted the process to be quick and frustration-free. Measuring the windows was straightforward, and the installation was easier than I expected. Select Blinds provides guidance on measurements and customer support if you have questions. If we could do it, you likely can too.
HOW TO ORDER DISCOUNT SHUTTERS AND BLINDS
When ordering, be sure to apply any available referral codes to get the best price and discounts offered through your retailer.
Use the retailer’s product pages and any applicable discount codes at checkout to secure additional savings on painted wood shutters in birch white and other window coverings.
Many retailers also offer deals on other types of shades and blinds, so explore their full selection to find options that suit each room.
Do you have any rooms and windows that need to be cozied up for fall?
Not every window needs shutters or shades, but if you want a snug, warm room on a cold night, the right window treatment can make all the difference.
Happy Fall-ifying! See you soon.
Fall Nesting Series:
Happy Fall Nesting!
A Round up of Fall Doormats
Day One: An Autumn Mindset
Day Two: 20 Little Things
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 seasonal inspiration in the related posts and shop sections on the site.