Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Window Treatments
TLDR;
To avoid costly regrets, measure your windows correctly, choose materials suited to Michigan’s climate, prioritize function over style, ensure safety and ease of maintenance, and invest in energy-efficient options.
Love Is Blinds MI helps Michigan homeowners make confident, informed decisions with expert guidance and locally optimized solutions.
Mistake #1: Incorrect Measurements & Fit

Buying the most beautiful blinds or shades won’t matter if they don’t fit.
Why accurate measurement matters:
- Gaps allow light, cold air, and prying eyes in.
- Ill-fitting treatments look awkward and function poorly.
- Returning or resizing can be expensive and time-consuming.
Common measurement issues:
- Relying on estimates instead of a
steel tape measure
- Forgetting to measure in
three locations: top, middle, and bottom
- Confusing
inside vs. outside mounts
Tips for Michigan homeowners:
- Use a
measuring checklist to avoid errors.
- Measure
width and height in three places and use the smallest measurement.
- Decide between an
inside mount (clean, fitted look) or
outside mount (more privacy/light control).
- When unsure, consult a
local
window treatment installer in Michigan who understands older home frames, uneven sills, and historical window styles.
Mistake #2: Choosing the Wrong Materials for Michigan Climate

Michigan’s weather demands more than just pretty fabrics.
Climate considerations:
- Humid summers near the Great Lakes can warp natural wood blinds.
- Frigid winters call for insulating window coverings to retain indoor heat.
- Sunlight exposure can fade fabrics quickly in east- and west-facing rooms.
Ideal material choices:
- Faux wood and composite shutters: resist moisture and warping.
- Aluminum blinds: withstand high humidity in bathrooms or basements.
- UV-protected roller shades: prevent fading while maintaining a sleek look.
- Insulated cellular shades: trap air in honeycomb pockets for better thermal control.
Love Is Blinds MI recommends:
- Pairing
moisture-resistant blinds with kitchen and bathroom areas.
- Using
thermal-backed drapery in living rooms or bedrooms for year-round energy savings.
- Opting for
composite over real wood in lakefront homes or sunrooms.
Mistake #3: Prioritizing Style Over Function

Don’t let fashion override function.
Window treatments aren’t just decor—they serve vital purposes like:
- Blocking light
- Protecting privacy
- Reducing energy costs
- Controlling glare and heat
Common functionality errors:
- Installing
sheer curtains in a bedroom without blackout lining.
- Using
heavy drapes in small spaces, making rooms feel cramped.
- Choosing
corded blinds in a child’s room.
Room-by-room recommendations:
- Bedrooms: blackout curtains or layered shades for total light control.
- Living rooms: light-filtering fabrics with UV protection.
- Home offices: glare-reducing solar shades for screen time comfort.
- Bathrooms: moisture-resistant roller shades or faux wood blinds.
Seasonal adaptation tips for Michigan:
- Winter: prioritize
insulating materials to reduce heating bills.
- Summer: choose
solar or UV-reducing shades to cut down on heat and glare.
Mistake #4: Ignoring Safety & Maintenance Needs

Style shouldn’t come at the cost of safety—or your Saturday afternoons.
Child and pet safety in Michigan homes:
- Corded blinds present
strangulation risks.
- Climbing pets and toddlers can pull down ill-mounted drapery.
- Sharp aluminum edges or chain pulls can be hazards.
Solutions to consider:
- Cordless
window treatments: safe and modern.
- Motorized blinds: programmable and ideal for hard-to-reach windows.
- Child-safe blinds MI: certified products designed to eliminate hazards.
Maintenance mistakes to avoid:
- Choosing high-maintenance fabrics like velvet or silk in high-traffic areas.
- Installing
slatted blinds in homes with pets that shed heavily.
- Overlooking dust-prone materials like pleated shades in dusty basements.
If you're unsure where to start, here’s a simple guide on
how to maintain blinds to ensure they stay in top shape with minimal effort.
Go for easy-care solutions:
- Low-maintenance shutters: wipe clean with a cloth.
- Dust-resistant roller shades: ideal for busy family rooms.
- Machine-washable curtains: for a fresh look every season.
Mistake #5: Overlooking Energy Efficiency & Hidden Costs

Energy inefficiency in window coverings is a silent budget killer.
Why it matters in Michigan:
- Winters can drag on, and heating costs add up quickly.
- Summer AC runs longer with untreated windows.
- Older homes in Michigan often have
drafty window frames.
Smart energy-saving options:
- Insulated cellular shades: proven to reduce heat loss by up to 40%.
- Thermal-lined curtains: block cold air and retain indoor warmth.
- Layering window treatments: combine functionality with design.
Hidden costs to account for:
- DIY mismeasurements → costly returns or replacements.
- Poor insulation → higher monthly energy bills.
- Cheap materials → quicker wear-and-tear, leading to faster replacements.
Estimated savings:
- Proper window treatments can reduce
energy bills by 10–25% annually.
- In a Michigan home, this could mean saving
$200–$400 each year on heating and cooling.
Local Michigan Considerations for Window Treatments

Michigan homes have unique needs—from architectural quirks to seasonal shifts.
Seasonal style suggestions:
- Lakefront homes: privacy shades with coastal colors or moisture-resistant fabrics.
- Cabin interiors: rustic, insulating drapes with thermal linings.
- City condos: minimalist roller shades or solar shades with UV protection.
Local rebate and incentive programs:
- Consumers Energy and
DTE Energy offer incentives for energy-efficient upgrades.
- Look for
Energy Star-rated window treatments eligible for local rebates.
- Some cities in Michigan have
historic preservation guidelines—check before installing exterior shutters.
Vendor Spotlight – Why choose Love Is Blinds MI:
- Deep understanding of Michigan’s climate, architecture, and aesthetic preferences.
- In-home consultations from
licensed professionals who know local housing styles.
- Access to exclusive materials tailored to Michigan weather conditions.
Expert Advice: How to Choose & Install Perfect Window Treatments

1. Start with the right approach:
- Determine your
main goals: privacy, light control, style, energy savings.
- Consider
each room’s function and usage patterns.
- Set a
realistic budget, factoring in long-term energy and maintenance savings.
2. Measure with precision:
- Use a
steel tape, not fabric or string.
- Record width and height
in three spots (top, middle, bottom).
- Decide early if you want an
inside or outside mount.
3. Order fabric samples:
- Hold swatches up at different times of day.
- Consider how colors and materials respond to natural light.
4. Choose professional installation:
- Especially important for
older homes with uneven frames.
- Motorized or layered window treatments often need expert fitting.
- Love Is Blinds MI offers
expert in-home consultations for a flawless result.