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.
  

Frequently Asked Questions

How to measure windows for treatments in Michigan?

Measure width and height in three spots. Use the narrowest measurement. Decide on inside or outside mount based on desired coverage and aesthetics.

Best blinds for humid Michigan summers?

Opt for faux wood, composite shutters, or moisture-resistant aluminum blinds that won’t warp or grow mold.

Are cordless blinds safe for kids and pets?

Yes. Cordless and motorized options eliminate strangulation risks and prevent tangling. They're the best choice for homes with children or animals.

Can window treatments really lower my energy bills in Michigan?

Absolutely. Energy-efficient shades, curtains, and layered treatments can cut your heating and cooling bills by up to 25%.