Curtain Window
What are the Differences Between Window Treatments and Window Coverings?
All I want is a little clarity. I am the type of person who gets bothered by imprecise language, especially when it is within my own industry. You see, it’s my job to write about window blinds and shades and the terms, window treatments and coverings are bantered about all the time with little regard to their real meaning.
I decided to do some research and get a definitive answer, which I would share with the public. I am not expecting to create some kind of revolution just want to shed some light on a couple of pretty nebulous words.
First, I went to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary and found nothing, no definition for either word. How could that be? These are fairly common terms. This is confusing to me. I use an online tool in my work that tells me how many times per day the internet searching public uses keywords. The word window treatments gets used about 2,600 per day and the word window coverings gets used about 625 per day. And yet, these words are not clearly defined. I sense a conspiracy – just kidding.
My next resource was Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia with descriptions and explanations written by everyday people. I found the following entries:
A window covering is material used to cover a window to reduce sunlight, to provide additional weatherproofing, or to ensure privacy. Window Coverings are usually on the interior side of windows, but can be on the exterior in some situations. Types of coverings include: drapes, curtains, window blinds, including: Venetian blinds, mini blinds, window shutters, vvarious types of boarding, nailed or screwed to the window casing, can be used as temporary window covering.
In interior decorating, a window treatment may refer to any of the following items placed over or around a window: curtains or drapery, including sheers, window blinds, including Venetian blinds, a valance, tiebacks used to hold curtains. It may also include treatments applied to directly to the glass, including: frosted glass (through acid, etching, sandblasting, or plastic films or panels), distorted optics, such as wavy glass, stained glass panels or ornaments.
It seems to me, based on these two entries that there is little difference between their meanings. Both include window blinds, drapes, curtains and Venetian blinds (an old term for what is now commonly referred to as mini blinds). Where they seem to depart, at least according to these descriptions is that window coverings includes shutters (in this case plantation shutters) and window treatments can include treatments to the glass itself.
Both have the basic meaning of something to decorate or cover a window for privacy and light-control (room darkening) and to accentuate the décor of a room. So, essentially what we have here are two poorly defined words that have virtually the same meaning. So, I would like to make a personal ruling on this issue and say that window treatments should be any treatment: drapes, blinds and shades on the interior (inside) portion of a window, whereas window coverings should be any treatment: shutters, storm shutters, and awnings to the outside portion of a window. That seems clearer to me. Doesn’t mean that everyone is suddenly going to jump on my definition bandwagon, but I can hope.
About the Author
There you have it the non-definitive definition of window treatments and window coverings. I think I will do my masters thesis on this earth-shattering subject. – David Brooks
How to measure for curtains and window treatments
 |
 1 Piece Sheer Voile Window Curtain Panel Solid black NEW $5.99 Time Remaining: 8d 9h 39m Buy It Now for only: $5.99 Buy It Now |
 4pcs Grommet Top Solid Black Micro Suede Lined Window Curtain Drape Panel Set $24.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 32m |
 POTTERY BARN Margaritte Window Panels 50x84 multicolor Used to stage home $122.50 (6 Bids) Time Remaining: 52m |
 Black Solid 1 Sheer Window Curtain Panel Brand New $6.29 Time Remaining: 3d 11h 19m Buy It Now for only: $6.29 Buy It Now |
 4pcs Beige Black Bamboo Branch Window Curtain Drape Set $34.49 Time Remaining: 1h 28m Buy It Now for only: $37.99 Buy It Now |
 2pcs Silky SatinLeopard Window Curtain Drape Panels 110x84 $9.95 Time Remaining: 1h 4m Buy It Now for only: $11.95 Buy It Now |
 4 Piece Sheer Voile Window Curtain Panel Solid BLACK NEW $19.99 Time Remaining: 13d 4h 56m Buy It Now for only: $19.99 Buy It Now |
 Black Embroidery Sterling Rose WINDOW CURTAIN DRAPE Set $34.49 Time Remaining: 1h 34m Buy It Now for only: $37.99 Buy It Now |
 ROOSTER5 Piece Kitchen Cottage Curtain Set WINDOW CURTAIN 24 L top of morning $9.99 Time Remaining: 29d 20h 15m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 Buy It Now |
 NEW BROWN TAN CURTAIN SET MICRO SUEDE PANEL Window Valance A14819 $33.99 Time Remaining: 1h 22m Buy It Now for only: $37.99 Buy It Now |
 Pier 1 Imports window panels 2 EUC $25.99 Time Remaining: 1d 7h 15m Buy It Now for only: $29.99 Buy It Now |
 4 Pcs Sheer Voile Window Panel curtains 20 different colors Brand New Curtian $16.99 Time Remaining: 23d 9h 22m Buy It Now for only: $16.99 Buy It Now |
 4pcs Multi Color Gitano Jacquard Patchwork Window Curtain Drape Set NEW $34.99 Time Remaining: 2h 29m Buy It Now for only: $38.99 Buy It Now |
 APPLE ORCHARD COMPLETE KITCHEN CURTAIN SET WINDOW CURTAIN FRUITS $9.99 Time Remaining: 8d 22h 19m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 Buy It Now |
 4 Panels of 101 Window Drapery Treatment Dupioni Yellow Taupe Crimson $24.95 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 2d 6h 44m |
 4pcs Black Grey Beige Window Curtain Drape Set with Sheer Backing $34.49 Time Remaining: 2h 18m Buy It Now for only: $37.99 Buy It Now |
 Orange Lime Green Blue Pink Stripe Trim Bedroom Kitchen Window Valance Decor $12.95 Time Remaining: 26d 4h 35m Buy It Now for only: $12.95 Buy It Now |
 cupcake Pink Brown window treatment kitchen curtain drape valance new custom $12.99 Time Remaining: 4h 23m Buy It Now for only: $14.99 Buy It Now |
 Park Designs SALEM Brown Black Tan Plaid Country Window Valance $12.95 Time Remaining: 29d 19h 7m Buy It Now for only: $12.95 Buy It Now |
 2 BURGUNDY LACE WINDOW SWAG VALANCES EACH60W X 38L BEAUTIFUL $9.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 2h 19m |
 HUGE PAIR VINTAGE FRENCH SATIN DAMASK FLORAL WINDOW CURTAIN DRAPES w ACANTHUS $1.56 Time Remaining: 4d 23h 20m |
 Zebra Print w Hot Pink Border Valance Curtain Window Treatment Kids 43 X 15 $9.99 Time Remaining: 2d 14h 3m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 Buy It Now |
 Ikea Window Panels 4 NIP LILL $15.99 Time Remaining: 3h 55m |
 4 Piece Sheer Voile Window Curtain Panel Solid Red NEW $22.75 Time Remaining: 18d 9h 50m Buy It Now for only: $22.75 Buy It Now |
 4pcs White Black Zebra Micro Fur WINDOW CURTAIN DRAPE Set New $34.49 Time Remaining: 22h 32m Buy It Now for only: $37.99 Buy It Now |
 Lot Of 4 Waverly Country Black White Toile Lined Window Curtain Valances $29.99 Time Remaining: 3h 39m |
 1 Piece Sheer Voile Window Curtain Panel Solid white NEW $6.75 Time Remaining: 2d 9h 44m Buy It Now for only: $6.75 Buy It Now |
 ROMANTIC ANTIQUE FRENCH COUNTRY COTTAGE WINDOW CURTAIN DRAPE FABRIC PANEL ROSES $48.99 (6 Bids) Time Remaining: 4d 23h 22m |
 Storybook Princess Belle children window treatments $40.00 Time Remaining: 1h 31m Buy It Now for only: $45.00 Buy It Now |
 SUNFLOWER BURGUNDY COMPLETE KITCHEN CURTAIN SET 24 long WINDOW CURTAIN FLOWERS $10.99 Time Remaining: 7d 5h 10m Buy It Now for only: $10.99 Buy It Now |
 BURGUNDY LACE WINDOW SWAG VALANCE 60W X 38L BEAUTIFUL $5.25 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 2h 21m |
 Orange Solid 2 Piece Voile Sheer Window Curtain Panels Brand New $12.99 Time Remaining: 28d 7h 32m Buy It Now for only: $12.99 Buy It Now |
 NEW BROWN BLUE CURTAIN SET MICRO SUEDE WINDOW VALANCE PANEL P14833 $33.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 3h 9m |
 BIG PAIR ANTIQUE FRENCH HAND EMBROIDERED FINE LACE WINDOW CURTAIN DRAPES w ROSES $64.79 (8 Bids) Time Remaining: 4d 23h 23m |
 Gray Grey Solid 2 Piece Voile Sheer Window Curtain Panels Brand New $12.99 Time Remaining: 15d 21h Buy It Now for only: $12.99 Buy It Now |
 2 Panels Lace Rose Flower Floral White Curtains Window Treatment Home $4.00 Time Remaining: 3d 1h 18m |
 1 Pcs Sheer Voile Window Panel curtains 20 different colors Brand New Curtian $5.25 Time Remaining: 8d 10h 12m Buy It Now for only: $5.25 Buy It Now |
 Silk Flower bouquets to hold back drapes or fabric on window treatments $20.00 Time Remaining: 3h 17m |
 M J Window Treatments Empress Silk Dupioni Green Curtain Loden 42 x 108 Home $19.99 Time Remaining: 1d 20h 4m |
 Zebra Print with Hot Pink Border Valance Curtain Window Treatment Kids $9.99 Time Remaining: 27d 8h 56m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 Buy It Now |
 Canopy 2 Woven Stripe Drapery Sheer Window Panel Curtain 63L X 52 W New W Tag $9.95 Time Remaining: 6h 48m |
 8pcs Zebra pink black flocking curtains window sheers panels included $24.99 Time Remaining: 29d 9h 44m Buy It Now for only: $24.99 Buy It Now |
 Canopy 2 Woven Stripe Drapery Sheer Window Panel Curtain 63L X 52 W New W Tag $9.95 Time Remaining: 6h 49m |
 WINDOW CURTAIN VALANCE BURGUNDY COUNTRY PLAID ON IVORY $11.50 Time Remaining: 6h 47m Buy It Now for only: $12.75 Buy It Now |
 LANDSCAPE CURTAINS WINDOW ART MURALS 2 ENGLISH GARDEN PANELS LOUISE HAMIL $27.95 Time Remaining: 23d 22h 28m Buy It Now for only: $27.95 Buy It Now |
 2 Pottery Barn Kids Pink Thin Whale Corduroy Window Curtain Panels Pair 44 x 84 $19.99 Time Remaining: 2d 21h 41m Buy It Now for only: $29.99 Buy It Now |
 Heritage Lace White BUTTERFLIES Window Valance $11.95 Time Remaining: 29d 14h 19m Buy It Now for only: $11.95 Buy It Now |
 Beautiful Window Valances BERKELEY STRIPE Lot of 2 $8.99 Time Remaining: 3h 57m |
 Ikea Sarita 98x56 Set of 2 Bright Sheer Sheen Orange Window Panels $0.99 Time Remaining: 5h 19m |
 White Solid 1 Sheer Window Curtain Panel Brand New $6.29 Time Remaining: 3d 11h 19m Buy It Now for only: $6.29 Buy It Now |
 New Modern Satin Grommet Window Curtain Set Burgundy $34.99 Time Remaining: 7h 19m Buy It Now for only: $38.99 Buy It Now |
 2 Piece Solid Sage Green Sheer Window Curtains/drape/panels/treatment 52"w X 84"l List Price: Sale Price: $3.98 You save: $26.01 (87%)  Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionGive your home decor style and sophistication when you decorate with sheer window panels. Each vivid colored curtains have a warming effect on your home window treatment while provides privacy at the same time...  |
 Country Living 150 Ways to Dress Your Windows: A Decorating Guide to Curtains, Sheers & Shades List Price: Sale Price: $13.55 You save: $6.40 (32%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionSure to inspire, this beautifully photographed book showcases many drapes, shades, and window treatments, explaining the different styles, fabrics, colors, and finishing touches that are available today... |
 Tadpoles Multi-Layer Tulle Curtain Panel in White List Price: Sale Price: $29.99 You save: $5.00 (14%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionMulti-Layer White Tulle Curtain Panel - Four delicious layers of snow-white tulle cascade down this glamorously feminine window curtain panel. Rod pocket design. 42 wide x 63 drop. Machine washable. 1 Panel |
 Maytex Velvet Blackout Panel Curtain, Black List Price: Sale Price: $23.54 You save: $16.45 (41%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionHeavy weight luxury velvet window drapery panel that completely blacks out all light in a room when closed. Thermal lined that will not crack or chip away in use. |
 Redi Shade 3122531 Redi Arch Paper Window Shade 24-by-48-Inch Sale Price: $15.99 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionThis is the shade to use if you're looking for a quick, temporary way to block light in an arch window. Redi Shade's temporary shades feature an attractive pleated design that effectively blocks light and ensures privacy... |
 Window Dressings: Beautiful Draperies & Curtains for the Home List Price: See Reviews For This Product DescriptionWindows are an integral part of the design and structure of a room. In his newest book, Window Dressings: Beautiful Draperies and Curtains for your Home, author Brian Coleman explores stunning window decor from Palm Beach to Seattle to New York, created by some of the country's most respected designers... |
 Sunshine Kids Solar Max Retractable Window Shade, Black Sale Price: $5.99 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionSolar Max filters UV rays, blocks sun and glare for great year-round protection. Its unique, lightweight solar mesh fabric is a full 16" wide and adjusts to any length. Solar Max rewinds with the touch of a button so it's up and out of the way in a flash... |
 Thomas the Tank Engine Window Drapes Sale Price: $14.32 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionVERY CUTE THOMAS AND FRIEND CURTAINS FOR THAT SWEET LITTLE ONE IN YOUR LIFE. ONE PACKAGE HAS 2 CURTAINS THAT WILL FIT ONE WINDOW. VALANCE NOT INCLUDED. |
 Car Window Curtain (s) by Sunfade Sale Price: $9.95 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionPORTABLE ADJUSTABLE CURTAIN For Cars, Vans, Trucks, SUVs, Boats, RVs,............ Protects the passengers from heat and harmful Sun rays. An ideal product to have in any car. There are many types of auto sunshades in the market today, but none as conveniently adjustable as this polyester mesh curtain... |
 Gone with the Window Sale Price: $1.99 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product |
