Remote work is reshaping the workforce, with millions of people suddenly working from home due to the ongoing pandemic. As they get settled in at home, many workers are discovering that their home offices aren’t optimised for full-time remote employment.

One of the most important upgrades you can make is choosing the best home office window treatments which will reduce glare on your screen, give you flattering light for Zoom calls and more.

The best blinds for home offices

Mini Blinds

One of the most affordable picks on this list, mini blinds have small slats that are one inch or less in diameter (hence the name). These smaller slats allow for greater light control, and the blinds are often made from inexpensive yet durable materials, such as aluminium.

This combination of benefits is why mini blinds are often a top pick for home office workspaces. If you’re already set on this option, check out our guide for how to measure for mini blinds so you can order yours today!

Wooden Blinds

If you’re looking to upgrade your blinds to a quality window treatment that won’t go out of style, you absolutely can’t go wrong with genuine wooden blinds. These blinds are durable and come in a wide range of colors and finishes to match pretty much any decor.

While they may be more expensive than some other options on this list, they’re a worthwhile investment that will hold up for years to come – and they’re perfect for the Boho interior design look.

Faux Wood Blinds

Maybe you love the look of wood blinds but not the price tag, or your home office is in the basement and you’re afraid genuine wood might warp. Either of these situations is a fantastic reason to go with faux wood blinds instead.

Made of a mixture of wood fiber and PVC, faux wood blinds look like the real thing but cost less. They’re durable and moisture-resistant window shadings, making them a great choice for basements as well as bathrooms.

Roman Shades

This traditional window treatment has been around for years for a reason: It’s a classic look that never goes out of style. When extended, this window treatment creates gentle swag of fabric for a soft, sumptuous look. Roman shades are a good alternative to curtains and go especially well in more traditionally decorated homes, but the right fabric print can match with almost any decor.

Roller Shades

If you love the look of cloth window treatments but don’t want to hassle with tying back a curtain each day, then roller shades are an excellent alternative. Just as the name suggests, roller shades roll up and down, leaving a smooth panel of fabric when fully extended. This sleek, contemporary look is especially good for modern offices where a Roman shade might look out of place.

Pleated Shades and Cellular Shades

If you have glare in your office you’re trying to get rid of but still want light to filter through the windows, pleated shades and cellular shades are good options to consider. Both types of window treatments are made of 100 percent polyester fabric, but they are designed differently.

Pleated shades are made of one layer of fabric folded in a zigzag pattern. Cellular shades are made of two layers of fabric that look like a honeycomb when viewed from the side. Because of the double layer, cellular shades block more light than pleated shades.

Woven Wooden Shades

If you want some light filtering but aren’t a fan of polyester fabric, then you should look into woven wooden shades. These window treatments function similarly to roller shades, but they are made of a mat woven of wood fiber instead of fabric.

Woven window treatments will block most light, which can be beneficial for an office. Keep in mind, though, the blind will become somewhat see-through at night when backlit, so if you use your office in the evening, you might want to consider adding a blackout liner as well.

Blackout Liners and Curtains

Speaking of blackout liners, you might want to use them in combination with the window treatments listed here if you work in a very bright area or prefer to work in as much total darkness as possible. Blackout liners are available for many different types of blinds.

If blackout liners aren’t an option for your preferred blinds or you want more control over your light, you can also hang up blackout curtains to go over the blinds for extra light blocking. Don’t want to remove all light? No worries! Choose room darkening shades instead, which still let a small amount of light through.

Getting the best blinds for your home office space can help decrease glare, reduce distractions and help you stay productive while WFH. Consider these window treatments if your home office is due for a blinds upgrade.

How To Pick The Right Curtains For Your Home Office

You may be thinking – it's just an office! Why all the fuss about the right window curtains?

But if you spend any length of time in your home office, you know that the right curtains can make a big difference in terms of both productivity and comfort. After all, you want to be able to focus on your work, without being distracted by the glare of the sun or the nosy neighbour across the street.

At the same time, you don't want your office to feel like a cave, devoid of natural light. The right balance is key. So, how can you pick the best curtains for your home office? Here are a few tips:

Colour

First, you need to think about colour (and yes, it does make a surprising difference). If you want to create a calming, serene space where you can focus on your work, stick to neutral colours like white, beige or grey. These colours will also help to make your space feel larger and brighter.

On the other hand, if you want your office to feel more energetic and lively, go for brighter colours like yellow or orange. Just make sure that the colours you choose are not too jarring or distracting.

Fabric

The type of fabric you choose for your curtains is also important. Block-out fabric is a popular choice for home offices, as it helps to reduce the amount of light that comes into the room. This is ideal if you live in a brightly lit area, or if you simply want to create a darker space for working.

If you don't need to block out all the light, then a lighter fabric like voile or linen can be a good option. These fabrics will still help to filter the light and reduce glare, without making the space feel too dark.

Pattern

Though modern trends lean toward the minimalist style, some people still prefer curtains with a bit of pattern or detail. If this is you, then go for it! Just make sure that the pattern is not too busy or distracting. A simple geometric print can add some interest to the space without being overbearing.

Insulation

Do you live somewhere with extreme temperatures? If so, then you'll need to make sure that your curtains are properly insulated. Look for curtains with a thermal backing, or choose heavy fabrics that will help to keep the heat in (or out).

Cost

Curtains can't be that expensive – right? Well, that depends on what you're looking for. If you want high-quality, custom-made curtains, then you can expect to pay a bit more. But if you're on a budget, there are plenty of great options available with more affordable materials.

Advantages of Window Treatments

Since home offices are often tucked away in the back of the house or in a spare room, many people neglect to give them the attention they deserve when it comes to decor. But taking the time to choose the right window treatments can make a big difference in both the look and feel of your space.

Not only do curtains help to control the amount of light and heat that comes into your office, but they can also:

• Make the space feel more inviting. A luxurious drapery curtain can make your home office feel more like a professional space, while still maintaining the comfort of being at home.
• Reduce noise. If you live in a busy area or have loud neighbours, thick curtains can help to muffle the noise and give you some much-needed peace and quiet.
• Improve your sleep. If you work odd hours or often find yourself working late into the night, blackout blinds can help you get a better night's sleep. By blocking out all the light, they make it easier for your body to relax and drift off to sleep.
• Save energy. Insulated curtains like cellular shades can help to keep your home office cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. This not only makes for a more comfortable working environment, but it can also help you save on your energy bills.
• Protect your furniture. The sun can damage your furniture over time, causing fading and discolouration. Solar shades can help to protect your furniture from the sun's harmful UV rays.

Why Bay Window Blinds Are a Reliable Investment

Did you know that there's a particularly popular type of window for home offices? It's called a bay window, and it's characterised by its large size and distinctive shape. A bay window is simply a window that protrudes from the exterior of the house, creating a little nook inside.

If you have a bay window in your home office, then you'll need to choose window treatments that are specifically designed for this type of space. Bay window blinds are a great option, as they can be custom-made to fit the exact dimensions of your window.

Bay window treatments are an incredibly worthwhile investment if you own a bay window, as they're tailored specifically to this type of space. They can help to maximise the amount of light that comes in, while still giving you privacy and protection from the sun's harmful rays.

If you live in a particularly hot climate, bay window blinds can also help to keep your home office cooler by blocking out the sun's heat. And if you have a bay window that overlooks a beautiful view, they can frame the scene perfectly and give you a little bit of extra privacy.

FAQs

How do you dress up an office window?

There are a few different ways that you can dress up an office window, depending on your personal style and the look that you're going for. If you want to add a touch of luxury, then drapery curtains are a great option. If you're looking for something more modern, then cordless blinds or shutters might be a better choice. And if you need to block out light or reduce noise, then blackout curtains are a good option.

Which curtain is best for office?

Offices are typically quite formal spaces, so it's important to choose window treatments that match this style. Heavy drapery curtains are a good choice for an office, as they look luxurious and can help to control the amount of light and heat that comes into the space. Less formal spaces might suit pull-down shades, honeycomb shades, or vertical blinds.

What type of window coverings are the most energy efficient?

In terms of efficiency, cellular shades are some of the best window coverings available. They're made from insulating materials that help to keep your home office cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. This can save you money on your energy bills and make your space more comfortable to work in all year round.

What can I put on my window instead of curtains?

If you don't want to use curtains, then there are a few other options that you can choose from. Blinds and shutters are both popular alternatives to curtains, and they come in a wide range of styles to suit any home office, such as woven wood. If you need to block out light or reduce noise, then blackout curtains are a good option.