Quick Answer / Summary
The best window treatments for older Lehigh Valley homes complement their original architecture while providing the privacy, light control, and comfort homeowners need today. Custom wood blinds, shutters, Roman shades, and cellular shades are all worth considering. The right choice depends on window dimensions, existing trim, room function, and personal style. Professional measurements and careful installation are especially valuable for older or unusually shaped windows.
Key Takeaways
- Work with the home’s character: Choose treatments that complement original woodwork, window proportions, and architectural details.
- Measure carefully: Older windows may have uneven openings, shallow frames, or hardware that affects installation.
- Match the treatment to the room: Wood blinds and shutters offer traditional appeal, while Roman and cellular shades provide different practical benefits.
- Consider year-round comfort: Well-fitted cellular shades can help reduce heat transfer through windows.
- Plan the installation: Discuss mounting locations and hardware requirements before making changes to original trim.
Introduction
There’s a certain charm to an older home that simply can’t be manufactured. Beautiful woodwork, generously sized windows, and little architectural details tell the story of a house that has been loved and lived in for generations.
You’ll find plenty of that character throughout the Lehigh Valley, from Allentown’s established neighborhoods to the older homes of Bethlehem and Easton.
Choosing window treatments for these properties deserves a little extra consideration. You want to preserve the details that make the home special while enjoying the privacy, light control, and convenience that modern window coverings provide.
And not every window needs the same solution.
A formal living room with original wood trim may look beautiful with shutters. An upstairs bedroom with drafty windows might benefit more from insulating cellular shades.
At Richards Window Fashions, we’ve helped Lehigh Valley homeowners make these decisions since 2001. As a family-owned business, we’ve always believed that the best place to start is with a simple question: What do you need your window treatment to do?
Here’s how to find options that complement your home’s history and make everyday living more comfortable.
Which Window Treatments Complement Traditional Home Architecture?
Beautiful original trim deserves to be seen. That’s why we look at the entire window, including its woodwork, depth, and proportions, before recommending a treatment.
Can Wood Blinds Highlight Original Architectural Details?
Wood blinds are a classic choice for traditional interiors.
Their natural grain and horizontal lines pair beautifully with stained trim, hardwood flooring, and the substantial moldings found in many older homes. Adjustable slats also let you manage daylight and privacy without raising the entire blind.
For a traditional Allentown home with warm woodwork, a complementary stain can create a coordinated look. Painted finishes offer another option, particularly alongside white or cream trim.
Are Shutters a Good Choice for Older Homes?
Shutters offer a clean, architectural appearance that works well with many traditional interiors. Their adjustable louvers provide control over daylight and privacy, while their framed construction creates a finished look.
At Richards Window Fashions, we offer Norman shutters, with configurations suited to different window styles.
However, shutters require careful planning. Frame depth, existing trim, window hardware, and available clearance all affect installation. A beautiful shutter should complement the window without interfering with its operation or covering details you’d rather preserve.
Do Roman Shades Suit Historic Interiors?
Absolutely. Roman shades bring softness to a room while maintaining a tailored appearance. Their fabric folds can complement traditional bedrooms, dining rooms, and living spaces without competing with decorative woodwork.
We offer Hunter Douglas Vignette Roman Shades, available in different fabrics and light-control options.
The right fabric and fold style can feel perfectly at home in an older interior. The goal is to choose something that belongs in the room, rather than something that simply happens to be fashionable.
How Do You Fit Window Treatments to Older or Unusual Windows?
Older homes don’t always have perfectly square or standard-sized window openings.
Original construction, years of settling, and previous renovations can create fitting challenges that deserve careful attention.
Why Are Custom Measurements So Important?
Accurate measurements help ensure that a window treatment fits properly, operates smoothly, and works with the surrounding architecture.
Before choosing a product, consider:
- Whether the opening is square and consistent in width.
- How much mounting depth is available.
- Where window handles, locks, and other hardware sit.
- Whether decorative trim limits installation space.
- How the treatment will operate when the window is opened.
An inside mount can leave original trim fully visible, provided there’s sufficient depth and clearance.
An outside mount may work better for shallow or irregular openings, although it can cover some surrounding woodwork.
Neither option is automatically better. We evaluate the window itself before recommending a mounting method.
Can You Cover Arched or Specialty-Shaped Windows?
Yes, although the available options depend on the window’s dimensions and shape.
Certain cellular shades and shutters can accommodate specialty openings, including some arches and angled windows.
However, not every treatment is available for every shape. Some specialty configurations are stationary, while others offer limited or different operating options.
For an unusual window in an older Bethlehem or Easton home, professional measurements help determine what’s practical without unnecessarily altering its distinctive features.
Which Window Treatments Offer Comfort and Practical Light Control?
A window treatment should look right in the room, but it also needs to work for the people who use it.
Can Cellular Shades Help During Lehigh Valley Winters?
Cellular shades are worth considering when insulation is a priority.
Their honeycomb-shaped cells trap air, creating an additional insulating layer at the window. This can help reduce heat transfer and improve comfort.
Our Hunter Douglas Duette Cellular Shades offer a variety of light-control options, making them useful for bedrooms, living areas, and other spaces where comfort matters.
The U.S. Department of Energy recognizes the insulating benefits of properly fitted cellular shades. Actual performance depends on the product, installation, window condition, and how the shades are used.
Keep in mind that cellular shades won’t repair damaged window seals or eliminate drafts caused by gaps in the window assembly.
What Works Best When You Need Both Privacy and Daylight?
Sheer window shadings can soften incoming sunlight while providing adjustable privacy.
Hunter Douglas Silhouette and Pirouette shadings offer different ways to filter natural light and manage the view.
These can be appealing in established neighborhoods such as Allentown’s West End, where homeowners may want daylight in street-facing rooms without leaving everything on display.
However, sheer materials don’t necessarily provide complete nighttime privacy. Fabric opacity and product configuration matter, especially when interior lights are on.
What Should You Consider Before Choosing Window Treatments?
Before selecting new treatments, think about how each room is used and which architectural features you want to preserve.
Here’s a practical checklist:
- Original details: Will the treatment complement existing trim, proportions, and finishes?
- Window dimensions: Does the opening require custom sizing or a specialty configuration?
- Light control: Do you need filtered daylight, room darkening, or adjustable slats?
- Privacy: How much coverage does the room require during the day and at night?
- Comfort: Would an insulating cellular shade be useful?
- Operation: Will the treatment interfere with window handles, locks, or ventilation?
- Child safety: Are cordless or appropriately designed motorized options available that meet applicable window-covering safety standards?
- Installation: Where will brackets and fasteners be placed, and how will they affect existing woodwork?
For homeowners in Emmaus, Whitehall, and throughout the Lehigh Valley, we recommend making these decisions room by room.
The treatment that looks beautiful in a formal dining room may not be the most practical choice for a sunny upstairs bedroom.
How Can Professional Guidance Help Preserve an Older Home’s Character?
Older windows often require more consideration than choosing a color and placing an order.
At Richards Window Fashions, we bring decades of hands-on experience to the process. Our services include in-home consultations, professional measurements, expert installation, and assistance after the sale. We also have a showroom where you can see and operate full-sized displays before making your decision.
For older homes, these details matter.
We assess mounting depth, bracket placement, hardware clearance, and the architectural features you want to keep visible.
Custom installation can minimize unnecessary alterations, but some treatments still require mounting holes or fasteners. We believe homeowners should understand those requirements before installation begins.
That kind of careful planning is part of doing the job properly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Window Treatments for Older Homes
What Are the Best Window Treatments for Older Homes?
The best choice depends on the home’s architecture and the room’s practical requirements.
Wood blinds and shutters can complement traditional woodwork, while Roman shades offer a softer, tailored appearance. Cellular shades provide additional insulation at the window.
For older homes with irregular openings or unusual dimensions, custom treatments can offer a better fit than ready-made coverings. Consider both appearance and everyday operation before deciding.
Should Window Treatments Match the Original Wood Trim?
Not necessarily. Original woodwork should influence your selection, but an exact color match isn’t always needed.
Wood blinds or shutters in a complementary stain can create a coordinated appearance. Painted finishes and understated shades can also work beautifully.
Consider the flooring, wall colors, and natural light. Sometimes a gentle contrast allows the original trim to stand out more effectively.
Are Cellular Shades Worth Considering for Older Windows?
Yes. Cellular shades can provide an additional insulating layer at the window, potentially improving comfort during Pennsylvania’s colder months.
The U.S. Department of Energy has documented the energy-saving benefits of well-fitted cellular window coverings.
Actual results depend on the product, installation, window condition, and use. Cellular shades can complement existing windows, but they don’t replace necessary repairs to damaged frames or seals.
Can Modern Window Treatments Work in a Historic Home?
Certainly. Modern convenience and traditional architecture can work very well together.
Simple roller shades, tailored Roman shades, and discreet cellular shades can provide useful features without overwhelming original details.
The important considerations are proportion, color, mounting method, and operation.
If your property has an official historic designation, check whether any applicable preservation requirements affect the proposed installation. Not every older home is subject to these restrictions, and ordinary interior treatments don’t automatically require approval.
Will Installing Custom Blinds or Shutters Damage Original Woodwork?
Professional installation can help minimize unnecessary alterations, but it doesn’t guarantee that mounting holes or fasteners won’t be required.
The installation method depends on the treatment, window design, and available mounting surfaces.
If preserving original trim is a priority, discuss bracket placement and mounting options before installation. Our team can explain what each option involves so you can make an informed decision.
Are Cordless Window Treatments Better for Homes With Children?
Cordless window treatments are generally the safer choice for homes with young children because they eliminate accessible operating cords that can pose strangulation hazards.
Many modern blinds and shades offer cordless or motorized operating systems. However, homeowners should still choose products that meet applicable safety standards and follow all installation and use instructions.
Our team can help you explore appropriate control options without overlooking your home’s architectural character.
A Good Window Treatment Should Feel Right at Home
Older homes have earned their character over decades. The right window treatment should help you enjoy that character for years to come.
From traditional wood blinds to carefully fitted shutters and insulating cellular shades, a well-chosen treatment brings together appearance, comfort, and everyday practicality.
It’s a decision worth getting right.
Find the Right Fit With Richards Window Fashions
At Richards Window Fashions, we believe personal service, careful workmanship, and sound advice never go out of style.
Since 2001, our family has helped homeowners throughout Allentown and the Lehigh Valley select custom blinds, shades, and shutters with confidence.
We take the time to understand your home, explain your options, and help you choose treatments that look beautiful and work the way you need them to.
Explore our window treatment portfolio, learn about our in-home consultation services, or request a free consultation to discuss the possibilities for your home.