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Window Coverings for Bedrooms: Expert Guidance, Real Solutions, and What Homeowners in Seattle Need to Know

Written By Armi Avila

Selecting the right window coverings for a bedroom is one of the most important design decisions a homeowner can make. Bedrooms need to feel comfortable, functional, and intentionally designed while addressing practical needs like privacy, light control, insulation, and ease of use. With almost two decades of hands-on experience helping homeowners with their window covering needs across Seattle, Bellevue, and the Eastside, I’ve learned that bedroom window treatments are never one-size-fits-all. Every project starts with understanding how a client lives in their space and what they need to feel rested and comfortable every day.

This guide brings together my approach, lessons from real projects, and addresses most commonly asked questions to help homeowners choose bedroom window coverings that truly work.

Understanding the Purpose of Bedroom Window Coverings

My process for bedroom window coverings always begins with identifying the client’s light-control needs. Some prefer waking up naturally with sunlight coming through, while others want a darker environment to support sleep. This preference drives the overall product selection and functionality. From there, we look in depth at:

• The style of the home and how the homeowner wants the room to feel
• The size, shape, and location of the windows
• Any unique lifestyle needs such as shift work, other personal goals and concerns we need to address

Every bedroom is different. My goal is to match functional needs with design choices so that the result feels intentional, personalized and perfectly tailored to the homeowner.

Common Challenges Homeowners Face

1. The “Blackout” Expectation

“Blackout” means different things to different people. Some expect total darkness; others simply want reduced light. Setting clear expectations is essential, because light can seep around edges depending on the product and other site conditions such as squareness of the window. This is often the first hurdle. If you want to learn more about blackout shades, see my Blackout Shade Guide.

2. Decision Overload

With so many products, materials, fabrics, and features available, homeowners often feel overwhelmed. Shades for bedrooms require both design sensitivity and technical understanding, making expert guidance valuable. Here is a quick guide to learning about types of blinds and shades: Styles of Window Coverings.

3. Unusual or Complex Windows

Bedrooms can have angled windows, bay windows, oversized openings, or windows grouped together. Sliding doors or French doors may also come into play. Custom solutions are often needed to ensure privacy, light control, and aesthetic consistency.

Top Recommended Product for Bedrooms

One of the most popular products I recommend is the honeycomb shade. They work especially well in Greater Seattle bedrooms due to:

• Excellent insulation and energy efficiency
• Reduced light seepage on the sides, and with the possibility for sidetracks to further minimize light
• Available solutions for sliding glass doors and French doors, as well as wide, narrow, curved, angled, or uniquely shaped windows
• Slim profile that keeps the room feeling open and airy when raised
• Opacities including sheer, light-filtering and room-darkening options, or a combination
• Top-down/bottom-up functionality or dual shade availability, making them a versatile solution

While honeycomb shades are a popular solution, there are other styles available that can achieve similar functionality with a different aesthetic for homeowners seeking alternatives.

Case Studies

Mercer Island Bedroom with Large Sliding Glass Door

A recent project involved a primary bedroom with an oversized sliding glass door. The clients wanted:

• Room darkening at night
• Natural light during the day
• Privacy without sacrificing their view
• A polished, elevated finish
• A solution that did not block the outdoor view when open
• Motorization for convenience

We installed Hunter Douglas Luminette® Privacy Sheers with PowerView® Automation, using the maximum width allowed to anchor the room beautifully. When fully open, the tailored stack frames the sliding glass door, creating a seamless architectural look. The automation feature makes operation effortless.

The clients reported the shades met their needs perfectly — offering privacy, comfort, and a sophisticated look without compromising daylight or the connection to the outdoors. The flexibility of the product allows them to use blackout at night, translucent filtering in the morning hours, and a fully open setting for the rest of the day.

Seattle Bedroom with Odd-Shaped Windows and Sliding Glass Door

Another memorable project involved a bedroom where a sliding glass door was next to wide, uniquely shaped windows. The homeowners needed privacy from next door neighbors while preserving their water views. They wanted flexibility, light control, and visual consistency.

We installed:

• Honeycomb shades with top-down/bottom-up functionality on the windows
• Vertiglide® honeycomb shades for the sliding glass door

Using the same fabric for both horizontal and vertical applications created a seamless, cohesive look throughout the room. Honeycomb shades allow them to block morning light, maintain privacy during the day, and still enjoy their view. Clients appreciate how the shades take full advantage of the unique and extra-large windows while delivering the privacy and preserving views.

Common Mistakes Homeowners Make

1. Cutting Corners

One client installed DIY shades in their primary bedroom, while I helped them with custom window treatments for the rest of the home. After a few years, they worked with us to redo the bedroom because the original shades did not perform as expected. Proper fit, fabric quality, and professional installation make a noticeable difference in durability and performance.

2. Underestimating Light Needs

Some homeowners initially think they do not need room-darkening solutions—until room use, seasonal changes, outside environments, lifestyle shifts make it necessary. Planning for these scenarios is something worth looking into, even if we are installing light filtering shades as intended.

3. Skipping Certain Windows

It’s common for homeowners to assume they won’t need room-darkening solutions—until daily routines, seasonal changes, surrounding light sources, or lifestyle shifts make them necessary. Planning for these possibilities early is worthwhile, even when selecting light-filtering shades as the intended solution. This ensures flexibility as needs evolve over time.

Real-Life Results: Benefits Clients Notice

• Better sleep quality after installing room-darkening or blackout solutions
• Reduced glare in the morning or late afternoon
• Enhanced comfort from solutions tailored to their needs
• Improved insulation, especially in older Seattle homes

Pro Tips From 26+ Years of Design Experience

• Create an environment that supports better sleep. Proper room-darkening solutions help regulate light exposure, supporting a consistent sleep rhythm.
• Balance natural light and privacy. Seattle homeowners often want bright spaces without feeling exposed. Popular solutions include:

• Top-Down/Bottom-Up Shades – achieve visibility, light, and privacy.
• Sheer Shades – allow soft light while diffusing the view from outside.
• Dual-function Shades – pairing room-darkening layer with a sheer or translucent fabric.

• Think long-term. Bedrooms require both comfort and design. Trends come and go, but window coverings are a lasting investment.
• Ensure ease of use. Motorization simplifies daily routines and may extend the life of the product.

Final Thoughts

Bedroom window coverings are more than a design choice—they directly influence sleep, comfort, privacy, and the overall feel of the space. Whether you are looking to improve light control, gain privacy in a close-together Seattle neighborhood, find solutions for unusual windows, or upgrade to automated systems, thoughtful decisions make a measurable difference.

Ready to Transform Your Bedroom?

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how custom solutions can enhance your space, improve sleep, and elevate your daily comfort.