Window Treatments Explained: Blinds, Shades & Rigid Window Treatments

Accordion Shade Typically constructed of woven or knitted fabric that has been stiffened and set in a three-dimensional, folded configuration.
Austrian Shade Constructed of fabric that is vertically shirred to create lengthwise bands of horizontally draping folds.
Balloon Shade The fabric forms balloon-like puffs when they are raised.
Roller Shade May be plain or patterned, constructed of a textile fabric or a sheet of polymer film. Can unroll bottom-up or top-down.
Roman Shade The shade hangs flat at the window but pleats as the panel is raised; may be constructed of fabric or woven wood.
Venetian Blinds Made of horizontal slats or louvers that are laced together with textile cords.
Vertical Blinds The louvers or vanes are suspended vertically and may be rotated 180°.
Honeycomb Shade (Also known as a cellular shade) Pleated and paired to create a single or double-cell structure with an insulating layer of air that significantly reduces heat transfer.
Cantonniere A rigid overhead window treatment mounted flush to the wall framing the window. It has a curved cornice and side panels that extend to the floor.
Cornice A rigid overhead window treatment mounted over the drapery heading and hardware.
Lambrequin A rigid overhead window treatment with a straight cornice and side panels that protrude some distance from the wall and extend some distance down the sides of the window.
Plantation Shutters Usually made of wood (or faux wood), hinged, and with adjustable louvers. May cover the entire window or only the lower half.