Basements can be dark and dreary, with many older homes having small windows that let in little natural light. 


But leaving basement windows plain can be a bit of an eyesore, and that is often the dilemma many homeowners find themselves in. If Hamlet owned a home today, he might say, “To cover or not to cover the basement windows? That is the question!”

But fear not! There are many stylish designs that you can opt for that won’t cut back on natural light and give you privacy when you need it. Here are our top five basement window treatment ideas.

First Things First

Because basements can be drab and dark, especially for those with small windows, it’s important to keep things as light and airy as possible. We recommend going with lighter colors, which can help bounce light around, rather than darker colors that absorb light. Whites, creams, pastels, and light grays can all work well in basements and provide a more neutral backdrop for fun pops of color in other design elements, such as your bedding or throw pillows. 

1 | Blinds

Blinds are a great option and are very popular thanks to their slatted design and many options. You can opt for real wood or faux wood as well as choose from a variety of stains or colors to match your existing style and decor. The slatted design allows for full light filtering and privacy control. When selecting slat widths, you can base it off of design style or light needs. For modern home decor styles and larger windows, thinner slats are great. But for small windows or more traditional styles, go with a wider slat. 

2 | Interior Shutters

Interior shutters, like blinds, offer a slatted design that gives you full light filtering and privacy control. However, these window treatments are the most desired by homeowners and buyers are willing to pay extra for these window coverings! This means that shutters are the only window treatment that actually adds value to your home. Interior shutters offer many options including slat width, stains and colors, as well as various slat control options. 

3 | Cellular Shades

Cellular shades are perfect for drafty basements. The pocketed design traps hot and cold air seeping in through your windows, keeping the interior of your home at a more even temperature throughout the year. Today’s cellular shades have been modernized and are sleek and stylish. The fabric gives a warm glow to the natural light coming in the window. If you have a theater room in your basement, you might consider cellular shades with a blackout lining to create the ultimate movie room experience! 

4 | Roman Shades

Chic roman shades have been popular for centuries. Today’s modern design offers a few different types of folds. Flat folds offer more structure, while relaxed offers more flair. Either way, you can’t go wrong! There are endless options of fabric colors and patterns to choose from and many create a warm glow of natural light. To keep things light and airy, go with light fabrics with a more open weave. For media or theater rooms, add a blackout lining for the ultimate in-home theater experience. 

5 | Roller and Woven Wood Shades

Roller shades are sleek and modern, with the material staying in a nice, neat roll at the top when fully open. You can choose from a variety of fabrics, including solar material, that allow you to choose the fabric weave openness to amp up the natural light while still providing privacy. 

Another option with a neat stack at the top when open are woven wood shades. Not only do these window treatments add a huge dose of texture to your home, but they bring a natural element inside. It can be like having the outdoors inside to brighten a dark and dreary basement! 

Bonus | Layer with Custom Drapes or Valances

Layering hard window treatments, such as blinds or shutters, with custom drapes or valances can add a softer touch to your decor. It can also be great for those multi-purpose rooms, such as media rooms where you may want plenty of light during a party or light blocking power during family movie night. Choose from a variety of fabrics, colors and patterns, as well as different linings to create the perfect light filtering or blocking for your room needs!

An Expert Opinion

Not sure what is the right basement window treatment for your home and needs? Call in the experts to help you decide! At Elevated Views, our experts can help you from measuring to selection to installation. Schedule your free in-home consultation and quote today and we’ll bring the showroom to you!