Window treatments can change the mood of a room, maximize privacy, or provide an accent. But choosing the right window treatments for your home can be overwhelming. Here are some points to consider before you start:

Sunlight control. Consider room function. For example, you may want to control how much sunlight can enter a bedroom. Also consider that the sun's ultraviolet rays can damage draperies, furniture, carpeting, and wood flooring. The direction that a window faces affects the amount of direct sun exposure. Shades, blinds, and shutters can keep sunlight away from furniture and carpeting. Softer treatments, such as semi-sheers or fabric shades, can diffuse sunlight. Lined or blackout draperies can protect fabrics from fading and keep the room dark.

View obstruction. If you have windows that open to a great view that you don't want to hide, consider shades or blinds that you can retract completely. Both "bottom up" and "top down" retraction options are available.

Privacy and security. Consider your environment. Do you live in the city? Do you live in a rural area where privacy is less of a problem? Woven or lightweight fabric shades, sheers, and semi-sheers can provide daytime privacy. For nighttime privacy, consider blackout linings or use traverse rods so that drapes can be drawn at night.

Sound absorption. The fabric of drapes or window panels can help absorb or muffle street noise.

Energy conservation. More than 40% of the heat that escapes from your home does so through your windows, and 50% of exterior solar heat enters through windows. Insulated draperies and shades can keep you warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

Focal point. Window treatments can provide a focal point in a room that lacks one. Try an eye-catching pattern or color, an elaborate fabric, cornices, or swags and cascades to add drama. Make a window appear larger by hanging window treatments a few inches higher or wider than the window.

Hiding/highlighting architectural features. Disguise windows of different heights by installing drapery rods at the same distance from the ceiling above all windows. Hide an off-centered window by covering the whole wall with drapes. Highlight interesting crown molding by using eye-catching window treatments that draw the eye upward.

Hard-to-reach windows. Try remote control blinds or shades for hard-to-reach windows.

Care and cleaning. Window coverings can last a long time. Most require only occasional dusting, vacuuming, or spot cleaning. Keep in mind that fabric drapes may need to be taken down and cleaned occasionally, and rehanging them can take time.

Choosing the right look. Do you want a formal look or something more casual? Expensive fabrics like silk can add sophistication; cotton or linen can feel more relaxed. Even the same drape can be dressed up by adding valances and tasseled tiebacks or left hanging straight down from a decorative rod for a more contemporary look.