How to Choose Window Blinds for Your Home in Bellingham, WA

At Bindi and Bird, we work with homeowners across Bellingham who want their home to feel thoughtful, polished, and comfortable. One of the most impactful updates you can make—without a full remodel—is upgrading your window shades. The right window treatment can elevate your space, control lighting, offer privacy, and even improve energy efficiency.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or finally replacing those old aluminum blinds, here’s everything to keep in mind when choosing the right window shades for your home in Bellingham.

Start with How You Use the Room

Every space in your home serves a different purpose—and the right shade needs to support that. A living room that faces west might need something to reduce glare, while a bedroom requires blackout coverage. In bathrooms or kitchens, moisture-resistant materials are essential.

Some common questions to guide your choices:

• Do you want natural light or full privacy?
• Do you need room darkening or blackout for sleeping?
• Is cordless or motorized operation a priority?
• Are there pets or kids in the space?

We help you navigate these details and match you with shades that not only look great, but work for your everyday life.

Most Popular Shade Types

Here are a few of the window shade styles we offer and how they work in different areas of the home:

Roller shades

Clean, simple, and modern. Available in everything from light-filtering to blackout materials, roller shades are a great choice for almost any room.

Honeycomb (cellular) shades

These are ideal for Bellingham’s weather. They trap air in little pockets, which helps regulate indoor temperatures. A smart choice for bedrooms or any room where insulation matters.

Roman shades

Elegant and soft. Roman shades bring texture and a custom feel, especially in living rooms, bedrooms, or dining areas. They come in a wide range of fabrics to suit your style.

Sheer and layered shades

Perfect for letting light in while still offering privacy. Great for living rooms or spaces where you want a softer, more filtered glow.

Top-down bottom-up

These give you flexible control over privacy and lighting. Lower them from the top, raise them from the bottom, or both. Ideal for bedrooms and bathrooms.

We’ll walk you through the pros and cons of each style and help you compare them in your space.

Natural Light and Direction Matter

Bellingham homes vary from shaded forested areas to homes with full southern exposure. That’s why light filtering matters. Think about how much natural light each room gets—and what kind of mood you want in that space.

If your home tends to be darker, sheer or light-filtering shades will keep things bright while adding texture and softness. If your room gets strong direct sun, a solar shade or UV-blocking fabric can protect your furniture and reduce heat.

We always bring samples to test the light in your actual home, so you don’t have to guess.

Wall Color and Design Style

Your shades should work with your home’s finishes—not compete with them. Neutral fabrics tend to blend seamlessly, while woven materials can add warmth and interest. If you have bold wall colors or statement wallpaper, a simple shade might be the right pairing.

Our co-owner Jodie has years of experience working with finishes and patterns. Whether you’re starting from a blank slate or tying into existing materials, she’ll help you make a selection that fits your space.

Energy Efficiency

In Bellingham, where weather changes quickly, energy efficiency isn’t just a buzzword. Cellular or honeycomb shades can help maintain indoor temperatures by reducing heat loss in the winter and keeping out excess warmth in the summer.

If you’re updating older windows, these shades offer a noticeable difference in insulation—plus they come in a wide range of colors and light filtering options.

Room Size and Layout

Some rooms feel too small to handle heavy fabric. Others can be softened with layers. It all depends on your space.

For smaller rooms, go with simple roller or honeycomb shades in light tones to keep things open. In larger rooms with tall ceilings or expansive windows, you can be more dramatic with bold patterns or layered treatments.

The shape and placement of your windows will also influence what works best. We’ll help you measure, visualize, and plan for a perfect fit.

Budget and Quality

We carry a wide range of brands and materials to fit different budgets. Some shades are more affordable upfront, while others offer long-term value with higher quality, better warranties, or advanced features like motorization.

We work with trusted brands like Hunter Douglas and Lafayette to ensure you get something that fits your space—and lasts. There’s no pressure to overspend. We’re here to give you options and help you decide what makes sense for your home.

We’ll also ask the right questions to make sure what you pick is aligned with your goals:

• Is this for a forever home or a short-term upgrade?
• Are we matching it to flooring, cabinets, or other finishes?
• Do you want to motorize them now—or later?

These questions help us recommend the most practical and beautiful options for your space.