Choosing the right window coverings for your Calgary home can significantly enhance how your home looks and feels. Beyond adding beauty, good window treatments improve privacy, regulate temperature, and make your space more comfortable year-round. With long winters, bright summer days, and dramatic light shifts, Calgary homeowners need coverings that blend function with design.
At Averra Drapery and Blinds, we work with clients across Calgary and Airdrie to create custom blinds, drapery, and shades that fit perfectly. This guide explores seven of the most popular window covering options for local homes—each suited to Calgary’s unique lifestyle and climate.
1. Roller Shades
Roller shades are a timeless favorite for homeowners who love clean, modern interiors. Made from a single sheet of fabric that rolls up neatly, they’re simple, sleek, and practical.
Why Calgary homeowners love them:
- Minimalist look that complements modern architecture.
- Available in light-filtering or blackout fabrics to control sunlight during long summer days.
- Easy to maintain—ideal for busy households.
Pro Tip: South-facing windows receive strong sunlight in Calgary. Choose solar-filter roller shades to reduce glare and protect floors and furniture from UV fading.
2. Cellular (Honeycomb) Shades
Cellular shades are known for their unique honeycomb design that traps air and acts as insulation. This makes them one of the most energy-efficient options for Calgary homes.
Benefits:
- Keeps warm air in during winter and blocks heat in summer.
- Reduces energy costs without sacrificing natural light.
- Available in cordless and top-down/bottom-up options for safety and flexibility.
Pro Tip: For older or drafty windows, consider double-cell shades. They provide better insulation and keep rooms cozy when Calgary’s temperatures dip below zero.
3. Vertical Blinds
Vertical blinds are ideal for large windows and patio doors—common features in Calgary’s modern homes and condos. They feature long, vertical slats that rotate to control light and privacy easily.
Why they work well locally:
- Perfect for sliding doors and large glass openings.
- Durable and easy to clean.
- Allow excellent control over light flow, even during Calgary’s bright afternoons.
Pro Tip: If you’re choosing vertical blinds for areas with high temperature fluctuations, go for faux-wood or PVC materials that resist warping and discoloration.
4. Plantation Shutters
Plantation shutters are a premium, long-term investment that adds both charm and resale value. Their adjustable louvers make them a practical yet stylish choice for Calgary homeowners.
What makes them a strong option:
- Outstanding light and privacy control.
- Excellent insulation reduces heat loss during cold months.
- Adds architectural appeal and timeless elegance.
Pro Tip: Use composite shutters for humid spaces such as bathrooms, and real wood shutters in main living areas for a luxurious finish.
Read MORE: A Homeowner’s Guide to Choosing Custom Drapery in Calgary
5. Curtains and Drapery
Nothing adds warmth and personality to a home quite like fabric. Curtains and draperies soften interiors and create a finished look that’s both elegant and functional.
Advantages for Calgary homes:
- Heavy, lined drapery provides insulation against winter drafts.
- Sheer fabrics let natural light in while maintaining privacy.
- A wide range of colors and textures allows you to complement any décor.
Pro Tip: Combine sheer panels with blackout drapery to control light throughout the day. This layered approach is especially effective for Calgary bedrooms that face east or west.
6. Smart / Motorized Blinds
Motorized or automated blinds are quickly becoming a must-have feature in modern Calgary homes. They add convenience, safety, and energy efficiency—all controlled at the touch of a button or via smart-home systems.
Why they’re ideal for Calgary residents:
- Perfect for hard-to-reach windows or homes with tall ceilings.
- Can be scheduled to close during peak sunlight hours to reduce cooling costs.
- Integrate easily with Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit for full automation.
Pro Tip: Choose battery-powered motorized blinds for easy installation or hardwired models if you’re renovating or building new.
7. Solar and UV-Blocking Fabrics
Sun exposure is intense in Alberta’s long summer months. Solar and UV-blocking fabrics filter sunlight and protect interiors from fading. These can be used as standalone roller shades or layered behind decorative drapery.
Benefits for Calgary homes:
- Protects furniture, flooring, and artwork from UV damage.
- Cuts glare without blocking your view.
- Maintains indoor comfort by reducing heat buildup.
Pro Tip: Choose fabric openness levels between 3%–5% for south-facing windows—enough to enjoy natural light while preventing harsh glare.
How to Choose the Right Window Covering
With so many styles available, here’s how to narrow your options:
- Consider sunlight exposure. South- and west-facing rooms need light-control fabrics or blackout liners.
- Think insulation. Winters in Calgary demand coverings that help retain warmth. Cellular shades or lined drapery are great choices.
- Match your décor. Modern homes may prefer roller or motorized shades; traditional spaces shine with drapery or shutters.
- Measure carefully. Accurate measurements ensure a perfect fit and function.
- Factor in maintenance. Choose materials that are easy to clean and durable for high-traffic areas.
- Plan for professional installation. Expert installers ensure smooth operation and lasting results.
Why Local Expertise Matters
Window coverings aren’t one-size-fits-all. Calgary’s altitude, sunlight, and fluctuating temperatures create unique design challenges. Working with a local expert like Averra Drapery and Blinds ensures:
- Precise measurements for a flawless fit.
- Tailored fabric recommendations based on your home’s exposure and insulation needs.
- Professional installation that guarantees longevity and performance.
- Design guidance to coordinate colors, textures, and finishes that complement your interiors.
Local craftsmanship and service mean you’ll get solutions built specifically for Calgary homes—not generic imports that fade, warp, or fail to insulate properly.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right window coverings can completely redefine your living space. Whether you’re drawn to the clean lines of roller shades, the luxury of drapery, or the innovation of smart blinds, each option in this list brings comfort, beauty, and practicality to your home.
At Averra Drapery and Blinds, we help Calgary homeowners choose and install custom window treatments that reflect their personal style while meeting the demands of local weather.
🪟 Ready to transform your windows?
Contact Averra Drapery and Blinds today to schedule a complimentary consultation and receive a custom design quote.
