Nursery Window Treatments: Everything You Need to Know for a Safe, Stylish Nursery

By: Natalie Elmhurst

Updated: 8/8/2023

The best nursery window treatments for naptime — and beyond!

Are you decorating your kids’ rooms or nursery? How fun! You get to pick out the style and theme of the room, colors, ambiance, and little treasures of decoration. While these are fun to choose, you also need to think about how the room functions. Window treatments are a necessity for any nursery or kids’ room.

There are many elements that affect a room’s visual appeal and functionality. Getting the lighting down is one of the most impactful design elements, and with nurseries and other kid rooms, comfort is a must.

Because of this, you want shades or blinds that are both effective and stylistically fitting. So where should you start? Start by deciding what functions you need from your window treatments the most.

How to decide what style of shade or blind to use for your kid’s window treatments

Keep in mind that functionality matters more than design — especially in a nursery. Aesthetic appeal is important (and extra fun!) but it's important that your window treatments function as you need them to.

Consider the following functions for your kid’s room window treatments:

• Sunlight control
• Privacy
• Climate control
• Safety
• Sound dampening

Depending on the location of the room, you may need to prioritize one of these functions over the other. For example, if your nursery or kids’ room is adjacent to a busier street, sound dampening and privacy will be a higher priority. Another example would be if your windows got bright direct sunlight — you don’t want your little one to be uncomfortable during their playtime.

(And you definitely don’t want naptime interrupted by the glaring sun. Or your toddler waking up with the 5:30 am sunrise.)

Choose the right window shade or blind by considering your child’s age and activity level

For any children’s room or nursery, it’s important to be practical, even if it’s easy to get carried away adding design elements purely for artistic reasons.

A room that will be often played in might do better with blinds or shades that are easier to clean. Wood blinds are a fantastic option, as they can easily be wiped with a damp cloth, and don’t easily stain. Roller shades are also an excellent choice for a low-maintenance kids window treatment.

For a touch of softness and style, consider adding custom draperies. Draperies add a tasteful softness, and do wonderfully for climate control, sound absorption, and privacy. They also help block any light that might sneak in around the edges of your shades or blinds.

Consider the types of windows in your nursery or kids room

A larger room may need more sound dampening, and bigger windows will do great with window treatments that are easy to operate.

If your windows are smaller and higher, you may not need blinds or shades that are adjusted frequently. If that is the case, you could opt for a faux roman shade valance or even a composite wood that is mostly stationary, but that has slats that can be manipulated open and closed by an adult.

Safety note: Keep in mind that cordless options are highly recommended for any space with small children.

No matter what age your child is, prioritize safety with cordless window treatments

Safety is the number one priority for any kid’s room. Your home should be one of comfort and safety, and your window treatments should be a part of that plan.

Cords and chains that are traditional elements of window treatments pose a dangerous health hazard for both pets and children. According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), corded window treatments pose a significant risk to young children. Loose cords and pulley systems can be dangerous and therefore should be avoided wherever possible in homes with young children.

Nurseries and children’s rooms will do best with window treatments that function as you need them to, and are designed with safety in mind.

Cordless window treatments will be the best option in this case. Choosing a cordless option gives you more than just safety. It gives you convenience, a streamlined design, and the comfort of knowing your little ones are safe in their space.

Use motorized window treatments for your child’s bedroom and nursery

Cordless options are gaining traction in home design and decor. Motorized window treatments will provide you with the same functionality as standard treatments, but with convenience as an added benefit.

Motorized shades and blinds are manipulated using a wall switch, button, remote, or app. If applicable, you can even pair your motorized window treatment with your Smart Home hub. (If this is something you’re interested in, mention it during your free consultation so we can be sure all your needs are taken care of.)

With safety and convenience together, a motorized window treatment is the perfect nursery design package.

Think about textures for your nursery window treatments

From a design perspective, you want something that fits with your space aesthetically.

• Blinds are a wonderful addition to a space, are relatively easy to clean, and have a timeless, classic look.

• Roller shades, on the other hand, come in a variety of shades and textures. They offer a more modern look that can be softened by choosing the right fabric.

• Draperies are a fantastic choice for both a decorative and functional window treatment. Plus, there won’t be any cord to consider with drapes.

No matter what you choose, adding the right texture to mix in your space will help your child’s room or nursery feel welcoming, cheerful, and comfortable.

Add a valance for a finishing touch in a nursery

Valances serve as a tasteful touch to add to your kid’s room or nursery. Getting ready for your new little one is an exciting part of parenthood. You get to choose their room colors, decide on a name, and get your home ready for your newest family member.

Prep your little one’s nursery with window treatments that feel right — put a finishing touch on top with a timeless valance.

How to choose the right blind or shade for your kid’s room

You’ll want to make sure you’re choosing the right window treatment the first time — you won’t want to struggle through a DIY installation only to realize you don’t have the right window treatment. Sleep training and naptime routines are tricky enough without your efforts being undermined by daylight streaming in and keeping everyone awake.

So as much fun as it is to consider the decorative elements of a nursery, function has to come first — especially with window treatments. To choose the right window treatment for your child’s room:

1. Decide on functionality needs
2. Consider safety
3. Then think about design

This doesn’t mean you need to compromise your nursery design, though. At Stoneside, we have hundreds of fabric options for your nursery window treatments, so you’re sure to find the perfect one.

Get help choosing the right kids’ window treatment

This decision is an important one — you want your child’s room to be a place of fun, comfort, and safety. And you want it to be a functional space.

All this, while matching the style and decor of your home.

That’s a lot to consider, but we’re here to help you make the right choice for your family. Our design experts help you understand your many options, walk you through choosing the right treatment, the right style, the right color, and the appropriate add-ons.

You don’t have to have all the answers — because we do! We’re here to make this process a simple one. Because let’s be honest: you’ve got enough on your plate right now!

Chat with one of our design experts today, and let’s get you the perfect window treatments for your child’s space, so you can focus on enjoying your growing family.