When it comes to elevating the look and functionality of your home, choosing the best window treatments makes all the difference. Whether you’re building a new house in Tiffin, updating a heritage home in Davenport, or refreshing your apartment in Cedar Rapids, your window coverings should match Iowa’s diverse seasons and your lifestyle. At Made in the Shade – Eastern Iowa, we provide expert guidance and installation across Iowa City, Bettendorf, North Liberty, and the Quad Cities area to help homeowners like you make the most of their space.
With our wide selection of blinds, shades, shutters, draperies, motorization, and exterior shades & awnings, we’re proud to be the go-to source for window solutions in Eastern Iowa. Let’s dive into what makes the best window treatments for your home and why local expertise matters.
Why Local Matters: Choosing Window Treatments for Iowa’s Climate
Eastern Iowa experiences everything from frigid winters to humid summers, which makes it crucial to select window treatments that provide insulation, light control, and durability. National chains may offer generic advice, but a locally focused provider like Made in the Shade – Eastern Iowa understands exactly what homeowners in North Liberty or Bettendorf need for year-round comfort and style.
Seasonal Benefits of the Best Window Treatments
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Winter: Insulating shades and shutters help retain heat and reduce energy bills.
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Summer: Light-filtering or blackout treatments keep interiors cool and protect furniture from UV damage.
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Year-Round: Motorized solutions make adjustments easy, even when you’re away from home.
Top Window Treatment Categories for Iowa Homes
Let’s explore the types of products available and how to choose the best window treatments for your unique space and lifestyle.
Blinds: A Classic, Versatile Solution
Blinds offer precise control over light and privacy. Available in wood, faux wood, aluminum, and vertical styles, they’re a popular choice in Iowa City and Cedar Rapids homes alike.
Best For:
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Home offices in Tiffin where adjustable lighting is key
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Living rooms in Bettendorf that face high-traffic streets
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Moisture-prone areas like bathrooms and kitchens with faux wood blinds
Shades: Soft, Stylish, and Functional
Shades offer a softer look with superior insulation. At Made in the Shade – Eastern Iowa, we carry cellular, roller, Roman, and woven wood shades to suit both traditional and modern tastes.
Best For:
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Energy-efficient window coverings in North Liberty
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Elegant living rooms in the Quad Cities
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UV protection in sunny Cedar Rapids family rooms
Shutters: Timeless Elegance and Durability
Interior shutters are often considered one of the best window treatments thanks to their long lifespan and ability to add value to a home. Plantation shutters, in particular, are ideal for Eastern Iowa’s varied weather.
Best For:
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Historic homes in Iowa City needing architectural harmony
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Year-round insulation in rural homes near Tiffin
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Low-maintenance elegance in high-end Cedar Rapids residences
Draperies: Soft Layers with Designer Appeal
Custom draperies can transform a room by adding depth, texture, and color. Combine them with shades or blinds for layered light control and luxurious style.
Best For:
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Bedrooms in Bettendorf for blackout and softness
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Formal dining areas in Davenport
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Custom aesthetics in newly built homes in North Liberty
Motorization: Effortless Comfort and Control
Motorized blinds and shades offer the ultimate in convenience. Whether you’re in a smart home in Tiffin or simply want to control your shades from your phone in Cedar Rapids, motorization is a smart investment.
Best For:
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Hard-to-reach windows
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Enhanced security while you’re away
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Accessibility and ease for seniors or individuals with mobility concerns
Exterior Shades and Awnings: Outdoor Living Done Right
Outdoor shades and awnings extend your living space and make patios more usable during hot summer months. They also protect your interiors from solar glare and fading.
Best For:
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Decks in Davenport with intense afternoon sun
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Covered patios in North Liberty
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Energy-efficient sunrooms in Iowa City
Choosing the Best Window Treatments for Each Room
Selecting the best window treatments is not just about style—it’s also about matching function to room use. Here’s how to choose smartly by room type:
Living Room
Needs: Light control, privacy, and UV protection
Top Picks: Roller shades, plantation shutters, drapery panels
Kitchen
Needs: Moisture resistance, easy cleaning, daylight
Top Picks: Faux wood blinds, woven wood shades, café shutters
Bedroom
Needs: Privacy, blackout options, noise reduction
Top Picks: Roman shades, layered drapery, cellular shades
Bathroom
Needs: Privacy, humidity resistance
Top Picks: Vinyl shutters, faux wood blinds, roller shades
Office
Needs: Glare reduction, adjustable light
Top Picks: Solar shades, vertical blinds, wood blinds
Custom vs. Off-the-Shelf: Why Customization Matters
Iowa homeowners who want lasting value are often best served with custom window treatments. Unlike ready-made options, custom solutions are built to fit your windows exactly and offer the quality and aesthetic to match your home’s unique needs.
Benefits of Custom Window Treatments:
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Exact fit for odd-shaped or oversized windows
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Wider choice of materials, colors, and textures
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Professionally installed for a polished look
At Made in the Shade – Eastern Iowa, we bring the showroom to you with in-home consultations. This allows you to see fabrics and finishes in your actual lighting conditions, making it easier to choose the best window treatments for your space.
Why Eastern Iowa Homeowners Choose Made in the Shade
We’re not just another window covering company—we’re your neighbors. Our locally owned and operated team knows what works for the climate, homes, and lifestyles of Eastern Iowa residents.
What Sets Us Apart:
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Free in-home consultations
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Professional measuring and installation
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A wide variety of blinds, shades, shutters, and drapery
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Motorization and smart home integration
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Personal service from Iowa-based professionals
When you call Made in the Shade – Eastern Iowa at 563-726-8040, you’re working with experts who truly understand your home and your goals.
Window Treatment Trends Popular in Eastern Iowa
Keeping up with national trends is important, but regional preferences play a big role in choosing the best window treatments in places like Iowa City, Bettendorf, and the surrounding areas.
Top Local Trends:
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Warm Neutrals: Earth tones and soft grays are popular for creating calm, welcoming spaces.
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Natural Materials: Woven wood shades and bamboo add organic texture.
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Dual Shades: Combining light-filtering and blackout layers in one product is gaining traction.
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Layered Looks: Drapery over cellular shades is a favorite in luxury homes.
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Smart Tech: Motorization is increasingly common in new construction and remodels.
Common Questions About the Best Window Treatments in Eastern Iowa
Are cellular shades good for Iowa winters?
Yes! Their honeycomb design traps air, providing insulation against both cold and heat. They’re one of the best window treatments for energy efficiency.
Can I get motorized options installed on existing windows?
Absolutely. Many of our motorized solutions can be retrofitted onto existing windows, and we’ll help you choose the most compatible product.
Are exterior shades worth it in Iowa?
Yes—especially if you have a west-facing patio or sunroom. Exterior shades and awnings reduce glare and keep spaces cooler during Iowa summers.
How long does the process take?
From the free consultation to installation, the process typically takes 2–3 weeks depending on product choice and customization.
Ready to Discover the Best Window Treatments for Your Iowa Home?
Whether you’re looking to improve energy efficiency, modernize your home, or just add a touch of style, Made in the Shade – Eastern Iowa has you covered. From the initial consultation to final installation, we’ll help you find the best window treatments tailored to your home and your life.
Give us a call today at 563-726-8040 to schedule your free in-home consultation. We proudly serve:
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Iowa City
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Davenport
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Bettendorf
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Quad Cities
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Cedar Rapids
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North Liberty
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Tiffin
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Surrounding communities
Let’s create something beautiful together—with the best window treatments in Eastern Iowa.
