Decide what role you need your windows to play, you will save time and frustration later on. Consider these questions:

• What degree of privacy do you need? Does privacy need to be partial or total?

• How much light control do you want? Slats or vanes to rotate open and closed? Blinds or shades that can be raised or lowered? Or a combination   or both? Will sheer fabric work? Is room darkening necessary? Or do you need blackout?

• Are you concerned about energy efficiency?

• What is the exposure of the room (north, south, east, west)?

• Is the window necessary for ventilation?

• Do you want to take advantage of a view?

• Do you want to block over the view through the window?

• Do you need easy access to the window for cleaning?

• How important is ease of control?

• Are there any interfering factors such as security buttons, window cranks, window air conditioners, baseboard heaters, etc.?

• Are there light switches or wall sockets that need to be considered?

• Are there any interfering architectural features such as crown moldings, beams, chair rails, built-in cabinets, etc.?

• Is there a combination of doors and windows in the room that needs to be treated? Is the door used frequently? Do you want to treat all the   openings the same? Is that feasible?

• Will children or pets be in the room?