Windows are often described as the eyes of a home. They let light into the home and allow us to see the world from the comfort of our environment. Window treatments play an important role in how you see through those eyes. Window treatments act as a frame for those windows. They shield you from light, provide privacy from the outside world and even aid in temperature control. In today's world, the term "window treatment" covers everything from a solar shade to wood blinds to fabric side-panels.

Let's tackle the most confusing topic with regard to window treatments. Traditionally, curtains and drapes were distinct items. The term "curtains" referred to light fabric window coverings — sometimes short — intended to offer privacy and provide some sun protection for the goods and interiors of your home. Curtains would be used only for the lower part of a window. They were made of materials that would allow some light to filter through, such as a sheer fabric, lace, handkerchief cotton or linen.

The term "drapes," on the other hand, designated heavier floor-to-ceiling window treatments — sometimes lined — that would help mitigate drafts. Because of the amount of fabric used to cover a window, drapes were a more decorative treatment.

It is quite common to see a combination of both of these treatments. And today, people use the terms interchangeably to describe the same things.

Shades are a simpler window treatment. These generally come in two forms: on a roller, or with a set of pulleys and rings that function as a flat fold or "Roman." These are meant to be installed on the inside of window frames for smaller windows. Depending on the materials chosen — e.g., vinyl, mesh and even lined fabric — they can provide sun filtering to complete blackout.

On the architectural side, wood shutters and blinds, sometimes known as colonial shutters or plantation blinds, are more at home in traditional and transitional interiors. These provide privacy and climate control, and because of the thickness of the wood, they make a room darker than other window treatments. Wood shutters are inserted into a frame that goes onto the window and is integrated into the architectural millwork.

Blinds utilize a similar concept, but are not set into a frame. Rather, they hang on cords. Nowadays, both of these systems are available in many sizes, from mini (about 1" wide) to maxi (6" wide) slats, in synthetic materials and in every color imaginable.

That 1970s staple window treatment — the vertical blind — has expanded its materials, once limited to plastic and metal. Today, vertical blinds are available in textural surfaces and even with continuous fabric to simulate drapery. Vertical blinds are extremely popular and effective solutions for the sliding glass doors of condominiums.

There is a plethora of window treatments that can be used for your interiors, some even made of bead ball chain. Window treatments are often the biggest expense of your interiors. Above all, choose your treatments based on their function. Yes, they also are decorative elements, so choose wisely. I suggest using multicolored or neutral fabrics that can be utilized in more than one way to allow for a change in your decor without major cost or inconvenience. Choose something that is bright and upbeat. After all, these are your windows on the world.

Joseph Pubillones is the owner of Joseph Pubillones Interiors, an award-winning interior design firm based in Palm Beach, Florida. To find out more about Joseph Pubillones, or to read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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