After months of having your curtains pulled tight to keep Old Man Winter out, now is the time to throw them open and let the light in! Just like you wouldn’t keep a faux fur throw on your couch throughout the summer, you shouldn’t leave heavy drapes hanging in your windows.

If you’re unsure how to make the switch from winter to spring window treatments, here are some things to consider:

Choose lighter fabrics.

From blooming flowers to longer-lasting days, spring brings life back into everything. This year, choose light fabrics that effortlessly blow in the wind and add a sense of ease to your space. Because it’s true that heavy curtains raise the temperature of a room, lighter treatments may even help you save on cooling costs.

Layer fabrics if your windows face south.

Though you may want to go minimalistic with your spring treatments, that’s sometimes not an option based on how the sun hits your home. If your main windows face south, layer lighter fabrics (rather than choosing one heavy curtain) on top of each other to keep the heat out.

Ditch the fabric altogether.

Don’t get us wrong: curtains and drapes make a lovely addition to your home any time of the year, but many people opt for treatmentless windows during the warmer months. Especially if you have a beautiful landscape sitting just outside your window, shutters and blinds can be adjusted so that they allow you to see out without letting too much light in. And heads up all you allergy sufferers out there — these don’t trap allergens and are easier to clean!

Choose bright colors.

The dreariness of winter is behind us (for a few months, that is) so it’s time to liven up your home with some color — green, blue, tan, beige, yellow...the list goes on and on! Enhance the color of your new treatments even more by adding matching throw pillows or an area rug.