If you’re new to the world of window coverings, the perfect starting point is determining the ideal style for your windows. With many choices out there, blinds and shades are the ones that most people prefer. We’ve put together an informative guide to assist you in discovering the perfect window treatments for your living space, whether it’s blinds vs shades.
What’s the Difference Between Shades and Blinds?
Lots of folks mix up the words “blinds” and “shades” when they talk about window coverings, but they’re not exactly alike. So, what’s the difference? In simple terms, blinds are window treatments with adjustable slats that you can tilt open or shut. Shades, in contrast, are made from a single piece of soft fabric that goes over the window.
Blinds can be wide or tall, and they’re made from different stuff like wood, bamboo, pretend wood, metal, and plastic. As for shades, there are favorite types like cellular shades, roman shades, and roller shades.
Both blinds and shades do the same basic job of covering your window to provide privacy, control the light, or add decoration. But the right choice for your house depends on what you like and how you live.
How to Choose Between Window Shades vs Blinds
Shades and blinds come in many styles, materials, and ways they work. They also have different prices, so you can find something for every room and budget. If you’re trying to make up your mind between blinds or custom shades for your house, here are some things to think about:
Light Control
Consider how much sunlight comes in through your window and how light or dark you want your room to be. Do you like having a lot of daylight at certain times, or do you prefer a darker room? These questions can help you decide.
Blinds are great for controlling light. They have slats you can tilt to change where the light goes and how much comes in. If you want to see outside clearly, you can also raise the blinds completely.
Shades are good for making the light softer or for making the room completely dark. When they’re closed, most cellular shades make a warm, soft light that still keeps your privacy. If you want to block UV rays and keep the sun’s heat out, solar shades might be the right choice. So between cellular shades vs blinds, it all comes down to your preferences.
Privacy
Blinds and shades can both keep your privacy by stopping people from seeing inside, but they do it differently. You can adjust blinds to let in light while still blocking the view from outside. But how private shades are depends on the material they’re made of. Like, roller shades made from a see-through fabric may blur the view, but you can still see shapes. But if they are made from vinyl or a solid fabric, they give really good privacy.
Cleaning
Cleaning blinds is easy. You can use furniture polish and a soft cloth to wipe them clean. For shades, if they get dusty or dirty, you can use the vacuum’s brush attachment to remove the dust, or gently clean them with warm water. However, when they’re very dirty, it’s a good idea to have a professional clean them.
Insulation
Some shades can help keep your home the right temperature. They do this by either blocking the sun to keep it cooler inside or by stopping warm air from escaping when it’s cold outside. Among these, cellular shades are better than blinds because they’re the best at saving energy. They contain small air pockets that make a barrier between your room and the window.
Roman shades, especially when they have an insulating liner, and solar shades are also effective for this. Blinds aren’t as good at keeping your home cozy because they let more air through, especially when it’s cold. So, if you want to save energy, shades are the way to go.
Price
People usually think blinds are a cheaper choice, but fancy custom blinds can actually cost more than simple roller shades. While plain aluminum blinds are usually cheaper than basic shades, you can find options for all budgets. As a rough estimate, the cost of products and installation for eight windows can be around $350 to $750 for aluminum blinds or $675 to $1300 or even more for roman shades.
Style
In many new houses, you’ll find plain white blinds as the usual choice. They’re a safe and simple option, but they might seem a bit dull to some people. If you want your windows to grab attention and not just be ordinary, consider using a roman shade or roller shade with a colorful and fun design. You have a wide selection of fabrics, with hundreds to choose from. This means you can find a pattern that matches your room perfectly.
Special Features or Options
To find the perfect solution for your windows, you might want to explore the special features that Blinds and Shades offer. Shades are quite flexible and allow for more customization compared to blinds. You can choose from various fabric collections, add fabric valances to hide the hardware, pick different fabric fold styles, and even select fabric liners. Plus, there are various lift systems available, such as top-down/bottom-up, cordless, or motorized options.
Choose Between Blinds vs Shades for a Window Treatment than Suits Your Style
If you’re looking to transform your windows and make your living space more comfortable, consider the differences between blinds and shades. Whether it’s controlling light, ensuring privacy, ease of cleaning, energy efficiency, cost, or adding a touch of style, both blinds and shades have unique features to offer.
From the classic simplicity of blinds to the customizable and colorful options of shades, there’s something for every room and budget. Don’t forget to explore the special features like fabric choices, valances, fold styles, and lift systems to tailor your window treatments to your specific needs.