What Are the Differences Between Blinds and Shades?
Whether you’re designing a new room or remodelling your existing one, the right window treatment can spruce it up considerably. Along with being a relatively simple way to change the room’s style, you can choose from many different kinds of window treatments, including blinds and shades.
These terms are often used interchangeably. It’s an understandable mistake. There are after all similarities in form and function, but there are also differences.
Keep reading to discover what they are and how to select the best blind or shade.
Window Treatments: How Are Blinds Different from Shades
Both shades and blinds offer your home a customized and unique appearance, so choosing one can be difficult. Let’s find out how.
1. Design
Blinds typically have slats that are controlled manually to give you complete control over their adjustment. Shades, on the other hand, aren’t as convenient, as they need to be opened or closed all the way to allow in or block natural light. Since there are no slats, they can’t be adjusted to only partially allow in sunlight.
Shades come in a wide range of colours and styles; blinds come only in limited options. This gives you the freedom to match your shades to your interiors, making them a more customizable option.
2. Price
This depends on the chosen style. While blinds are available in different materials, such as wood, plastic and metal, shades come in many fabric options. This makes them potentially more expensive than high-end blinds. Blinds offer a unique look and feel to any space but are more cost-effective.
3. Options
SHADES
With numerous variants available, shades are suitable for any style of interior. Here are three of the most popular.
● Roller Shades
These shades are constructed using fabric that is rolled into a tube when raised all the way. They are raised and lowered via a cord loop system, and many modern-day options come with motorization options. They can be custom-made and attached with solar screens to protect you and your interiors from harsh sunlight.
● Woven Shades
Woven shades are available in a wide price bracket, from cheap variants to expensive ones. Typically made using jute, bamboo, natural grasses and straw, they add instant comfort and warmth to any room.
● Roman Shades
Roman shades are sophisticated and elegant window treatments that are constructed with horizontal folds. They can be customized in different sizes and fabrics, allowing homeowners to create something unique to and suitable for their space.
BLINDS
Blinds come in various materials such as vinyl, wood, faux wood, aluminum and composite wood. Here, we explore three popular blinds that are perfect for any room.
● Vertical Blinds
Suitable for patio doors and large windows, these blinds are generally available in vinyl and fabric. They are designed to offer flexibility in terms of privacy and light while being easy to maintain. Their shape prevents the accumulation of dust, making them suitable for homes of any size.
● Faux Wood Blinds
Faux wood blinds come in a wide range of price points. They are available in different looks of bamboo and natural wood, such as maple or mahogany. Their warm tones allow them to be paired with other window treatments such as drapes and curtains, offering optimal control over light and privacy.
● Venetian Blinds
The wooden slats in Venetian blinds are attached to one another via a cord that lifts and lowers them to control the light entering the room. They are available in bright colours and fun patterns, making them suitable for bedrooms and living rooms.
4. Durability
Your window treatment’s durability depends on the kind you choose.
Certain types of blinds, for instance, aren’t as durable as others and may be unsuitable for homes with children or pets. Aluminum and vinyl ones bend easily and can break when pulled on. Those made using higher-quality materials like wood don’t break so easily and last many years.
Shades, by contrast, are made using different fabrics, making them a much more durable option, no matter the quality or design you choose. However, certain styles, like cellular shades, are made from thin fabric and can become damaged when not cared for properly.
Which Is Better for Your Home
Carefully think about the following before you make a choice between blinds and shades.
- Your budget. Your privacy requirements;
- Durability (which depends on the type of materials you choose);
- The amount of time you can devote toward their maintenance;
- Style (which should be compatible with your existing home decor);
Do you feel like you have enough information to choose the most suitable window treatments for your home? For assistance, give us a call at 416-489-9990.
