The instant you walk into a room, one of the first things you notice is the windows and the type of window treatment. The visual impression you get varies depending on whether you choose to hang blinds or shades over your window. Blinds may give off a sterile, unimaginative vibe or feel polished and refined if they’re wood and not vinyl. A living room or bedroom outfitted with woven shades or stacked, pleated fabric shades may feel modern or bohemian. However, the biggest question is whether to choose blinds or shades and what is the best window covering for your place. To answer this question, we looked at a few different points.
What Are The Differences Between Blinds Vs. Shades?
Homeowners may question if there is any significant difference between hanging blinds or shades. After all, aren’t window coverings relatively similar and simply something to hang over a window? However, this couldn’t be further from the truth, as there are many ways to customize your window treatments by installing different shades and blinds.
Decide on whether to choose blinds or shades based on the room you are decorating, whether your window coverings will be exposed to moisture, prolonged intense sunlight, or need to be stain-resistant. For safety concerns, choose a cordless window treatment with wipeable louvers instead of a shade you have to machine wash.
Why Do Window Treatments Matter?
The window treatments you choose for your home immediately reflect how you utilize and feel about your room. Whether you select sheer fabric shades, pleated shades, or aluminum or wood blinds, this impacts how much light filters through a window and the level of privacy afforded.
Your sense of aesthetics will help steer you to the best choice of window coverings. However, specific styles of blinds or shades may better complement your home decor, prominent furniture, and wall or floor treatments.
When To Choose Blinds?
Not every room in your house is a good fit for different types of blinds. However, you may want to choose window blinds as the predominant window treatment if the following points match for you:
- You frequently need to adjust the lighting in a room.
- You want a neutral, minimalist window covering that is budget-friendly.
- Blinds are quick, easy to install, and come in cordless or cord-included options.
- You desire a versatile window covering that works well in many rooms throughout your home, creating a cohesive look.
Window blinds are optimal for windows where you frequently need to adjust the lighting throughout the day. Cleaning windows is low-maintenance, requiring regular dusting with a soft, lint-free cloth or vacuuming the louvers carefully with an attachment.
Faux Wood Blinds
Try faux wood if you love the look of wood blinds but want a alternative to a more expensive wood blind. It’s easy to maintain this type of window treatment, and it comes in a range of popular stains or colors that work well with existing decor. Choose faux wood blinds in bathrooms without worrying about moisture buildup and damage to louvers.
Aluminum Blinds
Reflect and block out intense sunlight with lightweight, versatile aluminum window blinds. If you don’t mind metallic louvers with a matte look, this look works well for living rooms, sun porches, and small sitting rooms.
Wood Blinds
Stick to a window treatment with a refined aesthetic that fits a home with a farmhouse, vintage, or contemporary look. Wood blinds are a bit heavier, costly, and require some care during installation. But they age well, have high aesthetic appeal, and are durable. Hang this window covering in breakfast nooks, dining rooms, or home offices.
Fabric Blinds
Make a strong visual statement and enhance the light filtering and air circulation with fabric blinds. Choose from blinds with a vertical orientation that pivot on a track to adjust privacy, lighting, and allow for airflow.
Or, choose semi-traditional blinds that have a horizontal orientation but roll in a modern, updated style. A fabric window treatment is customizable, with the opportunity to use high-end fabrics that range from sheer to blackout in opacity.
When To Choose Shades?
Installing different types of shades help create a more contemporary feel for your room or are more suitable for traditional, minimalist decor. You may desire window shades with a modest opacity for living rooms and home offices or blackout shades for bedrooms.
Often shades are a cordless window treatment option, which helps avoid potential safety hazards in homes with young children, pets, or aged adults. However, follow your bliss and choose shades for how they add to your room’s style, function, and adjust lighting needs.
Pleated Fabric Shades
If you want a versatile look with a wide range of light filtering and high-end style, pleated fabric shades are an excellent modern option. For prominent, large windows over a sofa or in a stately dining room, install fabric shades that gather when pulled up or have a stacked look for visual interest.
Roman Shades
Classic Roman shades are a lovely window treatment for traditional bedrooms, foyers, and living rooms that don’t see moisture, like bathrooms and kitchens. However, this choice of window covering may slightly obstruct your view outside and block lighting when pulled down, compared to blinds.
Woven Shades
Discerning homeowners that like bohemian, earthy, or nautical decor should choose woven shades. Woven window coverings are often jute, bamboo, or soft wood to add texture. Depending on the color of the woven shade and openness of the weave, the level of privacy and light filtering may vary.
Cellular Shades
Homeowners who want to optimize the energy efficiency of home windows should consider cellular shades. Thanks to the unique design of cellular shades, this window covering helps reduce lost heat and cool air and provides a modicum of privacy without sacrificing light filtering.
Style Your Windows Effortlessly With Blinds Or Shades
The window coverings you choose for your home should be easy to operate, require light to moderate maintenance, and last for years. Whether you choose blinds or shades as a window treatment for your home, select a window covering that fits your home’s aesthetic and satisfies your desired level of light filtering or privacy. Create a luxurious home with blinds and shades that transform living rooms, kitchens, and bedrooms all online All About Blinds.
