Are you a new homeowner, or just looking for new window treatments? Are you unsure whether shades or blinds would be the best fit for your house or apartment?
Quality window treatments are designed to last for years, and they will literally frame the mood of your rooms.
Communities like Ormond Beach are known for their sunlit, beachfront homes and active residents. You will want to be sure that your house reflects your lifestyle.
Heres what you should know about window blinds and shades before you start shopping.
1. Window Blinds
Blinds are some of the most popular ways to cover windows. They typically have slats, known as louvers, that rotate back and forth to control light and privacy. Blinds can get lowered, yet light can still come in through the slats.
Blinds are “hard” window coverings that are usually controlled through a manual pullcord. They can be made of wood, metal, or faux wood, all of which are “hard” materials.
Blinds give you a traditional look and can match any decorating style. Wood blinds, for example, have a warm, organic look that adds a sophisticated touch to your decor. They have a definite fine grain texture with beautiful details.
Upscale wood blinds provide excellent insulation, and they offer superior protection against harsh sunlight. They come in beautiful stains and many colors.
Faux wood blinds look like the real thing but are actually made of a composite PVC/vinyl material. They will not warp or fade, making them a great choice for kitchens and bathrooms.
Because faux wood blinds are sturdy in humid weather, they are a great choice for areas like Ormond Beach, FL. They are also easy to clean, and you won’t have to worry about ruining the grain as you do with real wood. Faux wood blinds are economical and inexpensive.
Vinyl blinds are an even less pricy option, and they do a great job of blocking out light. They are also durable and easy to clean.
2. Shades
Shades are “soft” window treatments that get made of fabric materials that roll out to cover a swath of window opening. They get rolled up or down by power chords or with a string device.
Shades have no slats or vanes, so they give your window a smoother look. While you cannot adjust for light filtering as you can with blinds, some allow you to choose different levels of opacity for light preferences.
Blackout shades, for example, provide maximum light blockage. These are good for nurseries, media rooms, and bedrooms. Blackout shades don’t totally block light, but they come in a variety of styles and light-control options.
Roman shades are pulled up or down using a rope or string. They stack up evenly when opened, but remain visibly smooth.
Roman shades are available as “looped” shades that have folds that cascade down the face of the shade to help create depth. They can also be “classic,” which offers a pleated design that can be battened in the front or back.
Roman shades provide insulation and look homey in living rooms, studies, and bedrooms. They also provide a clean finish and professional decor.
Cellular shades get used to block light and insulate windows to conserve energy. They hold trapped air and create a barrier between the window surface and the room. Cellular shades get created as single cell, double cell, or triple cell.
Cellular shades are attractive, versatile, and energy-efficient. Over time, they can save you quite a bit of heating and cooling costs.
Roller shades consist of a headrail and one solid piece of fabric or synthetic material that stretches the length of your window when fully extended. They are budget-friendly and easy to clean.
3. Blinds Or Shades?
There are lots of factors to consider when deciding between blinds and shades.
Considerations such as cost and durability are important. Shades and blinds vary in price, so it is impossible to say which will be more important than the other. Basic shades have a decent life and can cover your windows beautifully, but more durable styles can last you even longer.
Blinds are made from hard materials and may last longer than shades. If you’re making a purchase you hope not to repeat in the next decade, consider purchasing some custom, well-made shades.
You will also want to consider the cleaning required for each. Blinds, for example, may require that you fill a bucket with warm, sudsy water and wipe off each slat with a cloth.
Shades get cleaned with the same type of solution but can be less time-consuming to clean because you will only need to wipe them down.
Insulation is another important factor. Cellular shades, for example, are specifically designed to reduce energy costs.
You may also wish to consider child safety. Those with toddlers at home may wish to avoid styles with chords that can easily get pulled or wrapped.
Much will also depend upon the style of the room you’re decorating, as well as your preference when you view types of window coverings. With so many options to choose from, it’s difficult to go wrong in today’s market!
Get Shopping
Window blinds and shades are available in a wide variety of colors and materials. They’ll bring light and warmth into your Ormond Beach home for years to come!
For more great blinds and shades, contact us today.
