In choosing the right window treatment for your home, the challenge often lies in the difference between blinds and shades. Contrary to popular belief, blinds and shades are different from each other. It is wise to know all the functional differences between the available options for your home.
In this article, find out which type of window treatment works best for you. From cost difference to efficiency, we have found all the important information you need to know about blinds and shades.
Window Blinds
Window blinds are simply window treatments that are not made of a solid length of fabric. Usually, window blinds are made of wood, aluminum, or vinyl. These blinds are the most common style of window treatment. Much like shades, blinds can raise and lower, partially or completely. Blinds come in a variety of colors and materials. Thanks to its blend of style and affordability, window blinds are the most preferable choice for Canadian households.
Simply raise or lower window blinds with a cord
Window Shades
Window shades are usually made of soft fabric panels that attach to a rod at the upper edge of the window. Unlike blinds, shades can be sold individually, and they come in a wide variety of lengths and widths. In addition, customizable options are available according to your preference from elegant fabrics, sheer to solid. Popular types of shades are Roman shades which offer an elegant design without compromising the right amount of privacy that you want.
Window shades made of soft fabric panels, customizable to your preference
Cost Difference
It is smart to know the cost difference between blinds and shades. After all, you don’t want to spend a lot of money on the wrong type of window treatment in your home. While it can’t be said that one type is more costly than the other, there are a lot of factors to consider between shades and blinds.
Shades can be cheaper and more costly than blinds. A basic shade is the most affordable of all, while Roman shades can be costly especially when made with high-quality fabric and automation. As shades are available with more custom options, they can be more costly than blinds.
Blinds for windows, on the other hand, often cost less. With fewer custom options, you can already achieve a high-end look without having to add more features. Plus, installation costs for blinds are more affordable than shades.
Material Difference
Blinds have horizontal slats that can lower, raise, or tilt according to the amount of light you want to let in. This is a hard window treatment that is comparable to the soft fabrics of shades. Blinds are usually made out of wood, vinyl, and aluminum.
Unlike blinds, shades are made out of large swaths of soft fabrics of varying colors and textures. Since most shades are not made with slats, they cannot freely tilt like blinds. You need to fully raise or lower the shades to adjust the light and privacy that you want.
Functionality Difference
Functionality is an important factor to consider when choosing blinds or shades. If you want maximum functionality in terms of control over light, blinds are the better choice. Since blinds are made with hard materials like wood and aluminum, they can give you total control over the amount of light through your home. Blinds also maintain the level of privacy that you want with no extra effort. blinds can pull across a window to stack towards the sides, whereas shades operate on a continuous roll to cover a large swath of a window opening.
Shades, on the other hand, can be a great choice if you don’t want a complete blackout effect. Shades are more versatile than blinds. With a wider range of colors and materials, shades are custom fit within your window frame. Plus, you can choose the shades that you want to match the overall tone of your home.
Efficiency Difference
When it comes to efficiency, blinds and shades can have varying results. Blinds and shades are both energy-efficient window treatments. In terms of blackout technology and protection from UV rays, both types are the ideal choice. The difference lies in the amount of efficiency. For example, with total blackout technology, blinds are the best option. This allows any homeowner to block a significant percentage of harmful UV rays. Shades can give you energy efficiency in the form of thermal efficiency in your home. Honeycomb shades, for example, are coverings for trapping air in the center of the shade creating a layer of insulation between the window and building interior. Available in single or double cells, this innovative window covering can also reduce noise from outside due to the air pockets between the shades.
If you are thinking of getting energy-efficient shades and blinds for your home, we are here to help. Our team at Wholesale Blind Factory has experience and professionals you can trust and rely on. WBF specializes in providing quality and window coverings that come in a variety of fabric options and sizes. We also offer a warranty of 5 years on all motors and controls for your peace of mind. Our faux wood blinds are made with 100% quality in terms of materials and workmanship. Give us a call on 📞 (604) 942-4201 today and learn about our finest window blinds and shades.
