One of the best things about moving into a new home is choosing new window treatments. One of the first things to do is consider whether blinds or shades would serve you and your space better. Good quality window treatments can do wonders when it comes to transforming the look of your home. You’ll want to choose durable, long lasting coverings that will compliment the aesthetic of your home, so that you’ll have them for many years. Let’s discuss blinds and shades in order to help you decide which one you should be choosing for your space.
Blinds
Blinds are a traditional window covering known for their horizontal slats that block sunlight and provide a sufficient amount of privacy. Blinds can be raised and lowered, usually with a cord although nowadays, cordless blinds are an option as well. Slats allow for you to control how much natural light enters your room and you’re also able to raise or lower as desired.
As mentioned before, usually one would operate blinds using a cord and the slats are usually made of materials such as wood or faux wood, vinyl and aluminum. Slats come in different sizes and colors. With many different options on the market, you’re surely able to find something with the right specifications and uniqueness to match your home decor requirements.
Wood blinds provide great insulation and do a fantastic job at reducing the suns glare, protecting your home from harsh sunlight that can cause damage to your belongings. Wood blinds cost more but for something a bit more affordable, you have the options of vinyl blinds which are also great at light control and are durable if looked after.
Keep in mind that there is definitely a difference in quality when comparing budget blinds to higher end products. It’s worth investing a little more when purchasing any window treatments. The extra money you put in will take you a lot further.
Shades
If you’re looking to add a bit more elegance to your room, shades are a good option. They offer a clean, timeless look that works well in modern settings and won’t look out of place in a more classic setting either. Shades are durable and if they’re well looked after, can last many years. Manually operated shades are raised and lowered with a cord, however they also come in a cordless option. If you really like convenience, you can get them motorized, enabling you to raise and lower them with the aid of a remote control. Overall, shades are easy to use.
Unlike blinds, shades don’t have slats, giving your windows a softer look and are available in different styles. Roman shades are a popular and more traditional style, they’re elegant in appearance and offer a bit more sophistication. Good for insulation, they’re a great choice for dining rooms and bedrooms. Roller Shades work well in almost any space, giving a neat, clean look that works well in most, if not all, modern decor settings. Available in a range of sizes and colors, they’re extremely easy to use and safe for children and pets especially if cordless or motorized. You’ll find that the solar shades option is available in different fabrics that come in different opacities which would determine how much natural light will enter your space.
Basically, function, cost and durability are things to take into consideration when shopping for the best window treatment option. Thinking about what would work best in your home is a good idea. Also, try to choose something that is versatile in terms of looks. That way you won’t run into any style issues if you ever changing your home decor aesthetic.
With so many options and styles on the market, choosing the right fit for you can be overwhelming. Therefore, it’s highly recommended you consult a professional in the window treatments field before settling on something. A salesperson will be able to give you the right advice and point you in a better direction especially when you have more than one option to choose from.