Blinds and Shades for Windows: Ultimate Guide

Decorating your home or remodelling your office usually includes details like painting the walls, furniture arrangement, and more recently, window dressing comes into the picture. When we talk about window dressing, the most popular choices typically come down to two options: blinds and shades. However, there is often some confusion regarding the difference between these two terms. So, let’s put them into perspective.

Blinds typically refer to a hard window covering made with slats that tilt open and closed. They can also lift and lower, serving the purpose of controlling light and maintaining privacy. Blinds are usually made of wood, faux wood, aluminium, or vinyl. Now, the blind types include vertical blinds, venetian blinds, mini blinds, and panel blinds.

Contrarily, shades are a soft window covering made with a continuous roll, stacking immaculately and evenly into accordion-style pleats when lifted. The material used is usually fabric or woven wood. Some of the most common types of shades include roller shades, roman shades, cellular shades, and woven wood shades.

Now that we have a fair idea about the difference between blinds and shades, let’s dive into the specifics of these window coverings in detail based on certain crucial factors to consider while picking an ideal window covering – style, functionality, installation method, maintenance, and budget.

Blinds

Striking a balance between slats facilitates natural light control while maintaining privacy. The slats in blinds are adjusted with the help of a cord, rod or remote control (in the case of motorised blinds). In the case of vertical blinds, they are an excellent fit for patio doors and large windows. They remain popular, and aluminium mini blinds are an affordable and durable option.

Shades

Simply put, shades are fabric attached to a pulley mechanism that can be adjusted using a chain or cord. They provide privacy and light control but lack the flexible light control a blind provides. Furthermore, they add a decorative touch to any room. Roman shades are a luxurious option that offer a timeless appeal and insulation. Cellular shades, with their honeycomb shape, provide high energy efficiency and good insulation too.

Style

Deciding between blinds or shades often depends on the preference of style. Blinds offer a traditional yet sophisticated look that comes in various colours, textures and slat sizes. Numerous design options are available in the combination of wooden and faux wood blinds. On the other hand, shades provide a softer, modern touch to any room due to their fabric construction. Pleated window shades are an optimal choice for a contemporary home decor style.

Having such a myriad of options when it comes to window coverings, it is helpful to connect with a professional who can guide you through your decision process efficiently. This is where bqdesign.com.au comes in handy, offering professional guidance and a vast range of options for both blinds and shades customised to your needs and expectations.

Functionality, Installation, Maintenance and Budget

Other factors to consider are functionality, installation, maintenance and budget. Whether you need the light control of blinds or the added insulation of window shades, it is crucial to take note of these features before making a decision. Moreover, it’s key to have professional installation for a perfect fit which prolongs the life of your window treatment. Maintenance also varies between blinds and shades; blinds potentially catching more dust than shades. Lastly, considering your budget, it is you who decides whether to splurge on your window treatment or stick with more cost-effective options.