Strangely enough, Venetian blinds were actually invented and patented by an Englishman – Edward Bevan. While this was all the way back in the 1760s, soon, blinds evolved into the many variants we see today.
Serving a variety of functions, both blinds and shades are a great way to brighten up any room, create privacy, and provide a space for people to relax or study. However, this is not without nuance.
If you’re debating which to get, it pays to know the differences between blinds and shades. Here’s a look at how blinds vs shades compare to help you choose the right one for your home.
Let’s get started!
Blinds vs Shades: Know the Difference
While you might hear the two words being used interchangeably, the truth is that blinds and shades are quite different. Both serve the same function in the sense that they are window coverings.
How they accomplish, this is a little different.
Blinds cover your windows with individual, horizontal or vertical slats along the body. On the other hand, shades are one, solid window covering.
Blinds are generally made from solid materials like wood, metal, or bamboo. Window shades are usually made from fabric like polyester, cotton, or viscose. Shades are further classified into cellular, roman, and roller shades depending on the shape they take while raised.
Benefits of Choosing Blinds for Your Windows
Blinds offer a variety of advantages to homeowners. While there is a bit of overlap with the perks of using shades, here is where blinds truly stand out.
Control the Entry of External Light
With blinds, you have a lot of control over the slats. You can make adjustments to the flow of light into your room. This makes them a good choice for bedrooms or offices.
Blocking out harmful UV rays and heat can be particularly beneficial during the hot summer months.
Layering Options
Blinds offer a fair bit of versatility when it comes to layering your windows. You can pair other window coverings like curtains with blinds for a more sophisticated aesthetic and enhanced light control.
Choice of Material
Blinds are made from a variety of materials, including aluminum, wood, bamboo, and other metals. Further, you also have the choice of various colors, styles, and patterns. This allows you a lot of flexibility while choosing the aesthetic of your living rooms, offices, and homes.
Metal slats are usually stronger, making blinds a durable option in the long-term.
Benefits of Choosing Shades for Your Windows
Shades truly stand out when it comes to usability and energy efficiency. Let’s take a closer look at why.
Ease of Use
Shades are simple to use and take up very little room when rolled up. They also add to a cleaner, more modern aesthetic. Since they are made from fabrics, you normally have a wide range of colors to choose from.
Energy Efficiency
Shades are particularly good at keeping the light out of a room and consequently heat. This will definitely help you out in the summer months when you can use shades to block out the heat, thereby improving the energy efficiency of your air conditioning.
Subsequently, in the winter months, they prevent warmth from moving out of your windows while serving as an additional layer to prevent cold air from coming in.
A Child and Pet-Friendly Choice
Given their user-friendly nature, shades are a child and pet-friendly alternative to other window coverings. Cellular and roller shades do not have attached cords which can be hazardous when paired with an inquisitive child or a playful pet.
Blinds or Shades: Consider Your Priorities
Not sure what the right option for you is? Consider the following.
Ease of Cleaning
Blinds are generally easier to clean than shades. All you have to do is wipe the solid slats clean with a damp cloth. While you can dust off or vacuum your shades, stains may require professional cleaning.
Price
When it comes to price, you’re on equal ground depending on the type of shades you want. Roman shades tend to be more expensive than roller shades. Blinds are usually a more cost-effective alternative.
Light Control
Blinds offer you more control over light entry, while shades work better to completely block out the light. This also makes shades more energy efficient as they do not have narrow spaces in between them as the blinds do.
Privacy
Again, blinds offer you better control over the degree of your privacy, while shades offer complete privacy when you need it. With shades, you have the option of complete opening or complete closing. However, blinds allow you to make adjustments.
Durability
Blinds are the more durable option. Shades are made from fabrics which increases their risk of tears, loose threads, stains, and similar wear.
Styling Options
Shades are a clear winner in this department since blinds are made from limited materials. You will find more options for colors and patterns while choosing shades.
Make the Right Decision for Your Home Windows
Blinds vs shades – the answer depends on your priorities. If you’re looking for a more durable option that works fairly well in all other regards – go with blinds. If you’d like to be able to choose from lots of colors and enjoy window coverings that are simple to use, go with window shades!
Have you made your choice? Do you need more information before you do/ We’ve got your back! Head on over here to learn all about the blind and shade options for your home and office.
