Shades and blinds are both popular options for window treatments. Both offer stylish solutions for controlling light and enhancing energy efficiency. But there are a few key differences, which we’ll review below.
Finding the right window treatment for your home can feel overwhelming. That’s why our Louver Shop design professionals are here to help. We’ll go over all the options during a free consultation. You’ll get to see product samples and get expert design advice, all at no obligation.
We believe that designing custom window treatments should be an easy and even enjoyable experience. So, you can count on us to help every step of the way, from free consultation to professional installation.
In the meantime, let’s go over the differences between blinds and shades.
Blinds
Blinds are made from a variety of materials, including wood, faux wood, metal. This window treatment has slats that adjust to open or close. When raised, the slats neatly stack together.
Some are corded, but many are available in cordless and automated styles for simple operation. They’re budget-friendly, offer great light control and are easy to clean.
We carry all the most popular styles, including horizontal blinds, vertical blinds and mini blinds.
Horizontal Blinds
If you like the look of plantation shutters but have a smaller budget, horizontal blinds are the way to go. They’re often referred to as plantation blinds, since they have wide louvers like plantation shutters.
In contrast, plantation shutters are a permanent window treatment that’s installed within the frame. These shutters have wide wood or PVC louvers that open with a tilt bar. Depending on the style, shutters can often be opened with a swinging or sliding motion.
When customizing your horizontal blinds, you can choose from genuine basswood, a timeless material also used in plantation shutters. Or faux wood with realistic finishes, which resists heat, humidity and warping.
Vertical Blinds
Our vertical blinds aren’t your mom’s vertical blinds. From contemporary panels to soft fabric vertical blinds, you’re sure to find a look that complements your home.
Gliding panels are a great solution if you own a contemporary home with floor-to-ceiling windows. These panels stack neatly together while open and show off stylish fabrics while closed. With more than 600 fabrics available, you’re likely to find the right one for your space.
We offer three different types of vertical blinds in aluminum, vinyl and fabric finishes. It’s easy to add drapery-like styling to your rooms without the hassle of heavy curtains that are difficult to clean.
Mini Blinds
Mini blinds are an economical window treatment, but they’re easy to clean and stylish too. Since they’re made from aluminum, these durable blinds are great for busy or humid rooms in your home. We offer a wide range of modern metallic finishes plus special features to block more light when closed and increase your view while open.
Shades
Shades are soft, drapery-like window treatments that hang from a roll. When raised, they roll neatly at the top of the window, sometimes within a hidden headrail. They’re usually cordless, and some options can be customized with an automated operating system for easy use and smart home compatibility.
When you think of shades, you might picture plain, white window treatments with an unattractive roller. Today’s solutions are much more stylish, functional and customizable. We offer a wide range of the most popular options, which include sheer shades, honeycomb shades, Roman shades and roller/solar shades.
Sheer Shades
If you can’t decide between shades and blinds, sheer shades are a great choice. These shades feature floating vanes nestled between two layers of fabric. The fabric panels transform harsh sunlight into a warm glow. And the blinds offer superior light control and privacy.
They’re available in both horizontal and vertical styles, so you can use them throughout your house. You can customize yours with our large collection of fabrics, vane widths and extras, such as room-darkening panels.
Honeycomb Shades
If you’re looking to improve your home’s energy efficiency, honeycomb shades are a great option. These soft fabric shades have pockets that trap air at the windows, which are your home’s main source of energy loss. These pockets can also help block more outdoor noise, letting you relax in peace. The result is a more comfortable home and potentially lower energy bills.
Honeycomb shades are also a fantastic way to control light, since you can add extra features for blackout or room-darkening capabilities. They’re available in horizontal and vertical styles, so you can use them throughout your home, even on specialty windows and skylights.
Roman Shades
Roman shades mimic curtains but offer all the convenience of a soft shade for horizontal windows. When raised, they stack into neat pleats. When lowered, they offer outstanding light control, privacy and energy efficiency.
We offer several styles, including honeycomb and natural woven wood, so you can find just the right look for your home.
Roller and Solar Shades
Roller and solar shades offer modern style, easy cleaning and easy operation for horizontal windows. Available in a wide collection of fabrics and opacities, these shades neatly roll into sleek headrails. They even come in a honeycomb style, so you can enhance your home’s energy efficiency while also making your house look great.
Customize Your Blinds or Shades with Expert Help from Louver Shop
Blinds and shades are both great options for your home. With the help of a window treatment professional like one from Louver Shop, we can find the right style for your needs.
We also make all our window treatments here in the United States, so your dream of a beautiful home will be reality in just a few weeks. Contact us at 888-249-5655 to get started with your free consultation today!