Shades or Blinds: Which One Should I Get?

Owning a home comes with lots of excitements, and lots of decisions. One of those decisions may be whether to install blinds or shades for your window treatments. Blinds are treatments with vanes that allow light to shine in usually made of wood or vinyl, and can be horizontal or vertical. Shades are window treatments typically made of some type of fabric. Our crew at Handyman Connection of Mountain View has put together a few things for you to consider when making your window treatment choice.

Privacy

One thing to consider when choosing a window treatment is to think about how much privacy you’ll need or want for each room. If you know you want total privacy 100% of the time, shades might be a good choice for you. However, if you know that you want flexibility when it comes to privacy, shades may be a good solution. If you don’t like the thought of open blinds in your bedroom, go with shades. If you’re comfortable with the flexibility of blinds, go with blinds.

Natural Light and Control

The proper window treatments can actually increase your home’s energy use and efficiency. If your room faces west or south, that particular room may receive warmer, stronger light than those facing east or north. In the cooler months, more light shining through a room could create a warmer room, requiring your heating unit to put in less effort, which is something to consider when choosing window treatments. Blinds provide more flexibility with light control as they can be lowered, tilted, or raised at your desire. Shade materials can also range from sheer to completely blacked out lighting.

Details and Decor

Certain features or large windows in a room can be brought to life depending on the window treatments included. Blinds create a contemporary, classic look, whereas shades can create an airy, romantic look if done softly. Also keep in mind the mix of materials in each room. You’ll want to create some sort of balance between various types of materials in each room. Lastly, consider the views that you want to incorporate into your home and make sure that either treatment can feature them as you desire.

Maintenance

In most instances, blinds are typically easier to clean than shades, as all it takes is a quick dust or wipe down of each blade. Shades are a little more difficult as the fabric sometimes requires a spot treatment or an additional wipe down. It’s not too difficult to incorporate window treatments into your cleaning routine, however it is something to consider.

There are many things to consider when choosing a window treatment, but those were just a few major things to consider.

At Handyman Connection of Mountain View, our goal is to help make your house a home. We can help answer any additional questions you may have about window treatments, installation of those treatments, or other jobs around your home. Our expert craftsmen are ready to help.