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Window Blinds vs Shades
Shades versus Blinds and Which is the Better Window Treatment
By: Mark J. Donovan
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Choosing the right window treatment is a major concern when completing the
interior design of your home. The shades versus blinds window treatment decision
can be a tough one and it depends upon the function of each room, your
particular tastes, and even the natural lighting that each room is exposed to.
This said there are advantages and disadvantages for both window blinds and
shades. Summarized below are the pros and cons of each to help you make your
window blinds versus shades decision.
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Window Shades
Soft window treatments, such as window shades, are normally made out of fabric.
Window shade fabric is typically either cloth or vinyl. Some offer insulating
material that can help to keep a room warmer during winter months and cooler
during summer months. If you prefer to let in a lot of natural light into a
room, but want some privacy, you may want to consider using sheer shades.
Window shade fabric can be fully opaque or partially translucent to allow some
light to penetrate through them. Window shades are ideal for providing home
privacy at an affordable price. Typically they have a string to pull them up or
down. They are designed so that they can be raised or lowered to any height
within the window. There are many types of shades to choose from, including
roman shades and simple flat shades. Window shades are also available in a wide
range of prices, with low end ones typically cheaper than window blinds.
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Unlike window blinds, shades can be
difficult to clean, particularly if they are made of cloth. The best way to
clean cloth shades is to simply vacuum them while they hang on the windows. With
vinyl shades, it is best to take them down, roll them out and use a cleaning
solution and rag to clean them.
Window shades vs window blinds are typically easier to install.
Window Blinds
Window blinds have adjustable vanes or slats and are consider hard window
treatments.
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Vanes typically run vertical, whereas slats normally run
horizontal. The angles associated with the vanes or slats are adjustable to
increase or decrease natural light into the home. Window blinds can also be
fully opened or closed to provide unobstructed outdoor views. In addition,
they can be adjusted to provide privacy and prevent interior lighting from
penetrating outside the home.
Window slats and vanes are commonly made out of vinyl and wood. New energy
efficient vane based window blinds are also hollow to circulate air through
them. |
Photo by Mark Donovan |
Window blinds are controlled by either a couple of rods or strings. The rods and
strings are used to control the angle of the vanes or slats and for fully
opening or closing the window blinds.
When choosing blinds, it is important to consider the rest of the room interior.
For example, if the room uses wood finished trim or wainscoting you may want to
consider using wood blinds.
Window blinds, vs shades, are typically easier to clean, however blinds
typically take a little more effort to install.
So to conclude, when it comes to making the window blinds vs shades decision,
consider the room’s purpose, the amount of natural lighting and privacy desired,
cleaning and maintenance, and your budget.
See the
Installing Interior Window Trim Ebook
from HomeAdditionPlus.com.
The Installing Interior Window Trim Ebook provides easy to understand,
step-by-step instructions, on how to install interior window trim around a
window. Pictures are included for every key step in the process.
For more information on
Installing a New Window, see the
Installing a New Window Ebook from
HomeAdditionPlus.com. The Installing a New Window Ebook provides
easy to understand, step-by-step instructions, on how to remove an old window
and install a new one. Pictures are included for every key step in the process.
Related Articles
Window Blinds and Shades from Amazon.com
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