Which Is Better: Window Blinds or Shades?

If you’ve just moved into your new home or are planning to upgrade your current window coverings, you might find the process of selecting new window coverings frustrating and challenging. You could choose between blinds, shades, drapes, or curtains. We suggest that you consider either blinds or window shades in Orlando for you to find the right match for your windows.

The Difference Between Blinds and Shades

Many people often confuse between blinds and shades by using the terms interchangeably. Nevertheless, blinds and shades have several differences regarding their functionality, durability, price, style, and other features. However, the main difference between blinds and shades is in their design. 



Blinds are window coverings that feature individual slats or vanes connected by a string for easy opening or closing. The slats can be either in a vertical or horizontal position. Shades, on the other hand, are single window coverings made using softer materials like fabric. 

How To Make The Choice Between Blinds and Shades

We can’t say that blinds are better than shades or vice versa. The choice between these two window coverings boils down to individual preference. When choosing which of the two to purchase, we suggest you first ask yourself this question. “What are my needs?”



Luckily your needs are influenced by one or several of the factors discussed below.

Privacy and Light Control

When selecting any window covering, including curtains and drapes, we all consider the level of privacy and light control the window covering provides. In terms of privacy, you’ll receive the most flexibility from blinds. You can adjust the blinds to expose as little or as much of the window as you want. 

The adjustment of the slats also gives you the flexibility to control the amount of light you want streaming into your home. However, it would be best to remember that even when closed, there will be a tiny space between the slats that will allow in light, which can be irritating. Luckily you can solve this by installing routeless wood blinds.

Shades, on the other hand, offer varying levels of privacy depending on their opacity levels. Shades made of heavier fabric offer complete privacy. In contrast, shades made of lighter fabric can still display the silhouettes of individuals or objects while preventing detailed views. 

Unlike blinds, shades have less light control flexibility since they are made of a single solid material that can either open or close. However, depending on their opacity levels, you can either completely darken your room or diffuse the light to allow a certain amount of light into your home.

Price

When you’re shopping for blinds or shades, the second option you’ll consider is their prices. Generally, blinds are considered more budget-friendly than shades. However, both are extremely affordable if you’re interested in going for the basic types. 

You start to see the differences in their prices when you decide to customize them. While both are customizable, shades have more customizable options than blinds, which can easily drive the price of shades up higher. 



That being said, when shopping for blinds or shades, there is truly something for everyone.

Durability

In every home décor purchase made, you have to think of the durability of the product you’ve bought. It’s not difficult to conclude that blinds are more durable than shades. And that’s because they are made of harder materials like wood, vinyl, or aluminum. In contrast, shades are made of lighter material that can easily rip.



And this is why we recommend that you install blinds in high-traffic areas. However, it’s also important to remember that blinds are not indestructible. They can easily bend or break, so you should take care of how you and your family handle them. 

Child Safety

According to a research study conducted by Pediatrics, data collected between 1996 and 2012 showed that 231 blind cord entanglement injuries were reported among children below six years. About 66% of these injuries resulted in death. While we aren’t trying to scare you from buying blinds, we want you to know that accidents can happen if you’re not careful.



Both blinds and shades have cordless and corded varieties. So, in terms of child safety, you can avoid the risk posed to your child by selecting one over the other. However, you can purchase cordless window coverings such as motorized blinds or window shades. Alternatively, you can assure your child’s safety by tying up the cords into several knots to ensure they pose no danger to your child.

Cleaning

The type of window covering you’ll purchase will determine the amount of effort required to ensure they’re always clean. Most people will tell you that shades are easier to clean than blinds. And that’s because when cleaning blinds, you have to wipe down each slat, which takes a considerable amount of time. However, you can purchase blind cleaners, which can help you clean several slats in one swipe. You can purchase them on Amazon, which has an excellent selection of cheap blind cleaners. 



In most cases, all you have to do when cleaning shades is lightly vacuum them. However, if your shades have tougher stains, you might have to wash them with soap and water. We do, however, recommend that you take a careful look at the manufacturer’s instructions on how your shades should be cleaned. Alternatively, you can hire a professional to handle the removal of the tough stains.

Noise

You should consider the amount of noise a blind or shade produces, especially if you have young children at home. As a parent, we’re sure you understand the importance of nap time. While some children have no problem sleeping through storms, others are sensitive to the slightest of sounds. If your child is one of them, you should definitely consider noise as a factor when purchasing window coverings.

Unlike old shades, the level of noise produced by modern shades is quite minimized. However, it’s impossible to open or close blinds without making any noise. There is also the fact that open blinds vibrate when wind passes through your open window. 

Now that you know what factors to consider when choosing between blinds and shades, it’s time to make your purchase.