Window Blinds, Shades, or Shutters: Which is Best for Your Home?

Window Blinds, Shades, or Shutters: Which is Best for Your Home?

Choosing between window blinds, shutters, and shades may be a matter of taste for many homeowners; however, there are some functional differences between them that could affect a buyer’s choice. Of course, some buyers add a combination of these window treatments to their home depending on what they like best as well as other considerations like affordability. Whether you are looking to install one of these window treatments for a room or even many rooms, the following guide will help you explore all the nuances of these window coverings.

Difference between Blind, Shades and Shutters

Fundamentally, window blinds are window coverings that have slats or vanes that enable the raising and lowering of the blind to cover the window but also to adjust the aperture of the vanes when the blind is down to let in more or less light. A shade is either open, exposing the window or closed, covering the window. A shutter is typically a solid covering, often with slats that can be opened and closed to vary the light entering the room.

Blinds

UNITEC Blinds come in a variety of shapes and styles, with horizontal and vertical slats being the distinctive feature, and occasionally with a sheer fabric overlaying the structure to provide a level of privacy when open. There are many materials associated with blinds, so their pricing tends to have a wide range. Aluminum and vinyl blinds, while highly functional, tend to be on the more affordable side of the spectrum while real wood blinds tend to be more expensive options. Of course, blinds are even made with sustainable materials like bamboo, which achieves the look of wood (as do faux wood blinds). Blinds are available in many styles to complement the home’s overall décor. After choosing some styles, consider how well they block light; not all blinds provide complete blockage, and that may be a privacy or security concern for some buyers.

Shades

Shades are often regarded as a highly affordable option that is also quite stylish and functional. Plain functional shades are likely the most inexpensive choice for covering windows. Moving up-scale, designer shades come in a large variety of fabric, structures and shapes. Not only can designer shades add great visual appeal to any room.

they can be purchased with different colors, patterns. and even textures to complement and accentuate the décor of any room. There are solar shades that block the sun without entirely blocking the view and even woven shades that allow small amounts of light to seep in to the room while still providing exceptional privacy. Shade designs have come a long way and many consumers opt for shades to suit their decorative scheme—not merely for their affordability.

Shutters

While shutters are often the most expensive option of the three. their custom designs tailored to your windows can actually add value to your home!

In addition to their durability and privacy, shutters come in a myriad of styles that make them a desirable option no matter if your home is in the style of Art Deco, 1950s ranch, contemporary bungalow, or even an ultra modern high rise apartment. The slats of shutters can also be adjusted to let in a desired among of light or none at all. Indoor shutters are adept at blocking light and providing ultimate privacy as well as timeless style.

There is no wrong choice—all of these options work well—the choice between them is ultimately the homeowner’s taste and the style and size of room. If you still aren’t sure which style you like best, and let our experienced interior designers at Interiors and Textiles show you the different styles of window treatments available. Our full-sized illuminated product displays will help you visualize how different options will work in your room.