What Are the Big Differences Between Blinds and Shades in San Clemente?

When you start looking at different window coverings for the home, you’ll usually come across blinds and shades in San Clemente. The names can sometimes be used interchangeably, although they shouldn’t. It’s important to understand the differences between these two types of window treatments.

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking at roller styles, venetian window coverings, or something in between. The differences between shades and blinds are pretty standard across the board. By knowing the differences, you’ll figure out which one you need in your home.

Shades Are Usually Made with Softer Materials

One of the easiest ways to tell the difference between blinds and shades in San Clemente is the material in use. Shades tend to use softer textiles, usually in some sort of fabric that has been tailored. This could be a solar material that allows you to filter the light, or it could be a blackout material that does what the name suggests.

However, there are some blinds that will use fabric materials. This is when you get something like vertical blinds made with a fabric material. The slats are what make them blinds rather than shades, and we’ll get to that difference shortly.

In the majority of cases, blinds are made with solid materials. You can find vinyl that is on the softer side, but there are also solid vinyl materials. You’ll also find metal, PVC, faux wood, and real wood as options for blinds. They don’t tend to be used for shades due to the way the material has to sit.

Blinds Will Have Slats That You Can Manipulate

If you want a lot of control over light and privacy, you’ll likely turn your attention to blinds rather than shades. A big difference between blinds and shades in San Clemente is the way the material sits. This is why fabric slat blinds are still blinds instead of shades.

Blinds have slats, which look a lot like louvers if you get plantation shutters. You’re able to twist the slats open and close, giving you more control over the amount of light that gets in through the window, as well as the direction that light shines. If you need to block the glare without blocking the light, you’ll twist the slats up and manage the light levels that way.

Shades will have one full slip of material that’s usually pulled up and down. This is why it needs to be soft as it will often wrap around an opening system. You’ll lose some control over light control depending on the exact type of material you choose. It is possible to get a sheer material that will filter the light into the home and offer privacy during the day.

Don’t use blinds and shades in Olympia as interchangeable terms. The two types of window treatments are different, and they will help you achieve different benefits in your home. Once you know what you want to gain from window treatments, you’ll be able to choose the best one for your needs.