When it comes to window coverings, two types adorn the majority of windows: shades and blinds – heck, we take our name from them! But how do you decide which style of covering to use? Is there a best use case for one and not the other? This time on the Budget Blinds of Scottsdale and Fountain Hills blog, we are talking blinds vs shades.

Aside from the obvious difference in form factor (blinds are made of hard materials, shades are softer), we can measure the differences between blinds and shades in four key metrics: Privacy and Light Control, Durability, Insulation, and Style. These key considerations can help you dial into the exact right window covering for your home.

Privacy and Light Control

Privacy and lighting control are pretty much the biggest reasons we have for covering our windows. If we didn’t want these, then we’d either leave them wide open or not have windows in the first place. Most of us, however, do want some level of privacy in our homes and control over the kind of natural light we are getting.

When it comes to privacy and light control, blinds offer more control over the amount of light and privacy. Blinds are built with solid slats and a mechanism that allows them to be adjusted, tilted, opened, or closed entirely. Thanks to that range of motion, you can get the exact level of brightness you’re after and change it throughout the day. This solid form of blinds also means that when they’re closed, there’s no seeing through them. Privacy is maintained.

Shades, meanwhile, don’t have that same level of precise control; they are either open, closed, or some level of half open, half closed as you raise or lower the shades. The control here comes from the type of fabric selected for the shades. There are blackout roller shades that will completely block out the light and create privacy or a more sheer option to allow soft, natural light. However, the shade of fabric also influences the level of privacy available.

Point to Blinds.

Durability

We mentioned earlier that shades are hard and blinds are soft. It’s pithy, sure, but that difference actually matters more than you may realize, for instance, when it comes to durability.

Thanks to being made of harder materials (wood, faux wood, PVC, aluminum, and the like), blinds are often more durable than shades, holding up to wear and tear. They are harder to cut and tear. They’re not impervious, of course, and depending on the material, there is the risk of bending or breaking slats – especially if you have kids or pets at home. The hardness also makes them relatively easy to clean, with most blinds able to be wiped down with a duster or cloth and kept clean.

Shades, meanwhile, are not as durable as blinds. The softer fabric can tear, be cut, or poked and may even begin to fray with wear and tear. This is a problem, especially since most shades are made of one larger piece of fabric, making repairs a bit more difficult.

The Durability point goes to Blinds.

Insulation

This may not be the most obvious benefit of window coverings, but especially here in Scottsdale and Fountain Hills, we know it’s crucial, especially when it comes to heat. Here is where blinds lag behind. Blinds don’t offer much insulation because of the way they are made. The large gaps between slats, as well as all the space between and around the blinds and the windows, means that the warm temperatures aren’t held back by much other than the window glass.

Shades, meanwhile, can really help insulate the house – especially cellular shades. Shades are a solid piece of fabric, meaning that so long as the shades are down, there aren’t many gaps for the warm air to filter through into the room. Cellular shades perform so well because they are dual walls of fabric, allowing them to trap the warm air inside the cells and slow the

While blinds struggle to insulate, shades perform admirably. Cellular shades, in particular, are the best insulating window covering because of their unique construction to trap air, preventing heat and energy transfer.

Here, Shades take the point!

Style

Alright, last but certainly not least is style. This is, for most people, what it really comes down to.

Blinds are a very classic option, which can also make them seem somewhat common. Nationwide, more than 60% of all window coverings are blinds, which may make you think twice if you’re looking to make something truly unique in your home. Of course, there’s a wide range of materials and styles of blinds that can make them more custom-suited to your home and taste.

Speaking of versatility, this is where shades really shine! With ranges of colors, fabrics, sprints, styles, and more – there’s a shade that fits your unique taste, guaranteed.

While we’re inclined to give Shades the style point, style and taste are subjective – so who wins in this regard is up to you! To help you decide, here’s a quick rundown of some of the styles of blinds and shades!

Blinds

Shades

So, who wins in the battle of Blinds vs Shades? It’s up to you! Ready to get your windows covered and styled your way? Give Budget Blinds of Scottsdale and Fountain Hills a call and book your free in-home consultation.

Schedule Your Free In-Home Consultation Today!