A fresh coat of paint, new cabinet handles, adding extra plants to your porch, and more...
There are many ways to upgrade your home without breaking the bank.
Do you know what else can breathe new life into your home? Choosing the right window treatments.
Of course, that's easier said than done. With so many options to choose from, the whole process could make some homeowners feel overwhelmed.
If you can relate, it helps to narrow down your choices. Here, we'll focus on blinds vs shades to help you see which option might be a better fit for your home.
Right Choice for Home
Dressing Up Your Windows with Blinds
One advantage you get with blinds is there's a wide range of styles, designs, and colors to choose from. You can get blinds made of genuine wood, bamboo, vinyl, aluminum, etc.
They're also budget-friendly. But you should expect to pay more for customized blinds that offer better insulation.
There is a downside though if you choose to go with blinds instead of shades. Since they're made up of slats, cleaning can be a hassle. Some blinds are also more prone to damage from moisture or UV rays.
If you wish to get value for your money, consider spending a bit more on high-quality blinds. For example, if you buy Shuttercraft premium shutter blinds, you'll get bespoke, made-to-measure blinds that are more durable than off-the-shelf offerings.
Why Some Homeowners Prefer Shades
Blinds or shades? It's a tough choice considering they're nearly the same in terms of function and affordability.
Plus, like blinds, window shades also come in different styles, materials, colors, and patterns.
One thing you may like about shades though is they're a softer window treatment compared to blinds. That's because they're made of solid lengths of fabric.
This means you can use shades as a single-window treatment. With blinds, they can look a bit rigid, which is why some homeowners combine them with another window treatment (i.e. curtains).
Blinds vs Shades: Remember the 2Ps
Since both are easy to operate and you're sure to find blinds or shades that suit your budget, we'll not be including the last P here, which stands for price.
So, when choosing between blinds and shades, just remember the 2Ps: preference and placement.
With preference, it's only a matter of finding which materials or styles will go best with the windows you want to dress up. There's also no rule that says once you've chosen to go with blinds, you can't use shades for the other rooms in your home.
As for placement, blinds, especially wood ones, look great in the dining room or living room. Meanwhile, you may want to place shades where you want the most privacy such as the bathroom or the bedroom. But again, you shouldn't be afraid to experiment with different types of window treatments.
Want More Tips on Upgrading Your Windows?
Now that you know more about blinds vs shades, don't stop at window treatments.
Browse our site to learn more about how you can upgrade your windows including making them more energy-efficient. We also have tips on how you can save money when replacing or buying new windows. So don't forget to check them out!
