Whether you are looking for roman shades, vertical blinds, or roll-down shades, we have created this guide to choosing blinds & shades to help you find the best window treatments for your home. As an alternative to typical curtains, blinds and shades provide you with the best way to control light and privacy in your home. Decide which area of your home you want to install new blinds or shades then, let’s begin!

The Difference Between Blinds And Shades

Blinds

Blinds are classified as hard window treatments and can come in many different materials. These materials include wood, faux wood, vinyl, and many different fabrics. You have complete control over the amount of light and privacy that your home has by adjusting the slats, or vanes, of the blinds. The slats can be all the way open or all the way closed, but they can also be partially open and closed as well giving your greater control.

Shades

While blinds are considered hard window treatments, shades are soft. There are many different styles of shades like roman shades, blackout shades, honeycomb shades, and more. They are made using a variety of fabrics, textures and patterns. Shades can either be opened or closed by a pull cord on the shade.

Types of Blinds

Wood Blinds

• Creates a modern shutter look to the home.
• Available in many different hues and finishes.
• Bamboo is eco-friendly and earthy.

Faux Wood Blinds

• Durable and resistant to moisture.
• A great option for kitchen, bathroom and garage where humidity is higher.

Vertical Blinds

• Budget-friendly and durable.
• Used mostly where the window’s width is greater than its height, like sliding glass doors for example.
• Provides the most light control.

Aluminum Blinds

• Offers a sleek and elegant design.
• Comes in six or eight gauge aluminum.
• Slat sizes range from ½” to 2”.

Thermal Blinds

• Blocks and filters light.
• Eco-friendly.
• Conserves energy.

Natural Fabric Blinds

• Great for living and dining spaces.
• Made from natural materials.
• Soft and inviting look.
• Filters light during the day and offers privacy at night.

Types of Shades

Roman Shades

• Easy to install and control.
• Also called Roman Blinds.
• Tailored and elegant design.
• Blackout options available.

Honeycomb or Cellular Shades

• Variety of fabrics and colors available.
• Choose from light filtering to room darkening.
• Single, double, and triple-celled shades.
• Offers privacy but allows light to come into the room.
• Different lifting options available. (TIP: Go cordless for a child’s room)

Blackout Shades

• More expensive.
• Blocks out all sunlight coming into the room.

Woven Wood Shades

• Come in a number of different finishes.
• Many are made using bamboo.
• Provides clean lines and texture to the decor.

Roller Shades

• Offers privacy and soft light into the room.
• Sheer roller shades allow more light
• Room darkening option allows less light into the room.
• Roller shades are easily raised and lowered in one motion.

Solar Shades

• Great for rooms facing the sun or rooms that need more light control.
• Reduces glare.
• Prevents furniture damage.
• Diffuses light.

Pleated Shades

• Easy to install and use.
• Comes in many textures and patterns.
• Has a privacy liner that gives a uniform look from the outside.

The Right Blind Or Shade For Your Home

Choosing the right blind or shade for your home can be difficult, but with this guide you now know what is available. Your overall decor and your needs for each room will guide you to the right purchase. Light, privacy, and the aesthetic of your home will all play a role in what style is best for you.