When looking for a window treatment, there is certainly no shortage of options. Blinds, curtains, and shutters are available in countless different styles, so it is safe to say you adorn your windows with a stylish treatment that also provides benefits such as privacy and insulation.
However, with so many options out there, many of which have several interchangeable terms, it can be challenging to know the differences between each. For example, many people refer to shades as another term for blinds, but the two aren’t the same!
One of the biggest misconceptions of interior design is that blinds and shades are the same things. While they share many similarities, there are some critical differences between each!
The Difference Between Shades and Blinds
Shades and blinds are both similar types of window treatments, but there is a notable difference between the two – blinds are made up of several slats or vanes, while shades feature a single of material.
Horizontal slats or vertical vanes are a crucial characteristic of blinds, as these are designed to be adjusted at various angles to provide precise controls over light levels. Slats tilt at multiple aspects, so you can allow very little or a fair amount of light through when angling them, meaning they can be left down while still being able to let light through.
It is the key difference between blinds and shades, the latter of which will only ever feature a single piece of the thick, treated fabric. They are lowered and raised in the same fashion as blinds, typically controlled by a cord, but they don’t let much light through when dropped.
Key Characteristics of Blinds
Blinds come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and styles, making them a trendy choice. Styles include both horizontal and vertical slats and vanes, while there are quite a few common materials used in blinds.
For example, blinds can feature slats made of wood, vinyl, and metals such as aluminium, with wooden blinds typically being the more expensive option. However, wooden blinds are trendy as they are viewed as some of the most aesthetically pleasing styles of the blind.
As the slats of blinds are easily adjustable, they offer fantastic control over the amount of light into a room. It makes them ideal for many situations, although it’s worth remembering that they may not provide high levels of privacy – especially when allowing light through.
Key Characteristics of Shades
As shades consist of a lot fewer materials, they tend to be a more cost-effective option when compared to blinds. For instance, you could quickly get a standard set of blinds with a basic design on almost any budget.
Additionally, as the primary material is a single piece of fabric, there a high number of styles to choose from. High-end fabrics can easily be used for a more sophisticated set of shades, while many other materials are available to find the perfect method to suit any interior design.
The fabric is usually thick to enable most of the natural light to be blocked, making shades a perfect choice for bedrooms, while their ability to offer high levels of privacy makes them suitable for many other rooms too.
