When you’ve decided you want blinds or shades for your Calgary window treatments, it can be hard to choose between the two. Both come in a wide selection and can be customized to fit your window sizes. However, while they can both help with issues such as sun exposure and privacy, they each offer their own sets of pros and cons. Here we compare the two to help you decide.
Tackling Light and Privacy Issues
Both blinds and shades offer varying degrees of light filtering and privacy. Blinds use slats that you tilt to control how much light comes into a room. This provides more control over light allowing you to set the slats to different positions throughout the day. For privacy, you can adjust the slats to let light in, while still providing privacy. Shades are available in different degrees of light filtration, so the level of privacy you get will depend on the weave of the shade. Some shades offer full privacy.
Types of Fabrics and Materials
There are different types of fabrics and materials available in shades that can provide more control. Light filtering fabrics are designed to provide privacy and light filtering during the day. However, they are not as effective at providing privacy at night. When this type of blind is drawn, if the lights are on at night people may be able to see into the home.
Cleaning and Durability
Blinds often require more cleaning than other window treatments as they have more moving parts to collect dust. Blind slats can be cleaned quickly and easily with the swipe of a duster or microfibre cloth, while shades can be vacuumed using the brush attachment. If you have blinds in the kitchen, they might attract grimy build-up which can be wiped away using a material safe cleaner on the slats.
Shades do not typically collect dust because they hang straight down, so they won’t need to be dusted at all. Zebra blinds also won’t need to be dusted. If you do spill something on your shades, some types are easy to spot clean with soap and water, but if they are made from delicate materials like silk they may need to be professionally cleaned.
Appearance and Style
Based on appearance and style, you have a wide variety of colours, textures, and fabrics for a highly customized look with most types of shades. However, when it comes to blinds, although you do have a vast rainbow of colours, you are more limited when it comes to texture or patterns. For this reason, they might seem boring when compared to the looks you can achieve with shades. Shades can be cut to suit your needs, with a wide assortment of rich fabrics in both classic and contemporary styles. If you want to go with blinds, you can choose higher end materials such as custom painted woods and stains, or pair them with custom curtains for more impact. You just won’t get the same customized look as shades.
Insulation and Energy Efficiency
Both blinds and shades offer their own version of energy-efficient window coverings. Solar shades help control heat gain in the summer, making them ideal for south-facing windows. Cellular blinds prevent air from entering or escaping via the windows helping your home maintain comfortable temperatures. If a room tends to be cold, cellular shades work well.
While both Calgary blinds and shades offer exceptional window treatments, these tips can help you narrow down which is best for you.
