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Beige cellular shades over a wide window seat.

What To Know About Window Shades Vs Blinds In Dover

August 11, 2022

You’ll definitely see an array window different blinds and shades whenever you search for window treatments for your Dover home. Window shades are fabric window treatments that you pull down over your windows to conceal them. You will also pull down window blinds, but they are constructed with rigid materials with slats you may turn. Which product works best for your home? Here’s what you ought to know about window shades vs. blinds in Dover.

Nearly All Window Blinds Have More Options Than Shades For Directing Sunlight And Privacy

Gray blinds on a large window next to a couch. 

Both window shades and blinds will conceal your windows in Dover, but blinds offer additional control over exterior light and privacy. You are able to lower blinds to obscure your window. Then twist a wand to open and close the slats for the right amount of natural light and privacy. But keep in mind that shoddy blinds with warped or snapped slats will cause large openings. Premium wood or faux-wood blinds give you the best management over privacy and light.

Window shades blanket your window with a piece of fabric and have limited options for offering partial sunlight and privacy, although sheer and transitional shades use coverings that simulate the function of blind slats. Or you can use top-down/bottom-up styles that let you reveal the top of your window for light while protecting your privacy at the bottom.

Made-to-order shades and blind that fit within your windows without openings or overhanging provide the best coverage. But keep in mind, because they don’t surround the frame in the same manner that other window treatments like louvered shutters do, you will likely observe outside light around their edges, specifically if they get jostled or caught in a breeze. And while blinds provide a bit of control over the amount and direction of sunlight, plantation shutters allow even more choices for controlling exterior light.

Cellular Shades Give You Efficiency Levels Not Available With Blinds

 Light gray cellular shades on three separate windows in large light wood and beige colored living room. 

The right window treatments will insulate your windows and help lower energy bills. When it comes to window blinds vs. shades in Dover, shades are the winner in terms of efficiency–particularly cellular shades. Blinds, on the other hand, offer almost zero insulation because of their thin components and numerous spaces.

Cellular shades get their name from the built-in “cells” that their pleated construction creates. The pleats come together similar to an accordion when you draw up the shades and collect air seeping through your windows when you lower the shades. When ensnaring air from outside, they block it from entering your residence and altering the interior temperature. That means your HVAC system will burn less energy to keep your Dover home comfortable. However, you won’t find any blinds or shades that are able to match the superior efficiency of Polywood® shutters with their exclusive thermal protection.

Window Shades Offer More Varieties To Choose From

Light gray sheer shades on two large tall windows with a beige and tan styled living room. 

How your window treatments look is equally as vital as what they do. In this case, the question of window shades vs. blinds in Dover is decided by your specific tastes. Vinyl and aluminum blinds come in various colors but wear down rapidly. More robust wood and faux-wood blinds can be found in several popular wood stains or paints and have other customizing choices. Their steady slats and crisp edges look most attractive in your interior.

Window shades give you a great deal more types of colors, patterns, opacities, styles, and materials. You can choose anything from sheer white roller shades to pleated Roman shades to natural woven fiber shades. It’s not difficult to discover a window shade that fits your unique interior with a wealth of choices to choose from.

Learn More About Window Blinds Vs Shades In Dover At Sunburst Shutters Delaware

Shutters, blinds and shades, Sunburst has you covered! Give us a chance to show you how our amazing window coverings look in your Dover home with a no-cost in-home consultation. Schedule yours today by calling 301-835-1611 or filling out the form below.