Blinds vs. Shades: Which One’s Best for Your Home?

As a leading window treatment showroom in Markham, we get asked the same question many times – what’s the difference between blinds and shades?

Many people use the terms interchangeably, but they are not the same. And though they can be used in conjunction with many decorating styles and in any room, each has distinct features.

If you’re unable to decide between blinds and shades, this comparative analysis should prove useful.

What’s the Difference Between Blinds and Shades?

Blinds and shades are beautiful window treatments that can transform the appearance and functionality of your windows. But they differ in many ways.

To decide which is most suitable for your home, you must know the differences.

Privacy and Light Control

These are important functions of both shades and blinds, but they fulfill them in different ways.

Blinds have slats that can be tilted to adjust and control the amount of light coming in. You can decide where the light lands and have a clear view by opening the slats. But they do not offer privacy.

On the other hand, shades are made of one fabric that can be either opened or closed. The amount of light entering or the view outside cannot be easily controlled, but they do offer privacy. They are also ideal for diffusing light or darkening a room. If you want to control light filtration, choose sheer shades as their fabric ensures privacy while letting in natural light.

Maintenance

How you maintain your window treatments is an important factor to consider when buying them.

You can easily keep blinds clean by wiping the slats with a soft cloth or vacuuming them with a soft brush attachment. For more extensive cleaning, take them off the window and place them in a bucket with a mixture of one cup baking soda, a generous amount of dish soap, and water. Soak them in this for 30 minutes and then rinse with warm water. Wipe away any excess water, dust, or dirt.

As for cleaning shades, regular dusting with a feather duster helps prevent dirt and dust build-up. To clean stains, dip a soft cloth or sponge in a mixture of mild detergent and warm water. Then blot the stain gently and allow it to dry completely.

Both blinds and shades are low maintenance. The only difference is that you have to remove the former from the window to take care of stains whereas shades can be spot cleaned.

Appearance

Blinds have horizontal or vertical slats made of aluminum, wood, or vinyl that ideally complement a contemporary interior design. The sleek appearance of blinds makes them a suitable choice for both apartments and homes decorated in minimalist, industrial or modern styles.

Shades, on the other hand, are made with fabrics that come in a wide range of playful colours and textures. They add a pop of colour and a natural element to any room, and complement homes decorated in traditional, boho chic, shabby chic, or Scandinavian styles.

Insulation

Blinds don’t provide insulation. If you’re looking for an energy-efficient window treatment, shades are the better bet, especially cellular or honeycomb shades whose honeycomb-shaped air pockets act as insulators. When properly installed, these shades trap warm or cool air inside and block outside air, thus reducing energy loss and increasing energy-efficiency.

Safety

Regular blinds and shades involve lift cord mechanisms that can pose hazards to both children and pets. Motorized versions are the perfect solution to get the perks of these window treatments minus the safety issues.

Cost

The cost of blinds and shades depends on several factors, including the material and style you choose. Labour, installation, and cleanup/disposal of previous window coverings also impact the pricing of new window treatments, whether you buy shades or blinds.

For example, faux wood blinds are more affordable than real wood. In terms of shades, they can be affordable or expensive. If you choose a high-quality fabric and motorization, they’ll cost more than for more basic varieties. But because blinds have fewer customization options, you can get high-end blinds for less than their equivalent in shades.

Installation

Installing blinds and shades is similar as both involve the mounting of hardware and then adjusting each to fit that hardware. Plus, you can also install blinds and shades as a DIY project.

Durability

The durability of window treatments largely depends on the material. Since blinds are made from hard materials like wood, vinyl, and aluminum, they hold up to wear and tear better than shades. That is why they are considered a suitable window covering option for high-traffic areas like living rooms and home offices.

Choosing between blinds and shades is challenging because both are visually appealing and practical. But they’re not the same. For example, blinds are better at light control as well as more durable and affordable, but shades are the winner when it comes to timeless appearance, insulation, and maintenance. Which one makes more sense for you?