Beige cellular shades over a wide window seat.

What To Know About Window Shades Vs Blinds In Boise

August 11, 2022

You’ll undoubtedly discover many window different blinds and shades when you search for window treatments for your Boise home. Window shades are made with fabric that you pull down over your windows to shield them. You can also pull down window blinds, but they are made of solid materials with slats that can turn. Which option works best for your windows? Explore what to know about window shades vs. blinds in Boise.

Nearly All Window Blinds Have More Options Than Shades For Managing Exterior Light And Privacy

Gray blinds on a large window next to a couch.

Both window blinds and shades will shield your windows in Boise, but blinds offer improved mastery over light and privacy. You can lower blinds to cover your window. Then turn a wand to manipulate the slats for different amounts of sunlight and privacy. But you should realize that cheaply made blinds with bent or damaged slats will cause large gaps. Premium wood or faux-wood blinds offer a greater level of authority over privacy and exterior light.

Window shades cover your window with a panel of fabric and have a limited ability for offering different levels sunlight and privacy, although sheer and zebra or transitional shades feature fabric components that are similar in function to blind slats. Or you could try top-down/bottom-up styles that let you uncover the top of your window for a dose of natural light while protecting your privacy in the lower half.

Custom blinds and shades that fit exactly within your windows with no openings or overhanging give you the ideal coverage. Yet, since they don’t affix around the framework in the same fashion that other products like interior shutters do, you may see outside light around their perimeter, specifically if they happen to be jostled or blown by a gust of air. And while blinds afford some control over where sunlight shines and how much, louvered shutters provide even more options for controlling light.

Cellular Shades Offer Energy Efficiency That Blinds Can’t

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

Specialized window coverings will insulate your windows and help keep energy costs down. In the battle of window blinds vs. shades in Boise, shades win the energy efficiency comparison–specifically cellular shades. Blinds, regrettably, provide almost zero insulation in light of their slim materials and abundance of openings.

Cellular shades get their name from the built-in “cells” that their pleated construction results in. Those pleats neatly fold together similar to an accordion when you raise the shades and trap air entering from your windows if you pull the shades down. When trapping outside air, they keep it from infiltrating your property and altering the interior temperature. This is great as your heating and cooling system uses less energy to maintain the comfort of your Boise home. However, neither blinds nor shades will match the energy-efficient power of Polywood® shutters with their proprietary weather sealing.

Window Shades Have More Variations To Select 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 the other benefits they provide. In many cases, the decision between window shades vs. blinds in Boise boils down to personal style. Aluminum and vinyl blinds come in many different colors but tend to fall apart in little time. More durable wood and faux-wood blinds are available in several classic wood stains or paints and have extra personalization options. Their steady slats and straight lines will look most attractive in your interior.

Window shades offer a great deal more variation in styles, materials, colors, patterns, and opacities. You are able to select any type of window treatment from sheer neutral roller shades to patterned Roman shades to natural woven fiber shades. It’s simple to find a window shade that fits your decor with a wealth of selections waiting for you.

Explore More About Window Blinds Vs Shades In Boise At Sunburst Shutters Boise

Shutters, blinds and shades, Sunburst has you covered! Let us show you how our premium window fashions look in your Boise residence with a free in-home consultation. Schedule yours today by phoning 208-609-9129 or completing the following form.

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