Perfect window treatments are essential for every home, especially in the New England state. The Northeast has to contend with frigid temperatures, harsh sunlight glare off snowstorms, and warm summers.
Durable window treatments block sunlight and uncomfortable temperatures from breaking into our homes, but you need the right coverings for the job. The two most popular and effective options are window blinds and shades.
Both are good choices, but which one is better? And what even is the difference between shades and blinds? We will examine those questions below and ultimately help you decide which window treatment is best for your home in the New England state.
Shades and Blinds Pros and Cons
Blinds and shades are the two most popular window treatments for several reasons. Both are durable and stylish, but each comes with unique advantages because of their differences in material and design.
Blinds
Blinds are the most cost-effective window coverings you’ll find. And if you’re looking for a cheap way to keep light and unpleasant temperatures out of your house, there is no better option than blinds.
But just because blinds are inexpensive doesn’t mean they’re less effective than other window treatments. In fact, because blinds have slats that open and close in subtle amounts, you can adjust how much light to your desired level and how much light filters in. Those adjustable slats also make cleaning blinds easier since you can tilt them to expose hidden dirt and dust.
Beyond practicality, blinds have a classic look and feel that fit well with most homes. Many blinds come in faux wood; thus, you can bring a traditional aesthetic of wooden accessories into your living space without the high costs of genuine wood.
Shades
Blinds are the stronger options for controlling light, but shades, on the other hand, are better for controlling temperature. Many high-end shades have pockets designed for insulation, so the internal temperature of your home won’t escape or be tainted by the weather outdoors.
The most significant difference between shades and blinds is privacy. Many people want natural light to pour into our living spaces, but the only way to achieve that with blinds is to leave your windows exposed. The sheer material of shades allows sunlight to reach rooms whether the shades are open or closed; therefore, you can enjoy the sun’s natural rays while keeping your home private.
Shades are also the more customizable types of window treatments. You can adjust their color and material and even find options with unique patterns. With all those choices, shades allow you to express your design vision in colorful ways that blinds cannot.
Finding The Best Option for Each Room
Now that you know the difference between shades and blinds and their unique strengths, we can focus on how you can use them each in your home.
Bedroom
Having privacy in the bedroom is essential for achieving enough peace of mind for a good night’s sleep. On the other hand, having a splash of natural sunlight in the morning is a great way to boost your mood and prepare for the day. Therefore, we recommend window shades for the bedroom to stay secure and begin your morning with natural sunlight.
Living Room
Sunlight glare is the biggest enemy of any modern living room. Whether you’re trying to watch television, read a book, or enjoy time on a computer or tablet, the bright sun beaming through your windows will quickly disrupt the process. Since light control is essential in a living room, a set of high-quality blinds is the best window treatment here.
Kitchen
Shades will give your kitchen an airy, luxurious atmosphere that makes the entire room look and feel more spacious. Because of this, they are some of the best window treatments available for these rooms.
Due to their insulating benefits, you might need to leave your kitchen shades open when operating your oven to avoid overheating the room. However, with their lightweight material, they will give your kitchen an irresistible aesthetic worth that drawback. Additionally, because shades are highly customizable, you can find a set with a vibrant color to make your kitchen come to life.
Bathroom
Blinds are a strong fit in bathrooms because of their moisture-resistant material. You’ll produce steam daily in a bathroom between hot showers and running sinks, and high-quality blinds will withstand that unforgiving element. Cloth shades, on the other hand, might dampen or damage with enough exposure to steam.
Which Types of Window Treatments Are Best for You?
Because of the significant difference between shades and blinds, you should carefully select the option most suitable for your remodeling project. IUS offers the strongest products in the New England states, whichever option you choose.
Our team provides a wide selection of durable treatments that protect light and elements while also presenting visually stunning additions to your home. Additionally, our catalog has quality options at competitive prices that you won’t find anywhere else in the New England area.
Call IUS today at (781) 512-7376 to learn more about our products and services.
