Beige cellular shades over a wide window seat.

Everything About Window Shades Vs Blinds In Houston

August 11, 2022

You’ll definitely see an array window shades and blinds whenever you search for window coverings for your Houston residence. Window shades use fabric panels that you lower over your windows to shield them. You can also pull down window blinds, but they are constructed with solid materials with slats you can turn. Which product makes sense for your windows? Explore what to know about window shades vs. blinds in Houston.

Most Window Blinds Have More Options Than Shades For Managing Light And Privacy

Gray blinds on a large window next to a couch.

Both window blinds and shades will conceal your windows in Houston, but blinds give you additional mastery over exterior light and privacy. You can bring down blinds to block out your window. Then rotate a bar to adjust the slats for the right amount of natural light and privacy. Just know that second-rate blinds with bowed or damaged slats will create noticeable spaces. High-quality wood or faux-wood blinds provide the best management over privacy and exterior light.

Window shades cover your window using a piece of fabric and have not much capability for giving you partial light and privacy, however sheer and zebra or transitional shades use panels that mimic blind slats. Or you might try top-down/bottom-up varieties that permit you to reveal the upper part of your window for light while keeping your privacy at the bottom.

Customized blinds and shades that fit precisely within your windows with no openings or overhanging give you the most complete treatment. But keep in mind, because they don’t surround the window frame in the same manner that other products like louvered shutters do, you may notice light around their edges, especially if they are bumped or subjected to a wind gust. Although blinds give you some authority over the direction and amount of light, interior shutters allow even more options for directing exterior light.

Cellular Shades Provide Energy Savings 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 are able to offer extra insulation for your windows and help lower energy bills. In the battle of window blinds vs. shades in Houston, shades are the top choice for energy efficiency–particularly cellular shades. Blinds, unfortunately, offer practically no insulation in light of their thin materials and abundance of gaps.

Cellular shades are aptly named due to the pockets or “cells” that their unique pleated design results in. The pleats neatly fold together like an accordion as you draw up the shades and collect air coming through your windows as you pull the shades down. When they trap outside air, they block it from entering your home and changing the temperature inside. That means your HVAC system doesn’t burn as much energy to maintain the comfort of your Houston home. Of course, there are no shades or blinds that are able to match the superior efficiency of Polywood® shutters with their proprietary thermal protection.

Window Shades Have More Styles To Select From

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

The look of your window coverings is equally as important as the other benefits they provide. In many cases, the decision between window shades vs. blinds in Houston comes down to unique style. Vinyl and aluminum blinds are offered in various colors but wear down rapidly. Sturdier wood and faux-wood blinds are available in several classic stains or paints and have extra personalization choices. Their steady slats and crisp edges can look very classy in your home.

Window shades offer a great deal more choice in terms of styles, materials, colors, patterns, and opacities. You are able to pick any number of possibilities from sheer white roller shades to distinctive Roman shades to natural woven fiber shades. It’s easy to locate a window shade that matches your specific style with a wealth of choices at your disposal.

Find Out More About Window Blinds Vs Shades In Houston With Sunburst Shutters Houston

Shades, blinds, and shutters, Sunburst has you covered! Allow us to show you how our premium window treatments look in your Houston home during a free in-home consultation. Request yours today by phoning 713-853-9629 or filling out the following form.

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