When assembling the interior design of your home or workspace, deciding between the multiple kinds of window treatments in the marketplace can be a difficult process. You may find yourself attempting to balance functionality and appearance, while trying to determine if shades or blinds are best for your windows. At Interior Dreams in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, we are here to help every customer work through the advantages and disadvantages of each kind of window treatment, and make the best informed decision as possible. There are many factors to consider before making your choice and we are here to help with the process. But first, there is usually some confusion on the difference between a window shade and a window blind, so let’s discuss briefly what the main differences are.
Blinds vs. Shades, what is the difference?
A window blind is almost always made from a hard material such as aluminum, faux wood, vinyl, or wood. Window blinds can also be made from natural fabrics, and are constructed with slats that can be angled and tilted to allow the desired amount of light into the room. On the other hand, window shades are typically one piece and come in a variety of soft materials. They are controlled by a pull-cord mechanism and don’t have the ability to tilt or move at a different angle. Window shades come in many versatile forms including roman, cellular, and blackout. Now that we have discussed two of the most popular types of window treatments for your windows, let’s discuss how to narrow down which one might be a better fit for your home.
Location, location, location…
Although every decision with your home decor is very personal and there are many factors that ultimately influence your decision, here are some helpful factors to consider while you narrow down your search. One of the biggest considerations that you need to remember is the location of the room itself in the house. Buying window treatments for your kitchen window will be completely different than buying window treatments for your bedroom, because the desired effects and environmental factors are unique to each room. One of these considerations should be the moisture level in the room. In rooms such as the bathroom and kitchen, moisture levels are higher, and therefore you would want to choose a blind or shade that is as water resistant as possible. In other rooms such as the bedroom or dining room, moisture levels do not need to be as much of a consideration. Experts recommend purchasing faux wood or aluminum blinds for those rooms that have higher humidity as a result of daily use and activities.
Light Levels and Energy Efficiency
Another factor to consider when evaluating the room itself is how much light control you want and levels of privacy you desire. Some rooms in your house you will inevitably want to keep darker than others at times, and you also might want more flexibility in the range of possible light levels overall. For example, you might want your bedrooms to be able to get a little bit darker as you hit snooze on those weekend days. In rooms such as the kitchen and dining room, you might desire the ability to let in as much natural light as possible. Each room in your home has a different use, so it makes sense that your window treatments adjust accordingly.
It is also beneficial to think about energy efficiency when narrowing down your results. Experts say that we can lose up to 40% of energy through the glass panes on our windows which means higher heat bills in the winter, and more difficulty keeping your home cool in the summer season. If energy efficiency is at the top of your needs, it is recommended to choose cellular or honeycomb shades because their unique chambers are designed to capture warm air in the winter, and cool air in the summer. Another good alternative for energy efficiency are faux and real wood blinds.
Taking Your Style Into Consideration
Lastly, you will want to focus on the actual appearance and design of the window treatment that you decide on. This is usually the most enjoyable part, and it’s easier than you think to find inspiration from your existing decor. Take a look around your house and see what existing colors and patterns you’re already using, and take this into consideration. Don’t be afraid to add a little more color, but also keep in mind what your window treatments will look like from the outside of your house. We are often so focused on the interior appeal that we forget what it might look like from the curb of the neighborhood, so make sure to take a minute to step outside (literally). And although there are dozens of window treatments in every color and pattern imaginable, at Interior Dreams we are ultimately here to help you go over all of the pros and cons of each kind and make sure you make the best informed decision as possible. Stop by our store today or give us a call, and we’ve got you covered!
Sources:
https://www.wayfair.com/ideas-and-advice/guide-to-choosing-blinds-shades-S4522.html
https://www.3dayblinds.com/tips-and-tools/style-tips?adkey=MC02023