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What's the Difference Between Blinds and Shades?

In the world of window treatments, "blinds" and "shades" are often used by many people interchangeably. However, when you think about how these two types of window coverings work and look in your home, they remain distinct in their design, functionality, and appearance. Understanding all of the differences between blinds and shades can help you make a decision when choosing the right window treatment for your home.

At Window Creations & Design Center, we can help you find blind and shades with interesting options from the Hunter Douglas collection. Find what performance features are important to you and decide what styles work best for your home with a little help from our team.

Blinds: Versatile, Adjustable, & Low Maintenance

Blinds are window treatments composed of horizontal or vertical slats made of a variety of materials, including wood and faux wood, metal, fabric panels, and vinyl. Blind slats can be precisely adjusted to control the amount of light and privacy in a room.

Hunter Douglas offers three distinct horizontal blind styles based on your functional and aesthetic preferences, including Parkland® Wood Shades made from 100% hardwood poplar or genuine basswood), EverWood® Faux Wood Blinds, and Modern Precious Metals® Mini Blinds made from durable aluminum.

The benefits and distinctions of blinds include:

  • Adjustability: Blinds offer precise control over the amount of light and privacy you desire. You can tilt the slats to let in diffused light or lift them completely to enjoy an unobstructed view.
  • Variety: As mentioned, blinds come in a wide range of styles that let you choose the style that suits your home’s style.
  • Durability: Blinds are generally known for their durability and resistance to wear and tear. They can withstand daily use and are easy to clean and maintain.

Vertical blinds are a great fit for those hard-to-cover areas such as sliding glass doors and windows that are larger than they are tall. With several stacking options to allow for easy access or clear views, these window coverings are great options that include sliding panel-track blinds that can even be used as room dividers when mounted on the ceiling.

Shades: Soft, Stylish & Leaders in Light Diffusion

Shades, on the other hand, are window treatments made of a continuous piece of fabric or material that can be raised or lowered to cover or reveal the window. Hunter Douglas offers a vast collection of shades that provide ample light control, privacy, and even room-darkening or sound-muffling capabilities. These include sheer shades, Roman shades, woven shades, cellular shades, and roller or solar shades in horizontal or vertical orientations for windows and doors.

Some of the distinguishing benefits and characteristics of shades include:

  • Fabric: Shades are typically made from a variety of fabrics, including cotton, polyester, linen, and more. They are easily customizable with various patterns, textures, and colors when you choose Hunter Douglas.
  • Light Diffusion: Unlike blinds with adjustable slats, shades offer varying levels of light diffusion and privacy depending on the fabric and opacity.
  • Insulation: Depending on the fabric and design, shades can offer insulation properties that help regulate indoor temperatures, making them energy-efficient options.

Contact Us Today for Blinds and Shades

If you would like to explore our selection of blinds and shades, check out the Window Creations & Design Center blog! Each month, our experienced and knowledgeable team comes up with new ways to discuss blinds, shades, shutters, and more.

When you’re ready to order or have any questions, our showroom team is here to answer all of your questions and guide you to the perfect design solution for your home. Give us a call at (810) 553-6521, contact us online, or stop by our beautiful location in Fort Gratiot, Michigan, where you can see, feel and operate all the latest in window treatment designs and trends.

With more than 30 years serving the local community, we proudly serve Port Huron, Harbor Beach, Lexington, Marine City, Marysville, St Clair, Sandusky, and Algonac, Michigan.