Blinds, Shades, and Shutters: Choosing the Right Window Treatments for Your Home
Top Down Bottom up Parasol (cellular) Shades. Photography courtesy of Lafayette Interior Fashions
Blinds, shades and shutters…aren’t they all the same thing? Nope! Many of my clients use the terms interchangeably, or combine names like Shutter Blinds simply because they are not aware of the differences or what products are available. While they all are window coverings, they all have different functions and aesthetics, and I can help you decide which treatment is right for your space.
1. Blinds: Classic & Functional
Heartland Wood blinds can operate without cords making them a perfect child safe treatment. Photography courtesy of Lafayette Interior Fashions
Horizontal blinds have wood slats and are available in 2" or 2 1/2" slat sizes. When lowered with slats closed, blinds block light and provide privacy, and when the slats are tilted open, they filter light. Wood blinds offer the appeal of shutters, but can be raised completely to have full access to the window.
Wood blinds can be installed inside or outside a window frame, and with a composite or faux wood, are perfect in a bathroom or kitchen. Classic wood blinds look great either on their own or paired up with drapery panels.
2. Shades: Countless Options
Traditional Roman shades can be sheer, lined and blackout lined (shown here) and fit almost any space.
Relaxed Roman shades can bring privacy and a traditional style to a space.
There are many products and variations in the shade category, so I'll break them down into Hard and Soft. Hard shades include honeycomb cellular (shown above), woven wood, roller solar, transitional and sheer shadings. From sleek and contemporary to traditional, there is a hard shade to suit every design aesthetic, and they are durable and excellent at blocking UV rays. Soft shades are those made with fabric and include Roman, relaxed, London, hobbled, and more. Design and color options for soft shades are as endless as there are fabric choices.
3. Shutters: Traditional & Permanent
Parke Faux Wood Shutters are a classic treatment that will not warp when wet or in high humidity areas. Photography courtesy of Lafayette Interior Fashions.
Shutters are timeless window treatments that are considered permanent fixtures in your home. A frame with louvered slats from 2 1/2", 3 1/2" or 4 1/2" is installed around or inside the window frame and operates similar to a door, with hinges on one side. Like wood blinds, the louvered slats tilt open or closed to provide privacy or allow a view. Also available in faux wood and composite, they stand up well in places with high humidity and are perfect for any room where you want a traditional look.
Still not sure which is right for you? As a window treatment specialist, I am familiar with these products and can help you choose based on the function you need and the aesthetic style you prefer.
Questions about which window treatments are right for your home? Contact me or ask in the comments below!
Until next time,
Laura