Beige cellular shades over a wide window seat.

What To Know About Window Shades Vs Blinds In Seattle

August 11, 2022

You’ll without question find many window shades and blinds when you look for window coverings for your Seattle home. Window shades are made with fabric that you lower over your windows to conceal them. You can also pull down window blinds, but they are built from solid materials with slats you may turn. Which product makes sense for your house? Explore what to know about window shades vs. blinds in Seattle.

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

Gray blinds on a large window next to a couch.

Both window blinds and shades will cover your windows in Seattle, but blinds give you improved command over exterior light and privacy. You are able to lower blinds to block out your window. Then turn a bar to open and close the slats for differing levels of sunlight and privacy. Just know that cheaply made blinds with bowed or snapped slats will create large openings. Premium wood or faux-wood blinds offer a higher degree of control over privacy and sunlight.

Window shades envelop your window with a panel of fabric and have not much capability for giving you partial natural light and privacy, however sheer and transitional shades use fabric components that simulate the function of blind slats. Or you can utilize top-down/bottom-up styles that permit you to uncover the higher reaches of your window for light while keeping your privacy in the lower half.

Custom blinds and shades that fit exactly inside your windows with no extra space or overhanging give you the ideal treatment. But keep in mind, due to the fact they don’t attach to the window frame the way other products like interior shutters do, you will likely observe outside light at their edges, specifically if they happen to be jostled or caught in a wind gust. And while blinds afford a bit of management over where sunlight shines and how much, louvered shutters allow even more options for managing exterior light.

Cellular Shades Give You Energy Savings Not Available With Blinds

Light gray cellular shades on three separate windows in large light wood and beige colored living room.

Specialized window coverings are able to insulate your windows and help keep energy costs down. When comparing window blinds vs. shades in Seattle, shades are the top choice for energy efficiency–specifically cellular shades. Blinds, regrettably, offer almost zero insulation in light of their slim materials and multiple openings.

Cellular shades are aptly named due to the pockets or “cells” that their specialized pleated fabrication creates. Those pleats come together similar to an accordion as you draw up the shades and trap air entering from your windows when you lower the shades. When ensnaring air from outside, they block it from going into your home and changing the interior temperature. That means your heating and cooling unit will burn less energy to keep your Seattle home comfortable. Of course, neither blinds nor shades are able to come close to the energy-efficient power of Polywood® shutters with their exclusive weather sealing.

Window Shades Offer More Varieties To Choose 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 just as important as the other benefits they provide. In many cases, the question of window shades vs. blinds in Seattle boils down to personal design requirements. Vinyl and aluminum blinds are available in many different colors but wear down in little time. More robust wood and faux-wood blinds can be found in several popular wood stains or paints and have extra customization choices. Their firm slats and straight lines can look most attractive in your property.

Window shades bring a great deal more types of materials, opacities, styles, colors, and patterns. You are able to pick any number of possibilities from sheer neutral roller shades to distinctive Roman shades to textured woven fiber shades. It’s simple to find a window shade that matches your specific style with an abundance of selections waiting for you.

Learn More About Window Blinds Vs Shades In Seattle With Sunburst Shutters Washington

Shades, blinds, and shutters, Sunburst has you covered! Give us a chance to show you how our exceptional window coverings look in your Seattle property with a free in-home consultation. Schedule yours today by dialing 360-464-2277 or completing the form on this page.

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