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Beige cellular shades over a wide window seat.

Everything About Window Shades Vs Blinds In Gainesville

August 11, 2022

You’ll undoubtedly see an array window different blinds and shades whenever you search for window treatments for your Gainesville residence. Window shades are made with fabric that you bring down over your windows to shield them. You will also lower window blinds, but they are built from firm materials with slats that can rotate. Which option is right for your house? Explore what to know about window shades vs. blinds in Gainesville.

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

Gray blinds on a large window next to a couch. 

Both window blinds and shades will cover your windows in Gainesville, but blinds provide additional command over light and privacy. You can lower blinds to block out your window. Then turn a rod to adjust the slats for different amounts of natural light and privacy. Just know that shoddy blinds with warped or snapped slats will leave large openings. Premium wood or faux-wood blinds provide the best authority over privacy and exterior light.

Window shades cover your window using a sheet of fabric and have not much capability for giving you differing amounts of sunlight and privacy, although sheer and transitional shades use panels that simulate the function of blind slats. Or you could utilize top-down/bottom-up options that allow you to reveal the top of your window for light while maintaining your privacy at the bottom.

Customized shades and blind that fit exactly within your windows with an absence of extra space or overhanging offer the most complete treatment. But keep in mind, since they don’t attach to the framework in the same manner that other window treatments like interior shutters do, you will likely see light around their edges, specifically if they get bumped or blown by a gust of air. Although blinds give you a bit of control over where sunlight shines and how much, interior shutters give you even more possibilities for controlling sunlight.

Cellular Shades Offer Efficiency Levels That Blinds Can’t

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

Specialized window treatments will provide insulation for your windows and help keep energy costs down. In the battle of window blinds vs. shades in Gainesville, shades are the top choice for energy efficiency–specifically cellular shades. Blinds, on the other hand, offer almost zero insulation due to their thin components and numerous gaps.

Cellular shades are so named because of the built-in “cells” that their unique pleated design creates. Those pleats fold up similar to an accordion when you raise the shades and capture air entering from your windows if you pull the shades down. When they trap exterior air, they block it from infiltrating your home and changing the temperature inside. This is good for you as your heating and cooling system will burn less energy to sustain the comfort levels of your Gainesville property. But as you might expect, you won’t find any blinds or shades that can match the superior efficiency of Polywood® shutters with their patented thermal protection.

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. 

How your window treatments look is equally as important as their light, privacy, and efficiency abilities. In this case, the decision between window shades vs. blinds in Gainesville boils down to unique design requirements. Aluminum and vinyl blinds are offered in various colors but break down in little time. More durable wood and faux-wood blinds can be found in a variety of popular wood stains or paints and have other customizing options. Their steady slats and straight lines can look most attractive in your property.

Window shades give you much more types of styles, materials, colors, patterns, and opacities. You are able to select anything from sheer beige roller shades to pleated Roman shades to the earthy appeal of woven fiber shades. It’s easy to locate a window shade that blends into your decor with so many selections to choose from.

Learn More About Window Blinds Vs Shades In Gainesville At Sunburst Shutters Gainesville

Blinds, shades, or shutters, Sunburst has them all! Let us demonstrate how our premium window fashions look in your Gainesville residence during a no-cost in-home consultation. Schedule yours today by calling 813-602-5966 or completing the form below.