Beige cellular shades over a wide window seat.

What To Know About Window Shades Vs Blinds In Washington DC

August 11, 2022

You’ll undoubtedly discover a lot of window different blinds and shades when you search for window treatments for your Washington DC property. Window shades use fabric panels that you pull down over your windows to conceal them. You also pull down window blinds, but they are made of solid materials with slats that can tilt up or down. Which product is right for your home? Explore what you ought to know about window shades vs. blinds in Washington DC.

The Majority Of Window Blinds Have More Ways Than Shades For Controlling Exterior Light And Privacy

Gray blinds on a large window next to a couch.

Both window shades and blinds will cover your windows in Washington DC, but blinds give you improved command over exterior light and privacy. You are able to bring down blinds to block out your window. Then twist a bar to adjust the slats for differing levels of light and privacy. But you should realize that shoddy blinds with bowed or broken slats will cause large gaps. Superior wood or faux-wood blinds offer a higher degree of authority over privacy and light.

Window shades envelop your window using a panel of fabric and have not much capability for providing different levels sunlight and privacy, however sheer and transitional shades use panels that mimic blind slats. Or you might try top-down/bottom-up varieties that allow you to expose the higher reaches of your window for sunlight while protecting your privacy at the bottom.

Custom shades and blind that fit exactly inside your windows with no openings or overhang provide the best covering. Yet, because they don’t surround the window frame the way other products like plantation shutters do, you might see sunlight at their edges, particularly if they happen to be knocked into or blown by a gust of air. Even though blinds give you a little control over where sunlight shines and how much, louvered shutters allow even more options for managing sunlight.

Cellular Shades Provide Energy Efficiency Not Found in Blinds

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

Some window coverings are able to insulate your windows and help lower energy bills. When comparing window blinds vs. shades in Washington DC, shades win the energy efficiency comparison–specifically cellular shades. Blinds, on the other hand, provide practically no insulation due to their slim components and multiple spaces.

Cellular shades are so named because of the honeycomb-like “cells” that their pleated construction results in. Those pleats fold up like an accordion when you draw up the shades and collect air coming through your windows when you pull the shades down. When trapping outside air, they prevent it from infiltrating your property and altering the indoor temperature. This is good for you as your heating and cooling unit doesn’t burn as much energy to keep your Washington DC home comfortable. Of course, neither blinds nor shades are able to come close to the incredible efficiency of Polywood® shutters with their patented thermal protection.

Window Shades Provide More Styles 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 equally as vital as the other benefits they provide. In many cases, the question of window shades vs. blinds in Washington DC boils down to specific tastes. Metal and vinyl blinds are offered in many different colors but break down rapidly. Sturdier wood and faux-wood blinds come in several classic stains or paints and have additional customization options. Their steady slats and clean contours can look most attractive in your property.

Window shades bring much more variation in materials, opacities, styles, colors, and patterns. You can pick any number of possibilities from sheer neutral roller shades to patterned Roman shades to the earthy appeal of woven fiber shades. It’s simple to locate a window shade that matches your unique interior with so many selections waiting for you.

Learn More About Window Blinds Vs Shades In Washington DC At Sunburst Shutters DC

Blinds, shades, or shutters, Sunburst has them all! Allow us to demonstrate how our premium window coverings look in your Washington DC home with a no-cost in-home consultation. Get yours scheduled today by phoning 240-339-2588 or completing the following form.

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