Shutters And Shades And Blinds, Oh My! Comparing Different Window Treatments
It’s easy to tell when you need new window treatments. The old ones are frayed and dingy, or you redecorated, or you just moved into a new home. If you are in the market for new treatments but feel overwhelmed, a deep dive into the different window treatments is in order. Once you understand all your options, you can compare window treatments and choose the perfect ones for your home.
Considerations When Choosing Window Treatments
Before comparing window treatments, think about what you need for your window. Window treatments should be easy to use and make your home more comfortable and beautiful. Ask yourself a few questions before analyzing your different window treatment options:
- How much do you need to control sunlight?
- How much privacy do you need?
- Does your window need more energy efficiency ?
- How do you like to operate a window treatment?
- Do you want something colorful or more neutral?
- What kind of texture do you want?
- Does the window experience humidity or temperature extremes?
- Do you need something easy to clean?
Keep your answers in mind as you read more about the different window treatments. This information will help you decide between blinds vs shutters, drapes vs shades, etc.
Different Window Treatments
When picking out new window treatments, you have four basic choices: blinds, shades, shutters, or drapes. You may be more or less familiar with each of these coverings. Understanding the different window treatments' benefits and uses will help you weigh their pros and cons before purchasing.
Plantation Shutters
People have put plantation shutters on windows for centuries because they are attractive and offer several benefits. They have a frame that attaches around your window and hinged panels of adjustable louvers mounted within the frame. You can cover and uncover the window by opening or closing the panels, or adjust the louvers to control natural light and privacy. This versatility makes it easy to switch from full sunshine and a view outside to total privacy and darkness in a room.
Historically, people made interior shutters from wood. Today, you can also get them in wood substitutes. Their solid construction makes interior shutters very durable, with products like Polywood® shutters lasting decades while resisting damage from moisture, temperature extremes, mold, fading, and pests. Shutters are very easy to clean, too.
Custom Shutters Emphasize Your Window’s Unique Shape
Shutters can be custom-built for any window shape or size, including specialty windows like arches, circles, rakes, Palladian windows, and more. They are easy to use on large, wall-to-wall windows and small sidelights alike. Shutters also look beautiful. Their crisp, clean lines complement existing home architecture, and they come in many neutral hues.
Thanks to their solid materials, interior shutters offer incredible energy efficiency, blocking drafts and hot UV rays coming through your window. Polywood shutters have patented weather stripping to make sure outside air doesn’t slip between the cracks. They’re the most energy-efficient window treatments available and can help lower your annual utility costs.
Window Blinds
Everyone knows about window blinds, but why are they so popular? When it comes to hard-material window treatments like blinds and shutters, window blinds generally cost less. Affordability is important to consider, but remember that you’ll get what you pay for. If you want something budget-friendly but finely crafted, premium blinds are your best choice.
Premium blinds have slats of solid hardwood or faux wood, so they don’t bend and break easily. The slats operate on durable corded ladders that pull them up and down or tilt them to achieve the ideal light level. Always choose high-quality blinds to ensure smooth operation for many years. You’ll also want custom blinds that fit within your window without leaving a gap that diminishes privacy and light control.
Blinds work well in most rooms. Moisture-resistant faux wood blinds can even go in humid bathrooms. Both wood and faux wood blinds come in stylish neutral or wood stain colors to coordinate with home decor.
Window Shades
Of all the different window treatments, window shades offer the most variety. First, they come in many styles. Popular ones include:
- Roller
- Cellular
- Roman
- Sheer
- Transitional
- Woven natural fiber
Finding a window shade to coordinate with your decor is easy. Each shade style comes in a wide range of materials and opacities, from thick blackout to light and airy sheer materials. You’ll find shades in endless colors and patterns, too. Whether you want something neutral or bold and colorful, you’ll find the desired hue in a window shade.
Shades also vary in operating systems. You can get a classic pull-down shade or choose more versatility with a top-down/bottom-up configuration. Motorized shades are gaining popularity thanks to their incredible ease of use and convenience. With smart technology, you can use your mobile phone to open and close your shade from across the room or even across the world. You can even program motorized shades to open and close on a schedule.
Drapery
Drapery offers another option for colorful fabric window treatments. Long and luxurious fabric drapes look effortlessly elegant. Different materials block more or less sunlight. They come in a rainbow of colors, and you can choose different pleat styles and hardware to customize their look further.
Drapes don’t work on every window, but on the right window, they block light, provide privacy, and keep heat and cold out of your living space. Well-made drapes do this better than curtains and look more sophisticated. When comparing drapes vs shades, it really depends on what look you’re going for and how much flexibility you need in covering and uncovering your window.
Shades vs Blinds? Drapes vs Shades? Comparing Window Treatments
Every window treatment offers benefits for your home. Choose the treatment that meets all your needs.
| PLANTATION SHUTTERS | WINDOW BLINDS | WINDOW SHADES | DRAPERIES |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exceptional light and privacy management | Flexible light and privacy management | Different styles and opacities for light and privacy | Blocks light and the view outside when closed |
| High-level energy efficiency | Low energy efficiency | Some styles provide energy efficiency | Traps outside air |
| Neutral colors | Neutral colors | Many colors and patterns | Many colors and patterns |
| Fit any window shape or size | Use on standard windows | Use on standard windows | Hangs over the window frame |
| Durable and long-lasting | Premium materials | Many different materials and textures | Fabric materials are usually heavy |
| Timeless, permanent fixtures | Budget-friendly | Convenient motorization possible | Classic elegance |
Explore Window Treatments With The Pros
No one knows the different window treatments like the experts at Sunburst Shutters & Window Fashions! Let's discuss your options during a free in-home consultation. Your consultant will show you samples and help you choose a window treatment you love. Schedule your consultation today when you call 877-786-2877 or fill out the form below.
