Beige cellular shades over a wide window seat.

Everything About Window Shades Vs Blinds In Austin

August 11, 2022

You’ll without question find a lot of window blinds and shades when you look for window coverings for your Austin property. Window shades are fabric window treatments that you lower over your windows to cover them. You also raise or lower window blinds, but they are made of firm materials with slats you can tilt up or down. Which product makes sense for your house? Discover what you should know about window shades vs. blinds in Austin.

The Majority Of Window Blinds Have More Options Than Shades For Managing Sunlight And Privacy

Gray blinds on a large window next to a couch.

Both window shades and blinds will shield your windows in Austin, but blinds provide additional mastery over exterior light and privacy. You are able to lower blinds to cover your window. Then turn a rod to manipulate the slats for different amounts of sunlight and privacy. Just know that second-rate blinds with warped or snapped slats will leave large spaces. Premium wood or faux-wood blinds give you a greater level of control over privacy and sunlight.

Window shades blanket your window with a sheet of fabric and have not much capability for providing differing amounts of light and privacy, but sheer and zebra shades use coverings that simulate the function of blind slats. Or you can try top-down/bottom-up options that allow you to expose the higher reaches of your window for light while protecting your privacy below.

Made-to-order blinds and shades that fit exactly inside your windows without gaps or overhang provide the ideal treatment. But keep in mind, due to the fact they don’t affix around the framework in the same fashion that other window treatments like interior shutters do, you will likely observe light at their borders, specifically if they are jostled or caught in a gust of air. And while blinds afford some management over where sunlight shines and how much, plantation shutters give you even more options for directing light.

Cellular Shades Provide Energy Efficiency That Blinds Can’t

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

The right window coverings will insulate your windows and help reduce energy expenses. In the battle of window blinds vs. shades in Austin, shades win the energy efficiency comparison–namely cellular shades. Blinds, on the other hand, offer almost zero insulation because of their slim materials and multiple gaps.

Cellular shades are aptly named due to the pockets or “cells” that their unique pleated design creates. Those pleats neatly fold together similar to an accordion when you raise the shades and trap air coming through your windows when you pull down the shades. When they trap air from outside, they prevent it from infiltrating your home and impacting the indoor temperature. This is great as your HVAC equipment uses less energy to keep your Austin home comfortable. However, there are no shades or blinds that are able to equal the superior efficiency of Polywood® shutters with their exclusive weather sealing.

Window Shades Offer More Variations To Select From

Light gray sheer shades on two large tall windows with a beige and tan styled living room.

The appearance of your window treatments is just as vital as what they do. In many cases, the battle of window shades vs. blinds in Austin boils down to personal tastes. Aluminum and vinyl blinds are offered in many different colors but wear down in little time. More robust wood and faux-wood blinds can be found in a variety of preferred wood stains or paints and have other personalization choices. Their solid slats and crisp edges will look very classy in your home.

Window shades bring much more variation in materials, opacities, styles, colors, and patterns. You may choose any type of window treatment from sheer white roller shades to pleated Roman shades to the earthy appeal of woven fiber shades. It’s easy to discover a window shade that matches your specific style with a wealth of options to choose from.

Explore More About Window Blinds Vs Shades In Austin With Sunburst Shutters Austin

Blinds, shades, or shutters, Sunburst has everything you need! Allow us to show you how our exceptional window treatments look in your Austin home with a free in-home consultation. Get yours scheduled today by dialing 512-549-6077 or submitting the form below.

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