If you're in search of the perfect window coverings, you've likely come across the decision between "shades" and "blinds." These two types of window treatments are popular and offer unique benefits for your home. In this comprehensive guide, we unravel the differences, advantages, and disadvantages of shades vs. blinds, helping you make the right decision to meet your needs.

Differences Between Shades and Blinds

It's common for people to use the terms "shades" and "blinds" interchangeably, but these are two distinct types of window treatments. Let's clarify the fundamental differences:

Blinds are rigid horizontal slats that you can tilt to control the amount of light entering a room. You can also raise or lower blinds.

You can raise or lower shades; if you have shades crafted from multiple pieces of fabric (sheer shadings) you can tilt the sheer fabric for natural light control.

How to Decide Between Blinds and Shades

When choosing between blinds and shades, a fundamental question to ask is, "How do I want to control privacy and block light?" Keep in mind that while you can raise and lower blinds, you can also tilt their slats for light control, while shades have a simpler open-and-close operation. Your choice should be based on your specific needs.

Other Factors to Consider

Cleaning: You can easily clean blinds with a soft cloth; shades require different care based on their fabric.




Durability: Because they’re made from rigid materials, blinds tend to better withstand wear and tear than shades.




Style: Both types offer a variety of style options, from classic to modern.




Insulation: If energy efficiency is important, consider cellular shades, which provide additional insulation.




Child Safety: If there are children at home, avoid accessible cords by opting for cordless systems.




Price: The cost can vary depending on style choices and customizations.

The Blind Truth About Blinds

Parkland® Wood Blinds   Material: Classics™    Color: Allspice

EverWood® Alternative Wood Blinds   Material: Distinctions™   Color: Extreme White

Blinds come in both horizontal and vertical slats or louvers and have the primary function of controlling the amount of light coming through. Parkland® Wood Blinds are handcrafted from genuine hardwood and feature a variety of slat sizes, upgrades and decorative tapes. Their multi-step finishing process offers maximum protection and a rich appearance.

Another option to consider is alternative wood blinds that withstand heat and humidity. Choose the realistic TruGrain® finish of EverWood® Alternative Wood Blinds for the luxurious look of wood blinds. They’re guaranteed against fading, yellowing, warping or bowing, even in extreme temperatures and direct sunlight.

The Many Shades of Shades

Hunter Douglas offers many types of shades with unique functional benefits from light diffusion to energy efficiency, along with a variety of design options and much more. Innovation is the hallmark of the Hunter Douglas brand, and homeowners everywhere enjoy this attention to quality and detail.

Cellular Shades

Duette® Honeycomb Shades   Fabric: Alexa Metallic™   Color: Ceti

Duette® Honeycomb Shades—the most energy-efficient shades available—have a unique honeycomb construction, which adds an extra layer of insulation at the window.

Sheers and Shadings

Silhouette® Window Shadings   Fabric: Ella   Color: Eternal

Pirouette® Window Shadings   Fabric: Satin Metallic   Color: Lunar

Silhouette® Window Shadings transform sunlight through your windows with soft adjustable fabric vanes that appear to be floating between two sheer fabric panels. Simply tilt the vanes to achieve your desired level of light and privacy.

Pirouette® Window Shadings feature soft, horizontal fabric vanes attached to a single sheer backing, for enhanced views to the outside and privacy, as well as UV protection for flooring and furniture.

Modern Roman Shades

Vignette® Modern Roman Shades   Fabric: Cascade   Color: Bashful

Vignette® Modern Roman Shades are our take on traditional Roman shades. They roll or stack with consistent folds and no exposed rear cords for enhanced child and pet safety.

Woven Wood Shades

Provenance® Woven Wood Shades   Fabric: Jute Forest   Color: Pecan

Provenance® Woven Wood Shades are made from natural materials like bamboo, grasses, reeds and woods, so each individual shade has a very unique look. Since they are designed mainly to filter light, they’re best for areas where you don’t need complete privacy or light blockage.

So What Do I Choose? Blinds? Shades?

As you might guess, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Consider the factors outlined earlier in this article, the needs of your space, as well as your view out your window. (If you look directly into your neighbor’s home, you might want a style that lets in natural light while still blocking your less-than-perfect view.)