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Beige cellular shades over a wide window seat.

What You Should Know About Window Shades Vs Blinds In Philadelphia

August 11, 2022

You’ll definitely find an array window blinds and shades when you are looking for window coverings for your Philadelphia home. Window shades are fabric window treatments that you pull down over your windows to cover them. You also pull down window blinds, but they are built from rigid materials with slats you may rotate. Which product is right for your house? Discover what you ought to know about window shades vs. blinds in Philadelphia.

Nearly All Window Blinds Have More Options Than Shades For Directing Light And Privacy

Gray blinds on a large window next to a couch. 

Both window blinds and shades will shield your windows in Philadelphia, but blinds offer a little more control over sunlight and privacy. You can lower blinds to block out your window. Then turn a wand to adjust the slats for the right amount of sunlight and privacy. Just know that second-rate blinds with bowed or damaged slats will create large openings. Premium wood or faux-wood blinds provide a higher degree of authority over privacy and sunlight.

Window shades blanket your window using a piece of fabric and have limited options for providing partial natural light and privacy, however sheer and zebra or transitional shades use coverings that simulate the function of blind slats. Or you could try top-down/bottom-up styles that allow you to expose the upper part of your window for sunlight while keeping your privacy at the bottom.

Made-to-order blinds and shades that fit within your windows with no extra space or overhanging give you the ideal covering. However, due to the fact they don’t surround the framework the way other window treatments like interior shutters do, you may notice outside light around their perimeter, specifically if they happen to be knocked into or blown by a wind gust. Even though blinds afford a bit of control over the amount and direction of sunlight, plantation shutters give you even more options for controlling light.

Cellular Shades Give You Energy Savings That Blinds Can’t

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

Specialized window coverings can offer extra insulation for your windows and help lower energy bills. When it comes to window blinds vs. shades in Philadelphia, shades are the top choice for energy efficiency–particularly cellular shades. Blinds, unfortunately, provide little to no insulation in light of their slim materials and abundance of gaps.

Cellular shades get their name from the built-in “cells” that their unique pleated design creates. The pleats neatly fold together similar to an accordion whenever you open the shades and trap air coming through your windows if you pull down the shades. When trapping outside air, they block it from infiltrating your home and changing the interior temperature. That means your air treatment system will burn less energy to sustain the comfort levels of your Philadelphia property. However, you won’t find any blinds or shades that are able to match the energy-efficient power of Polywood® shutters with their proprietary thermal protection.

Window Shades Have More Variations To Pick From

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

How your window treatments look is just as vital as their light, privacy, and efficiency abilities. In many cases, the question of window shades vs. blinds in Philadelphia is decided by your specific tastes. Vinyl and aluminum blinds are offered in various colors but tend to fall apart quickly. Sturdier wood and faux-wood blinds can be found in a variety of preferred wood stains or paints and have additional personalization options. Their steady slats and straight lines will look very classy in your home.

Window shades offer a great deal more choice in terms of materials, opacities, styles, colors, and patterns. You may choose any number of possibilities from sheer neutral roller shades to distinctive Roman shades to textured woven fiber shades. It’s not difficult to locate a window shade that fits your unique interior with an abundance of options waiting for you.

Explore More About Window Blinds Vs Shades In Philadelphia At Sunburst Shutters Philadelphia

Shutters, blinds and shades, Sunburst has everything you need! Allow us to demonstrate how our exceptional window fashions look in your Philadelphia property with a no-cost in-home consultation. Get yours scheduled today by phoning 215-874-4897 or completing the form below.