Really, truly think about it… can you answer this question?
Seems silly, and maybe it doesn’t matter
that much in the grand scheme of things. However, there is tons of confusion
surrounding these two mundane, everyday terms, and believe it or not, a blind
and a shade are not one in the same. When you begin your quest for the perfect
window treatment, having this basic knowledge of the differences will allow you
to quickly and painlessly navigate to the product you want.
A blinds typically has slats – also known as louvers – that
rotate back and forth to control light and privacy. A blind can be completely
lowered, yet still allow light to come through. You might sometimes here a
shutter referred to as a blind, or plantation blind, because it has louvers,
though shutters are usually in their own category.
A shade is generally one piece of material that raises and
lowers, but does not have moveable slats. Shades are the preferred insulators.
Blinds used to be the preferred method for people wanting maximum
control over light. In recent years, the top down/bottom up option has become
more popular. It allows you to lower the top of the shade, letting a lot or a
little light in, without giving up your privacy.
The most popular and top-rated blinds are the Blinds.com 2”
Fauxwood Blind (over 571 customer reviews, and 4.7/5 rating) and the Blinds.com 2”
Deluxe Wood Blind (over 287 reviews, 4.6/5 rating).
Customer mLegreen (see customer submitted photo below)
purchased the Deluxe Wood Blind and had this to say:
“I used to work
for a window shade manufacturing company and the quality & price for these
blinds cannot be beat! We just got new windows and are hoping to sell our house
within the next year and a half but we needed shades and these were perfect!
They are clean and elegant without breaking the bank – plus we wanted to be
able to let the natural light in as much as possible during the day. Couldn’t
be happier and I WILL be buying more!”
On the flip side, the
most purchased and reviewed shades are the Blinds.com 3/8”
Light Filtering Cellular Shade (over 430 reviews, 4.6/5 rating) and the Blinds.com 3/8”
Double Cell Blackout Cellular Shade. (over 230 reviews, 4.5/6 rating).
Customer Dan121
purchased the 3/8” Blackout shade and said this (his photo below):
“Before I
installed my shades it was like trying to sleep with the light on. After it has
been great. They look great and they keep the sun and other light out of the
room.”
Have questions about
the differences between blinds and shades? Email, or leave questions below.
P.S.
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From Blinds Guy:
Here in the UK we have a simple solution, we just call everything blinds, shades isn't used at all.
Simple yet very effective
From Cosmetic Dentist Oakland:
Those two have different purpose, so it is up to you for what purpose you'd want for your windows. This is a very informative post.
From pvc windows:
They are widely available in a huge array of colours, finishes and textures, including wooden effect finishes that provide the best of both worlds.