Blinds and shades can be a supplement or alternative to standard window treatments.  Installing blinds and shades controls the amount of light and privacy in your home.  Primary differences between these two treatments are:

• Blinds – This option, sometimes called “hard” window treatments, are comprised of slats, or vanes, to be tilted or angled to direct light into the room, and are made in aluminum, faux wood, vinyl, wood and natural fabrics.  Wider horizontal slats create the illusion of larger windows.
• Shades – This option is often called “soft” treatment.  They are typically controlled by a pull cord, so raising and lowering are the only options.  They are available in a number of styles including Roman, honeycomb or cell, and blackout, and have a wide range of textures, patterns and fabric weights.

Types of Blinds

• Wood – This option is available in light and dark hues and polished or painted finishes.  They also come in bamboo, an ecologically preferred choice.  As an alternative to shutters, they are warm and inviting.
• Faux Wood – Often used in high humidity spaces, this material are very durable and moisture resistant.
• Vertical – These are for windows that are wider than tall.  This durable, and budget-friendly, choice are ideal for a picture window and sliding doors.
• Aluminum – This is a sleek, contemporary look but with high durability.  Generally made from 6 or 8 gauge aluminum, they range from ½-inch micro blinds to 2 inch slats.
• Thermal – These eco-friendly blinds conserve energy but keeps your home at an even temperature while filtering or blocking light.
• Natural Fabrics – Cotton and other natural fabrics are ideal for living, dining and kitchen spaces.  They offer a warm, inviting look while filtering day light and providing night privacy.

Types of Shades

• Roman blinds or shades – Easy to install and operate, wide pleats fold flat when the shade is pulled up.  This gives a tailored look to any room.  They are also available in blackout fabrics.
• Honeycomb/Cellular – This option is simple yet practical and available in a large variety of colors and both light filtering and room darkening fabrics.  They are offered in single, double, and triple cells…the more cells, the higher degree of insulation.  A popular choice is the bottom-up/top-down model, so the shade can be raised or lowered in either direction.  There are special lifting options including a continuous cord loop.
• Blackout – These shades will completely block light from entering the room.
• Woven Wood – Usually made from bamboo, this natural window covering comes in a number of finishes and a wide range of privacy or open weaves.  For a clean, contemporary look, these shades are an attention getter.
• Roller – This is a simple, yet effective, design to permit sun to softly light the room.  Available in sheer weaves or room darkening, roller shades operate in a single smooth motion.
• Solar – Perfect for sunny rooms or those that need light control, such as a media room, these shades are made with sheer weaves to reduce glare and UV rays.
• Pleated – Easy to install, these are available in an assortment of patterns and textures and come with a privacy liner to provide a uniform appearance from the outside.