Blinds Vs. Shades: Which are Right for Your Maui Home?
There are a number of styles and designs of both window blinds and shades available, so no matter which you decide on, you’ll most likely find a set that works with home décor style. Nevertheless, it will be much easier to make your decision if you understand the difference between shutters and blinds.
- Blinds are window treatments made out of a series of slats or panels. They can be made of wood, aluminum, vinyl, or a composite. These could be horizontal or vertical.
- Shades are typically made of fabrics, vinyl, or woven wood. They can be pulled up or rolled down, but the amount of light they let in cannot be adjusted otherwise. They can have customized opacities.
Here are some of the other things that you’ll need to consider when you’re deciding between shutters and blinds for your home:
The Architectural Details of Your Home
If there are any big, bold architectural elements to your home (i. e., a bay window or other specialty window), it may be best to choose shutter over blinds. Shutters can complement architecture with a more classic feel. The clean, horizontal lines can also accentuate the contemporary and sophisticated look of some interiors.
You should also consider your room’s interior decoration style when making this decision. Your window treatments and interior design should strike a balance. For instance, if your room has tile flooring and hardwood furniture, the softness of drapes can help to soften the room and make it more comfortable.
Your Climate and the Amount of Natural Light
One of the most import things to consider when you’re deciding between window treatments is how they can affect your home’s energy efficiency. In Maui, your main energy efficiency concern is keeping your home cool, and that’s certainly something that your window treatments can help out with.
We have energy efficient and heat-reducing window treatments that help you keep your home cooler without overspending on energy. UV shades may be your best option in these parts of your home to keep your home cool. UV light damage can also fade or darken hardwood floors or furniture, and these shades will protect against that as well.
Privacy and Light Control
You’ll also want to consider the room that your window treatments are going in:
- Bedrooms and bathrooms will need window treatments that can provide full privacy.
- TV Rooms or offices need treatments that allow you to fully control the amount of light you let it.
If you use shades for either of these types of room in your Maui home, you may have problems with light control and privacy. Shades can have any opacity you choose, so they can allow varying amounts of light in when they’re closed, but they don’t offer you the same control over light influx that you’ll get from blinds, which are much more adjustable.
