Window Blinds and Curtains

 Blinds and shades look completely different from one another, but each serve a purpose. Blinds are made up of many individual slats, while shades are made up of one large fabric panel that can be raised or lowered for full or partial window coverage.

BLINDS:

• Made of slats (or louvers) that can be raised or lowered, tilted open or closed, and otherwise manipulated to let in varying degrees of light.
• Available in metal and a variety of wood materials and finishes.

SHADES:

• Made of a fabric panel and raised or lowered to let light in or out
• Many different fabric and color options
• Can be simple (like a roller shade) or more elaborate (like tulip, cascade, or aventura shades)
• It’s not uncommon to pair shades or blinds with drapery for a more aesthetically appealing touch.

SHOULD YOU CHOOSE BLINDS OR SHADES?

• While both options are highly effective at blocking out light, if you have a specific design ideal in mind and want the option to roll your window treatment out of sight for a clear view from your window or total coverage, shades are the right choice for you.

BLINDS

• Blinds are an excellent window treatment option for blocking out light and maintaining privacy in your home.

CURTAINS

• Looking for a classic, rich window treatment for your home, that makes a striking visual impact? Then elegant puddled drapes may be your perfect solution.
• Drapes work with almost any type of window. At The Shade Store, we have different fabrics for you to choose from to create the perfect draperies for your home. Sign up for a free measurement or order some swatches today!

DIFFERENT TYPES OF BLINDS AND THEIR FEATURES:

•  Horizontal blinds are also called venetian blinds. They’re made with horizontal slats that hang from a headrail by a cord. The headrail is a metal box that makes up the top part of the blinds. It houses the mechanisms that open and close the blinds.
  
  
  

• Roller blinds, also called roller shades, are made from a single panel of fabric that rolls down from a top bar. They also feature a weighted bottom bar that ensures the blind doesn’t blow around when it’s closed.  
  Roman blinds, or roman shades, are one of the most luxurious window coverings. They’re made from decorative fabric with horizontal stiffener rods sewn into the back in several places. The stiffener rods allow the blinds to fold neatly up toward the top of the window when opened. When closed, these blinds lay flat as one smooth piece of fabric. 

  

  
  

• Vertical blinds are made from vertical vanes rather than horizontal slats. The vanes are weighted and linked together at the bottom to keep them in position. They hang from a headrail and slide open to the left or right rather than opening from the bottom to the top of the window like the other types of blinds on this list.