Beige cellular shades over a wide window seat.

What To Know About Window Shades Vs Blinds In Tampa

August 11, 2022

You’ll without question find an array window different blinds and shades when you look for window coverings for your Tampa property. Window shades use fabric panels that you pull down over your windows to shield them. You will also raise or lower window blinds, but they are constructed with firm materials with slats that can turn. Which one works best for your windows? Explore what you should know about window shades vs. blinds in Tampa.

Most Window Blinds Have More Ways Than Shades For Directing Sunlight And Privacy

Gray blinds on a large window next to a couch.

Both window blinds and shades will cover your windows in Tampa, but blinds offer additional control over light and privacy. You can bring down blinds to cover your window. Then rotate a wand to open and close the slats for differing levels of light and privacy. Just know that shoddy blinds with bowed or broken slats will create large spaces. High-quality wood or faux-wood blinds offer the best control over privacy and sunlight.

Window shades blanket your window with a sheet of fabric and have a limited ability for providing different levels natural light and privacy, but sheer and zebra or transitional shades use coverings that mimic blind slats. Or you could try top-down/bottom-up options that permit you to uncover the higher reaches of your window for sunlight while protecting your privacy below.

Made-to-order shades and blind that fit inside your windows without openings or overhanging provide the most complete treatment. However, because they don’t surround the framework the way other options like louvered shutters do, you may notice sunlight around their perimeter, particularly if they happen to be bumped or blown by a wind gust. Even though blinds provide some control over the direction and amount of light, interior shutters allow even more choices for directing exterior light.

Cellular Shades Give You Energy Savings Not Found in Blinds

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

Some window coverings are able to provide insulation for your windows and help reduce energy expenses. When comparing window blinds vs. shades in Tampa, shades win the energy efficiency comparison–specifically cellular shades. Blinds, unfortunately, provide little to no insulation due to their slim materials and numerous gaps.

Cellular shades are aptly named due to the built-in “cells” that their pleated construction results in. Those pleats neatly fold together like an accordion as you open the shades and trap air seeping through your windows when you pull down the shades. When they trap air from outside, they prevent it from entering your property and changing the temperature inside. This is great as your air treatment unit will burn less energy to maintain the comfort of your Tampa home. But as you might expect, you won’t find any blinds or shades that can match the superior efficiency of Polywood® shutters with their exclusive weatherstripping.

Window Shades Provide 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 this case, the battle of window shades vs. blinds in Tampa is decided by your personal design requirements. Metal and vinyl blinds are available in many different colors but break down rapidly. More durable wood and faux-wood blinds come in a variety of classic stain colors and have extra personalization choices. Their solid slats and straight lines can look most attractive in your interior.

Window shades bring a great deal more variation in styles, materials, colors, patterns, and opacities. You may pick any number of possibilities from sheer neutral roller shades to pleated Roman shades to natural woven fiber shades. It’s simple to find a window shade that matches your specific style with a wealth of options at your disposal.

Learn More About Window Blinds Vs Shades In Tampa With Sunburst Shutters Tampa

Blinds, shades, or shutters, Sunburst has you covered! Allow us to show you how our amazing window coverings look in your Tampa property with a complimentary in-home consultation. Schedule yours today by dialing 813-580-7288 or submitting the form on this page.

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