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Beige cellular shades over a wide window seat.

What To Know About Window Shades Vs Blinds In Fort Myers

August 11, 2022

You’ll definitely see many window blinds and shades whenever you are looking for window treatments for your Fort Myers property. Window shades are fabric window treatments that you bring down over your windows to conceal them. You can also raise or lower window blinds, but they are made of solid materials with slats that can rotate. Which option is right for your house? Explore what you should know about window shades vs. blinds in Fort Myers.

Nearly All Window Blinds Have More Options Than Shades For Controlling Sunlight And Privacy

Gray blinds on a large window next to a couch. 

Both window shades and blinds will shield your windows in Fort Myers, but blinds give you a little more mastery over sunlight and privacy. You can pull down blinds to cover your window. Then twist a bar to adjust the slats for differing levels of sunlight and privacy. But keep in mind that shoddy blinds with bowed or snapped slats will cause noticeable gaps. Superior wood or faux-wood blinds provide a greater level of authority over privacy and sunlight.

Window shades cover your window using a sheet of fabric and have a limited ability for offering differing amounts of sunlight and privacy, however sheer and zebra shades have coverings that simulate the function of blind slats. Or you might use top-down/bottom-up options that permit you to reveal the top of your window for light while keeping your privacy below.

Made-to-order blinds and shades that fit exactly within your windows without openings or overhang give you the most complete covering. Yet, because they don’t attach to the framework in the same manner that other window treatments like plantation shutters do, you might observe outside light around their perimeter, specifically if they get bumped or blown by a gust of air. Even though blinds afford a little management over where sunlight shines and how much, louvered shutters provide even more choices for controlling light.

Cellular Shades Offer Efficiency Levels Not Available With Blinds

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

Some window treatments will provide insulation for your windows and help lower energy bills. When comparing window blinds vs. shades in Fort Myers, shades are the top choice for energy efficiency–particularly cellular shades. Blinds, unfortunately, offer little to no insulation in light of their slender components and multiple openings.

Cellular shades get their name from the pockets or “cells” that their unique pleated design results in. The pleats come together like an accordion whenever you open the shades and collect air entering from your windows as you pull down the shades. When trapping air from outside, they prevent it from entering your residence and changing the indoor temperature. That means your air treatment unit uses less energy to sustain the comfort levels of your Fort Myers property. Of course, there are no shades or blinds that can equal the incredible efficiency of Polywood® shutters with their patented thermal protection.

Window Shades Have More Styles To Choose From

Light gray sheer shades on two large tall windows with a beige and tan styled living room. 

The appearance of your window treatments is just as critical as what they do. In this case, the decision between window shades vs. blinds in Fort Myers is decided by your specific design requirements. Aluminum and vinyl blinds are offered in various colors but wear down rapidly. More durable wood and faux-wood blinds are available in a variety of preferred wood stains or paints and have other personalization choices. Their solid slats and straight lines look most attractive in your home.

Window shades bring quite a bit more types of colors, patterns, opacities, styles, and materials. You can choose anything from sheer white roller shades to distinctive Roman shades to textured woven fiber shades. It’s not difficult to locate a window shade that fits your specific style with a wealth of options waiting for you.

Explore More About Window Blinds Vs Shades In Fort Myers With Sunburst Shutters Fort Myers

Shades, blinds, and shutters, Sunburst has them all! Allow us to demonstrate how our amazing window fashions look in your Fort Myers home during a no-cost in-home consultation. Get yours scheduled today by phoning 239-208-6577 or completing the form below.