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Wallingford CT Replacement Windows: Blinds VS Shades

Whether decorating a new home or remodeling an existing one, determining what window treatments to use presents an intricate part of home decorating. Many different varieties of blinds and shades exist that can transform the look of a home as well as offer many functional benefits. Both window shades and blinds have pros and cons when compared to each other. Deciding which is best for a home, blinds or shades, greatly depends on the wants and needs of the consumer.

Shades

Shades come in many styles and materials. Different variations are optimized for different functions, but a general definition for ‘shade’ is: a continuous piece of fabric (whether its bamboo or cotton) that can be raised and lowered over a window to filter/block light.

Light Control: Shades give you some amount of control over light. Shades allow you to control the portion of the window that is covered, but the amount of light the shade blocks is fixed. The color, thickness and material of the shade affect how much light the shades let in. Thick dark shades are a great solution for CT bedroom windows.

Insulation: Shades can serve as an extra layer of insulation for CT windows.  Some shades even have cells that are designed specifically to trap air and insulate. Placing shades over windows in Connecticut that face west or south can minimize heat gain in the summer. In the winter, you can raise the shades on a sunny day to allow for solar heat gain and then close them at night to help trap that heat inside.

Maintenance: As far as shade maintenance goes, it really depends on the type of shade you choose.  Some shades can be dusted, some can be washed, some can be vacuumed, and others should be shaken out.  In general, shades don’t collect as much dust as blinds because they don’t have horizontal surface area, but since they are fabric they can stain and spot-cleaning is usually the only safe cleaning method.

Privacy: When opaque shades are closed, they can provide excellent privacy, but when they are open they don’t provide any privacy at all. One solution for rooms that require privacy is a bottom-up shade. These are great for bathrooms because light can pass through the top of the window, but the bottom is blocked so no one can see you.

Blinds

Window blinds are made out of overlapping slats of wood, vinyl, or plastic. Blinds can be raised and lowered and the slats themselves can tilt up and down.

Light Control: Blinds are the best option for maximum light control because you can control how much light is transmitted (by tilting the slats) and how much fo the window is allowing in sunlight (by raising or lowering the blinds). Blinds will always transmit some light because of the slats, so if you are looking for maximum light-blocking capabilities, you can use blinds in conjunction with curtains.

Insulation: If insulation is one of your concerns, blinds are not the best option. In terms of energy efficiency, blinds do give you control over solar heat. Opening blinds in the winter on a sunny day allows for some heat. Blinds can also reduce energy costs in the summer by blocking out sun on west and south facing ct windows.

Maintenance: Blinds are often considered low-maintenance but really this depends on how large or small the slats are. The smaller the slats are, the more difficult it is to clean them.

Privacy:Blinds are a great solution for places where you want both privacy and natural light. If you tilt the slats toward the closed position, people can’t see in but light can come through.

Installing CT replacement windows is not an easy task and if you are a window novice, it is better to seek help from someone who knows what they are doing. Whether it is a specialty Connecticut window contractor or the home-improvement know-it-all neighbor, a perfect installation gives your home more security and thermal protection. If you choose to hire a contractor, make sure you ask for references, estimates, detailed contracts and warranties before officially beginning any project with them. If you need any assistance with an installation or repair, call on Fiderio & Sons today!




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