There’s nothing better than looking out your front windows on a bright, sunny day to take in the view, see the birds nesting in the trees and the squirrels scurrying through your yard. Or maybe you like gazing through the windows on a rainy day, watching the raindrops hit the windows and slowly trickle down.
While there are plenty of options available when it comes to choosing windows, perhaps just as important are the shades or drapes you choose for your windows. Whatever you pick is going to determine the amount of light that streams in through your windows.
When it comes to distinguishing blinds from shades and drapes, here’s what you should know. Blinds are typically made of harder materials such as wood, shades are made of softer materials such as silk and cotton. Blinds also have slats that open and close to allow for more or less light to come through. Shades on the other hand are made on a continuous roll and adjustments for light can be made up and down.
Just like with windows, there are plenty of options available when considering blinds, shades and drapes. Maybe you like the look of roller shades or maybe you like wooden blinds.
If you’re looking a new homeowner who’s looking to put the finishing touches on your house or perhaps replace some old window treatments, roller shades offer plenty of benefits:
- Blending in: One benefit of roller shades is that they are very low profile. When it comes to window coverings, many homeowners want window coverings that compliment the décor of a room rather than drawing attention away from other aspects of it. Roller shades are an ideal covering for blending in and depending on one’s preference, they can allow lots of light in or no light at all.
- Jack-of-all-trades: As previously mentioned, roller shades can block nearly all sunlight to protect your privacy or let copious amounts of light in if you so desire. Many window and blind companies offer a variety of filtering shades and both cordless or corded options. This gives homeowners plenty of options if they’re looking to put a certain type of roller shades up in a sun room and another type in a living room.
- Cost effective: Not only do roller shades have a simple design, but they are also less expensive when compared to other types of blinds. As an added bonus, homeowners get all the versatility of roller shades (privacy, light blocking, etc) without having to pay more. Whether homeowners are looking for vinyl roller shades, fabric roller shades or some other type, there are plenty of options available to meet anyone’s needs.
- Easy to maintain: Another benefit of roller shades is that they are very easy to maintain when compared to blinds. With blinds, each individual slat can be a haven for dust as well as other debris and they can take forever to clean. Fortunately, roller shades don’t collect much dust and because the mechanisms for the moving parts are protected, there is less of a need for repairs.
Most homeowners replace their window treatments typically every seven to eight years. If you’re a homeowner who’s in need of new window treatments, roller shades offer plenty of benefits and could save you some money. The Attachments Energy Rating Council estimates that roller shades on a single-pane window can save homeowners nearly $200 a year.