Beige cellular shades over a wide window seat.

What You Should Know About Window Shades Vs Blinds In Southern California

August 11, 2022

You’ll undoubtedly find a lot of window blinds and shades when you search for window coverings for your Southern California home. Window shades are made with fabric that you pull down over your windows to conceal them. You will also lower window blinds, but they are constructed with solid materials with slats you may rotate. Which one works best for your house? Here’s what you should know about window shades vs. blinds in Southern California.

The Majority Of Window Blinds Have More Ways Than Shades For Controlling Light And Privacy

Gray blinds on a large window next to a couch.

Both window blinds and shades will cover your windows in Southern California, but blinds give you improved command over sunlight and privacy. You are able to pull down blinds to block out your window. Then turn a rod to open and close the slats for differing levels of natural light and privacy. Just know that cheaply made blinds with warped or broken slats will cause sizeable gaps. Superior wood or faux-wood blinds give you a higher degree of control over privacy and sunlight.

Window shades blanket your window with a panel of fabric and have limited options for providing differing amounts of natural light and privacy, although sheer and zebra shades have panels that mimic blind slats. Or you could use top-down/bottom-up varieties that let you uncover the upper part of your window for a dose of natural light while keeping your privacy in the lower half.

Made-to-order shades and blind that fit within your windows with an absence of openings or overhanging provide the ideal coverage. Yet, since they don’t affix around the framework in the same manner that other options like plantation shutters do, you will likely observe sunlight at their borders, particularly if they are jostled or blown by a gust of air. Even though blinds give you a little management over the amount and direction of sunlight, interior shutters provide even more choices for directing light.

Cellular Shades Give You Efficiency Levels Not Found in Blinds

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

Specialized window coverings can provide insulation for your windows and help lower energy bills. When it comes to window blinds vs. shades in Southern California, shades are the winner in terms of efficiency–particularly cellular shades. Blinds, on the other hand, provide almost zero insulation in light of their slim materials and numerous openings.

Cellular shades are aptly named due to the built-in “cells” that their pleated construction results in. Those pleats fold up similar to an accordion when you draw up the shades and trap air coming through your windows as you pull the shades down. When trapping outside air, they block it from entering your residence and altering the indoor temperature. This is good for you as your air treatment unit uses less energy to keep your Southern California home comfortable. But as you might expect, you won’t find any blinds or shades that will match the incredible efficiency of Polywood® shutters with their patented weather sealing.

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.

The appearance of your window treatments is equally as important as what they do. In many cases, the decision between window shades vs. blinds in Southern California comes down to specific tastes. Aluminum and vinyl blinds are available in a wide range of colors but break down rapidly. Sturdier wood and faux-wood blinds are available in a variety of classic stains or paints and have extra customizing choices. Their firm slats and straight lines look quite appealing in your property.

Window shades give you much more choice in terms of materials, opacities, styles, colors, and patterns. You are able to choose any number of possibilities from sheer white roller shades to distinctive Roman shades to the earthy appeal of woven fiber shades. It’s easy to find a window shade that blends into your decor with a wealth of selections to choose from.

Find Out More About Window Blinds Vs Shades In Southern California With Sunburst Shutters Southern CA

Shades, blinds, and shutters, Sunburst has them all! Allow us to show you how our amazing window coverings look in your Southern California residence with a complimentary in-home consultation. Schedule yours today by calling 888-611-2474 or filling out the form below.

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