Should You Buy Shades or Blinds?

Are you wondering whether to go with window blinds or window shades for your Tahoe City, CA home? While the two window treatment types have some similarities, they are two different products altogether. Window blinds are solid window coverings manufactured with horizontal slats that can be opened and closed with a wand or string. Window shades are made from one or multiple pieces of fabric. So which one is for you?

Here's a look at window shades and window blinds, compared head to head.

PrivacyIf you place a premium on privacy and light control, you can get what you want whether you choose shades or blinds. With blinds, you can manipulate the slats to control the amount of privacy and light you get, and you can also lower or raise them entirely. With shades, you regulate privacy and light by pulling them up and down to the degree you wish. In a head-to-head comparison, blinds give you more granular control. But if you prefer shades, you can still get products you're delighted with. Head to a showroom to see your options.DurabilityThere's no denying that window blinds are more durable than window shades. If you take care of your window treatments, you won't have anything to worry about for a long time. But blinds, because they are made from harder materials, will likely last longer than shades made from fabric.

MaintenanceHow do the two compare on maintenance? Window blinds can be wiped down easily using a cloth. It takes more effort to maintain shades. You can often clean them with a vacuum, but stubborn stains require more work. So it pays to consider maintenance before you choose.

Interested in window shades for your Tahoe City home, or another type of window treatment instead? We're here to help you get exactly what you want. If cords are a concern, particularly in a child's room, motorized shades remove them entirely and can be scheduled to open and close on their own. We also offer traditional shades, blinds, shutters, Roman shades, custom drapery and more. Book a free consultation or come by our showroom.