Shades, shutters, and blinds are among the most versatile window treatments in the market and there are so many different varieties in these two window treatments that one can choose something for every type of décor. Whether one is looking for some classic, country-style plantation shutters for their quaint café or ultramodern blinds for their studio apartment, nobody will be disappointed when selecting among these two window treatments.
Selecting Window treatment by the window
However, the type of window treatment one selects also depends on the type of windows one has. For instance, shutters will not be suitable window dressings for rectangle windows, awnings, or double-hung windows. In these cases, vanes, blinds, and custom shades would be more appropriate. Likewise, for casement windows, arc windows, or circle windows, one cannot choose blinds or custom shades, in such cases custom shutters would be more appropriate. Even the window size plays an important role in deciding the window dressing. For large French windows, practically any window dressing works well. However, what will make the difference in choosing the window dressing will be how much area is available on the walls around the windows and if there is enough space to accommodate the type of shades, blinds, and shutters one wishes to install.
Purpose of the window treatment
All three varieties provide varying degrees of efficacy in providing light control, insulation, and privacy in the room depending on the material one chooses for the window treatment. One must decide whether they want the window treatment purely for aesthetics, functionality, or a balance of both. If the window is south facing or east facing, then to protect the carpet and furniture from fading or being harmed from harsh sunlight, it would be a smart choice to install solar shades or combi shades. For north-facing windows, there is a need for blocking the cold breeze during winters. If there is wall to wall sliding or casement window, maximum efficacy can be had by installing layered window treatment with plantation shutters and woven shades or simply installing vertical blinds. One can choose cellular or honeycomb shades or sheer blinds for west-facing rooms where there is little light filtration and double-hung windows.
If the window treatment is for top-floor apartments, which generally have rectangle windows or bay windows, then one does not have to worry a lot about privacy, especially if there are no houses opposite to it. Here, one can choose natural wood blinds that can be opened or closed at measured levels for letting in natural light, cool summer breeze, or to look out of the room for the view.
With custom shades, one has the choice to select prints or 3D images for the shades. Shutters can be painted in the same color as the walls of the room, or they can be contrasted artfully to create an eye-catching space. Blinds may be limited in terms of sticking to the material they are made from, but one can automate them or install them within the sill to save space around the walls.