Blinds, Shades, or Curtains? Choosing Window Coverings for Your Home

Windows are a key architectural element in any home, from traditional double-hung to casement, sliders, bow, and picture windows. Most windows on your residential home are designed to allow light and air flow, but all windows add to the aesthetics. Step inside any home, and the windows and their treatments can make or break a room’s overall look.

It’s essential to select the right coverings for your windows, and that means considering blinds, shade, or curtains.

Difference Between Curtains and Drapes

Although the terms are often used interchangeably, there is a difference between curtains and drapes. Both are fabric panels, typically sold in pairs. However, curtains flow to just below the window sill or higher, and drapes are floor length. Drapes usually are lined as well, or may be constructed from a light-blocking material—perfect for bedrooms.

Best windows for drapes include but are not limited to:

• Single- and double-hung
• Double-hung that flank a picture window
• Bow or bay style
• Casement
• Slider style windows

Shades: Adding Style to a Room

There may be as many types of shades, considered a soft window treatment, as there are types of windows. Shade are usually made from fabric and mounted inside the window frame. A pull cord or similar mechanism moves the shade up and down, making it easy to adjust for light and air flow when the window is open.

Honeycomb style shades are ideal for bathrooms. They are lightweight, usually mildew resistant, and allow for some light while still offering privacy protection. A classic Roman-style shade may add elegance to a formal dining room, while motorized shades may be preferred in a living room or bedroom. Blackout shades work great in the bedroom and can be found in a wide selection of fabric colors, patterns, and styles.

Blinds: Mini to Wide

Blinds fall into the hard window treatment category and may come in various materials like wood, aluminum, vinyl, faux wood, and fabric. They offer a bit more versatility than shades, as blinds can be moved up and down and some slide (like the ones designed for patio doors) side to side like curtains and drapes. Their individual slats, called vanes, also can be tilted to allow light in without raising the full blind. Vinyl mini-blinds can be budget-friendly and ideal when you need a quick window covering and you’re not ready to commit to a specific look for the room. Vinyl blinds also work great in rooms with higher humidity as they’re easy-to-clean and resist mildew. Blinds, as well as shades, can be ordered custom to specifically fit your home’s windows and effortlessly integrate into the decor.

The key to making any type of window treatment look great? Clean windows! Even the most expensive, custom-fit shade, blind, or curtain won’t look their best if the windows are dirty. United Window Cleaning has been keeping Cincinnati’s windows clean for 100 years. Let us take care of yours today. Contact United Window Cleaning at 513-721-5987 to make an appointment or schedule one online.