If you’re in the market for window treatments for the replacement windows on your Redmond, WA home, you’re in luck. There are tons of options, from decorative shades and drapes to more functional blinds and shutters. The only question is how you will choose the best for your home,
Most homeowners end up narrowing down their search to shutters and blinds, while some don’t even know the difference between the two. Both of these types of window treatments have great benefits, but both are not the right choice for every home. Keep reading to learn more.
Both shutters and blinds have louvers that help you keep control over the air flow, light and privacy coming in and out your home. The real differences between shutters and blinds are what they are made from and how they are made.
Shutters are commonly made to fit on the inside or outside of a frame of a particular window. These window treatments give you control by opening and closing the panels however you want. They swing in and out, allow you to change how much light or air gets in on a daily basis.
Most shutters have two panels like double doors. Paneled shutters’ sides can open independently from one another, also like double doors.
Blinds, on the other hand, can also be fit on the inside or outside of a frame. They operate much differently, though, as they have slats that are held together with a string. The slats move up and down when you pull on the string. This string can sometimes get tangled or broken, which can be an issue. While there are a few different kinds of blinds, this design is the most common.
Another difference is durability. Usually made from wood, tough synthetic materials, or wood composites, shutters are tougher than blinds. Blinds are commonly made of plastic, faux wood, and sometimes fabric. These materials are a lot less durable than wood and synthetics, and are also a lot less opaque which allows more sunlight to come in the home and potentially heat your home and bleach your carpets and furniture.
The other difference is price. Shutters are usually a lot more expensive than blinds, so you can think of shutters as an investment, and blinds as a more temporary solution if you can’t afford shutters or are living in a rental home. If you are thinking of selling or refinancing your home in the future, shutters are a great investment as they are stylish and add value in terms of protection and energy efficiency.
When choosing window treatments, it only matters what works for you and your home. If you want to learn more about the window treatment options for your Redmond, WA replacement windows, Puget Sound Window & Door is here for you. Please stop by and visit us at 445 E Main Ave Puyallup, WA 98372, or give us a call at (253) 904-8658 for more information on what we can do for you and your replacement windows.