Window Privacy Archives - FHIA Remodeling

Choosing between blinds vs. shades goes beyond making your home look more aesthetically pleasing. The right treatments can play a major role in insulation and boosting everyday comfort. Since each home has different needs, understanding the differences between these two will help you make the wisest decision for your property.

What Are Blinds?

They are rigid window treatments that consist of multiple horizontal or vertical vanes or slats. You can raise or tilt these slats to adjust how much light enters your room. They are suitable for people who want variable daylight throughout the day without compromising privacy.

The average cost for professional installation of blinds typically ranges from $200 to $1,350, depending on the style and complexity of installation. For example, installing blinds on eight windows might cost approximately $640, which breaks down to about $80 per window, comfortably within this range.

Materials Commonly Used for Blinds

Wood materials are popular because they provide a natural and warm appearance. While visually pleasing, wood is prone to warping if not maintained regularly. Many people prefer aluminum as a more moisture-resistant option.

It’s a chic, lightweight, and highly durable choice for homes where humidity is an issue. Vinyl is also an option, especially if you are considering installation in high-humidity areas like kitchens and bathrooms.

Types of Blinds

The three most common types of blinds are Venetian, Vertical, and Mini. Here are the must-know facts about each of them.

Venetian: Horizontal or Venetian blinds are one of the most stylish options for your bedroom and living room. They feature horizontal slats that you can tilt to manage light.
Vertical: These are made up of long, vertical vanes and are typically used to cover large windows or sliding glass doors.
Mini: They are the smaller-scale version of Venetians, featuring narrower slats. Mini blinds are practical in compact spaces or on windows with limited room around the frame.

What Are Shades?

They are another popular type of soft window treatment made from a continuous piece of fabric or material that fully covers a window when lowered. Unlike blinds, they do not feature vanes or slats. This gives them a smooth and seamless look that fits snugly within the window frame. When raised, they stack neatly at the top, keeping an organized and clean look.

While they do not allow for adjustable light filtering, you can choose between different opacity levels, from sheer to blackout. Standard shades can cost anywhere from $55 to $250 per window, while the price for a more customized option can climb up to around $2,600. Customized shades can become expensive due to specialized materials, designs, fabrics, or features like automation.

Materials Commonly Used for Shades

Fabric shades are versatile, and you can choose from light-filtering fabrics to blackout materials that block light. Woven wood is also a popular option if you enjoy the natural appearance of sustainably grown bamboo, jute, and reeds.

Cellular or honeycomb shades are often made from polyester fabric. This fabric ensures low maintenance and longevity. Roman shades can be made from different materials like cotton (breathable and lightweight), linen, polyester, and even silk for a refined appearance.

Types of Shades

Typically, you can choose between three types of shades. These include roller, Roman, and pleated or cellular.

Roller: It’s a simple design. They feature fabric rolled onto a tube at the top of the window. Choose neutral colors like beige for a contemporary and sleek look.
Roman: As they lower, they form horizontal folds that appear “soft” and elegant.
Pleated or сellular: Cellular features small pockets of air that can effectively trap cold and hot air. This makes them highly energy-efficient.

Key Differences Between Blinds and Shades

The difference between blinds vs shades lies in how they control light, keep your space private, and save energy. Take a look at this window treatments comparison!

Light Control

Blinds allow you to adjust each slat to dial in the amount of sunlight you want. Shades may allow a soft glow to filter through, but you won’t have the angled control that blinds offer.

Privacy

You can close the blinds completely, but there will still be small gaps visible between the slats. If you are interested in full window covering, shades with a blackout fabric like a polyester blend are a better choice.

Energy Efficiency

Blinds are effective at blocking heat to a certain extent when the slats are closed. However, the gaps between them can still allow warm air to pass through. If you’re worried about energy efficiency, consider cellular for their multi-layer design that can deliver superior insulation.

Aesthetic Appeal

Both can be an attractive addition to your home, and the style preference is all up to you! Typically, blinds appear crisper and more structured, whereas shades are believed to be softer.

Maintenance

Some cleaning, such as dusting and wiping, is required for both. However, for blinds maintenance, you may require more time to clean. Often, the slats should be cleaned individually.

How to Choose Between Blinds and Shades

Shades are often preferred for privacy and thermal protection. For precise control of light, you might choose blinds instead. Also, think about how much time and effort you are willing to spend on maintenance.

Both require some cleaning, but cleaning blinds is usually more time-consuming due to multiple slats, which can accumulate dust. Budget is also an important factor when choosing between the two. Custom shades are the most expensive option, costing approximately $250 to $2,600 per window.

When to Choose Blinds Over Shades

If you prefer precise control over how much light enters your space, choose blinds. They are also a more durable option, thanks to sturdy materials like aluminum.

When to Choose Shades Over Blinds

Shades offer a uniform barrier at the window, so they maintain full coverage and privacy. Furthermore, you might want to choose shades for insulation, particularly cellular types.

Conclusion

When comparing blinds vs shades, both options come with advantages and possible drawbacks. Blinds are great for precise brightness control, while shades offer more coverage and insulation. The choice is ultimately up to you and your home’s unique needs.

If you are considering window treatments but aren’t sure where to start, contact FHIA Remodeling for expert help. Fill out a form and get a free quote today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the main difference between blinds and shades?

The main difference is in the structure. Blinds feature individual slats you can tilt to manage light. Shades are created from one continuous piece of material that you can lower or raise as needed.

Which is better for privacy: blinds or shades?

One of the main benefits of shades is that they offer full coverage. When you lower shades, there are no gaps between slats (like when using blinds), so it’s harder for outsiders to see in.

Which option is better for controlling the amount of light in a room?

Blinds offer better light control, since you can adjust the slats to let in the right amount. Shades can filter light based on the fabric type you choose, but don’t offer the same angled adjustments.

Are shades or blinds better for energy efficiency?

Cellular shades excel at insulation because they trap air in the honeycomb structure. Blinds can also block some heat when the slats are closed, but they may allow more air transfer compared to tightly woven shades.

Can blinds be more difficult to clean than shades?

Yes, cleaning blinds is usually more time-consuming because dust can gather on each slat. Shades can be easier to clean with light vacuuming or spot-cleaning treatments. Both require regular upkeep.

Windows let in natural light and help us feel connected to the outside world. But sometimes, we just need extra privacy from neighbors and passersby. The perfect window covering is the right solution to create a peaceful, secluded space yet keep the optimal brightness level in the room.

In this article, we share our top five ways to secure your privacy. As a bonus, we also list the best window privacy ideas for different rooms.

Top 5 Most Popular Options

Curtains

Curtains are one of the easiest and least expensive ways to cover your windows. With so many colors, fabrics, and thicknesses to choose from, curtains are easily customized to your unique space. If you’re looking for a window covering option that can be changed out seasonally, curtains are a great choice.

The benefit of curtains is easy installation and simple maintenance. A traditional curtain rod can be screwed into the wall above a window to hang the curtains. Tension rods are also available if you need to hang a lightweight curtain without causing damage from screws or nails. If the fabric of your curtains is machine washable, you can simply take the curtain off the rod and put it in the washing machine to remove dust and lint.

When you are home, and you want privacy, you can pull the curtains together to block outsiders’ views into your home. If you want to see out the window or allow in natural light, curtains can be pulled back and secured with decorative ties.

Blinds

Blinds are another common option for window privacy. With so many styles, colors, and sizes to choose from, blinds can enhance any space.

Some of the most common styles of blinds are Venetian blinds, mini blinds, and vertical blinds. Blinds are a good choice if you want to be able to decide how much light you want to be let inside of your windows. Blinds can be pulled up or over all the way to fully expose the window. The slats can also be tilted to allow in some light or completely closed.

Unlike curtains, blinds are permanently installed. They need to be dusted frequently to avoid the buildup of particles.

Shades

Shades are soft window treatments made from fabric that can be retracted and released vertically. This is a great option for people who want both privacy and light-blocking qualities from their window coverings.

The most popular styles are pleated, roller, Roman, and cellular shades. Unlike blinds, shades don’t have individual slats, so you can’t change the level of light that comes through your windows. However, when you select your shades, you can choose the opacity of the fabric.

Cellular shades have the added benefit of providing increased energy efficiency along with privacy. The honeycomb-shaped air pockets of cellular shades provide more insulation than other fabric or wood window treatments.

Privacy Film

Privacy window film is a simple and cost-effective way to protect your privacy. You can have privacy film professionally installed, or you can do it yourself.

Privacy film can be stuck to your windows to filter light that comes in and out of your windows. A window film will distort what outsiders can see from your windows while allowing most sunlight to still come in through your windows.

Many privacy films have a decorative design that can enhance your space. Their downside, however, is that you won’t be able to see clearly out of your window. If you aren’t worried about sacrificing a view, a privacy film is a great choice. It’s also easy to remove if you change your mind.

Frosted Glass

Frosted glass windows are the most permanent window privacy option we’re sharing with you. These windows come with glass that distorts the view inside and out of your windows. The texture of the glass allows some light to come in while providing you with privacy.

If you choose to have frosted glass windows installed, you should be prepared to lose the unobstructed view outside of your window. However, if you would prefer to have a window without any curtains, blinds, or shades to your view, frosted glass is the way to go. These windows are also easy to keep clean, and their sun-filtering ability can help preserve the vibrancy of your furnishings over time.

Tips for Choosing Window Covering Based on the Room Type

We have multiple bathroom window ideas for privacy, but the best solution depends on the type of room you want to cover. A bathroom window needs a different treatment than a living room window, and your kitchen might need something totally different from your garage. Let’s find the perfect window covering for every room in your house.

Front Door Window Privacy Ideas

Your front door should offer good privacy but still feel inviting, so it can be challenging to come up with balanced exterior window privacy ideas. Privacy film is a great option — it looks nice and still lets in light. Semi-opaque glass is another choice. Its advantage is that it’s a permanent solution.

Kitchen Window Privacy Ideas

Consider Roman shades because you can just slide them up and down — let in the morning sun while you have breakfast and pull them down in the evening when the artificial light is on. In addition, houseplants can add a nice touch and cover your kitchen window at the same time. Mini blinds can be handy as well.

Bathroom Window Privacy Ideas

Bathrooms are those types of rooms that require solid privacy options that can deal with moisture. One of the best ideas for bathroom window privacy is frosted glass — it doesn’t need any maintenance, keeps looking good even with daily bathroom usage, and fits the overall bathroom interior.

If you’re after something more flexible, a privacy film can also be a good pick for bathroom window types since you can change it later. Cellular shades are also a win — they’re easy to adjust when you want more or less light.

Shower Window Privacy Ideas

When it comes to shower windows, water-resistant protection is necessary. A privacy film that’s made for wet areas works well, too — just pick one with a water-resistant adhesive. And if you’re looking for a more long-lasting solution, pay attention to semi-opaque glass. Frosted glass is also a worthwhile choice.

Living Room Window Privacy Ideas

Your living room windows will work best with some flexible solutions. Two layers of curtains (light ones during the day and heavier ones at night) are a classic option for living rooms. Modern blinds are flexible, too, since you can manage how much light and privacy you want. As an alternative, outdoor privacy screens can shield your space from prying eyes.

Bay Window Privacy Ideas

Bay windows are common in living rooms, dining rooms, and master bedrooms. Their shape and angles make them particularly exposed. You could combine the shades on each section of the window — this way, you can manage the light and privacy exactly where you want it. This is especially handy when one part of your bay windows faces your neighbor’s area while another looks out to your garden.

Garage Window Privacy Ideas

Garage windows might not be the first windows that come to mind, but they may need some privacy, too. Frosted glass spray paint is often a go-to option here — you can apply it yourself, and it provides lasting privacy with minimal upkeep. Want something even simpler? Privacy film can be the answer again — just clean the window, spray a bit of water, and smooth it on.

DIY vs. Ready-Made Solutions

DIY projects let you save money and unleash your creativity. You can turn your windows into exactly what you imagined, and doing it yourself makes it even more rewarding. Most temporary window privacy ideas are way cheaper to implement and can usually take just one weekend.

On the other hand, ready-made solutions are suitable for durability and a sleek, professional look. Sure, they may cost you more at first and even require window replacement, but they’re tougher than short-term fixes and often come with robust warranties. What’s more, ready-made options require no upkeep once they’re installed.

Summary Tips

The best window privacy solution comes down to your room specifics and window location. If you have windows on the ground floor or facing the street, you’ll probably need more coverage compared to those on higher floors. Plus, wet areas like bathrooms will require moisture-resistant window coverings. Additionally, consider how much maintenance you’re willing to do. Some solutions call for regular care, while others you can just set and forget.

Whatever you choose to cover your windows for privacy, you should be mindful of your personal taste and style. If you feel like your home would benefit more from pre-manufactured privacy coverings, FHIA Remodeling, a leading window expert in Florida, is here to help you keep the right balance between privacy and room brightness. Start by requesting a free quote online today, and together, we’ll come up with the best privacy ideas for your windows!