| Today's blinds and shades are not just beautiful and | | | | needed. However, if a homeowner requires a more |
| decorative; they also offer a variety of options in style | | | | unique look, custom and special order options will |
| and budget. Although the terms blinds and shades | | | | appeal aesthetically. As you would expect, custom or |
| sometimes are used interchangeably, they really are | | | | special order blinds or shades cost more, but you may |
| two different products. Blinds typically refer to sections | | | | also expect more benefits. Shades could include |
| or slats that are uniform in size and connected by | | | | privacy or room-darkening liners, for example. Or, |
| cording or bands that are controlled by a pulley | | | | additional fabric may be available for purchase for use |
| system. The slats move in concert directionally as the | | | | with other custom accessories such as cushions or |
| homeowner pulls the cording or turns the louver wand. | | | | tablecloths. The window treatments of your entire |
| Shades are single panels controlled by a pulley or track | | | | room can be coordinated with your existing fine |
| system, and the panels can be positioned in sections | | | | furnishings giving you the feel of a custom room |
| from partial to full covering of the window. Versatile | | | | designed by a professional. Light Control Ask whether |
| and Flexible Blinds and shades offer design versatility | | | | shades or blinds give better light control and encounter |
| as well as flexibility. Choose from vertical, horizontal, or | | | | a favorites debate. For room darkening, a blind may be |
| arched and curved selections. Some can be positioned | | | | easier to operate by positioning the slats to a precise |
| within any portion of the window frame rather than | | | | level, but shades--particularly those of heavier |
| just at the top or bottom. Add decorative elements like | | | | composition like bamboo--may block light equally well. |
| colored cloth tapes and valances, and you see that | | | | Blind slats may be tilted to narrow the bands of light |
| blinds and shades are not only suitable for any room | | | | entering a room and direct the rays toward the floor |
| and window in your home, they can also be | | | | or ceiling. Conversely, shades offer the best in privacy |
| personalized to accommodate your style. New | | | | while allowing translucent light to filter through the room. |
| technologies in manufacturing ensure that blinds and | | | | You may find that a honeycomb or pleated shade |
| shades resist UV rays, stand up to humidity and are | | | | bathes the room in a subtle glow, like a candle. |
| child and pet friendly. For maintenance, blinds and | | | | Insulation and Noise Reduction Wooden blinds and |
| shades respond well to a light dusting or vacuuming. | | | | shades provide energy efficiency and some noise |
| However, soap and water used according to | | | | reduction in addition to beauty and light control. |
| manufacturer's instructions suit for more serious | | | | Honeycomb shades are reported to assist in energy |
| cleaning. A Variety of Styles Today's blinds and | | | | efficiency, too, and they come in a range of colors and |
| shades come in a variety of finishes. Shades can be | | | | styles. Before you shop for blinds or shades, make |
| made in silks or canvas, solids or prints, and in a | | | | sure to write down the measurements of each |
| rainbow of colors. Blinds can be made in hardwoods or | | | | window for which you need a window treatment. |
| synthetic woods, bamboo and grasses, fabrics that | | | | Then only your budget and imagination will limit you. |
| are more drapery-like, vinyl or aluminum. There are | | | | Jessica Ackerman, the author of this series of home |
| styles that fit anyone's price range. For the | | | | décor articles, recommends trying exceptional |
| budget-minded do-it-yourselfer, limited ready-market | | | | large wrought iron wall décor, stylish wall art |
| sizes, colors and style choices may be just what are | | | | decorations and more. |