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