Have you ever entered a freshly completed space with windows totally devoid of coverings? You definitely get the impression that such spaces lack life, are cold and too bare. Then what exactly is a window treatment? Any decoration or functional item applied to a window in order to cover it, control light, or provide privacy can be referred to as a window treatment. In general, window treatments may come in various forms like blinds, shades, shutters or drapes.
Often times, when clients contact us here at Ace Blinds for Edmonton, Sherwood Park and St. Albert services, we find them confused about design terms. What’s the difference between shades and blinds? Do you need custom drapes or simple panels would suffice?
Through numerous years of experience working on custom window coverings in Canada, we have seen how significant is a right choice of a window treatment. It is not only a matter of matching your window dressing with the carpeting or wall colors. It can change the way the light enters your home, make it warmer and cozy, offer much needed privacy, or even help you to reduce heating costs during the chilly Alberta winters.
Now, let’s discuss some types of of window treatments, how they work, and how to choose the right option for your home.
The 4 Main Categories: Blinds vs. Shades vs. Shutters vs. Curtains
When it comes to making a choice about window treatments that is easy to make, the best thing to do is to consider the four main types of window treatments. They are blind treatments, shade treatments, shutter treatments, and curtain treatments.
Knowing the differences between these four will help you determine the right window treatments.
1. Blinds (Hard Slats)
Blinds use individual, sturdy slats which pivot back and forth to regulate the flow of light into your space, as well as privacy level. With blinds, you do not have to raise or lower the entire blind since you can move the slats up and down to regulate the amount of sunlight throughout the day.
- Wood and Faux Wood Blinds: The wood blind gives warmth, texture, and timeless appeal to your home office, bedroom and living room. Faux wood is highly practical in the kitchen, laundry room, bathroom, and any other area that will be exposed to moisture since it does not warp or decay in the process.
- Aluminum Blinds: Aluminum blinds are highly durable and are a great choice for the kitchen, home office, bedroom and many other areas. They have thin slats that regulate light flow, and are easy to clean. They come in different colours and finishes and are very easy to match with any décor.
- Vertical Blinds: Vertical blinds consist of wide slats which slide along an upper track. These types of blinds are ideal for patio doors and wide window panes.
2. Shades (Soft Fabric)
Unlike blinds that are made up of several slats, shades are made from a single piece of fabric or other soft materials. These shades move either upwards or downwards depending on how much light one would like to block off. Being flexible in terms of types of fabrics and colours as well as operating methods, shades work fantastically in casual as well as formal areas.
- Roller Shades: Roller shades are neat, sleek, and very practical as these shades roll into a neat tube at the topmost part of the window. Once raised to the maximum level, these give way to an unobstructed view.
- Roman Shades: As the name implies, these shades consist of soft fabric folds into neat horizontal pleats once raised.
- Zebra Blinds (Dual Shades): Very contemporary blinds consisting of two shades made from sheer and opaque fabrics arranged alternately. This type gives way to changing light levels without having to raise these shades.
- Honeycomb Shades (Cellular Shades): With their unique honeycomb-shaped pockets, cellular shades act as an additional layer of insulation by trapping air between the window and your room. This helps cut down on heat transfer and keeps your room comfortable, especially during Alberta’s seasonal changes.
- Kool VU Solar/Tint Film Window Shades: Get the advantages of window tinting without having to apply decorative tint film directly to your windows. Kool VU window shades incorporate special solar/tint film which act like sunglasses for your windows and effectively reduces heat and glare. They provide effective UV protection and are ideal for sunrooms, large windows and any other area where heat and glare is uncomfortable.
- Shangri-La Shades: Shangri-La window shades blend the soft appearance of fabric with adjustable vanes. This gives you the best of both worlds – the elegance of fabric window shades along with the flexibility of blinds.
3. Shutters
Shutters are solid architectural window treatments which are affixed directly to the window itself or to the frame of the window. Shutters come with adjustable louvers housed within a durable frame, making for great privacy, light and air flow control as well as a very integrated look.
Being extremely durable and classic in design, custom shutters can be used for decades if maintained correctly. Not only do shutters have the ability to decrease the amount of outside light and noise but they also have a highly finished appearance. The solid nature of shutters makes them highly desirable window treatments.
4. Curtains & Drapery
Curtains and drapery panels are flexible window treatments that are attached either on decorative rods and rails on top of the window frame or directly on the ceiling. Aside from adding a touch of elegance and softness to the room, having custom drapes can be functional as well by providing additional privacy, light control, and insulation. Thick fabrics will provide additional privacy and light blocking, and thermal or blackout lining will minimize drafts and heat loss, thus improving overall comfort inside the room.
Inside Mount vs. Outside Mount — What’s the Difference?
The mounting style of your window coverings may play an important role in the overall appearance and performance of your windows.
- Inside Mount: Here, your window covering is hung on the inside of the window casing, giving it a neat look while still showing your window casing off. It calls for sufficient space within the casing for the mechanism to fit in.
- Outside Mount: This involves hanging your window covering outside the window casing on the wall. This method works best with windows that have shallow casings and those that aren’t even, among others.
Do You Need “Window Treatments” or Just “Curtains”?
TThat is when many people confuse things. As much as the term “curtains” can refer to anything used to cover the window, they are only one of the window treatments.
If you only need the window covered for purposes of decoration, like color, texture, or softness for the great views through the window, then you will be fine with simple curtains.
However, a comprehensive window treatment becomes necessary when you require the window treatments to deal with certain issues, such as:
- Blocking out early morning light in baby’s room or bedroom.
- Preventing cold drafts in winters and heat loss.
- Shading the flooring and furniture from the intense afternoon sunlight and sun’s ultraviolet rays.
- Supplying privacy without completely blocking out natural light from the outside neighbors or street.
One of the best ways to cover your windows is by layering window treatments. For instance, using a roller shade and complementing it with drapery panels on either side of the window.
How to Choose the Right Window Treatment: 4 Questions to Ask Yourself
Before selecting a window covering, stop and ask yourself these four simple questions:
- What goes on in this room?
In bedrooms, it is best to use shades that provide blackout or side channels. In kitchens and living rooms, light filtering materials that block glare without blocking light will suit the space well.
- How much sun exposure or humidity is there?
Windows facing south will require UV resistant material, and louvers. Moisture resistance is required when dealing with bathrooms or other areas that have high humidity. Consider using faux wood or PVC window treatments.
- Do you have any children or pets?
The absence of corded window treatments makes your home clean and safe. Cordless shades, lift mechanisms, or motorized window treatments would be the best choice.
- Are you worried about energy costs?
When windows are chilly in winter seasons in Alberta, cellular honeycomb shades or well-lined drapes will serve as insulation and help keep energy costs down.
Caring for Your Window Treatments
Once your window treatments are installed, a little regular care can keep them looking fresh for years. The best cleaning method depends on the material, so you do not want to treat every blind or shade the same way.
Blinds: For wood, faux wood, and other hard blinds, regular dusting with a soft cloth or duster is usually enough. For a deeper clean, wipe the slats gently with a slightly damp cloth and dry them afterward. Avoid soaking the blinds, especially around the hardware.
Fabric shades: Roller shades, Roman shades, Zebra blinds, and other fabric shades should be handled more gently. Start by dusting or lightly vacuuming with a soft brush attachment. If you need to remove a small spot, use a clean, slightly damp cloth and gently dab rather than scrubbing the fabric.
Drapery: Curtains and drapery can collect dust over time, especially around the folds. Regular vacuuming with a soft upholstery attachment can help keep them clean. For a deeper clean, always check the fabric’s care instructions first, as some materials may require professional cleaning.
For faux wood blinds, avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners. They can damage the finish and leave the surface looking dull. A gentle wipe is usually all you need for everyday cleaning.
Quick FAQ
Are blinds and shades the same thing?
Blinds are different since they have rigid slats that are adjustable and are made of materials like wood, faux wood, or aluminum. Shades have continuous material and they can be made of fabrics or other materials.
Should I Choose Blinds or Curtains?
Which one is more suitable for you depends on your needs and preferences. Blinds can provide you with precise light and privacy control due to their adjustable slats, whereas curtains and draperies can give your space an elegant look and make it more comfortable. If you want to combine the benefits of these two window treatments, use blinds or shades along with drapery panels.
Do I need window treatments in every single room?
It is not always necessary to use window treatments for each room in your home, however, they can be very helpful in providing more comfort, light, and privacy.
Is a ‘window covering’ the same thing as a ‘window treatment’?
Yes — the two terms are used interchangeably in the industry. “Window covering” and “window treatment” both refer to the same umbrella category: blinds, shades, shutters, and drapes. You might also hear “window dressing,” which means the same thing.
Key Takeaways
- Window treatments is the umbrella term for functional and decorative window coverings, including blinds, shades, shutters, and drapery.
- Choose blinds for precise light control, shades for softness and versatility, and shutters for durability, privacy, and insulation.
- Choose an inside mount for a clean, streamlined look or an outside mount to cover uneven or unattractive window frames.
- Consider your room’s needs first, including privacy, UV protection, light control, safety, and insulation, before selecting colours and fabrics.
- Layering shades with drapery or using double roller shades can give you the best of both worlds—flexible light and privacy control with added style, comfort, and insulation.
Ready to Find the Right Coverings for Your Windows?
At Ace Blinds, we make choosing the right window coverings simple. As a local Canadian manufacturer, we custom-build blinds, shades, shutters, and drapery to fit your windows perfectly and perform in our Canadian climate.
Whether you’re updating one drafty room or completing an entire new build, our team handles every step—from professional measuring and product selection to custom manufacturing and final installation.
Book your free consultation with Ace Blinds today and discover window coverings designed to make your home more comfortable, stylish, and functional.