Blinds, Shades, or Shutters: Which Is Right for You?
It’s the beginning of a new year, and you might be thinking of making a change to your home. Or, if you’ve been needing to treat your windows for the first time, you might be trying to figure out what will be best. Either way, if you’ve been in the market, you know that the choices can be overwhelming. At Shutter Guy here in Charleston, we work hard to ensure that our customers get the right product to fulfill their needs and to match their budget. For specifics on your home, speak with one of our trained consultants today. Click here to view The Art of Window Covering™ brochure from Hunter Douglas for design ideas and product information.
Window Treatment Terminology
Once you understand some basic window treatment terminology, you’ll be able to sort through some of the myriad choices a bit more easily. Here are a few of the terms you’re likely to come across when you’re shopping:
- Blinds, shades, and shutters. Window coverings have slates, vanes, or panels that can be raised or lowered or moved side to side. Blinds are considered a standard in window coverings because of their slat construction. They come in horizontal, vertical and specialty shaped window applications. For the most part, blinds do not block out light completely due to the route holes. Shades have become more and more popular over the years. They offer fashionable design, energy efficiency, sun protection, room-darkening features, and privacy. Available in horizontal, vertical and specialty shaped window applications, shades offer a clean soft look to fit anyone’s budget. Shutters are timeless and work well with any décor style. Considered like a piece of furniture, shutters are the most expensive of the three window treatment types. Available in hardwood, faux wood, vinyl and in an array of colors, textures and slat options, they provide the ultimate in privacy.
- Lift or tilt. Some window treatments lift, and others tilt. To determine what’s right for your window, think about the room location and sun exposure and how the window opens. Treatments that lift let you get an unobstructed view because they can raise entirely out of the way. Choices include blinds or shades such as Duette® Honeycomb Shades, Roman Shades, Screen Shades, Pleated Shades, and Woven Wood Shades. Treatments that tilt will keep the window covered and will control light and privacy with louvers. These coverings are shutters or blinds such as Plantation Shutters, Wood Blinds, Faux Wood Blinds, Aluminum Blinds, Silhouette® Window Shadings, or Pirouette® Window Shadings.
- Lift systems. The lift system is what controls how the product opens or closes. Hunter Douglas offers numerous solutions that are child- and pet-safe, clutter-free, and convenient. Check out PowerView® Motorization. To see them in action, speak with a representative today!
Window Coverings in the Charleston, SC Area
The window treatment professionals at the Shutter Guy are trained to assist you in the selection of the right treatment for YOUR windows! Our knowledgeable and experienced staff knows how to ask the right questions to ensure your new window treatments exceed your expectations. We service Charleston, SC and surrounding areas including, Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, Folly Beach, Mt Pleasant, Georgetown, Myrtle Beach, Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island, Awendah, Goose Creek, and the “Low Country.”
Contact us to schedule a consultation, and be sure to check out our Calling Out Cancer program to see how a percentage of your purchase with us goes toward cancer support and research.