Denver is known for its cool temperatures, meaning homes and businesses rely on windows to let in warm weather.
Windows treatments come in various materials and designs. We discuss the main types of shutters, shades, and blinds. It also touches on how they differ.
What Are Window Shutters?
Shutters are designed to block light from entering an area from one direction while letting air come in from another.
They typically sit at the top of windows or doors and let light in through slats or louvers at the bottom so you can see outside without being too bright or overexposing things indoors.
Types of Shutters
There are many different kinds of shutters depending on the need at hand. Some types you may have heard of include:
Plantation shutters
These are hinged at the top and move in and out. They’re typically used to cover an entire window with one or two equal-sized panels, but they can also be customized to fit any size.
They’re usually made of wood, fiberglass, or aluminum and come in various colors. Since they typically contain louvers on both sides, they’re suitable for letting air flow through them to keep the temperature comfortable in a room.
Some louvers are open and closed for more light control if necessary.
Louvered shutters
Louvered shutters, also known as casement shutters, are made of wood or metal and are usually the same size as the windows they’re covering. They come with thick metal bars at the top that are hinged to swing in and out.
They typically close off any light and air on one side of a window while letting air flow through on the other side. This makes them suitable for bathrooms, especially since they let light in but keep heat out.
The louvers can be left open if you prefer or can be closed for extra privacy at night. They come in various colors and designs to fit different tastes.
Paneled window shutters
These look door-like and are mostly exterior. They typically have a horizontal panel over a vertical panel.
They’re made of wood and usually have louvers on the top and bottom that can be opened or closed as needed. The vertical panel can sometimes be replaced with one that opens and closes.
For extra protection, it may be paired with a security system that makes it harder to break into and more accessible to see outside without being seen.
These typically feature a wooden or metal panel where the louvers are and are usually hinged on the side. Some have curved panes of glass that slide up inside the frame for extra light control. Since they’re fixed, they’re unsuitable for window locations on a house because your window frame won’t support them.
Traditional wooden shutters
These are made of wood and can be customized to fit different window sizes. They’re often used to cover an entire window, but you can cut them down to block off just a portion. Some are replaced with louvers that slide up and down for light control.
They’re best for areas where you want extra privacy and security, such as a bedroom or bathroom.
Modern wooden shutters
These are similar to the traditional kind but can sometimes come with contemporary designs and styles. They’re often made of aluminum and can come in many different colors. They are also sleeker
What Are Window Blinds?
Blinds are one of the most common window treatments in the world. They’re like curtains on a wall but not made of fabric. Instead, they have wood slats and rod systems, which let air in and light out.
Types of Blinds
There are a variety of different kinds of blinds, usually grouped into four basic types:
Corded blinds
These have cords on the side that attach to a rod at the top. They’re one of the most common blinds because they fit inside most windows for easy and professional installation. They’re available in many different colors and designs to match the décor of your home.
Uncorded blinds
These don’t have any cords and instead have a tension rod for support. Unlike corded blinds, which can be attached directly to a window frame, these are usually mounted into wall recesses or hidden behind a wood casing.
They’re most commonly installed in homes as part of the design and don’t show unless you need them to while letting in plenty of light.
Wooden blinds
These are made of wood and come in many different styles, some of which look like shutters. They’re hinged on the top and bottom for opening up or down as needed.
Some also feature pulleys that let you raise and lower them with less effort than cords or chains.
Faux wood blinds
These are usually of various materials, vinyl or polyester, with a wood-like finish. They come in many different styles with different designs and colors. Some panels slide up and down for light control, while others have more louvers for privacy.
Vertical blinds
These are the most popular kind of vertical blinds. They have a lightweight plastic chain running between two slats to let air flow in and out of a room. Their slats are slightly angled, which allows you to tilt them up or down as needed while still giving you privacy.
Pleated blinds
These are similar to roller blinds but with more slats. The slats are held in place by the chain running through the top of them. The chain and wheels are mounted on a stand in front of the window, making them more appealing to homeowners who want them outside their homes.
Mini blinds
These are made specifically for smaller windows and typically come in only a five- or six-inch width. They’re ideal for use inside small bathrooms, closets, garages, or other spots where you want a little privacy.
What are Window Shades?
Shades are another type of window treatment made from fabric or other materials. They come in many different styles, colors, and patterns; some even mimic curtain fabrics.
They’re typically simple shades that roll up and down, but some have a stationary portal system that features a wood frame with small vertical slats.
The difference between blinds and shades is subtle: blinds are made of hard materials like wood and aluminum, while shades have soft materials like fabric, vinyl, or polyester.
Types of Shades
There are many different kinds of shades for windows. Some of the most common types of shades are:
Roman shades
These come in many different shapes and sizes. The difference is that they’re usually hinged on the top and bottom and not as easily opened up or down as a vertical blind. However, they’re designed to open up to give you a complete view.
Cellular shades
These stretch around the window, allowing you to adjust how much light comes through them. They come in many different colors, patterns, and styles to match your current décor or make it seem like you bought new windows just for the matching curtains.
Panel track shades
These are similar to wooden blinds but have polyester material with a nylon mesh fabric. They come in many different styles, colors, and patterns that you can mix and match to match your décor or add a new color to the rooms in your home with accents.
Roller shades
These are made from polyester fabric and usually feature a cord with a tension rod on one end. They’re rolled up to cover windows but come in different styles, making the cord easy to roll out of the way while still keeping light flowing through the room.
Natural woven shades
This is of a natural wicker weave or bamboo. They usually have vertical slats that allow natural light to pass through, but they’re not removable, so they’re usually used on windows that aren’t visible much.
Exterior shades
This shade is made from robust fabric material and can block out rain and snow. They come in various colors, styles, and patterns that you can use to match the rest of your home’s décor.
So that cuts it, the various types of window coverings and their various applications. While there are more types, these are the most common and used.
You can also go for custom window treatments if you want a more personalized look. They could be custom shutters, custom shades or custom blinds.
Get High-Quality Window Coverings in Denver, CO
At Sterling Shades and Shutters, we’ve been helping homeowners get the perfect window coverings for their windows for years. Be it shades for your home or blinds you want to install in your office, we’ll help you find what you need.
We have a wide selection of color and pattern options and only use the highest-quality materials to ensure they’ll last.
So, whether you need installation of new window treatments or simply want to replace your existing ones, we are here to help.
For quality window coverings in Houston, TX, and the surrounding areas, call us today at (720) 507-8996.
We serve Denver, CO, Aurora, CO, and Jefferson County, CO.
