Trying to decide between shades or blinds? What’s the difference? Shades are only one piece – blinds have louvers. Both can be used for the same purposes but not always with the same results. For blocking sunlight, shades are generally better. Blinds may be better however, for controlling the amount of sunlight allowed into the room. A lot depends on how much light you want to let in or keep out of the room. There are also shades that can filter the sun rays, providing a safer sunlit environment indoors.
Blinds are what are known as "hard" window covers. They have louvers that turn and tilt, regulating the amount of natural light that enters the room. They can also open all the way, providing a clear view. Most blinds come with a rod or chain that twists to tilt the louvers and a pull cord or chain that lifts them. (Note that pull cords or chains can be dangerous for small children.) Blinds come with either vertical or horizontal louvers, and they can be made of a variety of materials, such as plastic, vinyl, wood or wood alternatives, and others.
Shades are "soft" window covers. They can be raised or lowered for sunlight access and privacy control. Most shades open from the bottom up, but there are the options of top down or even a combo of both.
The important thing to decide when choosing shades or blinds is to make the room look the way you want it to, and suit your personal needs. Shades or blinds, you may find you want and need both, in different parts of the house!