Window fixtures such as shades and blinds are some of the most essential furnishings in hotel rooms, offices, and schools. They provide the room with protection from the sun, much-needed privacy, and a fashionable touch to the windows. They’re versatile and stylish, and you can use them to establish a more pronounced aesthetic in your space.
Shopping around for the perfect fixture for your windows is always quite a challenge. There’s a wide variety of styles, colours, and textures to choose from, and you’ll likely be overwhelmed by these seemingly endless choices. However, there are some things you can consider to better help you arrive at a decision.
Choosing Between Shades and Blinds
Although many people use the terms “blinds” and “shades” interchangeably for a variety of window fixtures, they actually have some important differences. Blinds are typically made of wood, metal, plastic, or mixed materials. Their opaque materials are typically designed to block light completely, but you can adjust their angles to control the amount of light coming in. Blinds provide the room with a harder, more defined appearance.
Shades, on the other hand, are often fabric-based fixtures. They allow some light to get in, and the amount of light can be adjusted by rolling them down and pulling some cords and strings. Shades allow “softer” light to hit the room and give you more control over the light level that hits your room.
What Should I Consider When Choosing Shades and Blinds?
1 - Aesthetics and Style
Your aesthetic preferences are among the most important things you have to consider when choosing shades and blinds for your business. After all, you’ll be investing in these fixtures, and your employees, clients, and customers will also be looking at them.
Are you opting for a more vintage look or perhaps a more modern aesthetic? Will you opt for bold colours or more subtle and neutral ones? Do the colours match the rest of the room? Should the room bask in hard light or soft light? These questions can help you narrow down the specific style most suited to the space you’re fitting them in.
2 - Cleaning and Maintenance
Like all fixtures in your property, your window shades and blinds will also need cleaning and maintenance. You’ll have to regularly clean your shades and blinds to prevent them from collecting too much dust. Blinds are relatively easier to clean because of their often smooth-surfaced materials. Cleaning shades can be trickier, especially if you’re opting for a more textured fabric.
3 - Safety and Practicality
If your business accommodates kids or animals, it should also be a big consideration when choosing shades and blinds. To prevent accidental strangulation, it’s best to opt for cordless shades and blinds.
Adjusting the light level is easier with blinds because they typically only need to change angles to control the light. Although shades give you more control over the light that hits your room, it takes a little more effort to roll them up or down. For an added dose of practicality, you can also invest in automatic window fixtures.
Choosing the Best Shades and Blinds for Your Business
Before you shop around for blinds and shades to install in your office, it’s helpful to know what you’re looking for. You’ll be faced with a lot of options, so you’ll have to plan carefully. Taking your needs, personal preferences, and lifestyle into account can help you choose the best window fixtures for your office.
If you’re looking for great window fixtures such as shades and blinds in the UK, Direct Fabrics has you covered. We’ll supply your business with the highest-quality furnishings, and we also offer reliable delivery and installation. Get the best fabrics for your business and shop with us today!