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Brentwood Blinds

Shades vs Drapes

Trying to decide between shades and drapes for your windows, but not sure where to start? While personal preference is essential, the needs of your space and the space in general are also important things to keep in mind. To help you make the best decision, here’s a quick overview of each.

TYPES OF WINDOW SHADES

When it comes to shades, you’ll discover a variety of styles to select from, including cellular, roller, Roman, sheer, and woven wood shades.

Shades are exceptionally versatile, suiting any room and enhancing various design aesthetics from traditional to contemporary. Additionally, custom-made shades are often available to accommodate specialty window shapes such as arches, angles, and sidelights. For instance, Duette® Honeycomb Shades come in all these specialty shapes, along with circles, hexagons, and skylights.

When considering shades, here are some general pointers to keep in mind:

Duette Elan Julep Shades
Duette® Shades in Elan Julep

CUSTOM DRAPES

Drapes are usually made from thick materials like silk or velvet and often have a lining. They come in many solid colors, patterns, and prints, and there are different pleating options available, like pleated, non-pleated, and Ripplefold™ styles from Carole Fabrics.

Since drapes are typically long (sometimes they even touch the floor a bit), they can give a room a formal touch. While drapes look great in many rooms, they might not be the best choice for bathrooms, kitchens, or finished basements.

Here are some things to consider when thinking about drapes:

Hunter Douglas Carole Fabrics™ Custom Drapes

SHADES AND DRAPES TOGETHER

If you’re still uncertain about whether to opt for shades or drapes, you might want to consider combining them. Layering shades and drapes fully dresses a window while adding depth to the overall decor. Additionally, you can enjoy the best of both design worlds—choosing a vibrant pattern for one and a complementary solid color for the other.

Should you decide to layer shades and drapes, start by selecting your shade first, based on your space’s specific needs. For instance, are you seeking a style that’s light-enhancing, like Silhouette® Window Shadings? Or perhaps you’re aiming to enhance energy efficiency? Maybe you’re interested in a shade that offers both top-down and bottom-up opening options?

Undoubtedly, determining the ideal shade—and then pairing it with drapes—can feel overwhelming. That’s where a window treatment expert can step in to assist. They’ll work with you to identify the best shade for your requirements, provide guidance on fabrics and colors, and ensure that your shades and drapes fit your windows perfectly—for a combination that’s sure to delight.

Hunter Douglas Carole Fabrics™ Custom Drapes
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