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​For many homeowners all over the country, the finishing touches to their home’s decor usually come in the form of their window treatments. Despite what you might be thinking to the contrary, your home’s window treatments actually play a remarkably important role in both the function and beauty of your home, but with so many different options out there to choose from, it can feel somewhat difficult at times to find the option that is going to provide you with the right look and the most value for your home. When it comes to popular window treatment options, blinds and shutters are easily two of the most popular choices among homeowners all over the country, but even in narrowing down your selection to just these two, you still have your work cut out for you in deciding which option is going to be the right one for your home. In an effort to assist you with that, our team of skilled shutter professionals have taken the time to put together this short list highlighting some of the key differences between the two options and what you need to know to find the one that is going to be the right fit for your home. WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES? ​Before making your final decision on which option is going to be best suited to your home, it is important to understand the differences between them. On a very basic level, window blinds are going to be a more lightweight window treatment option, and are usually drawn open by pulling a small cord or wand, retracting the blinds up to the top of your window frame. Window blinds come in a wide variety of different lightweight materials, including wood, faux wood, vinyl, and even aluminum, and give you a great deal of versatility when it comes to design. Shutters, on the other hand, are timeless, and are usually of a more heavy-duty construction, consisting of more durable materials that reflect this. While shutters are also available in natural wood, faux wood, and even vinyl, they are built to be more durable and longer lasting in general and serve as a more permanent feature, and a value investment for your home. WHY BLINDS? ​One of the main reasons that homeowners choose to go with blinds for their homes is the difference in price. In terms of window treatments, window blinds are generally a more affordable option across the board, no matter what material you decide to go with. Blinds are also a fairly neutral design choice and go well with just about anything. In addition, blinds are a much easier option to change out in the future if you ever decide that you’ve gotten tired of the blinds you have in place and are ready for your dream shutters. WHY SHUTTERS? ​If you are looking for a longer term investment in your home, shutters are where it’s at. Shutters can be a wonderful design focal piece inside your home, but because of their heavier-duty design, there are also plenty of options that are suitable for outdoor use, giving you a great deal of design versatility for your home. While they do generally run more expensive than window blinds, they are also more of an investment for your home and can increase the value of your home more significantly than blinds, especially if they are properly maintained and cared for over the course of their lifespan. Shutters in Dallas offer the most in light control, energy efficiency, and a timeless design. If you are looking for shutters, blinds, or window shades in Dallas, give us a call today at 469-909-1142 or fill out our online request form .

​Energy efficiency is a hot topic for all homeowners. Honestly, there’s a lot you can do to increase the overall energy performance of a house. One way is to choose insulating window treatments. If you’re asking which types and styles insulate the best, our shutter company in Allen, TX can tell you. We help homeowners in the Dallas area to find the right shutters, window blinds, and window shades. So, if increasing your home’s energy efficiency is on your mind, let’s first look at what heat resistance is and then figure out your options in insulating window treatments. HOW HEAT TRANSFERENCE & HEAT RESISTANCE WORKS ​Every object comes into thermal contact with other objects. Heat transfer happens the most when an object is more conductive. Glass is highly conductive, meaning your windows are the main cause of heat transference, which in turn means wasted air conditioning. Certain materials are less conductive and therefore more insulating. CONSIDER THE INSULATING FACTOR OF WOOD SHUTTERS ​Wood is a natural insulator, so wood shutters are a great choice for a home. They natural absorb the heat that transfers through your windows. Wood shutters are not only insulating, they are also a green energy window treatment. When properly installed, they slow down the heat transference through your windows. ​LOVE BLINDS? CHOOSE WOOD BLINDS FOR ENERGY-EFFICIENCY ​Wooden blinds are also another energy-efficient window treatment option. If you choose the narrower slats that close relatively tight, they will be more insulating. For maximum energy efficiency from window blinds, look at custom wood blinds made in the USA over an overseas brand because you get better construction. ​FOR MAXIMUM PRIVACY & ENERGY-EFFICIENCY, CHOOSE WOVEN WOOD SHADES Woven wood shades are a great energy-efficient window treatment. The tighter the weave, the more insulating they will be for your windows. Woven wood shades come in a huge assortment of weaves, colors, and styles. For ease of use, consider motorized-lift woven wood shades. Motorizing your window treatments helps to insulate any cracks between them and your window frame. If you are looking for energy efficient window treatments in the Dallas area, please call 469-909-1142 or complete our online request form.