Types of Shades | Pros and Cons

Overview of Types of Shades

If you’re new to the blinds and shades–or more properly know as, the window coverings–world, you may have never realized how many types of shades there are.

It can be nearly overwhelming. A blind is a blind, right? Wrong. But it’s not too hard to learn them all and become familiar with their distinctives.

This content contains affiliate links.  If you make a purchase after clicking a link on this page, we might receive a commission at no cost to you. See our disclaimer for more info.

From classic to trendy, old to new, we review some of the basics on what makes each types of shades unique and special. We will also discuss the BEST pros and WORST cons of each types of shades.

Fauxwood Blinds

Pronounced “FOE WOOD”. The ‘x’ is silent. That’s the first thing to know in order to not sound like a newby. A lot of people will read it as “fox wood” or “Fa wood.” Just say it properly and people with think you’re an expert.

Fauxwood blinds are one of the oldest forms on window coverings in the world. They consist of horizontal slats held together with strings, that can be tilted open or closed. Fauxwood blinds can also be lifted to the top of the window to open it all the way up.

Pros and Cons of Fauxwood Blinds

Best fauwood blinds on Amazon:

Changshade Cordless 2” Faux-Wood Horizontal Blind with Tilt Wand, Vinyl Horizontal Window...
$39.99
BUY NOW
Amazon Amazon.com
Lumino 2-inch Faux Wood Cordless Room Darkening Blinds White - 35
$69.27
BUY NOW
Amazon Amazon.com
A Better Blind - Premium 2 Inch Cordless Fauxwood Horizontal Window Blinds...
BUY NOW
Amazon Amazon.com
Last update was on: October 23, 2022 6:18 pm

Roller Shades

These types of shades are taking the market by storm right now! A roller shade is just what it sounds like: A roll of fabric on a tube. One reason they are so popular right now is that they are sleek and don’t take up much of the window. That means you notice it less and it lets in more natural light.

The tube at the top is typically covered at the top by a top treatment, otherwise known as a valance or a fascia.

Roller shades offer a refined, simple look and have functionally come a long way since the ones your grandma had. Remember those roller shades she had with the sticky clutch and that would scare you when it flew back to the top of the window? I do.

Roller Shades Pros and Cons

Best Roller Shades on Amazon:

CHICOLOGY Roller Window Shades , Window Blinds , Window Shades for Home...
$103.99
BUY NOW
Amazon Amazon.com
Graywind Motorized Roller Shades 100% Blackout Window Blinds Remote Voice Control Thermal...
$158.99
BUY NOW
Amazon Amazon.com
Yoolax Motorized Smart Blind for Window with Remote Control, Automatic Blackout Roller...
$169.00
BUY NOW
Amazon Amazon.com
Last update was on: October 23, 2022 6:18 pm

Honeycomb Shades

Honeycomb shades were developed for insulation against the elements. Also known as cellular shades, they are great at what they do. The unique hexagon shaped cross section traps air, which in turn creates a thermal layer that helps regulate temperature.

They can be orderd as top-down-bottom up. This function makes them one of the popular types of shades for maximizing privacy and views at the same time.

Honeycomb Shade Pros and Cons

Best Honeycomb Shades on Amazon:

Calyx Interiors Cordless Honeycomb 9/16-Inch Cellular Shade, 34-Inch Width by 60-Inch Height,...
$41.44
BUY NOW
Amazon Amazon.com
Allesin Cellular Shades, Blackout Room Darkening Shades, Cordless Honeycomb Blinds for Windows,...
$57.99
BUY NOW
Amazon Amazon.com
Yoolax Motorized Cellular Shade Compatible with Alexa, Blackout Smart Blinds Honeycomb Shade...
$198.00
BUY NOW
Amazon Amazon.com
Last update was on: October 23, 2022 6:18 pm

Sheer Shades

It seems everyone calls these elegant window coverings something different. What we’re actually talking about here for sheer shades is a fabric shade with horizontal vanes suspended by sheer fabric. It has a similar feel to a fauxwood blind but is much softer and more refined.

Many interior designers love sheer shades. They soften the room a lot and provide the best of both worlds in terms of letting in light and keeping eyeballs out: When open, you can’t actually see through the sheer layer of fabric from the outside during the day.

Sheer Shades Pros and Cons

Best Sheer Shades on Amazon:

KCO Zebra Blinds for Windows, Dual Layer Roller Sheer Shades Blinds for...
$41.99
BUY NOW
Amazon Amazon.com
ShadesU Window Blind Dual Layer Zebra Roller Light Filtering Sheer Shades Window...
$75.00
BUY NOW
Amazon Amazon.com
Yoolax Motorized Window Blind Shangri-la Sheer Shade Work with Alexa, Remote Control...
$185.99
BUY NOW
Amazon Amazon.com
Last update was on: October 23, 2022 6:18 pm

Curtains and Drapery

Perhaps there is nothing more room transforming than beautiful curtains. They soften the room light, dampen the sound, and just add color and texture to any room.

It’s no wonder why they have been around for a millennia and aren’t going anywhere. Although styles change, this fantastic window covering choice is still one of the best.

Curtains can be either sheer, light filtering, or blackout. Most of the time the blackout curtains come with a liner that prevents light from passing through. Sheer curtains are also very popular for the daytime privacy and the softened look.

Best Curtains on Amazon:

Changshade Cordless 2” Faux-Wood Horizontal Blind with Tilt Wand, Vinyl Horizontal Window...
$39.99
BUY NOW
Amazon Amazon.com
Lumino 2-inch Faux Wood Cordless Room Darkening Blinds White - 35
$69.27
BUY NOW
Amazon Amazon.com
A Better Blind - Premium 2 Inch Cordless Fauxwood Horizontal Window Blinds...
BUY NOW
Amazon Amazon.com
Last update was on: October 23, 2022 6:18 pm

Woven Wood Shades

Last but not least on this list of the most popular types of shades, we have the woven shade. Woven shades are also called bamboo, natural, or matchstick shades.

Woven shades are super popular right now, and for good reason. They bring the outdoors inside with their natural tones and textures.

In summary, natural woven shades are a great choice for adding contrast and finishing off a mid-modern, farmhouse, or even a transitional or traditional style home.

Best Woven Wood Shades on Amazon:

Changshade Cordless 2” Faux-Wood Horizontal Blind with Tilt Wand, Vinyl Horizontal Window...
$39.99
BUY NOW
Amazon Amazon.com
Lumino 2-inch Faux Wood Cordless Room Darkening Blinds White - 35
$69.27
BUY NOW
Amazon Amazon.com
A Better Blind - Premium 2 Inch Cordless Fauxwood Horizontal Window Blinds...
BUY NOW
Amazon Amazon.com
Last update was on: October 23, 2022 6:18 pm

Types of Shades Summary

With so many window coverings to choose from, it’s important to consider the many factors that each and every types of shade brings to the table. Also think about what you need in terms of functionality, like light control and privacy.

David King

David King is a window coverings enthusiast who has been in the industry for over 10 years. He is the founder of The Blinds Guide and The Blinds Guide's Motorized Shades. When he's not writing or working on a smart home project, you'll find him hiking, camping, or playing pickle ball.

2 Comments
  1. […] answer that, let’s go over the different mount types for blinds. Then we’ll check out the depth requirements for installing inside mount blinds and other window […]

  2. […] And it doesn’t necessarily involve taking them down from your window. As long as you know what type of blinds you have and the material it’s made of, you can easily follow these simple tips on how to clean […]

Leave a reply

The Blinds Guide
Logo