SHADES AND BLINDS

Functionality and beauty— all in one place.

Shades vs. Blinds— What’s the Difference?

Shades are a single, solid window covering, typically made with fabrics but can be made from soft wood or grass weaves, and adjustable horizontally via string pullies or motorization.

There are several different types of window shades, each unique in their abilities to transform your space— which one is right for your commercial space depends on what look and functionality you’re going for!

Common Window Shade Types

  • Cellular — “Honeycomb” construction. Energy efficient.

  • Roman — Classic pleat style, highly versatile. Great for decor.

  • Roller — A solid fabric piece, no pleats. Rolls up into headrail.

  • Solar — For UV protection, still allows visibility looking out.

  • Woven Wood — Made of wood/grass/bamboo. Organic feel.

  • Sheer — High visibility in and out. Softens and filters light.

Modern bedroom with white bed, decorative pillows, large window with sheer curtains, and outdoor view of green lawn and patio.

Blinds are structured window coverings made up of ‘slats’ that can be tilted open or closed. Blinds are usually made of rigid materials such as aluminum or wood, and can be made to adjust vertically or horizontally.

Blinds can be customized in several key ways that allow for unique application and perfect functionality in your commercial space!

Window Blind Customizable Options

  • Lift — Choose between manual operation or motorized.

  • Material — Aluminum, Wood, Vinyl, Plastic, PVC, and more.

  • Width — Comes in standard sizes, or can be ordered to size.

  • Mount — Choose an inside mount or an outside mount.

  • Controls — Choose for manual controls to be on left or right.

A window with closed white blinds and a potted houseplant on a stand on the windowsill.

Why Shades for Your Business?

Total Blackout

If your working environment requires total blackout darkness, but you don’t want to sacrifice the option of allowing daylight in, then shades are your solution! It’s there when you need it, and effortlessly tucks away when you don’t.

A small rectangular window on a beige wall, with a shadow cast across the lower part of the wall.

Cellular (also known as ‘Honeycomb’) shades are industry standard for improved insulation and energy efficiency. They can keep your building warmer in the winter, and cooler in the summer— increasing your energy efficiency and decreasing your energy expenses!

Energy Efficient Options

A home office with a window covered by beige blinds, a wooden desk with a laptop, books, a large cream-colored table lamp, and an upholstered chair.

Easy to Clean

Since most are made with fabric, routine cleaning is a breeze— just remove the shade and shake out that dust! Or, if in need of a deeper clean, some shades can be gently washed in the washing machine. Always confirm with a certified installer whether or not your shades are washing machine safe.

Woman hanging a green curtain.

Incredible Aesthetic Variety

A soft ambience for customer comfort? An energizing vibe for a bustling office? Fabric shades offer endless creative possibilities for your space— from a simple pop of color to more intricate designs, fabric shades have it covered.

Orange building facade with two windows, each with dark brown shutters, the upper window has an awning with white and orange stripes and a small balcony with a black iron railing, and the lower window has a striped fabric sunshade. A street sign reads "VIA V. EMANUELE" and a black lantern hangs beside it.

Why Blinds for Your Business?

Precise Light Control

With blinds, the precise tilting of the slats allow for total light control in your office space. Whether it be blocking out that afternoon sun, or redirecting the light to allow for an ambient glow, blinds give you the power over it all.

A bright home office space featuring a white desk and a white woven desk chair, illuminated by sunlight streaming through white window blinds and creating shadows on the wall and furniture.

Blinds are a great window treatment option that will meet the need without compromising the bottom line. With low-cost materials + ready-made options, blinds can be the perfect match for almost any budget!

Low-Cost Solution

A glass jar filled with coins, with a small green plant growing from the top, placed on a wooden surface against a light wooden background.

Low-Maintenance

Because traditional blinds are made of rigid materials, required cleaning is both less frequent and quicker to perform— a simple duster or clothe is all you need! Additionally, non-porous materials such as aluminum or PVC are naturally resistant to stains and odor!

A bed with a teal towel folded on top, in front of closed wooden blinds letting in some light.

Maximum Durability

Blinds are one of the most durable, long lasting window treatments available. Aluminum and PVC especially, are resistant to moisture, flames, stains, lasting odors, and rust. A great option for high-traffic or harsh environments.

Green potted plant with long leaves sitting on a windowsill with white blinds in the background.

You’re in good hands
with S&T Window Films.

Check out previous shade/blind installations here!

We’ve done work with many local offices, such as: Hines, Pacific Place, Madison Marquette, Boeing, and more!

Close-up of wooden window blinds partially open, revealing a blurred outdoor scene.

Thinking shades or blinds for your business?

S&T Window Films has got it covered.

We are happy to be of service!