Blinds and Shades Compared: Slat Blinds Versus Fabric Shades, Roller, Roman, Zebra, Vertical and Venetian Types, Light Control, Privacy, Cleaning, Indicative Rates Per Square Foot and Which Suits Each Room in Pakistan
Blinds and shades both cover windows, but blinds use slats that tilt and shades use one piece of fabric that rolls or folds, and the difference shapes light control, privacy and cleaning. Prices run from about PKR 100 to PKR 1,800 per square foot. This page compares slat blinds and fabric shades, roller, roman, zebra, vertical and venetian types, light control, privacy, cleaning, rates and which suits each room, and answers window blinds and shades searches. For related pages see roller blinds, Roman blinds and window blinds prices.
Blinds versus shades
Blinds have slats of wood, aluminium or PVC that tilt to direct light, while shades are fabric that rolls, folds or sits in pleats. Blinds give fine light control, and shades give a softer look and a more solid cover.
Common types
- Roller shades. Simple, flat and available in blackout, see roller blinds.
- Roman shades. Folded fabric for a tailored look, see Roman blinds.
- Zebra blinds. Alternating bands for adjustable light.
- Venetian blinds. Horizontal slats in wood or aluminium.
- Vertical blinds. Hanging vanes for wide windows and doors.
Indicative rates
These ranges show common retail figures per square foot.
| Item | Indicative range |
|---|---|
| Basic roller shade | PKR 120 - 280 |
| Zebra or day-night blind | PKR 200 - 450 |
| Aluminium or PVC venetian blind | PKR 130 - 350 |
| Wooden or faux wood blind | PKR 450 - 1,800 |
| Roman shade | PKR 350 - 1,100 |
Prices move with brand, model, size and stock. Use these ranges to judge a quote, then compare the exact model and what is included.
Light control and privacy
Slat blinds tilt for glare control without lifting, and fabric shades give full cover or filtered light depending on weave. Check privacy at night with room lights on, since thin fabrics show shapes.
Cleaning and care
Aluminium and PVC blinds wipe clean, wood needs gentle dusting, and fabric shades need spot cleaning or brushing. Kitchens and bathrooms suit wipeable materials.
Which suits each room
Bedrooms suit blackout rollers or romans, living rooms suit zebra or roman, kitchens suit aluminium or PVC and offices suit rollers or verticals. Match the window size and function.
Fitting and safety
Measure the width and height at three points and use the smallest width for inside-recess fitting and the largest for outside-recess fitting. Keep cords and chains away from children. Fitting should be done by a trained fixer, and the window frame, wall and fixing points checked for strength first.
Before you decide
Choose by light control, privacy and cleaning, and match the type to the room. Measure the window or opening twice, order a small sample or a single panel first if the job is large, compare at least two quotes on the same specification of fabric, hardware and fitting, and keep the invoice and warranty card. Confirm delivery and fitting dates in writing, check the finished work in daylight and at night, and ask the supplier what happens if the colour or size differs from the sample. Prices change with fabric costs and stock, so confirm the current figure before you decide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Blinds have tilting slats, and shades are one piece of fabric. Ask for the specification in writing so you can compare quotes on the same basis. Check the warranty terms and who honours them before you pay. Measure carefully and confirm sizes with the seller before ordering.
Indicative retail rates run from about PKR 100 to 1,800 per square foot depending on type and material. Check the warranty terms and who honours them before you pay. Measure carefully and confirm sizes with the seller before ordering. Rates and stock change, so confirm the current position before you commit.
Blackout rollers or Roman shades. Measure carefully and confirm sizes with the seller before ordering. Rates and stock change, so confirm the current position before you commit. If you are unsure, send a photo and the measurements and we will advise. Ask for the specification in writing so you can compare quotes on the same basis.
Wipeable aluminium or PVC blinds. Rates and stock change, so confirm the current position before you commit. If you are unsure, send a photo and the measurements and we will advise. Ask for the specification in writing so you can compare quotes on the same basis.
Keep them out of children's reach. If you are unsure, send a photo and the measurements and we will advise. Ask for the specification in writing so you can compare quotes on the same basis. Check the warranty terms and who honours them before you pay.
Yes, we supply across Pakistan. Share the quantity, the size or rating and the place of use on WhatsApp. You get a written rate with the exact model, what is included and the warranty, ready to compare with any other seller. Rates and stock change, so confirm the current position before you commit.
Comparing blinds and shades?
Send the details and a photo. We reply with a written rate.