Blinds and shutters could be considered the workhorses of window treatments. These “hard” treatments constructed of wood, composite and vinyl work well in home designs ranging from traditional to modern. When categorizing window treatments, blinds are often grouped with shades, but there are some big differences in how they function and are constructed. Unlike shades, blinds and shutters have slats that can be tilted open to pinpoint the amount of natural light you want to bring in.

Blinds tend to be cheaper than shutters, especially for hardwood, and there are fewer design options for both compared with shades. But what they lack in options, blinds and shutters make up for in functionality. “With blinds you can control your light. If you want to open your windows at night, for example, you can tilt but still get airflow,” says Sheri Stouffer, owner of Finishing Touches in Denver. Shutters provide good insulation, are versatile and can be made to fit a variety of window shapes and even French doors and sliding glass doors. Here’s a guide to options for blinds and shutters and what design professionals have to say about them.