Personally I like window blinds. Some people do not and would rather have curtains or shades but blinds give you the option of opening them with out putting them up. However, if you have children you want to make sure that you tie up the strings because they could be a very dangerous hazzard and there have been make cases where kids have gotten seriously hurt because the string were hanging down low. I personally like the cordless mini blinds and they look nicer too.