Vines tend to be fast growing, and can get much larger than expected. Large vines tend to be heavy and require a strong and durable trellis. Some vines can also damage a house's exterior with rootlets that dig into masonry, leaves that never allow a wall to dry completely, or roots that damage a foundation. Some vines seed out vigorously. And, despite their ultimate size, vines are not instant. There’s a saying: “First year sleep; next year creep; third year leap.”

Shrubs tend to be slower to grow, but I think they cause a lot fewer problems. Just make sure to pay attention to the ultimate mature height and width of each type. How high above the ground is the bottom of your second story window? Your shrub should be tall enough to shade your window, so it should be 3-4' taller. How wide will it grow? If it will be 6' wide at maturity it should be planted 3-4' from a wall or path. How fast does each type grow? Or, in other words, how soon will this plant shade my window? As to winter hardiness, I prefer to use plants that will grow in one hardiness zone colder than the one I'm in. That is, if you live in zone 7 choose plants that are hardy to a zone 6 winter.