Window blinds offer varied styles, sunlight control, enhanced privacy and beautiful décor arrays. Additionally, there are different types of blinds that can meet several needs as well as be energy efficient. Selecting the right blinds can be daunting without adequate information about their purpose and look. So, tips for buying blinds could be helpful.
Figure Out What You’re Looking For First
Sometimes, blinds use outside of sunlight control and phasing with the room design is not an issue. Other times, energy efficiency is a top priority. Often, people confuse window shades, window shutters and blinds. One way of knowing if they are blinds is to ascertain the slats design. If there are no slats, they may not be blinds.
Blinds designs, materials and colors are so varied that anyone’s taste can be accommodated and satisfied. Additionally, any room that has windows can be enhanced. Blinds can provide a casual feel or a highly sophisticated look. The buyer may desire to accent the color of the walls or the style of furniture. Also, there may be the pleasure of accentuating the blinds themselves.
When buying blinds, it is not difficult to balance between budget and quality. It may be worth shopping around. Generally, blinds cost less than outfitting the home with curtains or drapes, but they can still be energy efficient. Energy efficiency is a top priority with many people. Additionally, a tax credit may be available to energy efficient blinds or shades. Such blinds will resist fading and prevent the sun’s harmful UV rays from destroying carpet and furniture (for more information on possible carpet damage, carpet specialists in our area may be able to advise you).
Window blinds (Photo credit: agroffman)
Some types of blinds and materials include:
- aluminum blinds
- faux wood blinds
- wood blinds
- vinyl blinds
- horizontal blinds
- venetian blinds
Also, blinds can be a combination of materials and types, such as wood vertical blinds. Help by professionals can make the decision easier for the type and installation. Regardless of the style of the décor, there are blinds that will accentuate any room. Because of the wide information that is available, the decision should not be made lightly.
Aluminum Blinds
Aluminum blinds are economical, durable and versatile. They come in a variety of colors and slat widths. Several finishes are also available. Aluminum blinds window treatments are opaque. This allows for more privacy and darkness when closed. They offer the ability to open and close, and the slats can be slanted for added light control.
Faux Wood Blinds
Faux wood blinds have the durability, affordability and beauty of vinyl blinds. Because they won’t fade, chip, split or warp, they are a good alternative to real wood blinds. These blinds are usually offered in a variety of whites, various wood tones and neutral colors. Faux wood blinds can be very functional, yet an elegant addition to draperies, valances, etc. Their durability is important and is displayed if they are exposed to temperature extremes, strong sunlight or high humidity, such as may be found in bathrooms or kitchens.
Wood Blinds
Wood blinds are highly versatile and elegant. They can be painted, varnished, or stained to fit any décor. Additionally, wood blinds come in a variety of woods, such as knotty pine and cherry. They offer greater energy efficiency by helping to insulate the room. With their opaque design, sunlight can be bounced off the ceiling, directed into the room, or completely blocked for added privacy.
Vinyl Blinds
Vinyl blinds are very practical in that they can be used in most rooms that do not require a more elegant backdrop to curtains, draperies or valances. Vinyl blinds can also be cost effective. Usually, they are not opaque, therefore, are not a good way to block out light completely. Vinyl blinds are easily cleaned and maintained. They can be used alone or with other window treatments.
Horizontal Blinds
Windowblinds4 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Horizontal blinds are the most common type of blinds window treatments. Sunlight can be directed to any part of the room, up or down. Also, they can bounce sunlight off the ceiling to allow for more indirect light. Most materials are available in the horizontal design.
Venetian Blinds
Materials for vertical blinds, also known as vertical blinds, are usually fabric or PVC vinyl. Whichever is chosen, they are sure to add a touch of elegance and appeal to the room. Purchasing vertical blinds isn’t difficult. However, the décor of the room will make a difference in its overall looks and pleasing results.
Like horizontal blinds, sunlight can be directed, except, it allows adjustment from the vertical position. Light cannot be bounced off the ceiling, but the design allows for complete room illumination. Vertical blinds are an excellent, yet, unusual window treatment, which adds a touch of true elegance. With their floor-to-ceiling design, they offer a better fit to larger windows than do horizontal window treatments. There are hundreds of designs. Vinyl blinds are versatile with placement. They can be used in dining rooms, living rooms, family rooms or dens.
Venetian blinds can open in unique ways. They can be opened from the middle or drawn to one side. The vanes usually could be turned to either side or completely closed for more light control. They require less cleaning because of gravity.
There are other types of blinds, such as levolor blinds and roller blinds. Regardless of the style, blinds can add flare, beauty and elegance to any room. Blinds can be custom made or purchased for typical-sized windows.
Interior Design and Blinds
Of course, what the inside interior looks like will affect the buyer’s decision about which blinds to purchase. The style, color and material of the blinds should be purchased to be a part of the décor and not simply stand out. There are times when a room facelift may be desired. Sometimes, all that is necessary is a blinds window treatment. Prior to buying new furniture or repainting a room, a look at purchasing blinds may be just the thing that will appease the situation.
Certain types of blinds look better in some rooms than others. For example, a room with tall ceilings may benefit more from venetian blinds. A room with short windows could benefit more from horizontal blinds. Material blinds may work well with elegant furniture and carpet. Because there are so many choices, the buyer should be aware that more than one provider of blinds may need to be visited to find the right choices. At times, they may be found in one location.
One thing to be mindful of is that not every room has to have the same style or color of blinds. Each room should be considered on its own attributes and not based on another. However, if that is what you want, then that settles the situation. The bottom line is that you are happy with the design, purchase, and installation of the blinds.
When purchasing blinds, remember to:
- Consider the overall décor of the room.
- Find the style, material and color that will best accentuate what is being considered in the room.
- Find a balance between the quality and price.
- Install the blinds according to their instructions
- Get help if needed
In the next part of this series, we’ll go over measurement and installation of your blinds.
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