Blinds not only are a window treatment which enhances the look in the room but also help to maintain the privacy of the inhabitant. Further, they are also used to filter out harmful UV radiation that can enter in room from doors or windows. They are often the least expensive option on the market in terms of window treatments, blinds are easy to maintain, have a clean appearance and do not take up extra room. They allow you control over privacy and sunlight. You can pull up the shades to expose the window, angle the slats slightly, or close them entirely.
Options in Blinds
The general difference between types of blinds are in the material used to make slats and the width of the slats. See below to learn about the available options.
Vinyl blinds: Generally, the least expensive option, vinyl units are lightweight but can be flimsy, bend easily and are usually available only in smaller slat sizes.
Aluminum blinds: These are slightly more expensive than vinyl, however they are of better quality while still being lightweight. They’re available in a large range of sizes, colors, and finishes, including metallic.
Faux wood blinds: Available in one and two-inch sized slats, faux wood shades imitate the real thing without warping, fading, or cracking. They are easy to clean and are moisture resistant, but also more expensive and are a bit heavy.
Real wood blinds: These are actually lighter in weight than faux wood and will give a room a natural, organic feeling. While these shades will block a considerable amount of light, they’re likely going to be an expensive option.
Sheers: They have the property of diffusing the light. So, they can filter out UV radiations and the glare from sunlight. When installed, sheers leave a luxurious touch on the windows.
Roman: They are made up of fabric which can be chosen based on the décor of the room. These blinds are rolled up and down with the help of aluminum stick attached at the rear of fabric. Roman blinds are best if privacy is your main concern.
Roller: These can be rolled up or down as per the requirements. They are generally made up of fabric, polymer, or woven wood. One can even buy a darker shade in fabric of roller blind for bedrooms, where one privacy is a priority.
Vertical: They are separate strips of louvers suspended vertically from top of window. They are made up of either fabric, PVC fiber strips of metal, or vinyl. The thickness of these blinds can vary from 3 inches to 12 inches and they are preferable for large windows.
Tricks that would help you choose the Best Blinds Option:
Check the moisture resistance
Moisture resistant blinds are generally the best, especially for bathrooms. If you want strictly moisture resistant blinds, it is always advisable to go with slats that are made from faux wood.
Ask for warranty and repair policy
Before opting for a particular kind of blinds, it is important to check the warranty and repair policy. This way, maintenance of the blinds would not be your headache.
Look at the Blinds in Proper Light
Before finalizing your choice, you must hold the blinds close to a light source to see if the color would change when sunlight would peep in through the windows.
Pay Heed to Lining
Various accessories such as lining etc. would also be required for certain kinds of blinds, such as lace sheers. These accessories must be of good quality so that shrinkage does not occur later on.
Go for automation
In these blinds, sensors are attached strategically to provide fully automated control. The blinds can be opened or shut with a remote.
Mix and Match Gone are the days when people used to install similar kinds of blinds in all the rooms. These days, you can try installing different kinds of blinds in a single room itself. For example, you can opt for a traditional curtain in the middle and sheer blinds on the both sides of it.
Get them Installed by Professionals One might end up buying wrong size of blinds. In order to be sure about the size and the installation quality, getting help from experts is the only solution.
