When shopping for blinds, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the variety of types, materials and features, not to mention the size you need to buy.
Our best guide for blind types answers questions you didn’t know you had.
At the end of your reading, you will be ready to make an informed and deliberate decision about the best blinds for your situation. Let’s go!
What areblinds?
Blinds are a type of window covering used to control the flow of heat and light in and out. An adjustable barrier between your inner and outer world. We don’t usually think much about blinds until they are gone or broken.
Although window blinds can perform some of the same functions as Venetian blinds, they are usually attached to the outside of the window frame.
Blinds, on the other hand, are usually installed in the frame, making them a less visible window covering.
Venetian blinds usually have evenly spaced slats connected by a strip of cord or fabric. The orientation, width and depth of the slats vary with each type of slat, and some types of window slats have no slats at all.
In general, blinds can be raised and lowered to cover more or less of the window to create privacy. Blinds can often be set to darken, let in sunlight, or let in direct sunlight.
In rental properties, awnings are generally considered fixed installations and are owned by the landlord. Tenants must have permission from their landlord before making any changes or replacing blinds.
Different types of blinds
There are as many different types of blinds as there are types of windows, and innovations are regularly introduced to the market.
To make sure you know all your options, you should familiarize yourself with the different styles and features of all the blinds currently on the market.
Horizontal blinds
Horizontal blinds snap together when open and pull apart to close the window when closed.
The difference in alignment. While vertical blinds run from top to bottom and from left to right, horizontal blinds run parallel to the windowsill. They come down from the top of the window.
Blinds
Venetian blinds are a collective term for all horizontal blinds whose slats are connected to each other with cords or fabric. Each slat is generally two centimetres wide.
Vertical blinds
Vertical blinds are always mounted at the top of the window. As the name suggests, the slats are not horizontal but vertical.
Some vertical blinds are connected at the top and bottom by a ribbon, cord or fabric, while other models allow each panel to rotate freely from its support.
When the vertical blinds are open, they are stored on the sides of the window. Vertical blinds are often used for large windows and sliding glass doors.
Mini curtains
Mini blinds are a type of horizontal blinds or shades that protect you from sunlight very effectively.
While they don’t completely darken the room, they offer better protection from light than standard-sized blinds.
Mini does not refer to the size of the window, but to the width of the slat. The typical width of a mini-blinds is no more than one inch.
At less than half the width of standard blinds, mini blinds fold tighter and allow less light into the room. This makes them ideal for rooms that overlook other houses or the street, as they offer more privacy.
Micro blinds
Micro-voids are best suited for areas where privacy and light blocking are important concerns, such as B. in bedrooms, bathrooms or dressing rooms.
These small blinds are only ½ inch wide and are the easiest type of horizontal blind to clean.
Shutters
Roller blinds are not blinds at all, but they are often sold in the same section of DIY stores and websites.
As with blinds, the mounting hardware for shutters is attached to the top of the window. The horizontal rod, which rotates freely, is used as a pin to hold a piece of fabric or plastic film.
Sunscreen
In tropical or sunny climates, daylight can be blinding and uncomfortable.
A room with large south-facing windows can quickly become a greenhouse without adequate protection. But it is not always desirable to block all light.
An awning that lets natural light into the room without the brightness and warmth associated with direct sunlight.
Think of sunscreen as a light diffuser, softening and diffusing the sun’s rays rather than blocking them completely.
Roman blinds
Venetian blinds are usually made of slats. Roman blinds are the inevitable exception to this rule.
Like window blinds, they consist of a long, uninterrupted strip of fabric and are similar to Venetian blinds in the way they are closed.
The cords are sewn into the fabric at strategic points. When the cord is pulled, these cords lift the fabric to the top of the window and fold it back on itself as it rises.
The result is a beautiful fabric garland at the top of the window. The biggest complaint about Roman blinds is that they cover some windows even when they’re fully open, but many homeowners choose them for just that reason.
Roman blinds are a good choice for small rooms or windows where it is not practical to use a frame. They combine a low profile and horizontal blind with a soft fabric curtain look.
Shades of Badger
You can see these shades on Amazon.
Roman blinds are another mix of blinds and shades. Unlike Roman blinds, Roman blinds do not work with a cord.
Instead, they are loosened by hand and reset to the desired height and preferred position. Usually the pop-up blind is installed between ¼ and ¾ of the window area.
They take time, patience and skill to apply, and are usually installed on windows that are not used often or where privacy is needed, for example. B. on a kitchen window overlooking the neighbor’s house.
Pleated colours
Pleated blinds made of folded paper or starched fabric have horizontal pleats, so they blend nicely into a small space.
When lowered, the folds remain visible as the fabric or paper stretches to cover the window. Insufficient distance between the slats means minimal light emission.
Pleated blinds are usually adjustable with a cord, although cordless and manually operated models are also available.
Honeycomb tones
When opened and viewed from the side, the honeycomb screens have a honeycomb structure.
Instead of lamellae connected in one or two places by wires or tissues, each cell is connected in a transparent way to the cells above and below it.
The result is a three-dimensional window covering that can be easily raised and lowered without tangling or twisting.
Duo blind
The latest innovation in roller blinds, the duo roller blinds, combine the best features. These roller blinds are mounted at the top of the window with a roller blind cassette and are operated with a cord.
The blinds themselves consist of two fabric panels. Each piece of fabric has alternating opaque and transparent or translucent horizontal stripes.
The owner can control the amount of light entering the room by changing the orientation of the fabric.
When opaque strips are stacked on top of each other, light falls through the translucent panels while a degree of privacy is maintained. To block out the light, the opaque panels are arranged in a staggered pattern, overlapping only at the edges.
Silhouette Shop
Silhouette blinds from the renowned window covering brand Hunter Douglas combine the adjustability of horizontal blinds with the privacy and light reflection properties of sun protection blinds.
Two strips of fabric hang from the support at the top of the window, with adjustable strips in between. The slats, which are also fabric, can be tilted, raised and lowered to control the amount and quality of light entering the room.
As the name implies, they do not completely block the light or protect you from prying eyes.
When you stand between the silhouette screen and the light source, the shadow cast by your body is clearly visible on the other side.
Panel curtains
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Technically, it is a type of vertical blind that is attached to the guides at the top and bottom of a window or door.
Large fabric panels slide along these rails to provide individual levels of shade and privacy, and can be easily pushed aside to enter or exit the building.
Intelligent Blinds
Intelligent blinds use motorized technology that allows for indirect adjustment. A motor is usually included with the louver fasteners, but aftermarket solutions are also available.
A battery-powered remote is the traditional method of controlling smart blinds, while newer models often work via a Bluetooth connection to a remote control app on your smartphone.
Instead of having to adjust the blinds to changes in light several times a day, the owner of a smart blind can simply switch from one preset option to another.
The higher and more expensive the smart blinds, the more features you can expect.
For example, you can program your own presets or set a schedule for automatic adjustment of the blinds in your home.
Missing blinds
Disappearance is a malapropism – a misuse of a word that sounds like the right thing to do. If you ask a window covering specialist about vanishing blinds, they will kindly refer you to Venetian blinds.
Shutters for roof windows
The purpose of a skylight is to bring light from the sky into your home. But sometimes this light can be too intense or too hot. Or maybe you’re afraid of the prying eyes of your neighbor who just moved into his attic.
The dormer was developed to solve these problems. Mechanized blinds are the easiest to use – you can use a remote control or even install a switch in the wall.
Hand-operated roof blinds are a little more complicated – they usually have a removable rod or handle that allows you to pull the blind over the window.
The quality of the installation will determine how easily you can adjust the skylight blinds, so it’s a good idea to hire a professional.
The design of blinds is flexible – they can be rolled up, netted or even folded. Venetian blinds are used less frequently.
Exterior colours
All the blinds we have discussed so far are suitable for indoor use. External protection from the sun and heat is usually given in the form of blinds.
Large glass windows or sliding doors can be fitted with an exterior sunshade that allows the wind to pass through while still providing a barrier between you and the sun.
Materials for window blind persons
The types of blinds are made of different materials such as fabric, mesh, vinyl, wood, plastic, natural materials and metal. Below we describe some of the advantages of each type.
Tissues and miscellaneous items
The Silhouette shade pattern uses fabric slats surrounded by a cluttered material to diffuse light and obscure indoor activities from the outside. Roman blinds and pleated blinds are also made of fabric.
Fabric or woven screens need regular vacuuming to prevent dust build-up, and may not be the best choice for households with allergies.
Vinyl
Vinyl is resistant to moisture and UV rays and is a durable and affordable material for window coverings.
The carbon footprint required to manufacture these blinds is one of the highest on record, while the cost is one of the lowest.
Available in many colors, shapes and styles, vinyl blinds are most commonly found in offices, public buildings and large residential complexes.
Wood
Wooden blinds have a warm, natural look that suits most design styles. This is a popular material choice for blinds.
Because wood is completely opaque, wood blinds block light better than other materials such as fabric or vinyl.
Softwood
Blinds can be the perfect place to lower your budget by choosing faux wood. They work exactly the same, but are not susceptible to deformation or damage by moisture.
Artificial wood is therefore ideal for bathroom windows and behind the kitchen sink. The best part? Nobody can say that.
Plastic
Plastic blinds are a subspecies of vinyl blinds, usually made of polyvinyl chloride or PVC.
Like vinyl, they are inexpensive, available in a wide variety of colors and easy to clean.
Natural materials
Blinds made from bamboo, jute, seaweed and cotton are made from renewable materials found in nature. Awnings made from natural materials are environmentally friendly and attractive.
However, like most natural materials, they are prone to rot when exposed to the sun for long periods of time.
Natural bamboo may have a greenish hue when it is first installed, but it soon takes on a beautiful golden color.
Metal
Aluminium blinds are easy to manufacture and relatively light. They block light well, making them a popular choice for blinds.
Metal blinds cannot be opened or closed without bumping and banging, so avoid metal blinds in sleeping areas.
Paper
In Japan and China, paper curtains, delicate and often beautifully colored, are a traditional material for separating rooms.
Western countries have adopted this practice and mixed it with existing blinds.
Empty cells or cells are often made of paper. Although paper blinds are more susceptible to damage than fabric, plastic or metal blinds, they can last for years if treated with care.
Soft, textured white paper is the most popular choice because it diffuses sunlight without changing color. Colored paper blinds are also available.
Synthetic materials
The best thing about plastics is their durability. The color and pattern of a synthetic fabric are much more resistant to UV rays than z. B. Cotton.
These types of blinds are durable and easy to clean – vacuum every few months for best results.
how to buy blinds
Here are the two main ways to buy blinds for your home.
Window shadesof prefabricated materials
If your window is a standard size, prefabricated blinds are best. They are cheap and easy to find in any department store, they can also be ordered online. Homeowners usually install their blinds themselves.
Custom
If your windows are an unusual size or shape, prefabricated blinds will not fit easily, and while it is sometimes possible to cut or shape them, it is difficult to do so properly.
The best solution is to have a professional visually inspect the window, take detailed measurements, and then provide options and recommendations.
This route usually involves professional installation to ensure the job is done correctly and that the custom blinds do not fall down.
Options for blank windows
There are many blinds options and features depending on the needs of the homeowner.
Thermal dust
We’ve covered several ways blinds can keep the heat out of your home, but what about keeping it in?
A thermal fabric can be attached to the back of the blind to act as an insulating layer and prevent heat from escaping through the window.
In winter, keep blinds open during the day to let in as much heat and sunlight as possible, and close them when the sun goes down to keep the heat in.
During the summer months, the night comes when you need to open all the blinds to let the fresh air in. Put them back before you go to bed to prevent the house from heating up when the sun comes up.
Power failure
Parents with young children, third shift workers and anyone who likes to take a nap can attest to the power of blackout curtains.
The blackout material is completely opaque and does not let light through. However, this does not mean that your room will look like a cave.
Stray light often occurs at the edges of shadows. To achieve total darkness, you can install a blackout curtain that completely covers the window.
Confidential Rails
If you have already lowered the blinds while it is still light outside, you will notice that small points of light shine through.
Traditional horizontal blinds have a lift cord cut through the holes in each slat, and this is the source of light leakage. Privacy screens remove these barriers, provide better light screening and increase privacy.
Width
Two mesh panels with strips of fabric in between form a continuous curtain. They are popular for transforming harsh, bright light into a softer, more diffuse light.
The transparent fabric panels provide privacy regardless of the angle of the slats.
Thick
If you need extra insulation from light, temperature or sound, look for blinds with a thick marking.
Thickness can refer to the width of the slats, the amount of material used or the layers of fabric in the blind.
wireless
Long, dangling cords are a choking hazard for young children. They are also difficult to store and use.
Wireless blinds solve this problem by eliminating the cord completely. Instead, the slats are adjusted manually via the lower rail.
Each slat is also connected to the other by a cord, so that the slope of the slats can be adjusted by changing the slope of the bottom rail.
Through cable
When a rope loop is used to move the slats up and down using a pulley system, these slats are called rope slats.
The hinge rests on the mounting rod. If you pull the part of the cord closest to you, the blind or shutter moves down. Pull the part of the cable closest to the wall to lift it.
Continuous cord blinds are much easier to use than traditional blinds, and the cord does not get tangled in the same way.
Top-down or bottom-up operation
Most blinds can only be raised and lowered. When lowered, the window disappears behind them, starting at the top and moving slowly down the window frame.
If you want to let sunlight in through the top of the window, the only option is usually to leave the blinds fully open.
Both top-down and bottom-up blinds recognize that the balance between sunlight and privacy is delicate.
Instead of being attached to the top of the window, these slats slide over guides on the side of the frame. This means you can attach the blinds to the top or bottom of the frame – or even in the middle if you like!
Operation of blinds
The two types of blind control are manual or automatic.
Manual/manual open
Most slat blinds have a rod that can be rotated to raise or lower the slats. Slanted blinds let in more light and offer more privacy. Downward sloping slats are usually neater, but are easier to see.
On the other side of the bar, there are usually two cords. When you slide the cables to the left, the latch that holds the cables in place is unlocked.
You can then pull the cords to raise the blinds, or lift the cord slightly to lower the blinds. Each cord is attached to one side of the blind. To make them rise and fall symmetrically, you have to hold both ropes.
Window blinds usually do not have a cord, but can be raised or lowered by gently pulling on the bottom of the blind to release the latch. After adjusting the screens, gently pull on them again to lock them in place.
Automated
To make the blinds go up and down at the touch of a button, you need to look for automatic blind holders. A small motor rotates the rod and the valves wrap around it.
Cost of blinds
The cost of blinds depends on a number of different factors. Ready-made blinds always cost less than their custom-made counterparts. Automatic blinds are more expensive than manually operated blinds. The cheapest and easiest blinds to install are vinyl blinds.
Blinds – expect to pay more for wood. A set of standard sized vinyl blinds, purchased at a major store, can cost as little as $10.
For wooden blinds, you will pay at least $30 per set of blinds.
The price range for cell phone sunglasses is very wide: they are sometimes available for as little as $25, but usually prices are closer to $50.
The cost of pleated curtains depends on the fabric, but expect at least $20 per curtain.
If you install the blinds yourself, there are no additional costs. The cost of the work depends on your region and the skills required. Expect to pay between $35 and $100 per hour for professional help.
An average installation of blinds may include material and installation of blinds on eight standard windows. The cost of this surgery is approximately $700.
Window of size
The dimensions indicated on the website or in the packaging are not the actual dimensions of the blinds themselves. More important is the size of the window in which the blind will fit.
Most common size for window covering
The most common window format is the standard sliding window. They are usually 36 to 72 inches long and 24 to 48 inches wide.
The bay window is 2 to 8 feet long. The blinds have a minimum width of 2 feet, and standard sizes are available up to 8 feet.
Finally, the most common length of window or sliding door blinds is 24, 36, 48 or 60 inches, with widths of 36, 48, 60, 72 and 84 inches.
For more information on standard window sizes, visit this page.
How to measure blinds
Accurate measurements are essential for blinds that fit and look right. This is one reason why individual blinds installers offer to come to your home and take measurements. If you are confident in your measuring skills, you can do the job yourself.
The window area to be measured depends on how the blinds or windows are installed.
Most models are internally mounted, which means that the mounting mechanism is located between the two sides of the frame.
Since frames may have minor irregularities, e.g. B. In case of deformation due to moisture, the experts recommend to measure the width of the frame in three places: above, below and in the middle.
Then take the average of these three measurements (rounded to the nearest ⅛).
Apply the same method to the height of the window. If the window has a windowsill, measure to the windowsill or slightly above. If there is no window sill, determine where you want the blinds and measure to that point.
Exterior blinds are not mounted on the outside of the house, but on the wall above and outside the window frame.
With a pencil, draw on the wall where you want the edges of the blinds to be when they are lowered all the way, then measure the distance between these marks.
One measurement that is often overlooked is the depth of the window frame. There should be enough room on both sides of the frame to tighten the fasteners, and the blinds should raise and lower smoothly without scratching the window.
Questions and Answers about Blinds
How to choose blinds
Before you buy blinds, you need to gather some information. First, count the windows in the room that need to be covered and determine your budget.
Secondly, the functionality of the windows must be taken into account. Do you expect to have to close and open your blinds often? If so, skip the annoying adjustable blinds and consider motorized blinds to make your life easier.
How important is privacy? Why don’t you block the lights? Are there any environmental aspects that need to be taken into account, such as. B. Moisture and humidity inside?
Do your blinds just need to look good, or are you looking for temperature control features as well?
Once you have established the technical parameters, you can play with your design decisions.
Different shutter colors are an inexpensive and easy way to complement or support an existing design. Desperate to add visual interest? Look at the patterned fabric blinds.
Blind always inposition
Blinds, like all home appliances, respond to general trends in the home.
Currently, navy blue and gray are popular colors for blinds of all materials. Wood blinds or faux wood blinds are a timeless classic that never goes out of fashion.
Natural fabrics and blinds manufactured using environmentally friendly methods have become increasingly popular over the past decade and this trend is expected to continue.
Like a dishwasher or a washing machine, blinds are an essential part of a functional and comfortable modern home. While features and design elements may change, the use of blinds as window coverings is here to stay.
How to clean blinds
To thoroughly clean your blinds, remove them from their covers and find a reservoir.
Rinse blinds in hot water with dish soap and baking soda, then soak.
After an hour, drain off the water and wipe away any remaining dirt. You can dry your blinds by gently laying them on a towel or by drying them in the sun.
If you don’t have time to do all this or don’t know how to remove the blinds, don’t worry! Using a damp microfiber cloth will do the trick, but it takes a bit more patience and elbow work.
Hold the bottom of the slats to stabilize them and gently wipe each slat. Vacuuming once a month prevents dirt and dust from building up, making it easier to clean.
The best types of blinds for the living room
Unlike the bedroom or bathroom, privacy in the living room is usually not the most pressing issue. And you don’t have to worry about humidity, your options for living room blinds are endless.
The living room is a place where you can move functionality and think about form. What feeling do you want to create in your living room and how can your choice of window coverings help you do that?
Try to coordinate blinds with other materials in the room and use them to carry through the style, colour and mood choices you’ve made.
When in doubt, wooden or faux wood blinds are always a safe choice for the living room.
The best types of blinds for sliding glass doors
Blinds for sliding glass doors should be attractive and functional without hindering their use. Horizontal blinds are not suitable for this purpose, but vertical blinds are.
Panel curtains, both indoor and outdoor, are a simple and easy way to provide shade and temper the amount of light and heat entering a room.
If you want to control the temperature, warm, sunny shades are the best choice.
The best types of blinds for the bedroom
A dark sleeping space is essential for a deep and restful sleep. The blinds you choose for your bedroom should complement the rest of the decor and ideally have light blocking properties.
Since the bedspread, duvet cover or quilt is a main component of the bedroom decor, you need to consider how your collection of bedspreads will match your choice of blinds.
If you like the look and light control features of blinds, look for products without holes in the slats to keep your bedroom dark enough.
Black curtains and blinds are extra, but worth it if you want to take the occasional nap during the day.
Finally, consider automatic blinds that can be programmed to open at the time you want to get out of bed, to simulate sunrise and make waking up easier.
Best type of roller blind for large windows
Large windows are a major source of heat loss in low temperatures, making them an ideal place to use thermal fabric.
Instead of horizontal blinds, consider vertical blinds that can be split down the middle or pushed to the side if you want to look out through a large window.
If you mainly want to look outside, silhouette or blackout curtains let the light in without compromising your privacy, even if the room is lit from within.
Another good solution for large windows are adjustable top-down and bottom-up blinds that can be adjusted to suit privacy and light preferences.
If your windows are so big that it’s hard to reach the top, automatic blinds and remote-controlled shades can make your life easier.
Finally, if you have a wall with several large windows, panel curtains are sleek, attractive and functional.
Best blinds for sunny windows
Shading systems are specifically designed to filter and deflect light and heat. This makes them the ideal choice for shading rooms that are exposed to direct sunlight for most of the day.
Plastic or vinyl blinds can turn yellow and dull if exposed to too much UV light. Therefore, metal or wood is the best material choice for solar windows.
Synthetic materials are resistant to the elements and do not discolor or decay as quickly as natural materials, making them the best choice for protecting sunny windows.
What types of bathroom blinds?
The two main priorities when choosing blinds for your bathroom are privacy and preventing mold.
Fabric blinds are not the best choice for a room that is regularly filled with steam during hot showers, as the moisture penetrates the fabric and can lead to mold growth or damage and deterioration of materials.
Wooden blinds, which are sensitive to moisture, are no exception, but blinds made of imitation wood can be used as an excellent substitute.
Can you paint the blinds
Yes and no. You should not paint the hull and ropes, but you can paint the slats as long as they are removable.
You need to wash them well first, remove the dirt and let them dry completely.
Spray paint is best for uniform application. When the paint dries, just slide it back into the ropes and you’re done!
For best results, remove the housing from the holder and lay it on a table – this makes it easier to retract and remove the slats.
What are your favorite types of blinds? Tell us about it in the comments below. For more information on the different types of windows, click here.
frequently asked questions
What types of blinds are available in the 2020 style?
Dark colors are in for 2020, starting with the Pantone color of the year, classic blue. Painting the walls and ceiling in atmospheric tones such as black, dark brown and dark green also adds to the ambiance. Submitted by: Blinds.com’s Premium Roman Blind in Lin-Stripe Vanilla photo via @kismet_house.
What is the best type of roller blind?
best curtains-4178345
How do I choose the right blind?
There are two types of lighting controls: Light filtering and variation of light intensity in the room. If possible, install blinds inside the window frame for a neater look. The blind magazine is 1 to 2 inches narrower than the width of the opening. Plan large windows with two or more smaller blinds.
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