The Ultimate Guide to Buying the Right Blinds

Blinds are the most popular window coverings and are highly functional. Over the years the market for blinds have increased. They are among the most sought after home improvement products, and they can be quite attractive. Here is a guide for choosing the right blinds to buy.

What is the Purpose of Window Blinds?

Window blinds are generically used to describe all types of window coverings including shutters, wood blinds, roman blinds, roller blinds, cellular shades, horizontal (venetian) and vertical blinds. Blinds have many advantages. Blinds make your home look chic and cozy. Although some homes still use curtains, blinds are more beneficial as they can be used almost everywhere including your office, bathrooms, kitchen, living rooms, and in any other environment.

Blinds vs. Shades

More often than not the term “blinds” refer to both blinds and shades. Although they both have the same basic functions, they are not the same. Window blinds are not just used as shades for the windows, they also add elegance and style to the house.

Blinds have individual slats that can be adjusted up and down, and also tilt from side to side. Whereas, shades are made from individual materials rather than individual slats. So they cannot be adjusted from side to side but can be adjusted up and down.

Popular Blinds Ideas

Venetian blinds

Venetian blinds beautify a room while giving you privacy and light control. Venetian blinds are one of the most popular window covering styles. Venetian blinds feature horizontal slats suspended by string or strips of cloth, called tapes. They are flexible in their functionality and easy to afford.

Vertical Blinds

Vertical blinds are most suitable for floor to ceiling windows and doors that slide from side to side. They can also be used for smaller windows too. These blinds are commonly made of thick plastic with individual slats, which run along a track at the top of the blind.

Roman Blinds

Roman blinds are made from fabric or materials such as jute or seagrass. They have a traditional design and come in different styles. However, all roman blinds fold into themselves when raised, which is similar to how a venetian blind operates.

Shoji Panels

Shoji blinds are used in Japanese decorating, and also as room dividers, doors and window coverings. These coverings can be made in a number of designs, as well as with different kinds of materials.

Panel Blinds

These are the most popular options for patio doors and very large windows. Panel blinds have sections that move along a tract, allowing you to easily open or close them.

Choosing the Right Blinds

There are various options in the market for blinds, which can make it difficult to choose the right blind for your window. Before buying the blinds for your windows, there are many factors to consider. These include:

The Materials

Window blinds come in different materials and styles. This include Wood window blinds, Drapes, Valances, Shades, Fabric window blinds, Aluminum window blinds and more. The situation where the blind will be useful will determine what materials will be most suitable.

For instance, if your windows will be exposed to direct sunlight for most part of the day, then you would require materials that can absorb some of the heat. It is easier to go for materials that are water resistant if the blinds are used in the kitchen or bathroom.

Privacy Control

You’d want control over how much light and darkness you let into your room. Privacy and control is another huge factor to consider when choosing the right blinds. Blinds are designed differently. Some blinds are designed in such a way that you can effortlessly go from full light to total blackout. Wooden venetian blinds are usually more effective in this situation.

Ease of Maintenance

Blinds can be quite difficult to clean, although the benefits outweigh the cleaning hassle. This is why you have to choose blinds that are easy to clean. The materials they are made of can often help you decide if they will be easy to clean and maintain. No matter how attractive your blinds are, once they are dirty, they lose all that allure. if this is a worry for you, then vertical blinds are recommended as they are less likely to collect dust since they stand vertically.

Ready-made vs. Made to Measure

Another factor to consider is whether you want a ready-made blind or you’d prefer to go down the made-to-measure route. If you decide to buy ready-made blinds, then you’ll have to consider accurate measurement. This way you’ll have a more elegant and finished look once your blinds have been installed, rather than a hit-or-miss appearance. Ready-made blinds are usually cheaper and can usually be delivered the same day you place your order.

If the idea of doing your own measurement doesn’t appeal to you, then seriously think about made-to-measure window coverings. With this option, you can customize every aspect of your blinds including the finish, colour, material, hardware, configuration and any other feature you may like.