What blind should you choose? Considering your options

Blinds refer to fabric, louvred or slatted window treatments, which can be raised to open the view to the exteriors or lowered to provide privacy for the indoor areas. These window coverings are fixed to the upper part of the window frames instead of the sides. This allows for opening and shutting the blinds either by manual or motorised operation. There are four main types of blinds to choose from for your residential and commercial spaces. You should carefully consider the differences, as well as the pros and cons between these types, so that you can make a smart choice.

When considering different types of blinds its important to consider things such as location and purpose – it is not always as simple as looking at vertical vs venetian blinds or roller vs roman blinds, it can come down to a number of factors.

Roman Blinds

Cheap Roman blinds are designed to fold evenly and smoothly as they are being opened. Once opened, Roman blinds have a visibly smooth appearance with a certain amount of fabric showing at any given time. They are usually operated via a cord mechanism that allows for easy adjustment of the covered area’s height – low height for complete coverage and high height for open configuration. In typical Roman blinds, the cords are placed vertically on the blinds’ outer side, which runs through the horizontal eyelets or stiffener rods, before being attached at the blinds’ bottom area. In this design, the bottom has an evenly stacked appearance while the blinds’ open portion remains smooth.

Modern Roman Blinds

Roman blinds are available in different materials including a variety of different fabrics, lightweight wood, and bamboo, although plastic and vinyl aren’t typically used.

Roller Blinds

These are designed with the blinds attached to a roller that, in turn, has a spring hinge for opening and closing; the roller is located at the top of the window frame. Made to measure roller blinds come in several materials including woven fabrics, double-layered cotton, and vinyl, among others, with the general rule being the thicker the material, the greater the heat blockage and privacy provided. Among the benefits provided by roller blinds include:

Measuring For Window Blinds

Take up less window pane space than other types of window blinds
Easier to clean because of the simple disassembly and assembly and fabric used
Allows maximum amount of light to enter the room when fully raised
Available with blackout or dim-out properties, making them ideal for use in bedrooms
Thermal and insulating properties help keep room warmer in winter and cooler in summer when they are fully lowered
Available ready-made or made-to-measure
Available in an extensive range of plain colours and patterned fabrics
Modern customised options available
Ideal as the sole window dressing or used in conjunction with curtains

Vertical Blinds

Unlike other types of window blinds, cheap vertical blinds have vertical vanes instead of horizontal slats (i.e., these hang vertically). These also generally have wider vanes than Venetian blinds because of their common use in wide fixed windows, sliding glass windows and doors which require greater coverage than a standard size window.

Blinds In The Living Room

Vertical blinds are available in several materials including wood, fabrics, and synthetic materials such as vinyl. They offer full control over the amount of light entering the room by altering the angle of the vanes and provide full privacy when closed – this is why in a living room vertical blinds make a great choice. They are great for blocking out light so you can comfortably watch TV or giving you some extra privacy. They may also be operated by hand or via motorised system.

Venetian Blinds

Made to measure venetian blinds consist of long horizontal slats made of either vinyl, metal or wood. The slats are attached in evenly spaced rows, which are typically connected with a cord system. The design allows for turning the slats to either let sunlight pass through or block it. When opened, the slats are parallel with the window pane. Turning the slats can be made by rotating a plastic or metal pieces placed at the blinds’ upper corner to allow as much light as needed into the room while still providing privacy.

Wooden Venetian Blinds

Venetian blinds can be raised to expose the entirety of the glass, but this is only done for window cleaning purposes. Each style of window blind has its pros and cons, and while each generates a completely different look, they all have the ability to add chic style to room.