Curtains are the first choice when it comes to window coverings. However, home owners who prefer to match coverings with the rest of the home décor choose to have blinds fitted instead of curtains. Unlike curtains, the louvers or slats let you control the amount of light, heat and ventilation entering the room. At the same time, it maintains privacy shielding your living spaces from the glares of outsiders. The ease of installation and low cost are some of the other advantages that make it popular.
If you are thinking of getting blinds fitted for your windows, you should read on. Discussed below are the different types of window blinds you can consider
- Vertical Blinds
This design has vertical rotating slats. They are also referred to as track blinds because the louvers rotate back and forth along a track. This type is suitable for large spaces and sliding doors. It is a popular choice because it gives the place a modernist look. Vertical blinds are also easy to control and quite lightweight.
- Venetian Blinds
This type of window blind has horizontal, overlapping slats. The slats are bounds by cords or strings that allow you to open and close the blinds and adjust the amount of light streaming into the room. The slats can rotate by 180°. If you’re looking for a design that’s practical yet stylish, venetian blinds are the perfect choice. They are available in plastic, metal and wood.
- Roller Blinds
Roller blinds are the cheapest option and also the easiest to fit. It is like a rollup blackboard. It is made of a single, solid piece of fabric; it does not have louvers. It rolls up into a tube at the top of the window. It is controlled by a side string, which when pulled causes it to unroll. On traditional designs, rolling up the blinds had to be done manually. However, in the latest roller blinds it is automated; a single tug at the string pulls it up. Roller blinds are a common sighting in kitchens.
- Panel Blinds
This design has vertical louvers. The major difference is the width of the louvers. They are not small columns but large panels, hence the name. The other important point of distinction is that unlike regular blinds the panels do not rotate they slide into place. They are attached to runners.
- Roman Blinds
Owing to its layered look, a Roman blind fitted at office and home spaces gives the room a sophisticated look. When hoisted up, they form subtle pleats and when lowered they sit flat like a curtain. Roman blinds are the best option for homeowners looking for an alternative to curtains, but yet want to create the traditional and warm look that comes with the use of curtains. These window coverings are mostly designed in fabric.
Material choices
Blinds not only differ in their design but also in the materials they are made of. Construction materials include wood, metal, fabric or plastic. It also includes other synthetically prepared materials such as fake wood.
In addition to keeping in mind design, material and color choices for window blinds, you should also consider home décor and window dimensions when choosing window blinds for your home and office spaces.
