How to Choose Blinds for your Home
February 26, 2020
It probably comes as no surprise that there are many different types of window blinds available on the market today. Vertical and horizontal blinds are available in a myriad of materials, sizes, and colours so choosing the right blinds for your home can be tricky. Still, as an alternative to curtains and drapes, blinds can be an attractive, functional, and affordable window treatment that gives you more control over lighting while bringing sophistication and elegance to any room.
Before we discuss the different types of blinds, it might be useful to make the distinction between window blinds and window shades. In a nutshell, blinds are window coverings that feature horizontal or vertical vanes that are adjustable to allow different levels of light and privacy in a room. On the other hand, window shades are a solid window covering that can be raised or lowered to provide more or less light. Each offer unique design features while allowing you to control lighting and privacy, and depending on your personal style, you may prefer one over the other.
Since we’re comparing blinds and shades, let’s have a closer look at the different types of each and reasons you may choose them for your home.
Wood blinds, faux wood blinds, vertical blinds, aluminum blinds, and insulating blinds are some of the most popular available today. Wood and faux wood blinds are stylish and fit well into contemporary or traditional designs as they are simple but bring a sense of warmth to a room. Faux wood blinds tend to be more durable and make a great choice for bathrooms, kitchens, or rooms with a lot of moisture. Vertical blinds are also very durable, but also affordable. Additionally, vertical blinds are a great choice if you want better light control or for large windows or sliding doors. Aluminum blinds are durable, sleek, and stylish and make a great choice for living rooms and bedrooms. Finally, as the name implies, insulating blinds provide insulation for energy savings while also providing exceptional light control.
There are also many kinds of window shades that make a great option for different rooms in the house. Roman shades are very stylish, easy to operate, and can be ordered with blackout fabrics. Cellular shades are simple and attractive, and provide great privacy and light filtering. Roller shades are great if you like soft light but also privacy. Finally, solar shades provide great light control for south-facing rooms.
Ultimately, choosing between window shades or blinds for your home comes down to personal preference, but also function and budget. If you’re having difficulty making the right choice for your home, consider speaking to a designer or other professional to help you narrow your options to the most suitable designs and styles for your home.