Types of Window Blinds｜Which Is Better for Me?
Window coverings are imperative in every household. However, curtains are no longer the only choice when it comes to choosing window covers. Blinds are quickly gaining popularity across the globe as a preferable choice.
Available in various shapes, forms and styles, window blinds are not completely opaque like curtains are which is why people lean towards them even more.
Blinds are practical, adaptable, and are also rather attractive. You can't ignore the fact that this style of window covering appears sleek, clean, and visually beautiful in any window frame, whether you choose braided wood shades or the softer, more personally aesthetic type of a linen blind.
Still, of all the choices, why one does a customer buy? In this article, we discuss all the details that you’ll need to make an informed purchase decision.
I. Style of Window Blinds
Window blinds are available in numerous styles and as house designs evolve, the aesthetics change too. Each blind has its own characteristics and unique shapes making them exclusive and different at the same time. Some of the most common type of blinds include;
1. Venetian Blinds
These are by far the most popular type of blinds available on the market today. There are the most conventional yet popular type of blinds. They are made up of slats which are the horizontal pieces running along the blinds. As they are raised, the bottom bar rises folding all the individual pieces with it.
Venetian blinds can be used on a variety of windows. They can be tailor-made to fit the dimensions of any window, large or small. Personalization can even make them fit to windows with a curvature. Modern Venetian blinds have automatic raising features too but evidently they are expensive.
Extensive functionality: They fulfill the purpose of curtains without being a solid piece of fabric covering the window,
Allows interior temperature to be regulated: Adjustments in blinds can limit the amount of light entering a room thus allowing the internal temperature to raise or lower accordingly,
Block harmful UV light: Modern blinds are effective in repelling UV light from the Sun thus protecting the health of people inside the building,
Visually appealing yet not constrictive: Blinds provide a much better appeal to a room than curtains or any other window covering and are concise at the same time.
Maintenance hassles: Cleaning a blind can be extremely troublesome especially when left without proper dusting for a long time. This can also be an issue if the room has openings and dust enters it on a regular basis,
The separation of slats can be a problem: Ultimately blinds are numerous pieces in a line and there is always some space in them even when fully shut. This means they are not as effective as curtains in blocking light.
2. Vertical Blinds
If you rotate Venetian blinds sideways, you get vertical blinds. These shades are attached to a column running beside the top frame of the window. In contrast to Venetian blinds, vertical blinds rotate sideways to let sunlight through from the outside. There are also vertical blinds which split in the middle. Common materials for vertical blinds are wood, faux wood and PVC.
Although they can be fit over smaller windows as well, they are preferable for patios and wall height windows. They are also ideal for use in front of sliding doors because of the unique way in which they open. Vertical blinds are quite aesthetic and common when you want to create a unique theme within your home.
Affordable: Vertical blinds are inexpensive which makes them budget friendly when in consideration for a place,
Simple in maintenance: Since their arrangement is vertical, each blade or slat can easily be taken out and replaced with a new one,
Aesthetics: When it comes to visual appeal, vertical blinds can win the game by a huge margin. Their design and texture in wood or wood faux is simply exquisite,
Easy to operate: Vertical blinds are simpler to manage when opening and closing which is why they can be put over doors as well.
Don’t hold well against winds: Strong winds are not the vertical blinds best partner. They can blow them vehemently at times making a lot noise and inconvenience,
Stereotypical image: Despite their appearance and choice of style, there is no getting around the fact that vertical blinds exude a commercial appearance. Vertical blinds are common in offices and schools which is why people don’t prefer them in their homes.
3. Mini Blinds
They are similar to Venetian blinds only smaller in size. Mini blinds are perfect for windows which are vertical meaning the height is long but the width is smaller in comparison. The slats on mini blinds are often just 1 inch thick which makes them suitable for windows in rooms that are little.
Mini blinds can cover various types and sizes of windows but only smaller ones because of their distinct shape.
The benefits of mini blinds are similar to those of Venetian blinds. They control light effectively as it enters the room. The blinds have countless colors, textures, and patterns to pick from. Mini blinds are made from a wide variety of material and allow people to enjoy complete privacy. One merit that sets mini-blinds apart is that they are easier to maintain
Mini blinds are less efficient at keeping out heat because of the separation between slats. Also, they can take damage very easily and hanging chords can be dangerous for young children.
4. Shutters
While most blinds are made from flexible materials, shutters are more solid so they improve the appearance of the home. Shutters are made from wood, faux wood, aluminum, or plastic and cover a window completely. They are also fixed so the slats are unable to adjust in comparison with sunlight entering the building.
Shutters are window coverings with common usage in homes that require shade from the elements and the varying temperatures during the day, as they provide a protective barrier while also enhancing the appearance of the windows. They also aid in the reduction of household energy use.
The biggest advantage of shutters is that they are more durable than other types of blinds. Shutters are not prone to bending due to high temperatures and stay rigid. They provide protection against intruders as well as other natural elements. Since they are solid, it is easier to clean them and maintain them effectively.
High quality shutters are expensive and are not a budget friendly option. Installation charges for these shutters also high. Cleaning has to be regular or else they begin to accumulate dirt that can become impossible to clean. The fixed shutters obstruct not just view but also sunlight and other weather factors which you may want to enjoy.
5. Built-In Blinds
All the types of blinds which came under discussion earlier have one thing in common: they are on the outside of the window. Built-in blinds are distinguished by the fact that they are fitted between the glass panes and are located within your window. When it comes to operating windows with built-in blinds, there are a few options. Some use a traditional pull cord, similar to Venetian blinds, to control the slats, while others use a magnetic slider switch.
The slider travels up and down horizontally on a track next to the window. The blinds are open when the slider is lifted to the top of the track, and they are closed when the switch is moved to the bottom. By leaving the switch in the middle, they can be partially opened. Most latest versions of built-in blinds are smart and can be controlled with a remote or smartphone app.
Built-in blinds offer convenience and simplicity. They are also safer for children and more sophisticated than regular blinds. Maintenance on these blinds is also easier because they are embedded within the window. This also protects them from external damage which can be due to impact from heavy objects or heat.
Built-in blinds are limited in options of colors, and styles. They are mostly minimalistic so if you are going for elegant look, they may fit the profile but not if there is a theme on the interior. They are also low in energy efficiency and are cost prohibitive for some homeowners across the world.
6. Vision Blinds
Vision blinds have two fabrics that act freely from one another, so they're not as good as a traditional roller blinds, which only has one piece of fabric that makes the room pretty dark when tailored with a blackout fabric. A blackout option is available from some fabric manufacturers. The distinction with this fabric is that the impenetrable panels you see will be a blackout fabric, but you'll still have the voile section that lets light in, as well as the gap between the fabrics.
The only benefit of vision blinds is that they are aesthetically pleasing.
Vision blinds are extremely rare because they are not practical as they are only two pieces of fabric. They are also ineffective as blackout blinds because the fabric used is relatively transparent.
7. Outdoor Blinds
Outdoor shades are often made of weather-resistant materials and installed outside the windows they are covering. Outdoor shades are frequently used on patio doors or window ones to minimize the amount of sun exposure and heat that enters the space, but inside blinds such as solar shades or skylight blinds are also frequently used for this purpose.
Outdoor blinds are rising in popularity due to various reasons. One of the major factors is the designs that are available. They can suit a variety of needs and all of them can be long lasting. They can accommodate all kinds of windows even the ones with width above the standard size. Outdoor blinds also provide security against numerous elements like weather and insects. Installation and maintenance of these blinds is extremely easy and they are helpful in regulating light.
The demerits of outdoor blinds are similar to normal ones is that they are dangerous for children due to the hanging chords. They are also very simple which means that the theme of the house overall looks quite dull.
8. Smart Blinds
The smart blinds may still appear to be something out of a science fiction novel, but owing to smart home technology, they are becoming more ubiquitous. Smart blinds and shades are available in a variety of classic and state-of-the-art fashions.
Smart blinds connect to a smartphone app and can be operated through it. They can also be set to open and close at specific times throughout the day. Smart blinds are not only one of the most physically appealing products on the market, but they may also help you save money on energy.
The biggest benefit of smart blinds is their automation. It adds an extra layer of convenience to the home with easy integration to the smart home system. They offer comprehensive control over entry of light to any room thus creating a beautiful environment.
Technology is also the smart blind’s biggest drawback as electric components may run into problems and cause inconvenience as well as costly repairs.
Ⅱ. Conclusion
Blinds are effective window coverings but with so many options to choose from, the decision regarding which ones to go for can be challenging. It is all about personal preferences, but with multiple factors and choices to consider, it can be difficult to settle on just one.