Today, window blinds come in all sorts of sizes, patterns, and materials. Horizontal, vertical, plastic, metal, tall, and short, you name it. And while this is great in the majority of cases, sometimes too much of a choice can be a bit overwhelming. It appears that choosing the right ones from all the different types of blinds currently available is not as easy as it might seem at first.
This is why we have taken the time to sift through all the different types of window blinds to narrow down the choices for you and save you precious time. In the following article, we are going to make you acquainted with the most common blinds that will enhance your window decor, adding a sense of elegance and style. So what are the different types of blinds currently available, and how do choose the right one? Let’s find out!
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What are the different types of blinds available?
Nowadays, there is a huge abundance of blinds on the home decor market. And for a good reason. Windows come in all sorts of sizes and shapes, each of which demands the right type of treatment. Whether you need better light control, more privacy, or a higher sense of luxury, there is a type of blinds that will perfectly suit your needs.
Even though they come in numerous sizes, colours, and patterns, the different types of blinds can be narrowed down to four main ones. These are Venetian, roller, roman, and vertical blinds. Each of these major types carries its uniqueness, functionality, and style. Some of them are great for smaller windows, and some are perfect for full-length windows, including patio doors.
Venetian blinds
Venetian blinds are among the most popular types of window treatments. Commonly referred to as horizontal blinds due to the orientation of their slats, these types of shades come in numerous patterns and materials. Wooden, metal, or plastic, white, brown, or vividly coloured, Venetian blinds offer the ideal finishing to more or less every window in your home.
Depending on your preferences, you can tilt the slats to allow for more light in, or completely close them down to block the sun rays during the day. And if you are not fully satisfied with the effect, you can raise the whole blinds to your preferred level. It is worth mentioning here that the wider the slats, the better the light-blocking control. As to the use of the different types of Venetian blinds – wooden Venetian blinds are ideal for sitting rooms or dining rooms, whereas the metal slats are more appropriate for conservatories.
Roller blinds
Roller blinds are another common window treatment used in many homes. Unlike Venetian blinds that are composed of separate slats, roller blinds consist of a whole panel that can be rolled up or down, depending on your preferences. Typically these types of blinds are made of fabric and come in many different colours, allowing you to perfectly match the interior of your house.
The different types of roller blinds also come in different types of fabrics. Depending on the desired effect, you can choose between thicker materials that offer a complete blackout, lighter fabrics that allow softer filtering of the light, or a combination of the two commonly referred to as day-and-night blinds. And if you like to admire the scenery outside and be protected from the sun at the same time, then you can go for the so-called screen fabric.
Roman blinds
If you are looking to give your windows a more stylish type of look, then roman blinds are the way to go. Just as roller blinds, these types of shades are made of a single piece of fabric, however here you have horizontal rods attached to the back of the fabric, spread evenly from top to bottom. Thanks to that extra feature, roman blinds can be folded up neatly or closed down smoothly, making them ideal for all sorts of windows, large glass panels, or patio doors.
Currently, there are many different types of roman blinds, varying in texture, materials, and colours. You can choose from lighter or thicker fabrics, and a broad range of colours and patterns, so that you can give your windows the beautiful finishing they deserve. And if you want to reduce your electric bill during the winter, you can opt-in for roman blinds made of thermal fabric.
Vertical blinds
Just as the name suggests, these types of blinds are made from vertical vanes spreading from top to bottom. Hanging from a headrail, the vanes can be tilted sideways to let more light in or completely shut flat to provide better privacy. Unlike the other types of blinds discussed so far that open from bottom to the top, vertical blinds open to the left or right, or can be split in the middle to reveal the window.
From all the different types of blinds available at present, vertical blinds offer the most appropriate solution for large glass panels or sliding patio doors. Coming in a variety of colours and finishes, including a complete blackout lining, they are suited to match pretty much any home decor, be it minimalistic or luxurious, neutral or colourful. As to the width of the vanes, you can go from 89mm to 127mm.
How to clean the different types of blinds?
Depending on the type of blinds and the material they are made of, you can either use the brush of your vacuum cleaner, a wet microfiber cloth, or even your washing machine. For example, the vanes of some vertical blinds can be washed in the bathtub or the laundry machine using warm water, whereas roller or roman blinds allow only for a dry microfiber cloth or vacuum cleaning.
Due to their high moisture tolerance, Venetian or wooden blinds can be cleaned using a wet towel. Nevertheless, before you use the cloth, it is a good idea to deduct them first with the soft brush of your vacuum cleaner. For complete peace of mind, it is always best to double-check the label and to follow the cleaning instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Summary
Nowadays, blinds come in all sorts of designs, fabrics and colours. Having so many options to choose from is great, as it allows you to find the perfect type of treatment for your lovely windows. Unfortunately, this has its downside too, as sometimes it can be pretty overwhelming to make the right selection from all the different types currently on offer.
There is no room for worry though, as the different types of blinds can be narrowed down to four main ones, namely Venetian, vertical, roman, and roller blinds. All you need to do is choose the type that will fit your home interior best, and then select the right fabric and colour, depending on your circumstances.