Blinds can add value, privacy and beauty to your home, but how do you know which ones are right for you? Use this brief guide of options as a jumping-off point to help make the perfect choice.
With so many different window treatments on the market, it might be difficult to narrow down the options and make a choice. Here is a sample of some of the most popular types of blinds and their features to aid you in your decision.
Aluminum blinds
- They are an economical choice of window treatment, ideal for kid’s bedrooms, basements and garages.
- Are lightweight and durable while still able to offer protection from the heat of summer.
- Can be specially ordered for size and colour or cut to fit from your home improvement warehouse.
Roller and solar blinds
- Are available as room darkening, light filtering or solar shades.
- A room-darkening shade will block out most light and is good for bedrooms or other rooms that are affected by bright external light.
- Sun shades help protect from the sun and reduce the glare while still allowing a view. Perfect for offices, family or media rooms.
- May be custom ordered, but selected styles and colours are usually available through home improvement stores and can be cut on-site to fit.
Roman blinds
- Layers of fabric cover the window and offer a soft, timeless appeal. May be either hobbled or flat and are a wonderful choice for smaller or medium windows in the main living areas of your home.
- A few standard sizes and colours can be found at window treatment outlets, but for a large variety of patterns and colours that will be perfect for your home, consider custom ordering.
- As an option, patterns or kits for making your own roman blinds are available and make a rewarding DIY project.
Vertical blinds
- These have long vertical vanes that are pulled along a track and make a great choice for sliding glass patio doors or large windows.
- Will cover the entire window, and as such, offer good protection from the heat in summer and the cold in winter.
- Should be custom ordered to find the perfect colour and proper size.
- An option to a standard vertical is a panel track style blind. Panels of fabric are attached to a headrail and make a nice decorative statement in a room.
Wood and faux wood blinds
- Wood blinds have a classic feel similar to the more expensive wooden shutter.
- Can be stained or painted in almost any shade, which makes them a wonderful window accent while still offering privacy and a light-blocking property.
- Faux wood blinds have the look of wooden blinds but at a lower price point. They are resistant to humidity and warping, unlike their real wood counterparts, and are a good option for every area of the home.
Cellular or honeycomb blinds
- Due to their built-in air pockets, they are one of the best blinds for energy efficiency, helping to keep homes cool in the summer heat but warm in the winter cold.
- Depending on the size and number of cells, they can be very versatile in appearance and function, from light filtering to room darkening, so they would be a great choice for any room in your home.
- Are available in many colour and pattern options to suit almost any decor.
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