Whatever look you are aiming to achieve using window treatments, having a blind is sure to enhance your room’s design scheme. But of course, blinds don’t just add to the beauty of your room. Apart from decoration, blinds are useful as it allows you to control the amount of sunlight that comes in, and it also provides privacy. Compared to curtains, window blinds require little maintenance. It’s also easy to install and maintain.
If you plan to use outdoor roller blinds for your windows, here’s what you need to know before you buy one. And to get budget-friendly blinds quote, click the link given.
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1. Color matters
Consider the color and the design of the window blinds. Choose something that will complement the color pattern in your home. Also, consider how you would like your room to look at. Do you want it bright, or do you want it darker? These are the considerations when choosing the color of the blinds.
2. Choose a style that matches your windows
The matching blinds for a certain window depends on what kind of room you will be putting it in. If you need more privacy, such as in the bedroom, it’s best to choose horizontal window blinds. If you need to cover up glass doors and long windows, you can use vertical blinds.
3. Measure your window first
Check the dimensions of your window first before you go out to buy blinds. Decide which fitting option of blinds you prefer: inside or outside the recess. If you have a small room without much wall space around, it’s better to choose blinds that can fit inside the recess. It’s also a good choice if you are layering your blinds with curtains. For larger rooms, choose blinds that sit outside the recess and block out light.
If you decide to buy blinds that will fit inside the recess, measure the height of the recess and the width of the recess at the narrowest point. But if you prefer to go for a blind that will hang outside the recess, measure the height of the recess and add 15 cm, and measure the width and add 4cm to each side.
4. Consider the texture
Blinds come in different textures, too, as there are ones made of wood, vinyl, fabric, and a lot of other materials. You can play with texture depending on the room you have. If your room features mainly smooth materials, you can add an interesting texture through the blinds you pick.
5. Think about practicality
When selecting blinds, think of how it will be useful to your room. If you need to block out light, go for blinds with blackout coating. For a chilly room, opt for pleated blinds with thermal properties. Slatted blinds adjust to block the sun, while sheer blinds maximize the light.
6. Check its accessibility
If your blinds come with a pulley or catch, where you will be accessing them must be considered as well. The side with the pulley, as much as possible, should not have any items beside it to make it easier to reach and control. Meanwhile, there are blinds that can be motorized and controlled by a wall switch or via smartphone using an app. Some can also be hooked up to a home automation system with sensors that allows it to open and close according to daylight levels. These kinds of blinds that are compatible with smart home features can be pricey.
Window Blind Styles
Before buying, be familiar with the styles of blinds so you can make a better decision. Here are the popular ones you can find on the market:
Roller blinds
Roller blinds are simple blinds that come in a vast array of colors and patterns, with shading options ranging from sheer to blackout. It’s a cost-effective, ready-made roller blind that can be trimmed to size but for a perfect fit. It’s an affordable option for informal settings, such as a home office.
The options are endless. There are water-resistant PVC blinds, thermal insulated blinds, cordless blinds, double blinds with sheer fabric, and shade with adjustable fabric slats.
Roman blinds
Roman blinds give off a relaxed, coastal look or a more formal effect. These are typically made of fabric and operates by a pulley. When you raise these blinds, it forms large horizontal pleats, leaving a segment of the fabric on show.
Roman blinds are often lined, which improves the way the pleats fall. If you want to keep the draughts out and the warmth in, go for one with insulated lining
You can choose blinds that can provide semi-privacy, or go for one that offers total blackout
Venetian blinds
Venetian blinds are slatted blinds typically made of plastic, vinyl, wood, or metal. Perhaps for many people, it’s what they imagine if they hear the words “window blinds” because it’s commonly used not just for homes but also for offices, conservatories, summerhouses, and more. Venetian blinds are great for overlooked or south-facing rooms as it allows you to control both the amount for light and the level of privacy you want by tilting the slats.
Slatted blinds made from PVC are often placed in sleek kitchen and bathrooms because they can resist heat and humidity.
Wooden (or faux wood) Venetian blinds have a natural appeal that’s hard to beat. Meanwhile, aluminum blinds have super slim slats that offer a minimalist look and keeps off moisture.
Pleated blinds
Having a softer appearance than roller blinds, pleated blinds are practical privacy solutions that allow light to pass through unless you pick blackout pleated blinds.
Pleated blinds are supported by wires to maintain the pleats. These are typically made of fabric paper, making them appropriate for relatively dry rooms such as bedrooms and living rooms. Avoid using them for kitchens and bathrooms, as they may absorb moisture and humidity, as well as the smells.
For flexibility, choose top-down pleated blinds that can be lowered from the top and raised from the bottom, so you can control the level of privacy you want.
Vertical blinds
Vertical blinds consist of individual slats that clip on to a track at the top and then joined at the bottom by chains. It can pivot to open or close, or can be drawn right back. They can be stacked to the left or right, or a part it in the center. It won’t matter how wide the window is because it can be made up to fit. It’s a smart and practical option for providing shade and privacy to your home.
Usually, vertical blinds are made of PVC and are available in a myriad of colors.
Panel blinds
Panel blinds fall somewhere between the typical blind and a curtain. It’s the ultimate minimalist blind option, which is ideal for showing off the fabric. This is why panel blinds are usually made of woven fabrics like this birch truffle blinds, and this one made of natural woven fabric.
The wide slats of the blinds are held at the top and bottom, running on a multi-track. They stack neatly behind one another once opened. These elegant-looking blinds are best used for tall and broad windows, such as those that reach the floor. They are also great to use for adding privacy to a glass sliding door, French door, open closets, and can also work as a room divider.