Windows, doors and patio doors play an essential role in defining the ambience and aesthetic of a room, and they can significantly help to transform the look and feel of a room. Apart from their decorative function, windows also have the practical purpose of letting in light and ventilation.
That said, the amount of light and privacy required in a room may vary based on the location, such as on French doors, skylights, or large windows like a conservatory or sun room or bay windows. In some cases made to measure blinds may be required.
Window blinds come in various materials, such as metal, natural wood, and fabric. And a range of colours, and styles that can transform the appearance of any room. And luckily most retailers offer out free samples.
Below is everything a beginner needs to know about the different types of blinds you can choose and the available material options.
Venetian Blinds:
Venetian blinds are a classic window treatment option known for their versatility. They are available in various materials, such as wooden venetian blinds, aluminium, and PVC. They consist of overlapping horizontal slats that can be tilted to adjust the amount of light that enters the room. Venetian blinds are perfect for homes, offices, and any space that requires a balance of light and privacy.
Roman Blinds:
Roman blinds are another popular choice for modern homes, and they offer a sleek and streamlined look. They consist of a single piece of pleated fabric to create a series of horizontal folds. When fully extended, the folds create a smooth and uniform look.
Roman blinds are available in different materials, including linen, cotton, and silk, and you can get them in various colours and patterns. They are an excellent option for bedrooms and living rooms, offering privacy and light control, and they can look incredibly stylish.
No Drill Blinds:
No drill window blinds offer numerous benefits to homeowners looking for a quick and easy way to add privacy, light control, and style to their living spaces. One significant advantage is that they do not require any drilling into your walls or window frames, which can save you time, effort, and money. Instead, they come with easy-to-use adhesive strips or clips that attach directly to your window glass or trim.
This means that you can install them in minutes, without having to hire a professional or worry about damaging your walls or windows. Additionally, because no drill blinds are easy to remove, they are an ideal option for renters or anyone who wants the flexibility to switch up their window treatments frequently.
Quick point though, not all deep recess window frames are exactly level if made of brick. The system is spring fitted but needs to equal and flat surfaces to work perfectly, so it’s worth checking this out first to avoid disappointment. Also, for wide windows it might be worth checking if it will support the weight without a central fixing.
Roller Blinds:
Roller blinds are a simple yet functional window treatment option that you can customise to suit any decor style. They consist of a single piece of fabric that rolls up and down with the help of a cord or remote control.
You can purchase roller blinds in various materials, including blackout and sunscreen fabrics, making them perfect for controlling light in any room.Â
Honeycomb Blinds:
Honeycomb blinds, also known as cellular blinds, are an energy-efficient option that can help to reduce heating and cooling costs. They consist of two layers of pleated fabric that create a series of honeycomb-shaped cells. These cells trap air, which helps to insulate the room from heat and cold. Honeycomb shades are available in various materials, including light-filtering and blackout options, making them ideal for bedrooms and living rooms.
Vertical Blinds:
Vertical blinds are another one of the most popular styles of window blind option, particularly for large windows and sliding doors. They consist of vertical slats that you can adjust to control how much light enters the room giving you enhanced light control that other blinds do not offer. Vertical blinds are available in various materials, including fabric, PVC, and aluminium, with options to suit most budgets and tastes. They are easy to install, clean, and ideal for rooms with high ceilings.
The Most Popular Materials For Window Blinds
You can use various materials for the window blinds in the property, depending on the look and feel you want for the space. Some of the most common materials you can select for window blinds are as follows:
Wood Blinds
Wooden blinds are popular with many homeowners because of their natural beauty and warmth. They are available in various colours and finishes and can be customised to fit any window size. They are also durable and easy to clean. However, they may be more expensive than other materials, and they can be affected by moisture and humidity.
Aluminium Blinds
Aluminium blinds are a popular choice for modern homes. They are lightweight and durable, making them easy to install and maintain. Various colours and finishes are available when choosing your blinds, making them a versatile option for any decor. Moreover, they can be noisy when opening and closing and may provide a different level of privacy than other materials.
Vinyl Blinds
Vinyl blinds are an affordable option for homeowners on a budget. They are available in a wide selection of colours and styles, with something available to suit most tastes and budgets. They are also resistant to moisture and humidity, making them a practical choice for high-humidity areas. However, they may be less durable than other materials and may have a different level of style and sophistication than wood or aluminium blinds.
Fabric Blinds
Fabric blinds are a common choice for homeowners who want to add a soft and elegant touch to their windows. There is a myriad of colours and patterns available, making them a highly versatile option with many choices including the addition of a blackout lining. However, they may be more challenging to clean and maintain than other materials and provide a different level of privacy than other options.
These are the most common styles of blinds and different materials you can use for the windows of a property, and there is a vast selection available. You can customise most blinds to fit and match your window or door frame, and practically most rooms in the house and have custom-made fabric created for fabric blinds if you want something unique.
Things to consider
- UPVC windows will unlikely have any draughts so you won’t need moisture resistant blinds. Older style sash windows that have a lot of condensation might require this though.
- Bi-fold doors work better with inbuilt blinds between the window panes
Whatever your preferences, many options for the perfect window blinds are available when looking for light solutions for your property, whether residential or commercial, that can offer privacy, energy efficiency, control light, and look fantastic.
