Design Sense - What to Know When Choosing Blinds!

Window blinds may seem to be of little significance when considering the overall look of a room, but they can have a huge impact on its appearance. Although they provide privacy and light, blinds are also a decorative element that should not be selected hastily. The right blinds can positively impact the mood of a room, while the wrong blinds can clash with other elements and be a distraction. Because there are so many choices when it comes to blinds, how you choose them is of great importance. There are certain things that buyers should know that will help them make the best possible choice when buying blinds for their home.

Window Size

The windows in a home, or any building, come in various sizes. Knowing how to measure for window blinds is one of the first and most important things that one should know. Blinds may be mounted inside of the window frame, or they may be installed outside of it. When measuring a window, measure exactly where the blinds will be installed or mounted. Whether doing an inside mount or an outside mount, take three width measurements, one each at the top, the middle, and the bottom of the window. For the height of the window, measure the left, middle, and right of the window. For an inside mount, select the smallest measurements for the width and the longest for the height. If mounting outside of the window frame, add three inches to both the width and height when hanging horizontal blinds and add four inches to the width and three inches to the height for vertical blinds.

Types of Blinds

Horizontal, mini, and vertical blinds are the most common types of blinds available. The slats on horizontal blinds, which are also known as venetian blinds, run horizontally across a window and are arranged on top of one another. They can be opened with the pull of a cord or rotated to let in light. Mini blinds are a type of horizontal blind, but the slats are narrower. They are affordable and a good choice for windows in professional spaces, although they may be used in nearly any window. With vertical blinds, the panels run vertically and are suitable for large or tall windows. In addition, they also offer ideal coverage for sliding glass doors. This type of blind may be opened when pulled to the side, or the panels may be rotated to adjust the amount of light that enters the room.

Materials

Wood, faux wood, and aluminum are popular materials for blinds. Aluminum is the material typically used for mini blinds. They come in a wide range of colors and finishes and would not quickly fade. Blinds made of aluminum are durable and resistant to moisture, making them a good choice for bathrooms or other humid areas. Faux wood has the appearance of real wood, but it is made of wood particles, PVC, and various other man-made materials. Blinds made of faux wood are also a good choice for rooms with high moisture. They are a less expensive option than wood blinds and come in various colors. Wood blinds are made of real wood and are a more expensive option; however, wood has a highly attractive look that imparts a natural elegance to any room.