15 Different Types of Blinds for Windows
Blinds are popular window treatment materials preferred by many people for window covering more than the conventional window curtains. According to Home Stratosphere, a study was done among 750 persons on the window covering of their choice and 58% indicated they would prefer blinds. Blinds are popular as they can be easily opened or closed by tilting. They are also easy to maintain while then many types make it easy for one to get that which fits their budget. This means that blinds are not only window coverings, but you can also use them to spruce your windows to give them that elegant look. There are different types of blinds, as explained below.
1. Vertical blinds
Vertical blinds have single planks that run along a trail at the top of the blind. Based on the style, vertical blinds can either open by parting in the middle or side by side. These blinds, in most cases, are the popular selection for floor-to-ceiling windows and patio doors. However, they can be used on smaller windows as well. Different materials are used to make these vertical blinds depending on your budget and the design. Vertical blinds are easy to clean, and they look great. If you choose to outfit for a sliding door, vertical blinds are a great choice for this. Vertical blinds are highly adjustable they can be used in both formal and casual areas. Vertical blinds can also be used as a way to create a contemporary look to dress your home or office windows and add a splash of color making your windows to be admired.
2. Venetian Blinds
Venetian blinds are mostly the popular style of blinds, they originated from Venice Italy, and replaced the fabric curtains and shutters. These unlike the vertical ones are horizontally designed and are presented by horizontal slats attached with stripes or strings of fabric known as tapes. Venetian blinds are lifted, and the bottom plank is pressed into the above slat. They feature sagging lift cords with breakaway cordless blinds and equalizers. These blinds can be custom fitted for any type of window this includes an arched window. Venetian blinds are best used for doors and windows of all sizes. Whether smaller widows and single doors, Venetian blinds are both thin and thick in styles, and they have different styles which have their own substitute names but are within the Venetian blinds. The materials used to make Venetian blinds are very conceivable, and they include bamboo aluminum, Pac, and faux wood making the blinds have a very fancy look to give your room that flawless look.
3. Mini blinds
Mini blinds are alike in operation to Venetian blinds, although they feature planks of a smaller length than old-fashioned Venetian blinds with the slats are commonly being one thick. Mini blinds are easy to install and, once installed can last for a long time. On the other hand, thicker faux or wood are more sophisticated and are costly. Mini blinds are very difficult to clean since they have more slats to clean but once cleaned they will go for a long time looking elegant. Mini blinds are incredible in lightweight, they provide light control all day long, and are easy to install. Mini blinds most preferably for business premises although they can also be used at homes.
4. Micro blinds
Micro blinds are thinner than mini-blinds they feature slats that are half thick and are useful for smaller windows and windows with unusual shapes. Micro blinds feature narrow lightweight slats which makes them very efficient when it comes to shutting them. Due to micro blinds being relatively thin when compared to the Macro blinds, they can be customized to the right shape and size when you have non-typical windows. If you go for those made of aluminum, this fireproof material will also resist harsh weather conditions such as humidity.
5. Panel Blinds
These kinds of blinds are popular for large house or office windows. Their design also allows for them to be used in the partitioning of space as they usually appear as big panels. You may also find them being referred to as Japanese blinds. Therefore, if you are seeking to control the level of light or enhance privacy when you have large windows these are the blinds to choose from. They are also very versatile as they can also be used to cover wardrobes and patio doors. Since they are for large covering to enable easiness in opening or closing a track is provided upon which they move.
6. Pleated Shades
Pleated shades are blinds that allow the elegance of your window by providing a pattern that is accordion in nature and allowing enough light to enter the room, making the indoor environment to be tidy. The main advantage of these types of blinds is that they are available at a very affordable price. They can also be compacted such that by folding them, they appear as just one flat stack. They are made of fabric material or paper sheets, which like Venetian they give you that soft-like feel. The only setback is that unlike other blinds, which are made of slats, this one cannot be opened from one side to the other.
7. Roman Shades
Roman shades are sometimes referred to as Roman blinds in some quarters. They are customary window coverings which is made of soft material folded from top-down to give a waterfall feel. The other styles that may be of interest to you are flat batten front or batten bark fold. Traditionally this shade is made of three components which are the panel, a ring, and a cord. The panel consists of the fabric that makes or forms the main body of the blind. To address the issue of light filtering and privacy you can have a roman shade with a lining option. Through innovations, you can have modernized types that can even be powered to make them automatically controlled. These blinds have one disadvantage in that they fold at the top with this huge material stack at the top blocking your view which would make them unsuitable if you want to have a significant amount of natural light in your room.
8. Persian blinds
These types of blinds in terms of function are almost similar to the Venetian blinds as they are the same design donning slats. It is designed to provide a high level of privacy and also control the amount of light permitted. According to Farm Food Family, the major point of departure between the two is that Persian blind slats are vertical while those of Venetian are horizontal. Consequently, in terms of where they are applicable, they are better suited for doors or windows that are comparatively larger and sliding. They are made from different materials such as wood, plastic, and metal which are joined together by cords that run between the blind slats. They give your home a warm atmosphere as these vertical slats give your home that stylish look. They are therefore suitable whether you are thinking of a home or an office set up.
9. Smart blinds
As the name suggests is that these types of blinds can be remotely opened or closed through computer applications or voice commands. They can be obtained in different patterns such as honeycomb, slated styles, or breakers giving you a wide range of choices. The source of power is a critical consideration when it comes to choosing this type of blinds. The reason is that each source of power has its advantages and disadvantages. For example, a solar-powered smart blind would appear tidy when compared with ones with electrical cords. However, if you live in an area where there is a prolonged season of insufficient sunlight, you may opt for the one with electrical cords. Smart shades and blinds can retract, extend and tilt automatically, making them very luxurious although they are also plain and useful. They help in conserving energy and boosting your home security
10. Solar Shades
These types of blinds are referred to as solar shades due to their form. They are crafted to limit the level of light in your house without the obstruction of the outdoor view. They are important when you want to ward off excessive ultraviolet rays while still enjoying the natural light in your house or office. They don’t appear with fancy designs such as those of smart blinds due to their functionality. However, to achieve this they are usually made of light polythene material that is woven which makes it not very suitable for home set up where elegance is desired. These blinds have ratings in terms of percentage that help you when choosing which one fits your need. The percentages are an indication of the level of light and UV that the shade will permit. If you require just enough light with shielding from UV, you should go for rates ranging within percentages of 1 to 3. If looking for sufficient light levels and UV protection 5% should work for you, while if protection from UV is not your concern, but you need more light 10% should be your choice.
11. Skylight Shades
These kinds of blinds that designed to provide shade from sunlight from roof space. They can be found in different designs such as breakers, cellular and frilled styles. The most preferred of these styles is the cellular type. Their design with long air conduits which traps air at the window are useful in enhancing insulation. They will therefore protect your house from excessive heat during summer and cold winds during winter. Operating them involves rolling up to open or rolling down to close by the use of a stick or pole although this has been improved currently by providing a button in place of the pole or stick.
12. Outdoor Shades
These kinds of blinds are referred to as shades as they don’t only provide coverage, but also offer protection for your outdoor places such as the grill area and courtyard. Since they are exposed to varying weather conditions they are made of materials such as stalks and interwoven wood which are tougher than those of other types of blinds. They are useful in ensuring favorable air conditioning by allowing air during hotter days, controlling light entry, and completely shutting when there are harsh weather conditions. One of the advantages of outdoor shades is that they provide you with that extra space with enhanced privacy while at the same time offering protection from unfavorable weather conditions and insects such as flies. Probably a major advantage is energy conservation as they can keep the outdoor space warm or cool hence no need for HVAC systems.
13. Blackout Roller Blinds
These kinds of blinds are applicable if you are desiring extra privacy as well as enhanced light control. This is especially applicable in places like offices or consultation rooms in hospitals where high levels of privacy are desired. In a home setup, this is preferable in places like the bedroom. Since they will make the room darker they are usually used with other blinds so that they can be completely rolled away when light is needed. The thick and impervious material makes also blinds to block UV rays while the fire-proof material ensures safety in case of fire breaks.
14. Roller Shades
These blinds are popular with people who would wish to keep on changing the style of their windows or doors by mounting them differently. They also work well with other shades or draping make them more functional. They can also be designed to include blackout and thermal clothing. They, therefore, offer the advantage of presenting different styles make them highly customizable. There is even the modernized roller shade that appears with various colors and patterns as well as a wide range of light controls.
15. Sheer Shades
These are types of blinds for one to acquire if you desire different shades in your room or office. For example, for someone desiring to have a hearty radiance, especially during the daytime, a classical sheer shade will work for you. On the other hand, if you don’t want that dark space provided by blackout rollers, it would still work for you. According to Factory Direct Blinds, some of the advantages you would enjoy using sheer shades include enhanced beauty of your space, categorized light penetration, uncompromised privacy, and customization easiness.