Guide to window blinds

If you want to revamp your windows, then adding new blinds will certainly do the trick. But with so many types of blinds to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which best suits your home, so here’s some advice on how to pick your perfect blinds.

Blinds are available in a
range of materials and designs
 

Your windows make a big difference to your home and what better way to revamp them then by installing new blinds? Blinds have become a popular alternative to curtains. Nicolas Pearson from Hurst Blinds in Poole says: “I think the main advantage of blinds over curtains is the price – they are usually cheaper.”

Blinds are also popular because of their versatility. Unlike curtains, most blinds allow sunlight through whilst still providing privacy and can be adjusted to let in varying degrees of light. Blinds can also be easier to clean than curtains and will help prevent heat loss and sun damage to walls or furniture.

There are many different types of blinds, made from different materials, so there is bound to be something to suit your home. “Blinds seem to be a style trend, houses these days tend to be more modern and minimalistic, and people aren’t going over the top with decor. Blinds fit in with that style,” explains Nicolas.

So if you’re thinking about installing blinds in your home, here’s an overview of the main types and materials available:

Materials for blinds

Fabric blinds – fabric blinds are good because they come in a variety of colours and patterns to suit your homes decor and they are also relatively cheap. Waterproof fabrics are even available for bathrooms.

Metal blinds – aluminium is the most common metal used in blinds due to its lightweight flexible properties and the fact that it is cheap. Metal blinds have the advantage of being easy to clean but you need to be careful that they don’t rust or cut your fingers.

Wood blinds – wooden blinds are a good choice because they insulate well, block out light effectively and can be painted or stained to suit your homes decor. The main drawback is that wood warps and cracks in humid conditions, so they are not ideal for kitchens and bathrooms.

PVC/Vinyl blind – uPVC window blinds have become popular because they are extremely durable and easy to clean. They are available in different colours and designs and help to insulate your home.

Types of blinds

“The most popular type of blinds are probably vertical blinds, followed by roller blinds and then Venetian ones,” says Nicolas. “It all depends on what the customer is looking for though, what decor they’ve got and what room they are putting the blinds in.”

Blinds are a stylish
alternative to curtains

Roller blinds - made of stiff fabric, roller blinds operate on a cord pulley system. The blind literally rolls up when raised and straightens out when lowered. Roller blinds are affordable, come in a range of styles and fabric types and are ideal for bedrooms and bathrooms.

Venetian blinds – these are popular because of their ability to allow different amounts of light into a room. Venetian blinds are made of usually wooden or metal slats which can be tilted to various degrees according to the amount of light desired.

Roman Blinds – also made of fabric, roman blinds fold up and hang straight when lowered. They are a more elegant and expensive type of blind available in a range of fabrics, colours and styles. Roman blinds tend to suit living rooms and are a good alternative to curtains.

Vertical blinds – vertical blinds work best on large windows, especially ceiling to floor ones. They come in uPVC, metal and a variety of fabric colours and operate on a pull cord system.

Honeycomb blinds – this is a relatively new type of blind designed with energy efficiency in mind. The hexagonal fabric design of the blind conserves heat by trapping air in tiny cells. This creates an extra insulating barrier between the window and inside of the home.

Blackout blinds – blackout blinds are normally used in bedrooms and are made of a dense material which blocks out sunlight. They are ideal for light sleepers or those who work at night.

How much do blinds cost?

You should consult a professional blinds company to get a quote for your new window blinds. Nicolas says: “Sometimes the customer phones up and knows exactly what they want but some don’t have a clue, so we would help advise them on what kind of blinds would suit their home.” Price will depend on the type and material you go for and the size of the windows.