The Sunday Mail
Upgrading the blinds in your home might seem like an unimportant task, but in reality, installing the right set of blinds can add visual appeal and increased privacy to your home. There are many stylish yet affordable blinds for you to choose from that will elevate your living space.
Signs your blinds need replacing
While blinds are typically made to last seven to eight years, outside factors such as humidity, malfunctioning parts and the purchase of new windows could force your existing blinds into early retirement. If you have had the same set of blinds for close to a decade, you will probably notice natural wear and tear caused by age, such as warped or bent slats and frayed cords. Blinds that are difficult to raise and lower could indicate that internal pieces are damaged.
Types of blinds
For highly functional rooms like your kitchen, opt for a resilient window treatment, such as Venetian blinds. For smaller rooms, lightweight window treatments that do not draw too much focus, like mini blinds, work well. Blinds can be outside-mounted (attached to the wall or window trim, or above the frame) or inside-mounted (nestled within the window frame).
Venetian blinds
Venetian blinds are one of the most popular styles and feature adjustable horizontal slats made from wood, aluminum, or plastic. These blinds fit in seamlessly with many interior design styles because they come in a variety of sizes and colours. You can further customise Venetian blinds with cloth tape, cordless or motorised lifting mechanisms and light-blocking materials.
Mini blinds
One of the most affordable and versatile options is mini blinds, which have slats that are less than half the width of standard-size blinds. They are typically made of synthetic materials, meaning they are lightweight, durable and easy to clean.
Vertical blinds
If you are looking for a simple yet sleek appearance, vertical blinds are a great option. These types of blinds are ideal for commercial spaces and sliding glass doors since they are highly durable and can easily be moved out of the way when necessary. Because vertical blinds move side to side across your windows, they are easy to adjust depending on how much natural light you want to bring in.
Blind sizes
Because there are so many different styles of windows and dimensions, blinds are not one-size-fits-all. If you have custom windows or live in an older home, it is likely standard-size blinds will not work. However, you can set up consultations with major retailers to get your windows measured and receive expert recommendations about the type of window treatments you should purchase.
Materials for blinds
Blinds can be purchased in a variety of colours and materials to match your design aesthetic. When selecting these features, keep in mind what room you are decorating, your budget and the size of window you are dressing.
Wood blinds
Wood blinds are the most durable and long-lasting type available, creating a polished, natural look in most rooms. Many manufacturers offer wood blinds in multiple stains, so you can match your set to window frames, flooring or other wood accents in your home. Wood blinds are great for high-traffic, low-humidity rooms since they hold up under frequent use but will warp if exposed to too much moisture.
Faux wood blinds
If you like the look of wood blinds but they are out of your price range, faux wood blinds are a more affordable alternative. Made from either composite wood or PVC, faux wood blinds tolerate moisture better than wood blinds, so you can install them in high-humidity areas like bathrooms. Because it tends to be heavier than other materials, faux wood should not be adjusted frequently, making it less ideal for commonly used spaces.
Vinyl blinds
Most common in mini blinds and vertical blinds, vinyl is a lightweight synthetic material that can easily blend into just about any interior design style. Vinyl blinds are incredibly versatile because moisture and household cleaning products will not damage them.
Aluminum blinds
While less likely to visually blend into your windowsill than wood or vinyl, aluminum blinds are great for spots in your home that are more functional than decorative (think a garage or home office). Most aluminum blinds are rust-proof, so they are capable of withstanding high levels of moisture. They also tend to last longer than vinyl blinds. — freshome
