When it comes to dressing your windows, filtering light, or even shielding you from prying eyes while adding warmth and flair to your home, window blinds prove to be a very good substitute for curtains.
Interior blinds: blackout, sifting, or insulating? Wood, cloth, or aluminum? Let’s look at the blinds that are ideal for your windows and your demands.
To what purpose?
It’s crucial to consider their intended function before selecting window coverings, including:
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Adjust the brightness: Decide on the level of darkness you want. All blinds are possible if you only want to dim the light in the space: Venetian blinds provide a more personal setting, while Venetian models or models with movable bands screen the sun’s rays quite well while maintaining good light. On the other side, if you prefer complete darkness, use a blackout blind, which is made to completely block the sun’s rays.
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Insulate: Insulating blinds keep the heat out in the summer and the cold out in the winter by reflecting the sun’s rays and having an insulating layer that reduces heat loss. Due to the improved thermal protection they offer, they are especially well suited for bay windows or windows that face south. To increase brightness, choose a blind that is light in color.
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Protect yourself from a vis-à-vis by using sheer shades or Venetian blinds with movable slats to block prying glances from nearby residences or even the street. Your privacy will be protected yet the light can still enter your home.
What room is this for?
Naturally, the type of room influences the selection of an interior window covering, as needs differ between a living room and a bedroom:
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Venetian blinds or boats in the living room let you control the brightness while shielding you from direct sunlight. Japanese panels are another choice, especially since they are also quite attractive.
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To get complete darkness in a bedroom, choose a blackout roller blind.
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Select a Venetian or roller blind for the kitchen that will shield you from direct sunlight and be simple to clean. Avoid fabric window coverings, though, as they won’t hold up to the room’s dampness.
For which window?
The size and nature of the window opening are crucial factors in selecting the right blinds:
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The window’s dimensions: Any blind can fit in a regular opening, however for a small opening, the more subdued and adjustable roman blind is our recommendation. On the other hand, you need wide shades for a large bay window (at least 2 m). The Venetian or Californian blind, as well as models with vertical strips and Japanese panels, will then be ideal. Finally, you will require custom blinds if your window has non-standard proportions.
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The type of opening: Your window opening cannot be blocked by the blind or its storage box. Tilt-and-turn openings have the option of opening conventionally (sideways) or upwards (bellows opening). Then, for greater convenience, pick roller or pleated blinds with clips or clamps. It will be important to select sliding blinds for windows that glide (Japanese panels or blinds with vertical strips).
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Installing a roof blind is frequently more difficult, although Venetian or roller blinds are options that easily fit this space.
What is the budget?
Interior blind costs vary depending on the model, size, material, and number of slats:
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Venetian shades The most affordable variants are made of PVC and start at about €25, while aluminum models can cost up to €100. The most expensive Venetian blinds are made of wood, with prices ranging from 100 to more than 500 euros depending on size.
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The roller blind is a kind that is reasonably priced. Budget between €25 and €100, with blackout roller blinds being the priciest option.
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For a standard size model of the Roman blind and the blind with vertical bands, budget between 100 and 200 euros.
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For a blind measuring 60 x 120 cm, budget between 70 and 150 euros.
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In general, motorized blinds cost twice as much as their manual counterparts.
Which type of window blind should I select?
1. Venetian blinds
The most traditional! The horizontal slats of the blind shop near me may be lifted to a range of widths (16 to 50 mm), and they can also change orientation to direct light penetration into your room.
The awning may be raised or lowered using a chain system, and it can be set at the correct height using a self-locking brake. A rod is also used to modify the slats’ angle of inclination.
The Venetian blind is appropriate for all rooms because it is resilient, space-saving, and simple to maintain.
It works well for both controlling the temperature in the house and filtering out light to completely darken a space.
2. The roller blinds
The roller blind is a broad strip of cloth that can be rolled up and unrolled as needed owing to a string, making it both practical and space-saving.
The awning can once more be locked at the proper height using a brake. Installing it is among the easier options, especially if you have a small space.
Additionally, it works in all rooms. Depending on whether you want a sifting model or a blackout roller blind, the apron must be set to be more or less opaque.
Additionally, there are day and night roller blinds that change to fit the time of day.
3. The vertical strip blind
The vertical blind, often called the Californian blind, is perfect for bay windows and big windows. Additionally, it can adjust to unusual apertures and even fit inside a roof.
As the name implies, this blind is constructed of fairly large vertical, movable strips (ranging in width from 50 to 130 cm), fixed to a rail.
It uses a side rope to open and close. To choose from, consider bands made of PVC, wood, aluminum, or fabric (the latter being the most popular).
4. The Roman blind
The blind that resembles a curtain the most is the Roman blind. It is made of a delicate fabric and has a drawstring so you can adjust the height of the opening. The cloth is folded in large, flat pleats when the blind is open.
The Roman blind is bright and warm, making it ideal for the living room. It is, however, merely filtering and less resilient than a Californian or Venetian blind.
It should also be avoided in kitchens since it is prone to contamination.
Close to the roman blind is the pleated blind. It is small, light, and provides good opacity. It is made of a fabric that wrinkles when it opens. It should not be used in a bathroom or kitchen, or even in fabric.
5. Japan blinds
Japanese panels, commonly referred to as Japanese blinds, are made up of sliding panels that move one behind the other.
They are quite beautiful and ideal for covering large windows, hiding storage, or dividing an area temporarily.
