Blinds are functional and beautiful window accessories. If chosen well, it can transform any room. There are different types of window treatments, but ultimately, all blinds serve the same purpose – control the amount of light and give privacy.
If this is your first time picking blinds, you should consider the following features to help you make an informed decision:
Material
Here are the different blinds materials:
- Wood: For most applications, wood blinds are a popular choice. This is because they offer a more natural look. Remember that they are available in different colors and stains. Wood blinds are not preferred for rooms where humidity and moisture are a concern. Since wood can expand and contract, they are susceptible to warping, cracking, breaking, and splitting.
- Faux wood: As the name suggests, this material provides the same beautiful and natural look like wood, but they are made from synthetic materials. Faux woods are also more economical.
- Plastic: This is the most economical of all materials. They also come in different colors and sizes. What is best, they are ideal for all applications.
- Metal: Metal blinds offer a larger variety of finishes. Metal blinds are more resistant to moisture, which makes them perfect for humid environments.
- Natural fabrics: Natural fabrics are popular. The most common fabrics include cotton, seagrass, and jute. Natural fibers are relatively easy to clean, and they are durable.
Thermal
You should check the thermal feature of the blinds in the form of insulating pockets or fabrics. Typically, the thermal fabric is sewn unto the back of the decorative fabric. In most cases, you can find thermal lining inside the blinds.
It can also be in the form of a foam-like material inside the window blinds. The additional thermal layer is important because it can help insulate the window. In the end, it can help keep the room warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Blackout
The blackout fabric is a fine addition. With this, the blinds block the external light completely. This is perfect for blinds that are utilized in bedrooms as well as rooms where privacy is the key.
Sheer
Sheer fabrics offer an additional level of functionality to window blinds. Sheer fabrics can be adjusted to increase or decrease the amount of light entering a particular room.
Top down/bottom up
This added functionality is a great way to increase versatility and visual interest. As the name suggests, this system can be raised or lowered. In the end, this gives users more options for privacy and light control. Top/down bottom up shades are particularly useful in rooms with many windows, thereby creating appealing configurations.
Cordless
This feature is an ideal option for homes with small children. If you have children around, cordless blinds should be considered so there is no cord for them to break or hurt themselves with. Aside from the safety of kids, it can also make blinds easier to operate.
Price
Since there are many blinds available, there’s a broad range of prices you can consider. When it comes to determining the price, there are different factors you need to consider like the style, material, and additional features. Another factor is how the blinds operate. Manual blinds are cheaper compared to fully automatic systems.