Understanding different types of window blinds is a good investment for any homeowner looking for functional home decoration.
As one of the most favorable window treatments, blinds are not only functional but also look great in any home style.
Even though window blinds tend to be hard to clean, their advantages do outweigh this cleaning issue.
Then, what type of blind should you buy for your upcoming remodeling project? Subsequently are some of the ideas you might use.
Diverse Types of Window Blinds on the Market
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Before discovering several kinds of blinds that are available on the market, you better know that they are not completely similar to shades.
Even though ‘blinds’ and ‘shades’ are often generalized, they have a different function.
For instance, blinds typically feature individual slats that can be set up and down. Besides, you can roll them from side to side as well.
Meanwhile, shades do not have individual slats since they are designed from one piece of material. As a result, you cannot adjust them side to side, only up and down.
You can find many types of window blinds because they come in a range of diverse sizes, materials, and styles. Below is a further explanation about each of them.
Venetian Blinds
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If you are looking for something trendy and popular, this type of blind is the right choice. It comes with horizontal slats that connect with strips of fabric or rope.
When you lift Venetian blinds, their bottom slat will be pushed into another one over it.
Panel Blinds
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For very large windows or patio doors, you may consider using panel blinds since they are pretty popular for this purpose.
These types of window blinds feature pieces that go along a track. That is why the panel is accessible when you need it.
Vertical Blinds
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Similar to the above panel type, vertical blinds feature a path at the top that allows each slat to move along.
It is possible to find two different styles of these types of window blinds. The first one allows you to open them from side to side while the second can be opened by separating in the middle.
You can install vertical blinds for floor-to-ceiling windows or terrace doors. However, they still make a good choice for a smaller space too.
Mini Blinds
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Among different types of blinds on the list, this one is one of the most suitable choices for small windows.
The operation of these window coverings is very identical to Venetian blinds. However, you will find them to have smaller slats in terms of width compared to their counterparts.
Meanwhile, the slats of mini blinds are typically around 3 cm thick.
Micro Blinds
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If you need something tinier than mini blinds, this type is probably of interest. It features such small slats that are about 1.5 cm thick only.
Cellular Shades
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Paper and fabric are typically the main materials of these types of window blinds. Their front and rear sections are open in the center, creating a pouch that offers insulation.
Cellular shades come in various cell sizes formed to fit the requirement of different windows out there.
You can count on these shades to keep your home warm in the cold winter and cool in the hot summer.
More interestingly, cellular shades also feature sound insulation for your total convenience.
Pleated Shades
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In some points, these types of window blinds look similar to cellular shades. Its material is using paper and fabric, too.
However, different from cellular shades, a pleated one is not made of two dissimilar pieces of material.
As the name suggests, these shades come with a piece of material that is folded to create an accordion-like pattern.
Pleated shades also resemble Venetian blinds in terms of look. They can soften the appearance of your windows. Nevertheless, you will not be able to adjust them from side to side.
Roller Shades
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Roller shades are another one of the popular window blinds for home today. You can find them on the market in different types of materials ranging from natural to synthetic fabrics.
These types of window blinds can be revolved up or down as you like. Roller shades also come in a variety of styles, so you can mount them in several different approaches.
The most affordable style of these blinds may offer an outer structure that lets you notice all of the diverse instruments and mounting equipment of the shade.
Meanwhile, more stylish options may feature cornices or valances that can conceal all of the shade’s apparatus while offering a better look.
One of the reasons why people prefer to use roller shades is due to the broad range of materials available. Besides, they often come with some extra features such as blackout and thermal linings.
Roman Shades
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If you are looking for traditional types of window blinds, roman shades are the answer. Typically made of fabric or stuff like seagrass or jute, they have been known to be every homeowner’s favorite.
You can find roman blinds in several different styles. Nevertheless, all of them share one thing in common, i.e. when these shades are elevated, they will fold into themselves.
This mechanism makes roman shades identical to how Venetian blinds work. Due to such asystem, they can form a pretty large cloth at the top of your window when fully raised.
Consequently, roman shades may eliminate a bit of the viewable space on your windows when being open despite being able to bring a stylish, ageless look.
These types of blinds are available with or without a line to meet your styles. Moreover, you can also enjoy additional attributes including thermal or blackout linings.
Solar Shades
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It is safe to say that these types of window blinds are very identical to roller shades.
Their primary function is to diminish the number of UV rays, glare, heat, and sunlight that get inside the room without blocking the outside’s view completely.
Solar shades make a perfect choice if you need blinds for sunny windows since they work like sunglasses.
Skylight Shades
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If you want to cover such hard-to-reach skylights, these types of blinds are designed specifically for this purpose.
Moreover, you can find skylight shades in a range of diverse styles including cellular, pleated, and roller.
Compared to other styles, many homeowners prefer to use cellular shades for skylights since they offer insulating features.
Then, they tend to come with a removable rod that functions as navigation to adjust, raise, or lower the blind.
However, skylight blinds may feature a handle rather than a rod for lowering and raising the shade. You can even find one that works automatically.
Outdoor Shades
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Since they are supposed to be outside the home, heavy-duty and weather-resistant materials are commonly used to create these types of window blinds.
You can take advantage of outdoor shades on your decks or patios to lessen the amount of solar heat and exposure that come into these areas.
For better protection, outdoor solar shades are offered on the market and particularly well-liked.
Smart Blinds
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Thanks to the emergence of smart home technology, these types of window blinds are becoming increasingly widespread.
Smart shades and blinds can be found in both traditional and high-tech styles, offering freedom to every homeowner.
Most smart blinds allow syncing with a smartphone application and are possible to be managed individually or in a group.
Moreover, these types of window blinds can be prepared as your content. While they are most visually appealing, they are capable to help with saving energy costs as well.
With such advantages offered, smart blinds are a kind of costly investment for most people’s home improvement project.
Alternatively, consider purchasing a smart controller for your existing blinds instead of buying this costly window treatment.
This smart controller makes it possible for your available blind to have a similar type of smart technology that is employed by expensive smart shades.
Tie-Up Shades
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If thick blinds for windows are not your thing, you probably like tie-up shades. Similar to some of the types mentioned above, they are also available in a huge variety of materials.
These types of window blinds are like a combination between a curtain and a shade. Considering their visual appearance, they will give a touch of country or casual style to your space.
Tie-up blinds are designed with ties that can enlarge ahead of their underside. Simply lift it and tie the shade in place for an eye-catching, neat look.
Common Blind Materials to Know
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In addition to the styles, you should know that both blinds and shades are made of various materials as well.
After determining the types of window blinds, choosing the suitable material is the next important step.
The reason is that each room may require different kinds of blinds for the best coverage both in terms of function and visual look.
Plastic
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Among other materials, blinds made of plastic are the most economical choice. Besides, you can get them in a wide variety of dimensions and shades.
Plastic blinds are very versatile since they can suit an assortment of applications. Nevertheless, you cannot expect the same luxurious touch offered by other materials when choosing them.
Since these types of window blinds typically utilize thin plastics, you should not expect them to be very durable as well.
Wood
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If you want to bring a touch of natural beauty and warmth to your home decoration, wood blinds can be the most suitable alternative.
This popular window covering makes a great addition to any decor. However, you should think twice about buying wood blinds if your rooms have an issue with moisture and humidity.
Due to its natural trait, blinds made of wood may swell over time, making them very prone to breaking, cracking, warping, and splitting.
Faux Wood
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You probably love the appealing appearance of wood, but currently cannot afford it or do not want to deal with its natural concern.
Alternatively, you can opt for faux wood blinds that are more affordable and durable. They can even be applied in rooms or spaces with damp surroundings such as a shower stall.
Made from synthetic materials, you can count on these types of blinds for any application due to their durability and price.
Natural Fabrics
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Natural fabric is another well-liked material for both blinds and shades. However, due to the availability of various synthetic fabrics, it does not always be everyone’s first choice anymore.
Jute, seagrass, and cotton are the most widespread fabrics offered on the market. Additionally, there a lot of types of them such as roller, roman, or tie-up blinds.
Before buying types of window blinds that are made of natural fabrics, keep in mind that they cannot withstand fade and deal with the UV rays from the sun over time.
Synthetic Fabrics
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Along with natural fabrics, these materials are very popular to create particular types of blinds such as roman, tie-up, and roller.
They share similar characteristics to natural fabrics too, such easy-to-clean and very durable.
However, these synthetic materials are not prone to fading compared to their natural counterparts. Therefore, you able to foresee the beauty of these types of blinds longer.
Metal
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If you need shutter blinds to provide more privacy in bathrooms or other humid environments, ones made of metal should be a perfect choice.
Despite being resistant to moisture and look like plastic shades, metal blinds are available in a broader variety of finishes.
You can even find these types of window blinds to come with diverse gauges. Ones with smaller measures tend to have more durable and thicker slats.
Due to the nature of metal, these blinds are typically noisy and may cause inconvenience for some people.
Paper
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For a variety of décor styles, paper blinds make a great and economical option. They are mostly available in pleated types, making them perfect for bringing extra textures to your home interior.
Paper shades frequently feature a solid color, but sometimes they have appealing decorative patterns, paintings, and even pictures.
In Asia, graphic paper shades are particularly favorable since these types of window blinds can offer an eye-catching and extraordinary flair to the home.
Different Production Methods of Blinds
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Aside from styles and materials, how a blind is created becomes another major consideration when shopping for the right window covering.
Your choice will be between purchasing the ready-made and the made-to-measure ones.
The amount of budget and time you have should be your main consideration when choosing types of window blinds based on their production method.
Made to Measure
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If you are interested in having unique blinds that are designed especially for your home, made-to-measure ones are the best bet.
You have the luxury of customizing every single part of your blinds including the material, color, hardware configuration, finish, as well as other extra features.
These types of window blinds are ideal for homes with odd shapes where the ready-made sizes cannot suit them.
You might need to wait for a couple of weeks before the made-to-measure blinds ready. If the customization level is pretty high, you may need to wait for more than the said estimation.
Ready-Made
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Compared to made-to-measure varieties, these types of window blinds are much affordable and more popular.
Even though you cannot modify the design yourself, it is possible to adjust ready-made blinds to give a more custom fit to your windows.
Unlike made-to-measure blinds, you typically need to install these varieties yourself. Moreover, you can install them as soon as possible in your home decoration.
Features to Consider When Buying Window Blinds
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Without a doubt, every blind and shade provides extra privacy while reducing the amount of natural light that comes inside a room.
However, this traditional window covering can serve other features that boost their function and versatility.
Blackout fabric is one of the most favorite additional features of blinds. By owning this function, your window covering can block external light completely.
Where privacy is essential, consider buying any types of window blinds with this additional feature.
Sheer
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If you want to give extra functionality to your blinds, adding sheer fabrics can be a good choice too.
This additional feature can help you adjust the amount of light that enters your room, especially when using shades instead of blinds.
Cordless
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For those who have little kids at home, investing in cordless blinds is just right. This feature will prevent your children from breaking the stuff or hurting themselves with it.
In the absence of the cord, you can simply touch these types of window blinds for adjustment. More interestingly, it makes your product much effortless to operate.
Thermal
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Thermal is another preferable feature when it comes to modern blinds and shades. This function helps to protect your windows while maintaining the needed level of warmth in the room.
Additionally, the thermal feature can be seen in fabrics and insulating pockets. They are typically applied on the back of your blinds in a foam-like as well as a thermal lining material.
In conclusion, you have seen a lot of distinct types of window blinds. Since they come in different styles, materials, and features, make sure to pick one that suits your taste.