How to choose the right blinds. Improved light control. More privacy. A good night’s sleep. Homeowners install new blinds in their bedrooms, kitchens, and living rooms for plenty of reasons. But with the amount of window treatment options currently available, finding the blinds that best respond to each homeowner’s specific needs can be difficult.
Different types of blinds come with different advantages—and if installed incorrectly or in the wrong environment, different blinds can pose distinct disadvantages too. For instance, wood blinds are beautiful, durable, and long-lasting window treatments. However, installing these blinds in a very humid bathroom may lead to warping and discoloration over time.
How then do homeowners determine which types of blinds will look and perform best in their homes? In this post, we address some of the most common questions homeowners ask before investing in custom blinds.
When should you choose blinds over shades?
Although it’s common to use the words blinds and shades interchangeably, these two terms refer to completely different window coverings. While blinds are made of connected slats that tilt and lift for light protection, shades consist of single pieces of fabric that can be pulled up or down to protect rooms from outside light. That’s the semantic difference between blinds and shades, but what are the functional differences? In other words, when should homeowners install blinds instead of shades?
The truth is that there’s no hard-and-fast rule here. The decision depends upon each homeowner’s budget and style preferences, as well as the location of the installation. Generally, blinds are less expensive and more customizable. Their design also makes them easier to clean and repair. Shades, on the other hand, are often easier to use, more durable, and available in a wider variety of styles.
What type of light control do you need?
Very basically, blinds provide one of two types of light protection. There are room darkening blinds and light filtering blinds. While room darkening blinds block most light from entering a room, light filtering blinds operate just as their name suggests: they filter light.
Homeowners typically install room darkening blinds in spaces that call for more privacy and light control. For example, complete light protection may matter more when selecting bedroom blinds than it would when ordering living room or kitchen blinds. In common spaces with large windows, many homeowners prefer to install window treatments that filter rather than block natural light. Much like choosing between blinds and shades, deciding between room darkening and light filtering window treatments depends upon user preferences and where the blinds will be installed.
Which types of blinds are popular right now?
With all the blinds currently available, homeowners don’t have to sacrifice style for functionality. For homeowners who want to keep up with the latest interior design trends, here are three types of blinds that are in style this year.
Safe blinds for homeowners with pets and small children
Ready to take cord cutting to the next level? Cordless blinds are a safer and easier-to-use option for homeowners with pets or young children. A great match for nurseries, playrooms, and walls with multiple windows, cordless window coverings are available in a variety of styles, including cordless Roman shades, cellular shades, aluminum blinds, faux wood blinds and wood blinds. The best part? These window treatments address safety concerns while still providing a sleek look.
Smart blinds for tech-savvy homeowners
Have you already set up your app-controlled vacuum and optimized your WiFi thermostat? If so, motorized blinds offer another smart solution for homeowners looking to automate their homes. Ideal for homeowners with accessibility needs, these blinds can be raised, lowered, and tilted using a remote control.
Sustainably-sourced and natural blinds
For environmentally conscious homeowners who want to outfit their homes in planet-friendly ways, natural blinds (like wood blinds) are the way to go. Available in a variety of sizes, wood types, and finishes, these classic blinds appeal to homeowners due to their refined appearance and advanced light protection.
(Looking for a different type of window treatment? If you want to learn more about shades or shutters, we explore a wider range of window treatment trends in this blog post.)
Struggling to find the best blinds for your home?
The last year has been hard, but finding the right blinds for your home shouldn’t be. Since 2006, A+ Blinds has helped homeowners in central Indiana install high-quality window coverings. If you still don’t know which blinds will perform best in your home, let’s talk. One of our window treatment specialists can help you determine which types of blinds will be the best fit for your next home improvement project.