Assuming you don’t want to be on show 24/7, you need some kind of covering for your windows. You might even be trying to work from home but with the sun shining on your laptop’s screen, it’s making it impossible for you to work – you’ll need some shade for your windows.
Have you just moved into a new place that had no blinds or curtains? You’ll need to find the perfect shade solution for your windows. The last thing you want is to be woken up by the sun when you are trying to sleep in on a Sunday morning.
You could choose curtains for a traditional look, though there are some rooms, such as the kitchen and bathroom, where they’re not advisable. More common these days, especially for homes with a contemporary look, is to use blinds. They’re relatively easy to fit, clean and adjust. But which of the many types of blinds are best?
The Types of Blind
There are numerous different blind designs, and they can be made of various materials. The most familiar styles include the Venetian blind, with its folding horizontal slats, or the vertical blind with slats running top to bottom. There are also roller blinds and Roman blinds, sometimes called shades, with material rolled or folded away when not in use.
Blinds with slats can be made of wood, bamboo, aluminium, plastic or stiffened fabric. The roller and Roman types are usually made of fabric but can also be made of plastic.
All of these suit certain uses, but what are the main pros and cons?
Blind Pros and Cons
Venetian blind
Pros: Easy to adjust to regulate the sunlight coming in. Can give the room a stylish, continental feel.
Cons: Not the easiest type of blind to install.
Vertical blind
Pros: Easily adjustable like the Venetian blind, but doesn’t look as good when opened.
Cons: Can break easily in the breeze if hung over an open window.
Roller blind
Pros: Easy to install and allows a pattern to match the room’s décor, as with curtains.
Cons: Can’t be adjusted like slatted blinds for an exact amount of light.
Roman blind
Pros: Allows a patterned design but can also be lined with added insulation.
Cons: Harder to clean.
Blind Materials Pros and Cons
The various materials have their pros and cons too:
Wood Blinds
Pros: Looks luxurious and stylish.
Cons: Expensive and unsuitable for kitchens and bathrooms.
Bamboo Blinds
Pros: Great for giving the room a modern and sleek look.
Cons: Even more expensive than wood.
Aluminium Blinds
Pros: Cheap and easy to keep clean. Good for commercial spaces.
Cons: Doesn’t give the most sophisticated look to a room.
Fabric Blinds
Pros: Can be patterned like curtains and lined for insulation.
Cons: Unsuitable for kitchens and bathrooms.
Plastic Blinds
Pros: Cheap and flexible. Can be used anywhere.
Cons: Can look tacky and might not last long.
If you’re a good DIYer, most blinds are fairly easy to fit yourself. A mistake can ruin more than the blind, so if you don’t feel confident hanging blinds, call the Handy Squad on 0800 0 12 12 12 or book online today.