Choosing the right type of blinds

You know you want blinds in your home. You know you can find blinds online. So you start searching.

And that’s where things can become a little tricky because there are so many different styles and types of blinds and window coverings!

What is the best option for a bay window, what are best for blacking out your bedroom at night, what reduces sun glare in a conservatory or what provides privacy from passers by? And, all of that is before you start trying to measure up.

Don’t worry, though. Our useful blind buying guide will help put you on the right track.

What do you need your blind for?

Before you can work out just what kind of blinds you need in your home, you’ll need to work out what you want them to do. Sounds obvious, right? All blinds are going to cover your windows – it’s their job – but there are many other things to consider.

How much light?

How much light do you want in your room once the blinds are installed?

There are blinds that let in a lot of light because they are made of thinner fabric, or because they can be tilted and turned to give you the effect you want.

Alternatively, if you prefer things dark and cosy, there are blinds that will give you that feeling every time you pull them down.

Privacy, blocking out passers-by

For some a blind is all all about controlling the light that comes into their home, but for others it’s more a question of privacy – they don’t want the neighbours or random passers-by to be able to see inside when they’re just going about their everyday business.

How much privacy do you want?

Budget, what price range?

As with pretty much everything, price is going to come into it. You can spend a fortune on blinds or you can spend a little.

You can pay out a lot for one specific blind, or you can spread the cost across the number you need.

Remember, the larger the window the more the blind is going to cost, so you’ll need to take this into account.

Having a budget in place before you begin looking will help you to narrow down your choices and prevent any disappointment later on.

Child safety

Blinds are generally safe, but cordless versions might be better if you have small children around. What is going to work best for you and your family?

Cleaning

Housework is a chore, we know, but it still has to be done, and it’s something that needs to be considered when you are having blinds installed.

Fabric blinds may need to have a vacuum cleaner run over them from time to time, but if you pick a darker shade or a textured fabric, any marks that might appear will be much less noticeable.

If you’re opting for a slatted blind, a feather duster will work wonders. Are these things going to be possible in your home?

Your home décor

Finally, whatever blinds you finally choose are going to have to match with the rest of your home’s décor, unless, of course, you have an eclectic mix of styles in which case it won’t matter.

But most people do have one overriding theme in their homes, and the blind should fit in with that; no matter how beautiful the blind might be, you don’t want it to stand out for the wrong reasons.

Types Of Blinds

Just as there are many things to consider before you can decide exactly where and how (and how much) and why, blind-wise, once you have determined how much light you want, how the blinds are going to match with the rest of your décor, and a variety of other questions that should be answered, you’re going to have to then move on to the exact type of blind that will enhance your home the most, and fulfill all the criteria you’ve already decided on.

This can be the most challenging part of picking blinds because each different style has a number of pros and cons. We’ve broken down each one so you can get a better idea of whether or not they will be what you need.

Roman Blinds

Roman blinds look wonderful. They are billowy and full, and they give off a feeling of luxury. Cord operated, they concertina up and sit neatly until they are closed again.

As they generally come in heavier fabric they are perfect for rooms that get a little cold or chilly. This makes them a good choice for living rooms, kitchens and bedroom. The heavier fabric, however, doesn’t make them such a good choice for bathrooms, as the moisture in the air can make them damp.

Roman blinds come in both modern and more vintage styles, in a variety of different materials and a vast range of colours too… you will find a Roman blind to fit your décor.

In general, they are not the best choice for privacy while allowing light into the room as they either need to be opened or closed.

Roller Blinds

Roller blinds are, as the name would suggest, attached to a roller that uses a spring hinge for the opening and closing mechanism. Pull on the cord and the roller will turn, taking the blind up with it so that it is rolled up at the top.

They come in a dazzling array of colours and patterns that can brighten any room or provide a neutral backdrop to your room… the choice is all yours!

Rollers are a very popular choice and will work well in any room of your home, including bathrooms, and blackout roller blinds are a great choice for children’s bedrooms.

Like Roman blinds, they are corded which can be a cause potential danger for small children and pets and so it is worth investing in child-safe versions.

Vertical Blinds

Vertical blinds are unique because, unlike other types of blinds, they have vertical ‘vanes’ rather than being just one sheet of material or having horizontal slats.

They are most often used on larger windows that need a lot of coverage since they are a cost-effective way to do this. This makes them a very popular choice in living rooms and conservatories.

While we are all familiar with the white and cream coloured vertical blinds that are often seen in shops and business windows, there are a wide range of colourful choices and patterns available.

Vertical blinds also give you plenty of control over how much light you want in the room since they can be fully open, fully closed, or the vanes can be turned to increase/decrease sunlight. This easy adjustment also makes them a good choice where you wish to have increased privacy but also sufficient light throughout the day.

Venetian Blinds

Venetian blinds also have slats, only these ones are horizontal, and they aren’t made of fabric; they come in wood, metal, or vinyl styles instead.

If you’ve ever watched a film that has people peeping out from between the slats of a window blind, it’s the Venetian you’re looking at!

The great thing about Venetian blinds is that the slats can be turned to either block the light or let it pass through. Plus, of course, they can be opened and closed fully as well.

Venetian blinds are harder to install properly compared to other types of blinds, so they’re not that ideal for DIY projects; a professional should be called to help you.

Cleaning is also more effort with these blinds, as you might already have imagined; each slat will need to be dusted individually and this can be very time-consuming. It should also be noted that Venetian blinds will always let a little light in, even when fully closed an so may not be the best choice for a bedroom if complete darkness is required.

Vision Blinds

Where you are looking for a blind to gently soften and filter daylight while offering increased privacy, vision blinds are recommended.

Offering contemporary designs, the innovative Vision fabric collection features stunning metallics, gorgeous sheers, natural wood woven effects and a popular selection of muted tones.

They look stunning and have become a popular choice for living rooms, kitchens and conservatories… particularly where a little privacy is required while not impeding too much light.

Electric Blinds

Electric – or motorised – blinds come in a variety of different styles, so you should be able to have an electric blind installed at any window you choose, no matter what the size. Venetian, Roman, roller, and vertical blinds can all be installed with a motor if required.

Why would you go down this path?

The main reason is convenience; whether you use a remote control or the blinds are on a timer system (or you have both and switch between the two), you don’t actually have to touch the blind itself. Add to that the fact that, without human interaction the blind will stay cleaner for longer.

Electric blinds are particularly popular in places where they are difficult to get to for opening and closing or, as in a lot of conservatories, where there are a number of blinds to open and close (multiple blinds can work from one switch).

As there are no hanging cords, electric blinds can feel a safer option.

Electric blinds are more expensive than a standard blind, so it’s important to make sure your budget is going to be able to cope with this option.

Shutters

In the past shutters would have been considered a left field idea for your home and, they aren’t blinds!

However, they are becoming a more popular form of window covering and may work out a better choice than blinds depending on what you’re looking for.

The reason people choose shutters over blinds is that they offer a much more interesting look; they’re a statement as well as a useful way to enjoy privacy within your home.

They’re the kind of thing that will give any room a ‘wow factor’ (especially as they look amazing from the outside as well as inside, and can even add value to your home). As a bonus, shutters can also help with temperature control, which isn’t something blinds tend to be able to do. And, they’re easy to clean.

Shutters don’t, however, block out all the light – of course, this might not be a problem for you, and it’s going to depend on your own personal feelings.

They’re also hard to fit yourself, and it is a bigger job than installing normal blinds, so it is best to get a professional shutter fitter involved.

Blinds win over curtains

There might be more to choose the right blinds for your home than you initially thought, but don’t let that put you off. Once you have determined exactly what’s going to work best, you’ll be very happy indeed with the results.

When you compare any kind of blind style to curtains, the other leading alternative when it comes to window coverings, you’ll find that blinds win out every time.

Blinds are more durable, they can often be less expensive (even made to measure varieties), they can be cost-saving in terms of your energy bills, they are easier to clean, and they can give you complete control over how much light and privacy you have and want.

When it’s time to choose your blinds, take your time, and the result will be beautiful.

Your local business blinds experts

Based in Ipswich, Westminster Blinds supply and fit blinds for offices, shops, schools and commercial premises across Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex.

Our expert team can provide a wide range of creative and stylish blind solutions that can reduce, sun glare and heat. We then supply and fit the blinds at a time convenient to you… excellent products, brilliantly installed.