Why do people install window blinds in their homes? Well, there are plenty of reasons
- First, it is to regulate the amount of light in their rooms
- To block direct sun rays from entering their home and prevent unnecessary property damage
- To maintain the value of their property
- To make their homes more appealing etc
But all that will depend on the specific blinds for windows you install in your home.
Window blinds vary from one to another depending on so many factors.
These include but are not limited to
- Designs
- Size
- Colors
- Nature of production; mass-produced and customized blinds
- The material used; aluminum, Real wood, faux wood, PVC
- Mode of operation; Corded, Cordless, remote-controlled blinds
- Type of support; top hanging, bottom rail blinds
- Thermal Effect, Ie., blocking unwanted heat during summer and keeping the heat in during cold weather
- Weight and so on
All these will affect the kind of experience you get from your window blinds. And your goal is to maximize your experience.
How will you accomplish that?
Here are some tips.
- First Understand the Different Types of Blinds for Windows
Before you even start on the tiny details, first, you need a general idea of the window blinds available in the market. The best way to do that is to learn how to differentiate blinds based on their types. Do your research and gather as much information as possible about each type. That includes their origin, unique features, advantages, disadvantages, etc.
Below is a list of some of the most common types of window blinds
- Venetian blinds
- Vertical blinds
- Roller blinds
- Pleated blinds
- Panel blinds
- Roman blinds
- Outdoor blinds
- Your Style Matters
Your home has a theme, and every room is different.
Before committing to any purchase, think about your theme and the specific room you intend to install the blind. Does it compliment your style? If it doesn’t, keep searching until you find the one that does.
- Think about the Maintenance and Cleaning
Like everything else, blinds are not without issues. They can malfunction or get damaged, and they do wear out over time. That’s not all. They also get dirty. Regular maintenance and cleaning are crucial to keep the blinds in good condition and extend their durability. But the maintenance level and the cost required are not the same.
Some window blinds are difficult and costly to maintain; others are the exact opposite. Some fabrics require very little care and maintenance. But some others, Eg, the embroidered ones, are sensitive and may require professional assistance to clean. Wooden blinds are also expensive to maintain.
Aluminum blinds, on the other hand, are easy to maintain and clean. Before picking any blind for your home, first, find out how much time, money, and energy you will need to spend maintaining it. Make sure you are comfortable with the cost. Alternatively, you can get rid of all that by investing in integrated blinds.
Integrated blinds are, in simple terms, blinds fitted between bifold windows or panes of a double-glazed window. They are more like inbuilt blinds.
Integrated blinds are also perfect if you want to get rid of the maintenance and cleaning costs. They don’t get dirty, and they do not damage easily. The two window panes fitted on both sides make sure of that. Apart from that, integrated blinds are dust resistant. They are allergy-friendly.
- Consider All Your Households
When searching for the perfect blinds for your windows, don’t just think about yourself alone. Not Unless you are the only occupant in that house. If not, please make a point of having everyone living with you in your mind. That includes your wife/husband, children, employees even your pets.
If you have young children in the house, you might want to avoid blinds with hanging rails or cords.
Is there anyone living with a disability in your household? You will need to prioritize their needs. If, for instance, the person cannot walk, you might need to avoid corded blinds. Instead, you can choose an automated or remote-controlled window blind. It is so much easier to operate than trying to reach a hanging cord from a wheelchair.
- Think about the Material
As stated above, window blinds are of different materials, namely aluminum, wood, PVC, etc.
The ideal material will vary depending on your space. If your area is too hot, you might want to consider roman blinds, roller blinds, or any other relevant option. For wet areas like the kitchens and bathroom, faux wood Venetians, vertical blinds, or other moisture-resistant materials are perfect.
- Your Budget
Whether it’s for your new house or renovation for your old one, installing blinds cost money. But you don’t have to spend beyond your means to make it happen.
The best way is to start planning early. Choose the kind of blinds you want at the most affordable price. Find out the installation cost and do the sum totals. Create a workable budget.
Conclusion
And that’s how easy it is, choosing the perfect blinds for your windows. As long as you know what you are looking for, you will never go wrong.