Blinds are one of the most versatile window treatment ideas. They can pair with any window treatment design, including drapes, curtains, and valances. If you’re wondering what kind of blinds to choose for your window, then this handy guide should be of some help to you.
Roller Shades
These are old school blinds. Roller shades are those blinds that you pull on the bottom and they roll back up into themselves at the top. Picture those old cartoons where a wolf would see someone he thought was cute and his eyelids would spring open and then roll back up. These are considered old fashioned, but they are a very cheap option for blinds. For added privacy or light-deflection, frame them with a pair of drapes to pull closed when needed.
Venetian Blinds
These are your standard blinds. They can come in aluminum or plastic, but the more expensive versions consist of wider slats made of composite or wood. These are great for privacy and for your wallet, and they also allow you to choose how much light comes in with the twist of a rod. On the downside, the cheaper versions of venetian blinds are easily damaged and can get tangled or stuck just from lifting or closing them. If you're concerned with having aesthetically pleasing blinds to match your window treatment design, opt for the wooden ones.
Roman Shades
These shades are usually made of fabric. They don’t have slats so you can’t adjust the amount of light that comes in, but they are on a pulley system and fold up into themselves as you lift them. They look old fashioned as well, but if they’re made of the right fabric and color, they can be very charming. They do become dusty easily and will need cleaning or washing regularly. Overall, they are an excellent choice in terms of window treatment ideas.
Cellular Shades
Cellular shades are also known as honeycomb shades. You lift and lower them simply by moving the actual shade up and down. These blinds are best for saving energy and keeping your heating and cooling bill under control because they are well insulated to keep heat and cold out while still allowing sunlight to filter in. They don’t break as easily as traditional venetian blinds and they look very nice in any home. You can get them in almost any color as well. Since these blinds let in light, pair them with drapes or curtains in order to block more light when you need.
Vertical Blinds
These blinds are usually found on larger windowpanes, such as those found on sliding glass doors. These hang in vertical formation and are controlled using a wand. You can control the amount of sunlight that comes in by twisting the wand and rotating the vertical slats, or you can open or close the entire thing by sliding the blinds back and forth on the horizontal track. These blinds are quite noisy but do a good job of controlling the light in your home. These do not work well with curtains or drapes, but can be used in conjunction with valances if you want both.
