Our Quick Guide to Buying Blinds
Blinds are popular thanks to the combination of functional use and simple aesthetics. They can be expensive though so you don’t want to waste money on what could be a bad investment. Here are five things to think about before purchasing blinds for your homes.Blind Types
There are four different types of blind to consider:
Venetian: These are blinds made up of a series of horizontal slats opened by a rod or cord. This gives more control over the amount of light as you can adjust the angle of the slats to suit.
As the slats of Venetian blinds come in wood, plastic or metal, they’re often found in rooms with high levels of moisture – such as bathrooms or kitchens.
Roller: These blinds consist of a single piece of fabric operated with a wand for varying degrees of coverage. Roller blinds are easier to clean than Venetians because of the flat surface but do not have the same degree of control over light. They’re also affordable, versatile and ideal for informal settings.
Roman: Made from soft fabric that hang flat when down and form pleats if raised. This ‘folded effect’ provides an eye-catching focal point to your room. However, the specialised look of Roman blinds are better suited to traditional or more formal interiors.
Vertical: Strips of vertical fabric you can adjust for full control over the light in your room. Like curtains, vertical blinds are pulled back for a complete view of your outdoor space. They are perfect for conservatories or other spaces with large floor-to-ceiling windows.
Colour
The right colour is a matter of considering the style and design of the room your blinds will be in. For that reason, you want a shade which fits in seamlessly with your interior décor. Do not be tempted to go for something garish if the palette of your room is more neutral as the contrast will ruin the balance. Everything should work in harmony!
However, bright colours can work wonders in a children’s room or make a small interior seem more open and spacious. Just be sure to think about your current style before making a decision.
Room
The choice of blinds also depends on where you are installing them. For example, if they’re for a bathroom or kitchen then a waterproof surface such as those found in Venetian or roller blinds are essential.
For bedrooms, choose blinds with total blackout for a better night’s sleep.
Cost
Blinds act as insulators, so are great for saving energy and reducing the cost of your energy bills. As a general rule, blinds should reflect heat in the summer and help to keep the room warm in the winter. Choose the right ones and you’ll be well on your way to making a saving.
Motorised or Manual?
Motorised blinds have been around for ages but, thanks to the advent of Smart technology, more people than ever opt for control from the comfort of the sofa.
Companies such as Luxaflex now create blinds that you can operate with an app on your tablet or smartphone. Schedule them to open or close at convenient times for perfect lighting and energy efficiency any time of the day.
In the past, fabric and style options for motorised blinds were limited but that is no longer the case. Automated roller, Venetian and Roman types in a range of colours and materials are now very common.
Of course, there will always a place for standard blinds thanks to their relatively low cost. But if you’re looking to create a smart hub in your home then automated blinds are the sensible choice.
SWR supply and install blinds from two renowned European manufacturers. For more information, please get in touch.
