Blinds are one of the most popular types of window coverings and come in a variety of styles, colours, materials and sizes. They can look casual or dressy, are easy to use, provide privacy, and let you determine the amount of light that enters your room.
Venetian Blinds
As the most popular style, Venetian blinds feature horizontal slats which attach with string or strips of cloth. They come in aluminum, wood or plastic, multiple finishes, a variety of colours and can be ready-made or made to measure. Venetians are good for the home or office, easy to maintain, versatile, allow for light and privacy control, are affordable, easy to install, durable, and suitable for any window size. However, cord storage is required to ensure safety of children or pets, they can make your window look “heavy,” they’re easily damaged and they collect dust. Mini blinds are basically venetian blinds with a smaller slat width (usually 1 inch) helping to address the “heavy” window concern. Micro blinds are an even smaller version of venetians with slats of about ½ inch thickness.
Vertical Blinds
These have individual slats that run along a track at the top of the window, open from side to side or by parting in the middle and tilt for light and privacy control. They’re popular for patio doors and floor to ceiling windows but can be used on smaller casements. Vertical blinds may be casual or elegant, come in a variety of styles, a wide range of finishes, different patterns, can be light filtering or blackout capable, may be fire retardant and can be purchased in ready-made or made to measure styles. They’re easy to clean, versatile, simple to use, can protect from UV rays, and make small windows look large. However, they are easily damaged, noisy when opening, can make your window look “heavy,” cord storage is required to ensure safety of children or pets and gaps may occur where the blinds meet the wall compromising privacy and light control.
Panel Blinds
Panel blinds feature sections or panels which move along a track with the aid of an operating wand and stack behind each other when the blinds are open. They’re a popular choice for patio, sliding, French and hinged doors as well as large or spacious windows. Panel blinds may be elegant or contemporary, have no cords to deal with, filter light, provide privacy, come in a variety of colours and fabrics, are cost effective, durable, long lasting and can be motorized. However, the stack can get large on wide windows and panel blinds cannot be tilted to control light. They’re either open or closed
Motorized Blinds
These are raised and lowered via a motor, which means you don’t have to fuss with lift cords, chains, or even cordless solutions and there is less chance of accidentally damaging them. They are a great solution for high windows and skylights, helpful for people with disabilities, convenient, come in many styles and colours, are easy to use, and let you control light and privacy with a push of a button or flip of a switch. However, they are expensive, when they malfunction they require expert repair and the batteries drain quickly.
Smart Blinds
Motorized blinds that can be controlled remotely through a mobile application and are compatible with voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple Siri. They allow you to program and schedule the positioning of your window coverings for convenience, enhanced privacy, energy efficiency and increased security. Some smart blinds include sensors that control the positioning of your shades based on exterior lighting and/or exterior temperature. Smart blinds make your home smarter, easier and more convenient. They come in traditional and high tech styles, can be controlled in groups or individually, are convenient, visually attractive and can be used in conjunction with smart lighting. However, they can be expensive, you’ll need to learn to program them, there is a risk of electrical malfunctioning and when they malfunction they require expert repair.
There is a blind to match every décor and a blind to cover every shape and size of window. Blinds are great for light control and privacy. Next time you are in the market for window coverings, consider blinds.
For all your blind and shade needs, call Blinds West (403-270-9696), a division of West Hillhurst Paint and Design. Blinds West offers in home or in store consultation, post-sales service, installation, and warranty service. They carry Hunter Douglas and Shade-O-Matic products. Schedule your consultation today!
