You might have seen at some office or home beautiful blinds for covering windows and have been inspired to get a similar set for your home. But it may not be right to have a similar set for the simple reason that what looked beautiful at that particular place might not look as good in a different setting. Do not try to copy what you have seen somewhere else. The second point that has to be considered is what you want to achieve by installing blinds. Is it solely for decorative purpose or you want to make better use of the other features that it offers?
Simple Steps of Selection
Think about the ways you want to maintain a very comfortable climate inside. The average temperature has to be soothing for which you have to plug the gaps through which outside heat and light can come inside. The window openings are such places that have to be covered with blinds either to completely cut out the entry of outside light or to create a condition where you allow it to a certain extent that you feel comfortable. Along with it, give a thought about the kind of privacy that you derive from the window coverings. And when you are sure of meeting all your requirements, decide on the style and design of the window coverings.
Your Options
When it comes to selection, carefully consider the options that are available and strike a balance between style and requirement.
- Roller blinds – These are made from a single piece of fabric that is hung from the top of a window. When it is pulled down, the entire window opening gets covered and the outside view is eclipsed thereby imposing the privacy that you are looking for. If the window is exposed to direct sunlight, you have to select a thick and dark fabric that is almost opaque. For other conditions where bounced or reflected light falls on the window, the need for light control is lesser and a translucent fabric would serve the purpose of privacy.
- Vertical blinds– If you want to exercise deft control on light entry and privacy and at the same time want to have elegant and stylish window coverings that can give a complete unobstructed view when moved aside then vertical blinds are the right choice. There are vanes made from fabric that hang vertically from the top and moves along a horizontal guide rail to be pulled on any one side of the window opening. These also rotate about 180 degrees and can be set to any desired angle.
- Venetian blinds – There are horizontal slats that can be tilted at various angles and which can be rolled up and down to cover the window opening. The slats come in different widths and colors and are made from wood, metal or plastic. There is a wide range of colors that you can select from.
It is only when you know what you want and have a clear idea about what is available that you can get blinds that are just right for you.