So, you’ve decided your home needs a fresh look or a bit more privacy, and blinds seem like the perfect solution. Great choice! Blinds not only improve the look of your windows but also offer practical benefits like light control and privacy. But with so many options out there, where do you start?
We have compiled a list of all the types of blinds you’ll find and explained where they’re best suited to help you get started.
Understanding What You Need
Before jumping into the many options, let’s clarify what you want your blinds to achieve:
- Light Control: Decide if you want to soak your room in sunlight or keep it cosy and dim.
- Privacy: If your main goal is prioritising privacy while still letting light in, certain blinds handle this beautifully.
- Looks: Blinds are part decor, too. They should match your home’s style and make it more beautiful.
- Budget: Prices vary a lot, so know what you’re willing to spend ahead of time.
- Safety and Cleaning: If you have kids or pets, cordless blinds can be a safer choice. Consider how much effort you’re up for in keeping them clean, too.
Blind Styles
The first decision is blind style. The most popular options include:
Venetian
Venetian blinds are great for controlling and filtering the amount of light in a room for your needs. Made of metal horizontal slats that tilt to control light levels and come with a varying choice of slat width to further control light. They are a great fit for offices, schools and in the home.
Roman
A more luxurious option, Roman blinds are great for rooms that can get cold or chilly. They are raised and lowered by a chain you can personalise, and feature soft folds of fabric available in different styles, patterns or materials. But because of their fabric design, it is worth noting that they don’t work well in bathrooms, where they are prone to dampness. However, they are ideal in living rooms, kitchens and bedrooms where a sophisticated touch is needed.
Roller
A straightforward approach, roller blinds do what they say on the tin and are one of the most popular blind types because of it. Essentially a sheet that rolls up and down the space of your window, you can craft your blind from a variety of fabrics for your own special touch, and adorn them with elegant patterns to make them stand out. They work well in all environments to complement your room and provide full privacy and lighting adjustment.
Vertical
The classic design perfect for use anywhere in your home – from the living room to the conservatory – or in offices or schools, vertical blinds offer pure privacy and also filter light very effectively. Glare reduction materials make them great for south-facing windows which feature in a room where you’ll be undertaking a lot of written or computer-based work.
Panel
Used also as room dividers, panel blinds offer a contemporary take on blinds that can add an extra level of colour and dimension to a room. Patterned panels act as the most ideal form of this type of blind as they then can also act as a centrepiece of your room, not just a blind.
Skylight
With an impressive range of patterns and colours available, skylight blinds partner excellently with Velux windows which will be fitted perfectly to the frame. Blackout fabrics can help plunge your room into darkness, but other materials will simply filter the light. Coloured fabrics will allow for a specific shade of colour to flood your room, so get creative.
Wooden
Bringing a softer, more organic touch to the table are wooden blinds, be they faux or not. The design most often involves horizontal slats that are tilted to adjust light levels in the room. Wooden blinds do not go well in bathrooms, but faux wood blinds can withstand moisture a whole lot more.
Pleated
Pleated blinds are ideal for injecting a stylish and modern feel into your room. They are made of honeycomb or concertina folds of fabric that tuck away neatly or extend out when you pull the cord or tab to raise the blinds or lower them.
Blackout
Ideal for those who work nights and need their sleep in the daytime, blackout blinds are the type of blinds that block light from entering a room. You can transform some of the blind types above into blackout, but where blackout blinds work best is when they perfectly fit in the window frame, such as in the case of a skylight, where the light will be fully blocked out of the room.
Custom Features
Next, consider special features like:
- Cordless lift operation: Safer for homes with pets or kids. Allows blinds to be raised and lowered smoothly.
- Motorisation: Electric motors to raise, lower and tilt blinds automatically on a schedule or with the touch of a button.
- Insulated fabrics: Help reduce outside noise and maintain comfortable temperatures. Perfect for bedrooms, media rooms or family spaces.
- Custom sizes: Get a perfect fit for any uniquely sized or shaped windows. Precision measurements ensure proper light control and appearance.
Making the Choice: Blinds vs. Curtains
If you’re torn between blinds and curtains, consider this: blinds offer more flexibility in light and privacy control, they’re generally easier to clean and can be more cost-effective. Plus, they give a modern look that can complement any decor.
Finding Help Locally
For those feeling unsure, reaching out to local blind specialists can be a game-changer. At Paul James Blinds, we can offer personalised advice, help you measure, and even install them for you. We can guide you through the blind-buying journey, ensuring you end up with windows that look and function just how you want.
Paul James Blinds are the expert blind, awning and curtain specialists in the Colchester, Sudbury, Colchester, Braintree & Bury St Edmunds areas. We use the best brands in the field to provide top-quality and reliable products at a price you can afford. For a free no-obligation survey of your home, contact our friendly team today.
