Tips For Choosing Window Blinds

In many homes and most offices, blinds are commonly used to give shade and privacy to the place. Unlike curtains, the amount of light that can be let in can be controlled if you have installed blinds on your windows.

Many people feel that the problem with having blinds is the installation. It may be true. But these people neglect the fact that there are also other things that have to be considered before purchasing blinds, not only the color and the size are important when choosing blinds for one's home or office windows.

Here is some information.

* Style

Blinds can come in different styles, the most popular of which is the Venetian blinds. Decide on what style you wanted depending on the functionality and design of your windows.

Roller Shades - these are made specially treated opaque or vinyl fabric that is wrapped around a dowel, which employs a spring or a beaded cord system to roll the fabric up or down. This is good if you want to have complete privacy and to protect the furniture from fading. The ends can be straight or shaped, and trimmings or contrasting braid can be added as design.

Roman Shades - these blinds have a cord woven thru the fabric that allows you to raise or lower the shade in an accordion pattern.

Venetian Blinds - or horizontal blinds, have horizontal panels, made of wood or aluminum, which can be adjusted to change the level of sunlight that can be allowed in the room. These are available in different widths ranging from 16 mm to 50 mm.

Pleated Shades - these function similarly with Venetian blinds and have flat horizontal fabric panels. To let light enter from the top of the windows, you can have those that have "top-down" design.

Vertical Blinds - have vertical panels that can be adjusted to control the amount of light that enters. It can also be pulled to one side or both sides of the window to allow total natural illumination. Different types of fabric may be used in sizes from 89mm to 127mm.

Honeycomb Shades - are also known as cellular shades. These shades, thru layers of fabric capable of filtering light, can let light in and keep the heat or cold outside, thus giving the room insulation to save on your energy bills.

Woven Wood Shades - These are usually made of bamboo, and blocks direct sunlight from coming into the room but allow some natural light to come in.

Mini Blinds - are also known as macro, micro or aluminum blinds. These have one-inch or two-inch slats to adjust the amount of light that enters the room.

Shutters - these have parallel slats, or louvers, which can be adjusted to change the level of privacy.

* Measuring and Installing the Blinds

The blinds should be unobstructed that when it is fully extended, it can still hang freely.

For accurate measurements, it is recommended that you use a steel ruler.

* Cutting the Blinds

Cutting the Blinds is necessary to make the blinds fit the size of the windows. Before cutting the blinds, measure the desired width from one edge of the bracket to the other. The size of the winding mechanism should be deducted first before cutting the lath, the tube and the fabric to the correct size.

To cut the tube, a mini hacksaw can be used, while for the fabric, it is recommended that you use a cutting knife or a sharp pair of scissors.

* Cost

Apart from the cost of the blinds itself, also consider the cost for delivery. Delivery costs can add a lot to your purchase so make sure you know the details before placing an order.

 For more great blinds information and resources check out: http://www.qualityblinds.info

Venetian Blinds

 

Despite the popular perception otherwise, Venetian blinds actually initially were not crafted and created in the Venice, Italy, but Venetian blinds were discovered (some would say stolen) by Venetian merchants travelling in the countries of the Far East.

In no time at all, the use of Venetian blinds spread through Venice, Italy and across other European nations. Of course, today Venetian blinds can be found in households and in workplaces across the world.

The design of the Venetian blind is simple and effective. The blind itself consists of slats of horizontal and overlapping material. The slats are multi-directional and can be used in a number of fine fashions. For example, in the completely closed position, Venetian blinds effectively can eliminate all external light from entering into a room. Otherwise, the slats of the Venetian blinds can be adjusted to allow varying degrees of light into the room. The angle can be changed to allow light in, but not prying eyes or if required, the blind can be rolled right up to allow light to stream in unchecked through the now unprotected glass pane.

In the modern world of soft furnishings, there are generally three different types of Venetian blinds on the market. From the wooden Venetian blinds crafted from various types of woods. Some of these versions of the Venetian blind are so intricately crafted that they add a truly elegant dimension to any residential or even commercial window treatment. Wooden blinds are also the most expensive version of this type of blind. The demand for more intricate and highly crafted wooden Venetian blinds has increased in recent years.

Midway, in price and construction, one can find Venetian blinds made from lightweight aluminium. These blinds come in a wide array of colours to suit different kinds of rooms and windows. The thinly slated, colourful, Venetian blinds gained a significant foothold in the window treatment market during the late twentieth century in the United Kingdom and abroad. They are now common features in both domestic and commercial premises.

In recent years, uPVC Venetian blinds have gained acceptance in the UK market. These are relatively inexpensive blinds and are very durable and practical, which makes them ideal as kitchen blinds and bathroom blinds. Designers of these types of plastic Venetian blinds contend that the uPVC type is within the price reach of most budgets.

Finally, when it comes to the Venetian blind, there truly is something for all budgets and tastes available on the market today. From styling to a wide price range, the variability of Venetian blinds on the marketplace today is extraordinary.

Garry John manages and contributes to http://www.window-blinds.org.uk.

Roller Blinds

 

What makes the roller blind the most popular window blind around today ? Is it because they are the value for money window treatment or is there anything else in it. There is not doubt they do provide a cheap and efficient way of blocking out the light and the heat thats comes with the light. Also the glare can spoil the enjoyment of that room, particular a TV or computer room, and damage valuable furniture and favourite plants.

The operation of roller blinds is simple especially compared to venetian blinds or roman blinds. The blinds can be rolled up or down depending on how much light is needed at any time. They are best mounted inside the window recess and can be effectively teamed up with curtains; drapes or valances to add that extra bit to the rooms dcor. They are very flexible and can be used in any room of your house as well as in the conservatory. They are ideal for windows where the depth is narrow and are also the perfect way to cover storage areas. They are very easy to adjust.

Roller blinds with special reflective aluminium backing are the most popular for conservatory blinds in the UK. The sunlight in effect bounces off the back of these blinds providing effective heat protection and glare control. This means you have an effective protection for valuable furniture and plants, particularly in the conservatory.

What criteria should be taken into account when selecting roller blinds ? Well the most crucial factor in selecting a roller blind is choosing the right material. Most roller blinds are crafted from relatively translucent fabrics, so that the light entering the room is not completely blocked and some light manages to filter through giving a pleasing subdued light. If this is not enough and complete black out is needed for say small children or developing photographs then blackout blinds are also available, and these as you would expect block out the light completely. These are also effective in keeping the room cool in the summers and warm in the winters. Also the room the blinds is needed for is important. Kitchens and bathrooms require much more robust frabics which are colourfast. In general the blind should be closely woven and lightweight. Roller blinds come in a huge selection of colours and in many different styles.

Another great thing about roller blinds is that they are quite easy to maintain. The blinds are constructed of fabric that is hard wearing and will only require a simple wipe with a damp cloth.

Installation of roller blinds is relatively simple - certainly easier then other types of blind. Almost anyone can fit these with ease and in no time at all.

As mentioned previously Roller blinds are versatile with plenty of decorative possibilities and while they may lack the attractiveness of pinoleum or pleated blinds, they are an immensely practical solution. They are a great value for money and are usually priced at the lower end of the budget range. Thus, they are an affordable and practical solution for low-budget window treatments.

Garry John has written articles about blinds and double glazing.

Choosing Conservatory Blinds

 

The cost of furnishing a conservatory can catch many people out, in fact it can often cost more than the conservatory itself. Conservatory Blinds can be very expensive so it is important to know what the choices are and what value a particular blind will bring. This article looks at the most common types and discusses the individual merits of each one.

Pleated Blinds

Pleated blinds are argueably the most attractive conservatory blind. They are available in a huge range of frabics and colours and have a modern elaborate look. They are a value alternative to pinoleum blinds and can be made with reflective material, which will help to maintain a more pleasing temperature. Typically, the pleats come in 25mm width but are increasingly available in 20mm. Pleated blinds are very versatile and can be used in any style of conservatory. Made to measure pleated blinds are readily available.

Pinoleum Blinds

Pinoleum blinds are the most traditional type of conservatory blind. Pinoleum is the name given to strips of thin wood which are woven together in different patterns. Roman or Rolled-up Pinoleum blinds are available. One of the great advantages of pinoleum blinds is that they let in a diffused light between the strips of wood. This gives them a great look. However, the downside is that maintaining the temperature is harder as heat comes in as well as light. This is obviously a problem is controlling temperature is the major concern, in which case this type of blind is probably not the right choice. Having said that it is possible to fix a reflective material to the back of the blind, but then the pleasant light effect is lost which is one of the major attribute of pinoleum blinds.

Roller Blinds

As previously discussed, conservatories are often tarnished by the high and low temperatures and the glare of bright sunlight. Also, bright light can damage furniture and ruin your favourite plants. However, you do not want to block out all light completely otherwise what would the point of a conservatory be. Roller blinds are a very versatile solution, while not as attractive as pinoleum or pleated blinds, they do offer a very practical solution. Also, they are great value and are usually at the lower end of the budget range. Roller blinds come in either standard sizes or made to measure. Or you can even adjust them yourself. Another advantage is that as they are typically made from synthetic material, roller blinds can be easily cleaned. Also, you can get reflective material to help keep the conservatory cool in winter and the heat out in the summer. Roller blinds are the easiest type of blind to fit yourself. The blind sits between two brackets that are fixed to the inside or outside of the window recess.

Hopefully this brief discussion will provide some assistant in choosing your blinds. As a general rule it is always a good idea to learn from other people's experience and so tap into friends and family who have already gone through this process. In addition talk to some experts and get some no obligation quotes, but make sure you know what is being quoted for.

Garry John has contributed to several sites about conservatories including conservatory blinds and conservatories

Choosing Blinds For Damp Atmospheres

There are some important things to consider when choosing window blinds for the kitchen and bathroom. The conditions in these rooms vary somewhat from the rest of the house, so it is important that care is taken to choose suitable blinds. Hence, it is not just the aesthetic appeal that is important, but also the durable and maintenance of these window treatments.

There are some important things to consider when choosing window blinds for the kitchen and bathroom. The conditions in these rooms vary somewhat from the rest of the house, so it is important that care is taken to choose suitable blinds. Hence, it is not just the aesthetic appeal that is important, but also the durable and maintenance of these window treatments.

When it comes to designing the appearance of a bathroom or kitchen, it is a common mistake to apply the same rules to these rooms as the other rooms in the house. The practicality is that the both the bathroom and the kitchen have different requirements to just about any other room. Consider hot showers and baths, or boiling kettles and simmering saucepans. This creates a hot damp atmosphere that the window blind will have to be able to cope with. Not only must the blinds be able to provide the necessary appeal and avoid privacy, but also be able to withstand the conditions. That is why you get blinds and then you get kitchen blinds and bathroom blinds.

When the decorating work is being carried out, due consideration must be given to using the necessary water repellent and water resistant materials. This holds true for everything that is a part of a bathroom or kitchen decoration and especially true for the blinds. As previously discussed, a prime factor when considering the decoration is the often-damp nature of the room and so it is advisable to avoid using heavy fabrics as window treatments. In no time at all the substantial and probably expensive fabric pieces can circum to mildew and decay.

There are three basic choices that exist when choosing blinds for a bathroom or kitchen. Firstly, aluminum blinds are ideal for bathroom settings. Obviously, these types of blinds will not be overly affected by any dampness in the atmosphere. Additionally, aluminum blinds are available in a large selection of designs that will blend perfectly with any design strategy.

The second option are the so called faux wooden blinds or imitation wood blinds. As wood is a far from ideal choice for the kitchen or bathroom, while at the same time being the preferred choice of blind, a demand has arisen for a realistic imitation of the classy wooden blinds. These types of blinds are becoming more and more popular and are happily cheaper than their wooden counterparts.

Having said that, the third choice is in fact the wooden blind. It is possible to employ this type of blind as the preferred solution, however, it is imperative that the wood actually used in such blinds has been properly treated with appropriate water resistant fluids.

The style of blind is much easier. It comes down to a choice of venetian blinds or roller blinds. Both types of blinds are equally suitable and it really comes down to each individual circumstance.

In the end, there are many options available when it comes to decorating the kitchen or bathroom. The blinds mentioned here are all readily available on the market and can all be used successfully as the ideal window blind for the bathroom or kitchen.

Garry John has written several articles on blinds which can be found at window blinds