Looking through window blinds, sun light coming inside. Conceptual

Window blinds and shades are often neglected when curating the look of a home. But if you want your home to look stylish and modern, you’ve probably got to update your blinds. Click here to find some of the best window blinds on the market.

By 2021, Americans are forecast to spend $3.1 billion on window coverings. Blinds are a big investment for your home. The right kind of blinds control light, save energy, and make a great visual impact.

Interested in upgrading the function and look of your home? Read on to learn more about the best window blinds.

Defining Blinds

Individual slats are what defines blinds. The slats adjust up and down. You control the amount of light entering a room through the side-to-side tilt as well.

On one side of the window, you’ll find the cord that allows up and down adjustment. On the other side, a rod controls the tilt of the blinds that allows you to open or close the slats.

The Best Window Blinds

The best window blinds combine the function you need with the look you desire. There are several things to look for when purchasing blinds.

• Light control
• Increase Insulation
• Stylish and appealing
• Budget Friendly

Decide whether you want light-filtering blinds or blackout window shades. Most rooms don’t need complete blackout window treatments.

But, you might want to think about blackout shades instead of traditional blinds for the bedroom. If you have trouble sleeping, research shows that complete darkness helps.

Shades are similar to blinds, but without the slats. They’re great for thermal insulation and room darkening. If you live in a hot or cold environment, cellular shades help reduce heating and cooling costs.

You’ll want your blinds or shades to be stylish and match your decor. Something that fits within your budget is also a must.

Take a look at these seven different types of window blinds.

Venetian Blinds

This popular style of blind has horizontal slats. The slats are attached to each other via strips of cloth or string. The strips are called tapes. When raising the blinds, the bottom slat presses into the slat above until the slats are compressed at the top of the window.

When the blinds are up, the entire thing is hidden behind one slat at the top of the window.

Vertical Blinds

Vertical blinds are popular for patio doors as well as floor-to-ceiling windows. The individual slats running along a track at the top of the blind hang down vertically. These blinds part in the middle or open from side to side.

The slats can be turned to let in light even when they’re in the closed position. Vertical blinds are available in many finishes and colors.

Mini Blinds

If you’re looking for Venetian blinds with smaller slats, take a look at some mini blinds. Mini blinds are similar in function to Venetian blinds, but the slats come in much smaller widths. If you want something with a slat about one-inch thick, mini blinds are a good choice.

Micro Blinds

Do you have a small bathroom with a tiny window that needs covering? Try a micro blind. These little blinds are also similar to Venetians, but they’re even smaller than mini blinds. The slats run about a 1/2-inch thick.

Smart Blinds

Looking for something high tech? Control your blinds through your smartphone. Want the blinds to open at 10 a.m.? Program that into the app. These blinds are intelligent, attractive, and save on energy costs.

You can even retrofit older blinds with smart blind technology.

Panel Blinds

Panel blinds are similar to vertical blinds. They hang down vertically from a track. They feature large sections that move along the track to open and close them. Panel blinds are good for large windows.

Blind Materials

Blinds come in several types of material:

• Wood
• Faux Wood
• Plastic
• Metal

Wood: One of the most popular materials is wood. The pros of choosing wood are the warmth and beauty. They come in a number of different stains, types of wood, and colors. Wood works well for many types of decor and offers a luxurious look.

Because wood is natural, it expands and contracts with temperature and moisture changes. This sometimes causes the wood to crack, warp, split or even break. Real wood is more expensive as well.

Faux Wood: If you like the look of wood for a high-humidity room like the bathroom, try faux wood. Blinds made from faux wood look as beautiful as wood, but they’re more durable. They’re also better on the budget.

Plastic: If budget is your main concern, try plastic. Plastic blinds come in many colors and sizes. They’re available ready-made for many types of windows. If you’re looking for something stylish, plastic is probably not the best option.

Metal: Metal blinds are another good option for high-moisture areas like the bathroom. The slats in metal blinds are sized by gauge. The thick slats are more durable and are made of smaller gauge metal. Metal blinds are noisy and wouldn’t be a good choice for a baby’s room.

You’ll get the best look and fit if you go with a professional. You can find great blinds at economical prices at places like this website.

Consider the Method

There are two production methods when it comes to blinds:

1. Ready-made
2. Custom Made

Ready-Made: If the windows you want to cover are a popular window size, ready-made blinds are easy to find. They’re available in most big-box stores. You’ll install them yourself.

Ready-made blinds come in many sizes, shapes, and colors. They’re usually somewhat adjustable.

Custom-Made: If you have unusual windows, you’ll need custom made. If your windows aren’t unusual, you still may opt for custom made if you’re looking for visual impact and style. With custom-made blinds, you’ll get exactly what you want without compromise.

Ready for Blinds?

When shopping for blinds, remember to consider light control, insulation, budget, and style.

Keep in mind the type of room and environmental conditions so you use the right material.

The best window blinds are the blinds that work well for your situation. Now that you know about the different types of blinds and materials, you’re ready to shop for what works best for you.

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