Top choices for your blinds
As a stylish window treatment for any room, blinds come in a range of styles and materials. To incorporate blinds into your overall design it’s important to consider the materials they are made from and how they contribute to the space.
Here are four popular materials to consider.
Fabric
Natural and synthetic fabrics have been the most popular in recent years. This versatile material works well with different styles from vertical to roman or roller.
Fabric blinds also allow for a variety of additional features such as light and temperature control.
Blockout fabric is ideal for rooms where you’d like to eliminate all light such as bedrooms or media rooms.
On the opposite side of the scale, sheer fabrics provide privacy while creating a soft light in the room.
Thermal fabrics can be added as a back layer to blinds to help insulate rooms and save electricity
Wood
Right on track with the natural material trend, wood and faux wood blinds provide texture to a room. Wood can be used in Venetian blinds, roll-up blinds or classic plantation shutters. Their versatility comes from their ability to be stained or painted to suit your decor and style.
Natural wood is best used in rooms with low humidity to prolong their lifespan and decrease warping, splitting or cracking.
Woven roll-up blinds made from bamboo fair better in humid areas and can be used indoors or outdoors. Bamboo is also a great Eco-friendly option that brings a beautiful raw element to your home.
Metal
Metal offers durability and lots of option when choosing a colour that suits your needs. As it is water resistant, metal work well in humid rooms such as bathrooms or kitchens.
Aluminium security shutters also fall into the metal family. Like traditional shutters, they allow you to control the amount of light and privacy by tilting the slats or fully opening the shutters when required. As a security barrier, the shutters can then be closed and locked forming a comprehensive protective layer when needed.
Plastic
Plastic is the most affordable and offers the greatest variety of colours. It is lightweight and works in virtually any room.
The only downfall to plastic blinds is that some may be made from poor quality plastic so they are easily damaged and may not look as good as other materials.
Choosing Blinds
There is an overwhelming amount of choice when it comes to blinds. To make the choice easier, always think about how you want them to function and then consider which material works best for your space.
Another important decision is how you will operate them.There is always the traditional cord and rod option but you do have other choices. If you have young children, cordless is the best in terms of safety. For slick convenience, automatic options may be best. If you’re looking for visual interest, blinds that open from both the top and bottom may be what you’re after.
Whatever you choose, in the end the blinds need to enhance your space and how you live in it. If you have any questions, contact your local expert who will be able to advise and quote on your unique space.