Window Blinds (Understanding the Basics)

Introduction to Window Blinds

Blinds are usually referred to as "hard" window coverings as they are typically constructed from solid materials like wood, composites, and metals, forming individual slats; these slats are connected by cords or strips of cloth known as tapes. On the other hand, shades and curtains, usually crafted from softer woven fabrics, are frequently labeled as "soft" window treatments. The configuration of slats in blinds can be either horizontal or vertical.

Blinds offer great flexibility in terms of light control and privacy. By adjusting the slats, you can let in a lot of light, a little light, or no light at all. You can also raise the blinds completely for an open view or lower them for full privacy. Because they come in so many different materials, colors, and styles, blinds can also be a stylish addition to any room decor.

You can Control the Position of the Blinds in Two Ways:

•  Rotation: By rotating a rod or wand attached to the blinds, you can adjust the angle of the slats. This lets you control the amount of light that enters the room and your level of privacy. You can rotate the slats to be fully open, fully closed, or somewhere in between.

• Elevation: By pulling a cord, you can raise or lower the entire set of blinds. This allows you to completely uncover the window for maximum light and view, or cover it for privacy or to block out light.

In the following sections of this article, we'll explore various styles of blinds, such as Venetian, vertical, roller, and Roman blinds. Each style has its own unique features and is ideal for different environments. Blinds are a favored choice for window treatments due to their ability to manage light and ensure privacy effectively. Moreover, they serve a dual purpose, combining functionality with decorative appeal.

Different Styles of Blinds:

1. Venetian Blinds: These are probably the most common type of blinds. They consist of horizontal slats that can be tilted to control light and privacy. The slats are usually made of wood, plastic, or metal and are connected by cords that allow them to be lifted or lowered.
2. Vertical Blinds: As the name suggests, the slats in these blinds hang vertically. They're often used for large windows or patio doors. They can be drawn to the side for a clear view or rotated for light control and privacy.
3. Roller Blinds: These blinds are made from a single piece of fabric or other material that rolls up onto a tube when raised. They provide a clean, minimalist look and can come in blackout or light-filtering varieties.
4. Roman Blinds: These blinds are made from a piece of fabric that folds into pleats when raised. When lowered, they provide a smooth covering for the window. They offer an elegant, traditional look and can come in many different fabrics and patterns.
5. Mini Blinds: These are similar to Venetian blinds, but the slats are much narrower. They're often used in smaller windows or in situations where more detailed light control is needed.
6. Panel Blinds: Also known as panel track blinds, these are made from wider fabric panels that slide sideways on a track. They're ideal for larger windows or as a room divider.
7. Smart Blinds: A more modern option, smart blinds can be controlled remotely using an app or smart home system. They can be set to open and close at specific times or in response to light levels.

Each style has its own advantages and can be the best choice depending on the specific needs of the room and the decor style.

When you're Buying Blinds for Your Home, Keep these Key Factors in Mind:

• Type of material
• Width of the slats
• Routing holes
• Decorative options 
• Kids and Cats

Material:

Blinds can be tailored to your liking with a variety of materials, such as natural wood, composite materials, faux wood, and aluminum. When selecting a material for your blinds, it's essential to weigh both its practical use and visual appeal.
Personally, I believe the distinct charm and natural patterns of wood blinds are unmatched. They are a perfect fit for homes of all styles, be it traditional, contemporary, or modern. Wood blinds are available in a multitude of painted finishes and richly hued stains, that gives your windows the sophistication of high-end furniture.

On the other hand, aluminum blinds provide a more modern aesthetic and are more cost-effective, making them ideal for rental or commercial properties. Not only are they durable and easy to maintain, but some aluminum blinds also come with an anti-static finish that keeps dust away and resists scratches and stains. 

If you choose to buy aluminum blinds from a custom window treatment company, such as Cher Décor you'll typically get thicker slats and superior components.

Slats:

Blinds come in various slat widths, typically ranging from 2.5 cm to 6.5 cm. The most popular choice for wood, composite, and faux wood blinds is 5 cm slats. While slat width is largely a matter of personal preference, we recommend considering the size and scale of your windows and maintaining consistency in slat width throughout your home.

From a functional standpoint, larger slat widths provide more space between the slats, resulting in less obstruction to the view. For instance, blinds with 2.5 cm slats will have 2.5 cm of space between each slat, while 5 cm slats will have 5 cm of space between each slat, and so on.

Routing Holes:

Typically, cord ladders on blind slats are threaded through route holes, which secure the slats for raising, lowering, and tilting. However, routeless blinds, which lack these holes, have the cord ladder running along the outside of the slats. Routeless blinds offer increased light control and privacy but may not keep the slats as secure. Therefore, we generally advise against routeless blinds for households with children or pets, or when installed on doors.

Decorative Options:

Custom colors, decorative fabric tapes, valences, and holes provide decorative options to enhance the appearance of your room. While most custom blind manufacturers offer a range of paint and stain choices, you can also select custom colors to complement your room's furnishings, artwork, and accent colors.

Decorative fabric tapes are vertically installed on blinds, covering the ladders. This decorative feature adds a custom look to the blinds and enhances light control by obstructing the route holes that may let light through. Decorative fabric tape is perfect for coordinating with other window treatments like draperies or throw pillows.

While most blinds come with a standard decorative fascia, you can order custom top treatments such as valences or cornices to create a unique and stylish look. A fascia is a flat or semi-decorative piece of material that covers the blind components at the top of the window.

Valences and cornices are different types of top treatments. Valences are soft top treatments that hang freely at the top of the window. They are often installed on a curtain rod or mounted on a board and are typically made of fabric, giving a soft and flowing appearance.

On the other hand, cornices are more rigid and can be made of harder materials like wood or a board upholstered with fabric. Both valences and cornices can be paired with blinds to enhance the overall window aesthetic.

Kids and Cats:

When buying blinds for a household with both a cat and a child, it is crucial to prioritize durability and select materials that can endure any potential damage. For more detailed information and insights on this topic, please refer to the accompanying article.

If you have any questions or are considering new blinds for your home or business, you can contact Cher Decor at +66 94 293 6282 to schedule a free, in-home consultation.