Window blinds are a crucial design element in any interior composition.
They have a number of functions, and therefore there are a few things that need to be considered before you decide on which type of blind to choose – including the degree of privacy required, the room's furnishings, child safety, your budget, installation, maintenance and so on. Depending on the blind's primary function, it is prudent to also consider its effectiveness to this end, and its appearance from the outside of your home.
Blinds serve both an aesthetic and a functional purpose, and so the aim is to choose a blind that will serve both of these functions well. They are needed for a number of different reasons – they can stop a sun-room from overheating, protect valuable furniture from fading in the sun, provide privacy and keep a degree of sunlight out of your home office, thereby making it more comfortable to work on your computer or watch your TV during the day.
Different materials
Aluminium blinds – If neat aesthetics and durability are your concerns, then aluminium blinds will fit this double billing. The modern ranges of aluminium blinds that are currently on the market, have been designed to be both attractive and durable, and can be expected to last for many years, with very little maintenance required, bar dusting them every now and again. Today's aluminium blinds are widely available and come in every conceivable colour imaginable. They are also very versatile, giving them the ability to blend with almost any décor style and colour palette.
Anti-glare blinds – For rooms with computers and TVs, anti-glare blinds are the answer. Anti-glare blinds are a form of roller blind that has a transparent film fitted to the roller, made from thin layers of polyester and possibly aluminium, which reject infra-red rays to reduce glare. It also gives the blinds a heat-reflecting quality. These anti-glare properties can be found on other types of blinds, such as vertical blinds for example.
Wooden blinds – Wooden blinds have been used for effective window dressing for centuries. In many instances, they provide the perfect window treatment for a variety of different spaces. They offer extraordinary versatility in their aesthetic and functional values; they can be manufactured to fit almost any shape of window, they are durable and can vary the amount of light that penetrates the blinds – from complete blackout, to very bright; and lastly they are beautiful to look at.
Fabric – Fabric blinds are probably the least durable, but offer the widest range of possible styles and designs. They offer a person a chance to better colour coordinate all aspects of a given space. They are also, most often, less costly than the other alternatives. If opting for a fabric blind, it is essential to choose a strong fabric, such as upholstery fabric for example, and opt for a fabric design or colour that is simple – something that won't date prematurely.
Different styles
Pleated blinds – Pleated blinds use a simple cord system, which allows them to be opened or closed to the degree necessary to allow for the desired flow of sunlight into a room. They are simple in their function and operation and can be completely folded away if they are not needed. They are generally made from opaque fabrics and can easily be custom-made, and so come in an infinite range of colours and designs – giving them the ability to fit into almost any décor scheme. They are often hung low, and can be used in conjunction with drapes and valances. Pleated blinds control and regulate a nice delivery and passage of sunlight into a given space. They are most often understated in their appearances and should not draw undue attention to themselves. Rather, they should be complimentary by design and colour to the rest of the interior composition.
Roller blinds – Roller blinds have built a reputation for being the most cost effective blinds available. Arguably one of the most common types of blinds, roller blinds are and perform exactly as their graphic moniker implies – they can be rolled up or down, depending on how much light a person desires. They come in a wide array of colours, materials, including bamboo, wood, grasses, vinyl, and fabric, to name a few. The degree of sunlight retardation depends largely on the type of material that is used for the blind – bamboo blinds for example let a substantial amount of light in, however, some fabric roller blinds are rather translucent. Roller blinds are relatively easy to make and maintain.
Roman blinds – As their name implies, Roman blinds date back to the era of the Roman Empire. In its simplest form, a Roman blind comprises woven fabric that is created in such a manner that it can be raised and lowered as desired. The mechanism that allows these simplistic blinds to function is elementary - cords are threaded through a series of ringlets on the back side of the blind, threading the cords that allow the blind to be lifted and dropped at will. The main reason for Roman blinds is to block out light when they are closed, and fold up out of the way to allow for a complete viewing from the window when they are open. Depending on the finishes and materials, Roman blinds vary in price and style. They are very versatile and their creation is constrained solely by what the imagination can conjure.
Venetian blinds – Venetian blinds were discovered by Venetian merchants travelling in the Far East. Its simple construction comprises of slats of horizontal and overlapping material, which are multi-directional and can be used in a number of fine fashions. For example, when completely closed, Venetian blinds can effectively eliminate all external light. Alternatively, they can be adjusted to allow varying degrees of light into the room. Venetian blinds can be crafted out of wood, lightweight aluminium and PVC. Many wooden window shutters, although not strictly a blind, have the same workings as Venetian blinds and operate in a similar fashion. Depending on the material used, the cost of Venetian blinds varies greatly, with wood being on the top-end of the market, and PVC on the lower end.
Vertical blinds – The trend of bringing the outdoors in and letting as much sunlight infuse into our living areas as possible, has led to an increase in a number of unusually large windows of various shapes. Although natural light is coveted, it is not always wanted – it can damage furniture and plants, and can make working on your computer or watching your TV really uncomfortable in the daytime. To cover these large expanses of glass, it is not always practical or cost-efficient to treat them with horizontal style blinds – and hence the creation of the vertical blind as a solution to this problem. Vertical blinds are ideal for windows that are wider than they are tall, as well as for very tall windows and windows that need to be easily accessed. The adjustable vanes can be easily adjusted to access window catches and more importantly allow light in. Vertical blinds can be made from fabric, plastic and aluminium, and can be fully automated so the amount of light allowed in is automatically adjusted. - Antonella Dési
Pictures courtesy of:
- American Shutters
- Elixir Spa
- The Kitchen Clinic
- The Peech Hotel
- The Twelve Apostles
- Water Comfort
For more information click here to visit the American Shutters website.
For more information click here to visit the Elixir Spa website.
For more information click here to visit the The Kitchen Clinic website.
For more information click here to visit the The Peech Hotel website.
For more information click here to visit the The Twelve Apostles website.
For more information click here to visit the Water Comfort website.
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