Types of Blinds
Window coverings for every room
Window coverings are an easy and often affordable way to change the look and feel of any room. The most popular types of blinds and window coverings are:
The shape and material of a blind or shutter will affect how it will work in a room. Some window coverings will primarily offer privacy by obscuring windows. Others will sit close to the window to protect the room from outdoor elements and increase the efficiency of indoor heating and cooling. If privacy and protection are not important to you, there are blinds and shutters available that simply dress up a window.
The type of blind you select will depend on a variety of considerations. Large windows, window walls or sliding doors require light coverings that can droop. Smaller windows can usually accommodate any type of covering, but will look overdone with elaborate dressings that are meant for larger areas.
The room traffic will also affect the type of blind you need. High-traffic areas and rooms that might get grimy - such as bathrooms or kitchens - will call for window coverings that are made of easy-to-clean materials. These blinds should also be made in shapes that are easy to access for maintenance. You won't want a lot of fabric or folds that will allow dirt to gather in unseen places and can make regular cleaning a hassle.
Rooms that don't get a lot of use are the perfect place to put more elaborate window coverings. While most blinds and shutters have basic models that are made with ease of use and convenient maintenance in mind, the addition of valances, trim and edges can create an elegant, sophisticated or creative look that requires a little more work to look after.
Each of the popular types of window coverings come in a variety of shapes, materials and colors. There are necessities and trends within each style. These aspects are typically seen in the size of the blinds and the material they are made with.
Vertical blinds are usually large and made with a variety of fabrics from stiff to sheer. Roman blinds tend to be smaller and lighter because of the shape they gather in. Roller blinds are the most versatile for size and texture. Plantation shutters also tend to be large in size and are made of very stiff materials, like wood.
