Due to different requirements and tastes, manufacturers have come up with different types of blinds. Here is a list of three common types:

Venetian blinds – These blinds are also known as horizontal blinds as the slats are placed in a horizontal direction. The slats are connected to each other with the help of a cording system. This system allows the user to move the slats up and down and angle them. This way, you can adjust the position of the slats and control the entrance of sunlight.

Vertical blinds – Unlike Venetian blinds, the vanes or slats of these blinds are placed vertically. This means that the slats are arranged side by side and not on top of each other. With the help of a cord or chain, you can move the slats and control the amount of light entering your home.

Roller blinds – These blinds are made from fabric which can be easily rolled. The roller can be made from wood or aluminium. These blinds are placed at the top of the window and can be lowered whenever required. You can either lower the blinds fully or partially as per your needs.

There are different kinds of blinds you can choose from. Some of the common types are listed below.

Venetian blinds

Venetian blinds are made with either plastic or metal and have slats. The width of slats ranges from 50mm to 120mm, though most people prefer 50mm. Mini blinds are a type of Venetian blinds that have narrower slats still, ranging from 19mm to 24mm.

Vertical blinds

Vertical blinds have slats made using metal, plastic or stiff fabric which is hung from one end of the blind. These blinds allow for 90 degree rotation that helps to control the light coming in.

Solid blinds

Solid blinds can be rolled or folded up but they cannot be opened for light to pass through the blinds. They are also known as window shades. Solid blinds are of different types. Some of them are Holland blinds that can be easily lowered and are also known as roller shades. Pleated blinds are made using pleated fabric shades. They can be raised completely to allow the blind to sit at the top of the window.

Know the purpose of buying

One must first consider the reason behind buying the blind. If you are just looking for an alternative to curtains then vertical or venetian blinds are best for you. But if you want to restrict light more comprehensively, then roller blinds can fulfill the purpose. Focus on the purpose first and then place looks and style as the secondary priorities. Purchasing blinds that do not serve the purpose will be waste of money and effort.

Look for the material of blinds

The quality of blinds depends hugely on the material used. These blinds are available in a variety of materials like:

• Aluminium
• Plastic
• Wood

Consider the décor of the room

Considering the room décor is a must while choosing a blind for your home or office. A blind chosen according to the décor gives it a classy and elegant look. Consult interior design magazines and websites if you are struggling for inspiration regarding dressing your windows.

Blinds don’t just look good on windows but they also offer many practical benefits. Some of the benefits are listed below.

Light control

With blinds, you can control outside light more effectively. Curtains are not as flexible. If you have blinds with horizontal slats, you can easily manoeuvre the slats as per your convenience.

Different materials and colours

Blinds for windows are manufactured using different materials like plastic, fabric and vinyl, so you can choose a material which complements your interiors. They also come in various colours and designs so that you can choose one that goes well with all of your decor.

Various styles

Blinds come in different styles, so you can get wooden blinds which add a classic and a warm appeal to your home, or go for Venetian blinds which look very contemporary.

Reduce electricity bills

Blinds help in keeping excess heat from sunlight out, so you don’t have to depend completely on your air-conditioning system.

Opt for blinds and make your home look much more modern.

Simple to install

Once you have purchased vertical blinds for your home then you do not have to worry about the installation process. Fixing vertical blinds over windows is a simple procedure, so even you can do it yourself.

Protects your furniture

Vertical blinds are designed in such a way that they can easily block outside light and keep sunlight out. This way, you can easily protect your costly furniture and carpets from sunlight.

Offers privacy

As the slats of vertical blinds are positioned vertically, they offer a high level of privacy to users.

Easy to clean and maintain

If you want to clean these blinds then you can use damp cloth for wiping. This is why vertical blinds are easy to clean and their maintenance cost is low.

Different varieties

One of the best things about vertical blinds is that they are available in different sizes, colours, textures, designs, styles and materials. So, you can choose the one which suits your tastes and requirements.

Give an artistic look to window blinds

You can have an image painted on window blinds. This can be done by you or by hiring the services of a professional artist. When open, painted window blinds look just like any other, but when they are shut the image looks very chic teamed with the home décor.

Window blind colours that suit every décor

White and beige colours are most popularly used colours. These colours not only give a soothing look to your house, but suit every type of décor. If you are unsure about which colour to choose, then white and beige coloured blinds are your safest bet. These blinds are available in many shades and patterns, so you have a variety to choose from.

Choose your window blind according to the lighting in house

The lighting in your house should be considered before choosing a window blind. A house that uses light and soft lighting should avoid bright coloured blinds. This combination can be distracting to the owners as well as the visitors.

A few things like suitable colour combinations and the textures of blinds if followed properly can enhance your home décor.

Slats are one of the most important components in window blinds. Here is a list of materials used in manufacturing different window blinds:

Wood – Wooden window blinds are commonly seen in many homes because they are stylish and durable in nature. If you are planning to buy wooden blinds then ensure that they are coated with protective finish.

Faux wood – The best thing about faux wood is that it looks like real wood but available at a cheaper rate. Once you have installed faux wood blinds then you can add the rustic elegance to your home.

Aluminium – Window blinds made from aluminium or other metals are preferred by many homeowners. This is because they offer high durability. If you want to install window blinds in the bathroom and kitchen then aluminium blinds are the best options.

Fabric – The best thing about fabric is that it is machine washable. Fabric blinds are available in different colours and designs. So, you can choose the one which suits the décor of your room.

PVC – Plastic or PVC are one of the most common materials used in manufacturing different window blinds. Window blinds made from PVC are also available in several colours.

• Venetian blinds
• Vertical blinds
• Wooden blinds
• Replacement blinds
• Roller blinds

Before you venture out to buy blinds for your home, filter out your choice on the basis of factors such as colour of blinds, material used, choice of slats – longer or shorter.

To avoid confusion while buying, there are few things one should consider. Read on to know more about them.

Things to remember while buying window blinds:

The very first thing one should consider is the décor of the house. You should not buy a pink window blind for a light blue coloured room. This will ruin the look of your house.

The location and needs of the house should also be considered. If you reside in hot areas of the country then a roller blind will be the best option to choose. These blinds will block out the sunlight completely. This will help your room to stay cooler.

The material should also be chosen depending on the location of your house. Window blinds made up of thick fabric are preferred for hot areas. Plastic slat window blinds are suitable for cool and windy areas.

Considering few things that goes well with the house and its needs will let you know which blind is perfect for you.

Installing blinds for skylights is a perfect solution to control the amount of outside light entering the room. It also protects against the harmful UV rays form the sun. Skylights look good by themselves. Installing blinds enhances their appearance further. There are different kinds of blinds available for skylights. Some of them are:

Skylight blinds to block sunrays - These blinds are specially designed to block the harsh rays of the sun before they enter the room. They can be easily controlled using a motor. These blinds can be manoeuvred either with a remote control or from a wall panel.

Vertical blinds - Vertical blinds can be fitted easily on sliding glass doors. The size of vertical blinds can be modified to suit different sized windows. The cheapest models would not be flexible enough and all the adjustments have to be done manually.

Balcony skylight blinds - Balcony skylight blinds can be fitted on horizontal as well as vertical shaped windows. They are made with covered nylon lift cords connected to a curved tension device invisible inside the top bar. This device helps in smooth operations to raise or lower the blinds.

Cellular blinds - Cellular blinds are popular home design options among many home-owners. They are equipped with many heat-trapping pockets which makes them suitable for insulation purposes.

Blinds for skylights have become so popular that skylights without blinds look dull and of no use. Another advantage of using blinds is that skylights with blinds bring down your electricity bill considerably.

A feature that distinguishes window blinds from curtains is that they are easy to maintain and more practical to use. Cleaning them is hassle free and they add to the décor of your room. They take up very little space and act as better sunscreen as compared to curtains.

Window blinds can be adjusted according to the needs of the owner. You can control the amount of light coming in as well as get the desired amount of privacy. You can clean them on a daily basis by just wiping the slats with a damp cloth instead of having to remove them from the fittings as in the case of curtains.

Window blinds come in many types. Mentioned blow are the options you can choose from when selecting window blinds.

Roller blinds

These blinds are cheaper as compared to other blinds. They are commonly used in homes and offices due to the sturdiness it offers to the owner. Like any other blinds, they can be adjusted according to the needs of the owner.

Roman blinds

Roman blinds are one of the most luxurious and elegant ways to dress a window. With its versatility and elegance, they are the ideal choices for your windows.

Venetian blinds

Are you looking for a fresh and modern look for your room? If yes, then opt for venetian blinds. It gives a modern touch to your interior and high levels of privacy. They are ideal for homes and offices.

With the availability of different varieties, you are never short of options when choosing a blind.