How to Choose Window Blinds and Shades
As window treatments, blinds and shades are as decorative and functional as curtains or drapes. Choosing the right one for your particular window will depend on several factors including function, décor theme, ease of maintenance and budget. Here are some tips to help you choose the window blinds or shades that are right for you. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Choose roller blinds (also called roller shades) for ease of installation and cost effectiveness. Roller blinds are simple window coverings that typically come with easy-to-install hardware. They are mostly made of paper, fabric or natural materials like reeds, rattan or bamboo, making them relatively inexpensive. As low-cost window treatments, they are easy to change when you decide to redecorate.
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Choose roman shades for simplicity with a touch of class. Because of the folding, cascading style of roman shades, and the tendency to use heavy, textured and colorful fabric, this type of window treatment is good at creating a decorative statement. Because they are easy to install and operate, they are among the most popular window covering solutions.
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Choose slatted or venetian blinds for universal appeal and functionality. Probably the most common of all window treatments, slatted blinds come in metal, plastic, wood or treated fabric, as well as horizontal, vertical and mini. They are universal because they can be used as is or in coordination with curtains or drapes. They are easy to install and maintain (often requiring only vacuuming and wiping down) and versatile in terms of varying the degrees of light and temperature coming through the window. Venetian blinds are also typically more durable than other styles of blinds.
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Choose gathered blinds for the luxurious look. Because gathered blinds use heavy or textured fabric and create a ruffled draping effect, they are best used with deep colors and affluent décor themes. They also use more material, putting them among the more expensive types of window blinds.
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Choose cellular shades for the contemporary look. Similar to venetian blinds, but constructed like honeycombs, cellular shades provide the modern look as well as the functionality of efficient light control and insulation from extreme temperatures. They are available in different colors and types of materials (from flimsy to foil-lined) with varying price tags.
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Tips & Warnings
Blinds offer varying degrees of coverage depending on the material or combination of materials used. When choosing the suitable blinds for your requirements, always consult the specs for the degrees of light blocking (from see-through to total blackout) and insulation or energy efficiency (from low to high).
Feel free to embellish or be creative with the type of window blinds you choose.
Verticals blinds and shades are more complicated to install because they need to slide across a horizontal rail.
Shutters are similar to blinds, but require a more permanent and professional installation.
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Comments
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mizzshady
Aug 30, 2009
Interesting never thought about that before I keep it in mind. Good job in this article 5*
