Different Types of Blinds You Can Have for Your Home

by James Alson Consultant at Window World & Interior Resources

According to Carolyn Forté, Home Appliances & Textiles Director in the Good Housekeeping Research Institute, "Windows are a great focal point in a room and blinds and shades should be both decorative and functional.” She also says that, “Thankfully, we've come a long way from the days of hiding them behind basic mini blinds. Now you can dress up a room in hundreds of ways without making a major investment."

You heard it from the experts, window blinds are good option for style as well as functionality. Below are the different kinds of blinds available in the market that you can choose from:

Venetian Blinds: These are made from horizontal slates attached to one another. They can be rotated to be completely closed to completely open. These slates can be pulled up completely too, making your windows blind free. Venetian blinds are one of the most common blind designs used the world over. They come in a variety of prints and colors; you can even get designer blinds that are printed with a painting - are a fantastic way to dress up a window and allow for customizable light and insulation.

Roman Blinds: These blinds draw up into pleats when raised. They are made up by mounting slates into the back of a solid fabric panel. These slates are connected to a cord that causes them to fold into pleats. Roman blinds are usually found at commercial or public establishments; however, an increasing number of residences are also witnessing interesting patterns of Roman blinds.

Blackout blinds: These blinds are made with vinyl and plastic compounds and are used to completely block off sunlight from a room. They are very useful for businesses that require complete darkness for visual presentation or photographic development. Also, they are very practical for people who work night-shifts and want a night-like impact in the daytime. These blinds can be a little on the expensive side depending on their features.Blackout curtains are another option you can explore.

Roller Blinds: It is basically a window blind that is fitted on a roller. They are made from stiffened polyester, mounted on a metal pole that operates with a spring mechanism, a side chain, or a completely motorized system. They are relatively easier to operate and are very flexible and durable.

Now that you know what your options are, you can decide on one by ascertaining a few factors - the time you are willing to spend in cleaning, your decorating style, the safety level (especially if you have children at home), and of course, the budget.