Many people today use window blinds to control the amount of light that comes into their homes. This is because a considerable amount of sunlight is wasted on the windows in many houses, which could be quite harmful for people inside and outside their domicile.
Some people feel that window blinds could help reduce the amount of energy costs involved with heating and cooling their homes. Others feel that blinds could make the room appear bigger, helping to make it feel more spacious and welcoming.
Regardless of your reasons for getting window blinds, here are various aspects to consider before finalizing your purchase.
Know The Type
In general, know that there are two types of window blinds available in the market: vertical and horizontal. Vertical window blinds are usually preferred for wide sliding doors and bigger windows, while horizontal blinds are commonly preferred for smaller, narrower, and slanted windows.
There are various kinds of blinds, such as patio, sliding, double-hung, casement, back door window blinds, bay windows, sunroom windows, and much more. For the most suitable and long-lasting window blinds, you could consult experts such as makemyblinds.co.uk or other suitable vendors near you who know about these features.
Assess The Size
If you’re planning on purchasing window blinds, the first thing you need to consider is your house dimensions. The size of the blinds you’ll eventually choose will be determined by specific measurements in the areas where you’ll be placing them. Assess where you want to install them first, and imagine if it works.
Vertical blinds come in many different styles and sizes, the reason why they’re commonly used for sliding glass doors and large windows. They will look best if you want to block the movement of the door. Verticals are also more practical since they help you save space by not having to install smaller blinds or open curtains on the windows.
Meanwhile, horizontal blinds can be used to give privacy to smaller windows while providing enough light to brighten up the room. But there are also some variations of the horizontal ones that could go well with bigger picture windows, like the roman blinds type.
Amount Of Light Coming Through
After considering the number of windows in your home, you should decide on the amount of light that would enter your interiors. The blinds could help you with the decision, especially if you have larger windows or those with strong glass, as they would control the amount of light that can be let in. For smaller windows or sliding doors, you might consider allowing the amount of light to be as dim as you can.
There are also different types of blinds that give extra light control, such as awning blinds, casement blinds, sliding blinds, and roller blinds. Each kind comes with its respective pros and cons. If you want privacy, then a sliding blind would be great. On the other hand, if you want the amount of light to be as strong as possible, then a casement blind might be suitable for you. Once you have found the right blinds, you can hang them up on your windows to enjoy the warmth of the sun or to block out its rays.
Cleaning And Care
Once you have chosen the type of window blind that fits your requirements, you need to think about its cleaning and maintenance.
The different types of materials used for window blinds include vinyl, fiberglass, wood, and aluminum. Most window blinds available in the market are made of fiberglass or vinyl. They’re incredibly durable and easier to clean and maintain. On the other hand, wooden blinds require regular maintenance and cleaning. Thus, when out shopping for blinds, consider their care, too.
Even though window blinds can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth or typical window cleaning implements, those installed permanently might be trickier to maintain, and require professional cleaning services later on. It’s another concern if the blinds you have are installed in an area that can’t avoid dirt. This is why one concern that homeowners have when selecting window blinds for the kitchen is the expected staining and heavy grime that will accumulate over time. This is usually one of the most common reasons why people decide to go with vinyl blinds in their kitchens, as the other materials would leave the blinds dirty and heavy with dirt and grease.
UV Blockage Or Insulation
In addition to improving the look of your home, you can feel better about the overall state of your window structures when you decide to install window blinds. Harmful UV rays coming from the sun can cause serious damage to your interior walls and the underlying structure of your windows. Over time, this could also lead to the deterioration of wood and insulation. As a result, your energy bill might shoot up since there’s going to be some malfunction on maintaining heat or cold in your home. With the right type of window blinds, you can reduce these costs while ensuring that your windows stay clean and in good shape.
If you’re currently using old or damaged window blinds that are already hard to adjust or bent out of shape, you might consider having new window blinds installed. Aside from blocking harmful UV rays, they also provide privacy, especially if you’re living in higher or isolated places. But make sure that you’ll have them installed by professionals, as poorly installed blinds could create a security risk and affect your home safety.
Conclusion
Shopping for window blinds is not as breezy or casual as choosing typical window curtains. While they both require you to know the proper dimensions and the right sizes to fit your windows, blinds remain more complicated a decision. Thus, it’s understandable if you would take your time when making your decision. You don’t want to buy blinds and later find out that they don’t fit too well or they don’t close properly. Or worse, they may have looked good in the store’s display, but they don’t go well with the overall design and décor of your home. In addition, you also don’t want to buy blinds that are too expensive. Thus, if you want to make sure that you’re getting the best quality materials possible, take your time indeed and consider the factors listed above.
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