14 Different Types of Blinds (Extensive Buying Guide)
The Blinds Buyer’s Guide
It’s not a surprise considering how high functioning they are and amazing-looking they are. It’s a hassle cleaning them, but the advantages hugely outweigh the difficulties of cleaning. The next agenda is the type of blinds you will want. We can assist you with that, with our extensive buying guide below.
The comprehensive buyers guide to blinds and shades.
A. Get To Know The Different Window Treatments
Often, the phrase ‘blinds’ is a reference to both shades and blinds. While all the varying types of shades and blinds function the same, there is an underlying difference when it comes separating the two. So, let’s take a look at what makes them so different?
- Blinds
Blinds come in varying types, sizes and materials. Blinds have separate slats that are adjustable either up or down. Blinds also can tilt from side to side, allowing greater control over the amount of sunlight getting in your room.
- Shades
Shades as well come in various different materials, types and sizes. They are produced from a single piece of material rather than separate individual slats like blinds. Because of this, they are only adjustable upwards and downwards, but cannot go side to side.
B. Different Types of Blinds
- Vertical Blinds
Vertical blinds are separate slats running along a track starting from the top of the blind. Depending on the preference or style of a person, vertical blinds can either open up by parting them at the middle or side to side. These types of blinds are a must-have for ceiling to floor windows and patio doors. But at the same time, they can also be installed over smaller windows if need be.
- Venetian Blinds
When it comes to the most desirable style of blinds, Venetian blinds meet the profile. They come in horizontal slats that are attached with cloth strips or string referred to as tapes. When raising Venetian blinds, the bottom slat will basically be pressed onto the slat that’s right above it.
- Mini Blinds
Mini Blinds function the same way Venetian blinds do. The differentiator is that compared to traditional Venetian blinds, their slats have a small width. The featured slats usually are around 1” thick.
- Micro Blinds
Micro blinds are basically a tiny version of mini-blinds. Micro blinds feature features slats that are ½” thick.
- Panel Blinds
Panel blinds are an excellent selection for very big windows as well as patio doors. Panel blinds feature sections moving along a track, which enables you to close or open them at will.
- Pleated Shades
These shades feature a pleated materials that make the shade form an accordion appearing pattern that can be lowered or raised. These types of shades have the same appearance as Venetian blinds and at the same time ’soften’ how the window looks like. Unlike blinds, they don’t have the freedom of getting adjusted side to side. Pleated shades are typically made from paper or fabric.
- Cellular Shades
Cellular shades appear the same way like pleated shades and also made out of similar materials. But unlike pleated shades, these types of blinds are made from two separate pieces of material. The back and front parts of cellular shades are open at the middle creating a pocket that gives room for insulation. To meet the requirements of different windows, cellular shades come in various different cell sizes suitable for every application. Cellular shades are an excellent way of assisting your place remain cool and breezy during the summer and stay warm when it’s winter time. Cellular shades also offer sound insulation.
- Roman Shades
Roman shades are a very conventional window treatment covering made out of materials or fabric such as seagrass or jute. Various different Roman shade styles are available, but all of them have a similar thing in common: When raising a Roman shade, it typically folds onto itself, in the same manner, Venetian blind functions. Given how the roman shade fabric continually folds into itself, it will build up quite a big stack of fabric when completely raised to the top of the window. So although Roman shades provide a timeless and beautiful aesthetic, when raised, they will hamper the viewable space of a section of your window.
- Roller Shades
Roller shades are another fan-favorite. They are made out of natural or synthetic fabrics and can be rolled downward or upward depending on your needs. Roller shades come in various styles and can be mounted in several ways as well. The most cost-effective ones feature external systems that enable you to view all the varying mechanisms and mounting hardware.
- Tie-Up Shades
Tie-up shades are more of a cross-breed between a curtain and shade and come in a wide range of materials. They are made from a piece of fabric featuring ties extending beyond the shade’s bottom side. The shade is raised by rolling it up and tied in place. This style provides a country or casual look that meshes well with various décor styles.
- Solar Shades
Are the same as roller shades. Their role is reducing the amount of light, UV rays, glare and heat getting into the house while preserving the view of the window. Think of solar shades like sunglasses but for windows.
- Outdoor Shades
These shades are constructed from weather-resistant, heavy-duty materials. Outdoor shades are applicable for decks and patios as they help in reducing the amount of sunlight and heat exposure entering the space. Outdoor solar shades are a fan favorite.
- Skylight Shades
Skylight shades come in a variety of styles which include pleated, roller and cellular. These shades are meant to provide cover for hard to reach skylights. The most sought-after due to their insulating properties are Cellular shades. Skylight shades feature a removable rod capable of raising, lowering or adjusting the shade. At times the shades can raise or lower with a handle.
- Smart Blinds
Thanks to smart home tech, smart blinds are actually a thing and increasingly gaining traction. Smart blinds and shades come in various conventional styles and new high tech designs.