Leave them bare, and windows can become unsightly holes in your walls that flood your interior with too much sunlight and rob you of your privacy. But add a distinctive and stylish covering, and suddenly, you get to have more privacy, control over how much sunlight can fill up the space and, of course, better-looking windows and interiors.
No wonder window blinds are one home improvement trend that seems to never go away, no matter how times and styles change. And due to their ever-lasting popularity, there’s an unlimited range of blinds. While having this kind of freedom to choose should be considered a blessing, often it’s bewildering. That being said, here are some tips that can help make the selection process easier for you.
Make Sure the Blinds Match The Surroundings
As with any home improvement project, having a style in mind should be the starting point when selecting a window treatment. For instance, while sleek Venetians can look stunning on their own, they might not work with your home’s interior style, especially if it leans towards the traditional or vintage. If blinds are some of the first elements you plan to add to your interior, make sure that they will work with the interior design style you aim to create.
A traditional, vintage or rustic style interior will benefit more from roller or Roman blinds, or even shutters. On the other hand, if you have contemporary or minimalist interior, you should focus your attention on the range of modern blinds for windows. Venetians, vertical blinds or cellular blinds can all provide a stylish modern touch to your home.
Think About Materials
The material your blinds are made from can affect a bunch of important factors in your home from energy-efficiency to privacy and light control. Plus, the material can also influence the blinds’ longevity and ease of maintenance. Both traditional and modern blinds for windows are available in a wide range of materials from wood to faux wood made from PVC, metal and fabrics.
Blinds made from aluminium or moisture-resistant fabrics are the most suitable option for areas exposed to high heat and humidity, such as the bathroom and kitchen. If you’re more a fan of wooden blinds, reserve them for areas free from any humidity, such as the living room or bedroom. Or opt for faux wood for high-humidity areas. When it comes to maintenance, both wood, aluminium and faux wood blinds are easy to clean by simply wiping them down with a damp cloth.
Fabric blinds, like for instance Roman blinds are a bit difficult to maintain as you can’t wipe them to get them clean. You will need to take them and wash them. Also, keep in mind that unless you choose a block-out material, fabric blinds won’t be able to provide you with 100% privacy or light control. Hard materials like aluminium, wood and faux wood offer optimal privacy and light control.
Pick a Suitable Mount
Besides material and style, you should also think about the mount types when you buy blinds. There are two types of mounts you can choose from – inside and outside. Different types of windows have different panes and close differently. Considering this, you want to go for a mount that won’t stand in the way of opening or closing the windows.
Additionally, some types of mounts can affect the appearance of your windows. For instance, if your window frames are decorated with ornate carvings that you want to show off, an inside mount will not get in the way of doing so. On the other hand, outside mounts go completely over the window frame, so when you close off the blinds the window frame gets covered entirely. This type of mount creates a sleek look and it can help prevent any draught from your windows and improve your home’s energy efficiency.
How to Measure Blinds
Knowing the dimensions of the windows you want to cover will help you select the right size of blinds. You should measure according to the mounting style you want your blinds to have. That being said, if inside-mount blinds stop at the window frame, so should your measuring tape. On the other hand, for outside-mounted blinds, may sure to include the window frame in your measurements. If you’re planning to order online blinds, consider checking whether the site has an instruction guide on measuring. If not, call their customer service number to ask for instructions.
Don’t Be Afraid of DIY Installation
Once you’ve discovered your dream blinds, you may find that they cost a lot and leave you with little money left to hire an installation expert. So, you may get discouraged and opt for a more affordable choice.
Here’s some friendly advice. Don’t hesitate to splurge on the ideal window treatment that will beautify and at the same time protect your home from the sun and curious onlookers. DIY blinds installation is a simple and fast project and you don’t need a lot of skills or tools to do it.
It’s normal to be a bit unsure at first, after all, nobody is born an expert on blinds. However, by following all the guidelines from your blinds shop, you can easily fit your own windows. And doing some work around the house by yourself will certainly fill you up with a sense of accomplishment. You will have physical proof of your skills to show off to any guests.
