The two main categories of door and window blinds are based on the orientation of the slats--vertical and horizontal. Vertical blinds work well for large windows and sliding glass doors. Some downsides are that they can be noisy and may appear bulky when all the slats are moved to one side. Horizontal blinds are a good choice for smaller windows and those that move up and down. These blinds come multiple slat widths so they can fit better in small windows. They can be raised and lowered with cords or can be cordless. Cordless blinds tend to cost more, but they’re safer for children and pets and the blinds go up and down more evenly. Blinds can also be motorized so they can tilt open or closed and raise or lower with the click of a button.
Materials Used in Blinds
Wood
Wooden blinds add a nice touch to a room and they come in different colors and types of wood. These types of blinds should not be in rooms that are susceptible to humidity or intense direct sunlight as they can fade, split, warp, or break.
Faux wood
Faux wood is a nice choice because you get the visual benefits of wood at a lower cost and they’re less likely to be damaged by moisture and sunlight.
Plastic
Plastic blinds come in several different colors and sizes and they are the most economical. They may not be as visually appealing as blinds made of other materials and they’re more likely to break or become discolored from sunlight.
Metal
Metal blinds look similar to plastic blinds and are more durable. Most metal blinds are made of aluminum and can get dented. They’re also one of the more noisy materials.
Natural fabric
Natural fabric slats are mostly found in vertical blinds. This material gives the feel of curtains without the bulk. Depending on the fabric, stains may be difficult to remove.
