Because there are so many choices for window treatments, it can quickly become overwhelming. Before considering design elements, first think about what you need your blinds to do—here are some things to consider when picking out blinds for your space:
Different Kinds of Blinds
There are two main kinds of window blinds that go in different directions; vertical and horizontal. And Hunter Douglas has different styles for these two directions:
Vertical Blinds
Hunter Douglas Skyline® Gliding Window Panels are a patented twist on panel track blinds. A sleek, contemporary panel design lends modern drama to any décor, whether covering large windows or when used as a unique sliding room divider.
Hunter Douglas Cadence® Soft Vertical Blinds feature patented curved vanes, mimicking soft drapery folds that move smoothly and quietly along their track; ideal for elegant styling and translucency.
Somner® Custom Vertical Blinds offer the largest selection of colors, treatments and textures, from smooth metal finishes to geometric patterns—in fabric, vinyl and aluminum.
Horizontal Blinds
Traditional styling and rich hardwood slats ensure Parkland® Wood Blinds complement the lines of any room. Fashioned to create a warm and inviting home, they're available in a variety of colors and three slat sizes.
Alternative wood provides amazing performance. This smart alternative to wood blinds has classic good looks that don't age - in realistic TruGrain® finishes or a large selection of solid colors, and with operating and decorative upgrades available.
Sleek, thin aluminum slats offer maximum light control and a clean uncluttered look. Enjoy special finishes and textures, from metallic to pearlescent to matte, and a range of attractive hues. Pair metal slats with real wood accents for a striking and unique horizontal blind. Mix and match colors to create an original look that fits your home decor.
Now that you're aware of the different types we carry, it's also good to learn about the pros and cons of them to help you decide if they're right for you or not.
Pros of Choosing Blinds
Privacy & Light Blocking
Some of us need window treatments that will give us privacy and light protection, no matter what room we're using them in. In this case, blinds are an excellent choice. Blinds provide you with more control over the amount of light entering the room because you can cover the entire window or just part of the window (thanks to top-down bottom-up ones) according to your needs. And more importantly, they provide you with a high level of privacy protection that you can't get from many other options—even curtains!
Frame a Window or a View
Some windows face out to a great view of a garden, a cityscape, or a mountain view. In these cases, you don't want window treatments that cover up the beauty outside. Instead, you want treatments that are easy to open, and when open, offer a totally unobstructed view. Different styles of blinds can offer this option. Good choices are wood and faux wood blinds, shutters or soft vane window shadings.
Countless Colors and Patterns
You'll need to decide if you want blinds to blend with the decor or to pop. For blending, pick ones that are the same tone as the wall but a few shades darker, or choose a non-dominant subtle color in the room (a soft shade from the rug). Matching the trim color allows the window treatment to blend in to the window and allow the wall color to stand out. The most popular colors of hard treatments are white and off-white. A bold color, on the other hand, will work like an exclamation point if you're looking to add some wow.
There are many different styles, colors and patterns of window blinds, allowing you to create the perfect look in your kitchen, living room, bathroom, bedroom, etc.
Easy to Maintain
Finally, one of the best things about window blinds is that they are typically very easy to maintain. In fact, many blinds simply require a quick wipe with a damp cloth from time to time to remove the dust. Compare this to curtains, which need to be washed every once in a while, and blinds start to look like the most convenient option. In addition, they are also long lasting, especially blinds made from wood or aluminum, meaning you won't have to replace them until you decide you are ready for a change.
Cons of Choosing Blinds
And of course, like any product you need help choosing, it's helpful to know not just the pros, but also the cons. Good news is, there are only a few cons:
- Blinds do need to be cleaned and maintained often. And sometimes it's a big hectic to do so. With the way they're designed, you need to clean them one by one, which might seem like a waste of time.
- In addition, blinds are less efficient at keeping in the heat, unlike thick curtains. Since they're made of materials like wood, faux wood and metals like aluminum, they don't necessarily help keep a space warm.
- Blind cords can be a hazard around young children. So, if that's something you need to keep in mind when shopping for the right window treatments, check out the best child safe window treatments we carry here. (link to that blog)
Now that we've broken down the different types, facts and pros and cons of blinds, it's time to figure out if they're the right window treatments for your home. No matter if they are or not, stop in one of our locations and one of our designs experts will show you all the Hunter Douglas treatments that would be the best for you.
At Avalon Flooring, we want to make sure you're happy from your first step in our showroom to your first step on your new flooring—and as your partner in home design, we'll be there every step along the way. Consider us your "One-Stop Shopping" destination for all things flooring…(and window treatments)!
Our design consultants are equipped with the knowledge to guide you through the wide selection of products we offer, and our expert installation team is professionally trained to make sure everything gets installed the way you envision. We know your home is an expression of your sense of style, and we're here to make sure you'll be proud of it for years to come.
