There are various factors to consider before going out to purchase blinds, key among them is the function you want the blinds to serve.
Is it privacy you're after, or do you want the blinds to be purely decorative? Perhaps you want it to frame a beautiful view, hide a blank space above a wall or maybe protect furniture and carpets from harsh sunlight.
Ultimately the style and material you choose should depend on the end use.
Here are some guidelines to assist you in the selection process:
If privacy is your major concern, you need block-out blinds.
Venetian blinds are a good option and offer excellent control of privacy, light and airflow. The ability to tilt the slats gives you perfect control of glare, light and heat and by simply raising the blinds, you'll be able to enjoy your view.
Aluminium Venetian blinds are a cost-effective option and are better suited (than the wood variety) to humid areas such as bathrooms and kitchens. Wood, which is a natural product, may bow or twist with constant exposure to damp environments.
Aluminium Venetian blinds are available in a wide range of colours.
Wooden Venetian blinds are beautiful and are ideally suited to bedrooms and lounges as they offer unmatched privacy and insulation (keeping heat, cold and glare out).
Bamboo Roman and roll-up blinds are a very cost-effective option that offer varying degrees of light control and privacy. They are naturally beautiful and give your home a cosy, homely feel. Their light-filtering properties make them perfect for darkening rooms and protecting furnishings from damaging sunlight.
Roll-up blinds roll neatly out of view, while Roman blinds fold up stylishly and elegantly. Being a natural product, they are not well suited to use in bathrooms.
Fabric roller blinds are the simplest blinds to install and operate and are available in a range of colours to suit any requirement. They also offer protection from the sun's damaging rays and a degree of privacy and insulation. They roll away neatly when raised and do not obscure your view.
- Information and pictures courtesy of Decorland.