Window Blinds – How To Choose The Right One

 

There are many different kinds of window blinds which use a variety of control systems

 

The term window blinds can also be used to describe window coverings generically—in this context window blinds include almost every type of window covering, i.e. shutters, roller blinds, cellular shades (also called honeycomb shades), wood blinds, roman blinds and of course, standard vertical and horizontal blinds. 

 

Choosing the right window blinds

Choice and variety are fundamental expectations in this modern world. When it comes to window treatments, the choices have proliferated in a similar way. Having this kind of selection should be a blessing, not bewildering,

 

Window blinds are wonderfully adjustable; the slats are able to stay tightly closed for privacy and light control, or tilt open to allow just the amount of light you choose. When they are pulled up and stacked at the top of the window, they leave an unobstructed view.

 

In choosing your window blinds in Singapore, the width of the slat will be your first consideration. Blinds generally come in one of three standard sizes: ½inch, 1 inch and 2 inches. The ½-inch slat is the most popular, because it gives homes a contemporary feel. The 1-inch version is a compromise between the narrowest and the widest blinds; they take less labour to manufacture than the ½-inch slats, and so are slightly less expensive. 

 

 

People who want an old-fashioned or old-world look generally choose the 2-inch slats, which are reminiscent of older-style Venetian blinds. The slats can be arranged horizontally or vertically. Vertical window blinds are designed for wide window expanses and sliding glass doors, because they stack off to the side, rather than at the top of the window.

 

 

 

Another choice you will have to make is how your blind raises and lowers. Will it be top-down? Bottom-up? Privacy and light issues will be the determining factors in this decision.

 

Wood window blinds — even faux wood ones — are another popular option. Wood brings a softer, more organic feel to windows than an aluminium window blind does. If you go this route, realize that faux wood has a couple of advantages over the real thing: It can be substantially less expensive, and it’s not as susceptible to moisture issues, which makes it a great choice for bathrooms, kitchens and clammy climates. If you are going to use a painted wood blind, you might as well go faux. Nobody will be able to tell the difference. 

 

Then there are woven woods. Strictly speaking, woven woods are shades, not blinds. What’s the difference? Whereas blinds are hard and slatted, shades are soft and are usually constructed from materials on a continuous roll, with no adjustment for light.

 

 Woven woods come in multiple styles, including grasses, reeds, jute and bamboo.  Bamboo is a relatively sustainable product, which makes it one of the favourite choices. Woven woods bring a distinctly organic texture to a room. They enhance and warm almost any decor, from modern to country.

 

Here is a caveat: Window blinds are like most other products. You get exactly what you pay for. Inexpensive blinds may seem like a “why not?” choice, but consider whether they are durable and can provide positive environment you want.

 

Also consider the weight of each slat. Will it ding and bend and are the cords feeble and easily breakable?

 

The bottom line is: Don’t be penny wise and pound foolish when purchasing window blinds.