Types of Window Blinds: Picking the Best Style

Window treatments are an often overlooked aspect of a home, but they really shouldn’t be. Because, at the end of the day, not only are window blinds and shades practical, but they also elevate a home’s overall appeal and style. The right window blinds can go a long way in making a house feel cozier, prettier, and a whole lot more refined.

The problem is that there’s a whole laundry list of types of window blinds on the market. Choosing the right window blinds is a massive challenge. But if you follow our formula and understand the different types of window blinds and shades, you’ll be able to choose the right window treatment for your home in no time.

How to choose the right window blind style for your home

By far, the most crucial factor when choosing window blinds is how they will mesh with your home’s design and aesthetic. Even the most beautiful window treatments won’t look good in a house if it clashes with the home’s overall style. So make sure that the type of window blind, as well as its color, design, pattern, and material, match your existing home decor.

The other aspects to consider when choosing the right blinds or shades are:

• Function: What are you using the blinds for? Are they purely decorative? Are they more for privacy or to block UV rays? Or both?
• Room Type: Certain blinds offer better function and feel for specific rooms. For example, roller blinds are often put in bathrooms and kitchens due to strong resistance to moist environments.
• Cost: Last and most apparent is the cost of the window blinds you are installing. Some blinds or shades might look fantastic, but that won’t matter much if they are way out of your budget.

With that out of the way, let’s take a look at all the different types of blinds on the market, so you can decide which is perfect for your specific home.

Wooden blinds

Wood and faux wood blinds are highly functional, affordable, and versatile. Wooden and faux wood horizontal blinds typically come in a slatted or Venetian style and are most commonly used in bathrooms and kitchens. Since they are so versatile and blend in so well, it’s not uncommon to see them in any room.

Shutters

Similar to wood blinds, shutters are a type of window treatment that offers a lot of practicality in a home. They provide lots of protection against unwanted sunlight and also provide lots of privacy when you need it. But be wary about putting shutters in your home if your home doesn’t have a more traditional look. They might stand out, and not in a good way.

Roman blinds

Roman blinds (also known as Roman shades) are made of fabric and offer both elegance and functionality to a room. When raised, Roman blinds stack on top of themselves at the window’s top, allowing sunlight into the room. Since Roman shades come in various colors and fabrics, they can fit in a wide array of home styles and rooms. Explore blinds and shades.

Pleated shades

Similar to Venetian-style blinds in functionality, pleated shades are usually made of paper or fabric material. Although they have lost popularity over the years, a rise in visually stunning textural and fabric designs and patterns has seen pleated shades see somewhat of a reemergence in home decor.

Natural blinds

For a more bold and trendy look, natural blinds are a great choice. Natural window blinds are made out of materials found in nature. Natural blinds are commonly made out of bamboo, reeds, grasses, yarns, and even metallic threads. More eclectic homeowners often choose natural blinds to add a bit of texture and a more natural feel to their home.

Vertical blinds

Vertical blinds are very true to their name. Instead of being pulled up or down to open, vertical blinds run across a track to slide open or closed—either parting in the middle or opening from one side. Vertical blinds are most often used on patio doors, sliding doors, and floor-to-ceiling windows.

Roller shades

As the name suggests, roller shades are fabric blinds that are rolled up or down to either let sunlight in to block it out. And as we mentioned earlier, roller shades are often used in bathrooms and kitchens thanks to their protective coating, which fights off moisture. Roller shades also come in a solar variety, which is great for blocking harmful UV rays from entering homes prone to lots of year-round sunlight. Insolroll provides some of the best roller shades in the industry:

• Blocking up to 99% of harmful ultra-violet rays
• Reducing glare and increasing visual comfort
• High-performance solar shades block heat and keep your home cool

Cellular shades 

Also referred to as honeycomb blinds, this is probably the type of blind that comes to mind when you think of window blinds. Although they are very similar to pleated blinds in their look, cellular shades are designed with two types of material. Thanks to their honeycomb design, they provide lots of insulation for homeowners.

Need Help Picking Window Blinds?

For more information on what type of window blinds are best for your home, contact the Screenmobile window experts today.