Which Window Blind is Right for You
Lost about the kinds of blinds available and whether they make sense in your home? Here is an introduction to the basics
Pragati Gupta Saxena
3 March 2017
Houzz India Contributor.
I've always had my heart and soul channelled into one thing -- creativity. Amidst the hassles of life, one bright morning, life happened to me! Since then, I've been pursuing my passion. So one would find me either glued to my laptop, or in a chaotic room full of paper shavings and paints, or in sweats revamping the house, or doing the salsa while I whip up another dessert! Whatever it has to be, it must be creative!
Houzz India Contributor.
I've always had my heart and soul channelled into one thing... More
Looking for something different? A lot of privacy and lots more style? Then blinds are the way to go. Windows, if done up right, can become the cynosure of the room. Blinds have moved on from being the colourless props hanging from office windows to being this dynamic decor element that can really add a zing to any space. Read along and discover what kind of a blind is right for you.
Venetian blinds
This is my current favourite – somehow these blinds bring in a sense of crispness and luxury for me. It’s hard to go wrong with a wooden or faux wood blind; they tend to work well with most kinds of decor styles. See how the Venetian brings in a resort, tropical look to the room!
Tip: For long-term durability and sun cover, choose composite blinds, which look like wood and retain their shape indefinitely.
This is my current favourite – somehow these blinds bring in a sense of crispness and luxury for me. It’s hard to go wrong with a wooden or faux wood blind; they tend to work well with most kinds of decor styles. See how the Venetian brings in a resort, tropical look to the room!
Tip: For long-term durability and sun cover, choose composite blinds, which look like wood and retain their shape indefinitely.
Vertical blinds
Vertical blinds are quite popular, especially in commercial spaces. But they can work very well in homes too – especially, if want to cover large sliding doors or floor-to-ceiling windows. What works even better is when you pair up sheer-like white blinds with curtains over them.
These are easier on the pocket, practical, and provide good light control. Many have vinyl vanes, making these window coverings easy to clean and care for. You can choose from both PVC or fabric verticals, depending on whether you want a more formal or a casual look.
Vertical blinds are quite popular, especially in commercial spaces. But they can work very well in homes too – especially, if want to cover large sliding doors or floor-to-ceiling windows. What works even better is when you pair up sheer-like white blinds with curtains over them.
These are easier on the pocket, practical, and provide good light control. Many have vinyl vanes, making these window coverings easy to clean and care for. You can choose from both PVC or fabric verticals, depending on whether you want a more formal or a casual look.
Roman blinds
Most Roman blinds use fabric and thus can infuse the room with a lot of light. Because they use fabrics, there are choices galore to choose from. One can consider florals, bold patterns, block colours … the choice is only limited by your imagination.
Tip: If you have a brown/beige palette in your living room, consider tasar silk Roman blinds; they instantly add an opulent feel to the space. And they filter light so beautifully!
Most Roman blinds use fabric and thus can infuse the room with a lot of light. Because they use fabrics, there are choices galore to choose from. One can consider florals, bold patterns, block colours … the choice is only limited by your imagination.
Tip: If you have a brown/beige palette in your living room, consider tasar silk Roman blinds; they instantly add an opulent feel to the space. And they filter light so beautifully!
Honeycomb blinds
Cellular shades, often known as honeycomb blinds, are known for their versatile offerings and the sense of neatness they bring to a space.
These shades are soft yet durable, and also provide good insulation. They can reduce the carbon footprint by bringing down your air-conditioning costs. These blinds have two or more layers joined at the pleats that form a honeycomb-like compartment, thus trapping air and adding to insulation. Honeycombs are also the right choice if you are looking for a complete cover from the outside or a black-out option for your bedroom.
Cellular shades, often known as honeycomb blinds, are known for their versatile offerings and the sense of neatness they bring to a space.
These shades are soft yet durable, and also provide good insulation. They can reduce the carbon footprint by bringing down your air-conditioning costs. These blinds have two or more layers joined at the pleats that form a honeycomb-like compartment, thus trapping air and adding to insulation. Honeycombs are also the right choice if you are looking for a complete cover from the outside or a black-out option for your bedroom.
Pleated shades
These blinds offer a wide selection in decorative and textured fabrics, with privacy and room-darkening liners as well. They are a great solution for windows of various shapes and sizes. Pleated blinds are fabric, accented by crisply folded pleats, and add good dollop of personality to a space.
These blinds offer a wide selection in decorative and textured fabrics, with privacy and room-darkening liners as well. They are a great solution for windows of various shapes and sizes. Pleated blinds are fabric, accented by crisply folded pleats, and add good dollop of personality to a space.
Sliding panels
These are similar to vertical blinds but the panels are broader and can slide over each other. They are light in weight and can be easily moved, and are a good option for bigger windows and doors. In the space shown, the texture of the sliding panels mimics bamboo or wood. Here, they have been added as sliding, solar blocking screens to complement the modern design of the room.
These are similar to vertical blinds but the panels are broader and can slide over each other. They are light in weight and can be easily moved, and are a good option for bigger windows and doors. In the space shown, the texture of the sliding panels mimics bamboo or wood. Here, they have been added as sliding, solar blocking screens to complement the modern design of the room.
Shutters
Don’t we love those shuttered European windows and those relaxed louvred doors? But no more whites and browns; now there is a plethora of colours and styles to choose from. Go with what five star hotels do – install shutters on wardrobes or bathroom doors for a highly stylised look.
Tip: Consider a DIY activity for your kids – let them take out the paint box and colour each louvre a rainbow colour in their room.
Don’t we love those shuttered European windows and those relaxed louvred doors? But no more whites and browns; now there is a plethora of colours and styles to choose from. Go with what five star hotels do – install shutters on wardrobes or bathroom doors for a highly stylised look.
Tip: Consider a DIY activity for your kids – let them take out the paint box and colour each louvre a rainbow colour in their room.
Roller blinds
Roller blinds use the technique of stiffening the fabric. These blinds are great at cutting down excess light as well as for achieving the blackout effect. If you are into patterns and prints and want a customised roller blind, it’s worth opting for a laminated option.
Roller blinds use the technique of stiffening the fabric. These blinds are great at cutting down excess light as well as for achieving the blackout effect. If you are into patterns and prints and want a customised roller blind, it’s worth opting for a laminated option.
Consider this aqua, navy blind with beautiful geometric print for one of your rooms. I would add a dash of hot pink and watch the space sizzle.
Read more:
6 Window Treatments That Will Change Your Perspective
How to Buy a Chair
Tell us:
Why haven’t you considered blinds as an option to curtains yet? Write in Comments below.
Read more:
6 Window Treatments That Will Change Your Perspective
How to Buy a Chair
Tell us:
Why haven’t you considered blinds as an option to curtains yet? Write in Comments below.
What are you working on?
Related Stories
Working with professionals
Busted! 5 Myths About Working With an Interior Designer
By Tanya Khanna
We put to bed the biggest misconceptions about working with design professionals
Full Story
Working with professionals
Can Hiring an Interior Designer Save You Money?
We dispel the biggest misconception that working with an interior designer will drive up the cost of the project
Full Story
Working with professionals
What Are the Benefits of Hiring an Interior Designer?
From furnishing working drawings to beautifying the home, find out how an interior designer plays multifunctional roles
Full Story
More Room Guides
Turn One Room Into Two With These Genius Ideas
Carve out an extra room within your home with these fab room-splitting tips and tricks
Full Story
Bedroom Guides
What Are the Ideal Wardrobe Measurements?
Here are dimensions for different types of wardrobe designs that ensure maximum functionality and storage
Full Story
More Room Guides
7 Types of Glass That Allow in Light & Privacy
These glass products and treatments will increase privacy without losing natural light
Full Story
Decorating Ideas
9 Ways to Make Minimalism Work in Indian Homes
Here are smart ways to harmoniously combine the minimalist ethos with Indian aesthetics and lifestyles
Full Story
Most Popular
Which False Ceiling Material is Better: Gypsum or POP?
Here is all you need to know about the difference between gypsum and POP before you commit to a ceiling
Full Story
Most Popular
Where to Use Which Paint?
Know your emulsions from your acrylics, and the right types for painting the home's interior & exterior
Full Story
Life
10 Bad Habits That Are Making Your Home Messier...
By Jo Simmons
...and how to break them! Tweak your mess-forming behaviours and help tidy up your interior
Full Story
Hey Karthik, you can buy them from the local market in your area, most of the furnishing houses provide a good collection to pick from. Johnson is one of the premier brands in India for Blinds. Other than that a few names like Presto and Vista can also be considered.