Blinds Article by Shades Shutters Blinds

American Made Blinds

Blinds are coverings for a window that is attached to the exterior or interior used mainly for privacy and to protect from sunlight. There are basically three types of blinds.

The first type of blind is the horizontal blind or the Venetian blind. These window blinds have thin adjustable slats that overlap each other when closed. The second type is the vertical blinds which are vertical slats that overlap each other instead of horizontal. They last type is the window blind (or shade). Window shades are basically blinds made of a solid piece of material that goes up and down or side to side.

Horizontal blinds or Venetian blinds are made of many materials, colors and sizes. The most popular types are metal blinds, Fauxwood blinds, and real wood blinds. The most popular sizes are 1/2", 1", 2" and 2 1/2". For the metal blinds or mini blinds, they come mainly in the 1" size. They are made of plastic or aluminum and the blind comes in hundreds of colors. The metal blind is made of aluminum in a 6 gauge or 8 gauge slat. The 2" slats are typically made of 8 gauge aluminum and can have decorative tapes to add color to the blind. Lastly, mini blinds are also made in the small 1/2" slat. Also called micro blinds. Great for door applications. Fauxwood blinds are typically 2" or 2 1/2" wide. they are made of plastics and are the most popular blind seller in today's market. They give a nice look to any window and give you an excellent view out the window. The slat is thicker than a metal blind and is more energy efficient. Wood blinds are also very popular. They are known for the stain that looks like furniture and the light weight of the blind. This is the most expensive in the horizontal blind category.

• For metal blinds colors and pricing, click here
• For faux wood blinds colors and pricing, click here
• For real woods colors and pricing, click here

Vertical Blinds are the second most popular blind in today's market. They have vertical vanes that hang off the top of the headrail. Each vane is typically 3 1/2" wide although 2" and 4 1/2" vanes are sometimes sold. The vanes on the vertical blind are typically made of fabric designed to let light in or PVC (faux wood) designed to keep light out. There are literally 100's of styles, colors and textures to choose from for the vane. The vertical blind can open from the side or be split in the middle. Most verticals have the option of a nice valance that hides all the hardware on top. The vertical blind is very popular in some states and is known for great applications on very wide openings.

• For vertical blinds colors and pricing, click here

Window Blinds (Shades) are the last category of blinds. They are a solid fabric designed to go up and down or side to side. Their are three popular window blinds are cellular (honeycomb) blinds, roller shades and roman shades. Cellular blinds look like a bees hive when looked at from the side. They come in hundreds of colors and are known for their energy efficiency. They are very affordable. The Roller shade is also very popular. It simply goes up and down on a roller. The continuous clutch system adds life to the classic blind. The ShearWeave material is becoming very popular for the roller blind. The next group is the timeless Roman blind.  Made of fabric that goes up and down, this is like grandma used to make. Most factories now produce the roman shade at a very affordable cost. They can be made in the traditional or hobbled look.

• For honeycomb shades colors and pricing, click here
• For roller shades colors and pricing, click here
• For roman shades colors an pricing, click here

Although there are many other types of blinds and shutters in today's market, this brief summary is a good representation of the most common types of blinds.