Blinds Information by Shades, Shutters, and Blinds
Blinds are window coverings used mainly for privacy and protection from sunlight. There are basically three types of blinds.
Horizontal Blinds
The first type of blind is the horizontal blinds or the Venetian blinds. 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 horizontally. 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,
faux wood blinds, and real wood blinds. The most popular sizes are 1/2", 1", 2" and 2 1/2".
Metal Blinds
Most people know metal blinds as either
"Mini Blinds" or "Venetian Blinds" For the mini blinds, they come mainly in the 1" size. They are made of plastic or aluminum and the blind comes in
a vast array 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.
They are also called micro blinds. Micro blinds are great for french door applications.
Fauxwood Blinds
Fauxwood blinds are typically 2" or 2 1/2" wide. They are made of plastics and are the most popular blind
on the market. Faux wood blinds offer a nice look to any window and
provides an excellent view out the window opening. The slat is thicker
than a metal blind and is more energy efficient.
Real Wood Blinds
Wood blinds
are also very popular. Wood blinds are lighter than faux woods and the
stains look rich like furniture. Wood blinds are the most expensive in the horizontal blind category.
Vertical Blinds
Vertical
Blinds are the second most popular blind in today's market.
The two main categories of vertical blinds are vanes and sliding panels.
Vertical Vanes
They have vertical vanes that hang
from the top of the metal headrail. Each vane is typically 3 1/2" wide. 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 is a vast color and pattern selection for vertical blinds.
Vertical blinds draw or slide open either to each side or split in the
middle. Most verticals have the option of a nice valance that hides all
the hardware on top. Vertical blinds are popular for very wide windows
and sliding glass doors.
Sliding Panel Blinds
Sliding panels make up a rather small but interesting type of
vertical blinds. These are often found in Asian decor and
can be thought of as the sliding panels famous in Japan.
Window Blinds or Shades
Window
Blinds or Shades are the last category of blinds. They are a solid fabric designed to go up and down or side to side. There are three popular
types window blinds.
They are: cellular (honeycomb) blinds, roller shades and roman shades.
Cellular Blinds
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.
Roller Blinds
The Roller shade is also very popular. It
is a solid fabric that goes up
and down on a roller. The continuous clutch operation system adds life to this classic blind. The ShearWeave
or sunscreen material is becoming very popular for the roller
blind.
Roman Blinds
The
last group is the timeless Roman blind.
It is made of fabric that goes
up and down. Most factories produce the roman shade at a very affordable cost. They can be made in the traditional or hobbled look.
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.