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.

• Metal Blinds colors and pricing

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.

• Fauxwood Blinds colors and pricing

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.

• Real Wood Blinds colors and pricing

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.

• Vertical Blinds colors and pricing

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.

• Sliding Panel Blinds colors and pricing

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.

• Honeycomb Blinds colors and pricing

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.

• Roller Blinds colors and pricing

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.

• Roman Blinds colors and pricing

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.