Blinds Article by Shades Shutters 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.
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.
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.
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.
