Choosing blinds on the windows among the variety of options offered is not so easy. Each type of blinds has its positive and negative sides. All of them are able to protect from too bright light, to hide from indiscreet glances, but which ones are right for you? To understand this, you need to familiarize yourself with the different types of designs offered on the market.
Design
All types of blinds for windows are divided by type of construction into two main types:
- horizontal,
- vertical.
The first ones, with lamellae (slats) directed parallel to the ceiling, are more traditional and are used more often in office premises. The second, in which the slats are perpendicular to the ceiling, are considered more suitable for living rooms.
Blinds are also distinguished by the method of attachment:
- mounting outside the window opening (on the frame or on the wall),
- mount on each sash.
On the wall, you can fix both horizontal and vertical blinds. Often they use fixings directly to each leaf, but such fixings are permissible only for horizontal blinds.
When choosing blinds need to determine the method of opening. There are two of them:
- manual,
- electromechanical.
The second method is used mainly where manual control is not possible. These can be “second light” windows, which cannot be reached without a stepladder, or blinds in the upper part of windows with arches.
Material
Blinds can be made of various materials, their price depends on it.
Aluminum
This is the most common and most inexpensive material for the manufacture of blinds. Of all types of blinds for windows, this one gives, perhaps, the widest possibilities at registration of premises.
Aluminum strips can be painted in almost any color, be smooth or dull, with a surface resembling velvet, there are also “perforated” slats - the light passing through the perforations in aluminum creates a strange play of light and shadow.
pros
- If you are going to choose blinds on aluminum windows, the main advantage will be the ease of cleaning: just wipe the slats with a damp cloth.
- They reflect sunlight well.
- The temperature in the room in summer becomes lower by two to three degrees.
Minuses
- Aluminum lamellas are very thin, therefore they are easily bent, jammed.
- It is better not to hang them on those windows that often open.
- Another disadvantage is the “rumble” of lamellae in the wind when airing the room.
Tree
If your choice of wood blinds, be prepared for substantial expenses. Wood and material is actually not cheap, and wood for lamellas in particular. This is suitable either for the Canadian linden, or for the cork tree, rather rare and expensive species. Sometimes used lamellae from specially treated pine, decorating the interior with a natural wood pattern.
pros
- Wooden blinds are eco-friendly and serve for a long time.
- Durable, withstand temperature drops.
- The tree fits almost any interior and makes it more expressive.
Minuses
- Wooden slats of sufficient thickness for the production of slats have a considerable weight, so large blinds are not made of them, besides special requirements are imposed on the reliability of fasteners.
- It is impossible to wash such blinds, it is possible to wipe only with a dry rag or to vacuum.
Plastic
Among all types of blinds for windows occupy a special place plastic. This material is inexpensive, fairly durable and stable. It can be used in the production of both horizontal and vertical blinds. In addition, the plastic can be given any texture, shape and color, which means it will be easy to match the blinds to any interior.
pros
- Heat resistant.
- Allow wet cleaning.
- More durable and resistant to deformation than aluminum.
Minuses
- Cheap low-quality plastic can quickly burn out as well as collapse due to constant heating (for example, due to the battery placed under the window).
the cloth
For decorating living rooms designers advise to choose blinds on the windows of fabric. As a rule, the design of such blinds are vertical. They differ in a variety of lamella shapes - they can be not just straight stripes, but have an oblique cut or semicircle shape.
The denser the lamella fabric, the longer the service life of the blinds. The light transmission also depends on the density. For the bedroom, you can pick up fabric blinds coated with a layer on the outside that delays the light rays.
pros
- The fabric from which the slats are made does not fade.
- Durable, easy to wash by hand. Usually the basis of such a fabric is polyester fiber.
Minuses
- As in the case of plastic, disadvantages arise when using low-quality cheap fabric in the manufacture of blinds.
- Such fabric can fade and quickly deform.
Useful tips when choosing blinds
When choosing vertical mounting louvers, pay attention to the following points:
- Before you make a purchase, decide - which way the blinds should move.
- Check whether the mechanism is creaking, is not stuck in motion. Blinds should move smoothly and silently.
- Correctly calculate the width of the blinds: if they are attached to the wall, then on each side of the window opening, add 10-15 cm.
- The height of the blinds should be less than the height of the opening in which they are mounted, at least two centimeters, so that no folds form along the bottom.
- Blinds “to the floor” should not reach him by five centimeters to open and close freely.
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