For many people, window blinds are a popular and stylish alternative to curtains. They’re convenient, easy to fit, and they provide flexible lighting options for any room. But with so many styles available on the market, which type of blind is right for you?
Roller
Roller blinds feature a cylindrical tube, which sits at the top of your window frame. Stiff material is wrapped around the tube and then rolled up and down, via a cord. The roller blind is simple and chic, making it a great fit for more modern homes. It’s also a popular option with those who favour a minimalist décor. Alternatively, if you’re feeling creative, roller blinds make great canvases for artistic designs. Blackout blinds are usually fitted with rollers too. This makes them a good choice for light sleepers or night workers who need to sleep during the day.
Venetian
Venetians are one of the most popular styles of blind. They feature horizontal overlapping slats, which cascade down over the window when closed. A cord is used to either pull the slats up, or to change their angle whilst the blind is down. Manipulating the slats allows you to control how much light comes in throughout the day. ‘Vertical’ blinds have a similar structure, but feature vertical slats, rather than horizontal. Vertical blinds are a popular choice for larger windows or French doors.
Roman
Roman blinds feature sections of folded material, which concertina down to cover the window. The folds provide some decoration, whilst the overall design remains quite simple. In this way, Roman blinds are a good compromise between the roller and Venetian styles. As this blind is made from large sheets of material, the design options are wide and varied. Whether you prefer neutral tones or colourful patterns, there’s a Roman blind to suit every décor.
Cellular
Cellular blinds feature horizontal material tubes, which join together to cover the window. Often the tubes are hexagonal, resembling a honeycomb when viewed from the side. For this reason, they are often referred to as ‘honeycomb blinds’. This is a relatively new design, compared to classic styles like the Roman or Venetian. This type of blind is perfect for those who want to stand out from the crowd. Cellular blinds are also popular for their energy efficiency. The cells are designed to trap air, creating a layer of insulation between the window and the room.
Pleated
As the name suggests, a pleated blind is made from stiff material, folded into thin pleats. When sunlight passes through the blind, the angles create alternate light and dark bars. This creates a similar look to the Venetian blind but with a softer, filtered light. Lighter colours work well with pleated blinds, as they enhance the two-tone effect. This makes them great for brighter rooms, with plenty direct sunlight during the day.
[Photo by yeniguel]