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How to Choose the Right Window Blinds
Choosing the right blinds not only affects the aesthetic of your home, but also the practical comfort of living in your home. If the plethora of options on the market has made it hard for you to make a decision, read through this guide to work out what window blinds are right for you.
Generally, six types of blinds are available in Australia. These include Venetian, Plantation, Roller, Roman, Blackout and Light Filtering.
Not sure which one’s right for your home? Just keep reading!
Venetian
Venetian blinds comprise of horizontal slats which are generally made from wood or plastic and connected by cords. With a simple twist, you can easily control how much light enters your home and the amount of privacy you require. Their simplicity and ease-of-use makes them a consistently popular option in the Australian market.
Plantation
Plantation shutters can easily be recognised by their wide slats, having a higher up-front cost but helping to save energy when installed. This makes them the perfect option for those who are looking to make a long-term investment in their home.
Roller
Roller blinds comprise of a stiff fabric that roll into a tube when not in use, and are ideal for those who want the option of complete privacy. Additionally, roller blinds are also easy to operate and affordable.
Roman
Roman blinds are made from a soft fabric, allowing it to gather into beautiful pleats when the blinds are raised. This makes Roman blinds perfect for those who want to add a sophisticated touch to their home. Due to the nature of the fabric, however, Roman blinds are not suitable for wet rooms.
Blackout
Blackout blinds typically come in a rolling form, with a coating that completely prevents light from filtering through. This is ideal for those who are serious about their privacy and will regularly need to ensure complete privacy for one of their rooms.
Light-filtering
A light-filtering blind is another great option for those who prioritise privacy but would like some natural light to still filter through. Lowering and raising like a roller blind, light-filtering blinds act as a screen that lets in light but blocks prying eyes from seeing into your property. Light-filtering blinds come in different opacities, with darker blinds letting in more light (which is contrary to what you might think!)
Affordability
Price may be a big factor for you when choosing which blind to purchase, so it’s worth remembering that vinyl and aluminium Venetian or vinyl roller blinds tend to be cheapest. However, while they are cheaper to install up-front, they are not so great at retaining heat, meaning your energy bills may be higher in the long run.
If insulation is a concern for you, go for shutters, as these can be closed with less air gaps than blinds and therefore results in greater energy savings over time. When looking at your budget, remember that a long-term investment is always preferable over a cheap product that you will soon need to repair in a year or two, or that doesn’t provide sufficient insulation and heat retention.
What about wet rooms?
Kitchens, bathrooms and laundries will have different blind requirements to the rest of your home. Window coverings for wet rooms need to be waterproof, easy to clean and not likely to develop mould.
Privacy is of the utmost concern when it comes to your bathroom, so opt for block-out blinds or any material that offers a high degree of privacy.
Wood is the number one material to stay away from in wet rooms, as it will easily absorb moisture and buckle. Instead, opt for synthetic materials or acrylic-coated fabrics, which are readily-available in Venetian and Roller styles.
If you have decided which blinds best suits your needs, reach out to a reputable awnings and blinds specialist who can custom-design and install the required blinds at your property.
