Horizontal blinds - the best photos in the interior, how they work

In our country, such convenient and practical light-protection systems as horizontal blinds for plastic windows became widespread relatively recently, about thirty years ago. But abroad, in the countries of America and Europe, they began to be widely used already at the end of the 18th century. It is believed that they were invented by the Englishman John Hampton back in 1760, but the first description of such window decoration dates back to two centuries earlier. Of course, the windows, like the blinds themselves, were only wooden then, but nothing fundamentally has changed in their design since then.

Device and mechanism

Thin slats, also known as slats, connected to each other by cords.
The top bar, due to which the structure is hung on the mounts. The bottom bar serves as a weighting agent or fastening for parts. The control cord allows you to adjust the length of the blinds, and the control knob allows you to adjust the flow of light penetrating through them. The photo shows a diagram of the installation of horizontal blinds.

Video: how do horizontal blinds work?

The operating principle is demonstrated in detail and in simple language below.

Advantages and disadvantages

Such designs also have their pros and cons.

Practical tips for choosing blinds

We found out what types of blinds there are, and the choice of model depends on personal preferences and financial capabilities.
Finally, let us draw your attention to the basic recommendations that will be useful when purchasing window structures.

You shouldn’t buy blinds just because you really liked them - think about whether they will suit the interior of the room, whether they will harmonize with the overall design? Also, calculate all the measurements in advance so as not to purchase curtains that will not fit later, otherwise you will have to change them.

Consider the presence of indoor plants in pots that require access to the windowsill. And pay attention to the functionality of the slats, in which direction they open, this may be important.

Source: alumdevelop.ru

Varieties according to mounting location

There are several mounting options:

• Interframe (on the window sash). Such models are securely fixed to the frame and due to this they do not create noise during gusts of wind.
• On the wall. Mounting outside the window opening covers a larger area and works even more to darken the room.
• On the ceiling. Allows you to place blinds from the ceiling to the bottom of the window opening or below and hide most of the window.

The photo shows a bedroom and horizontal slats with ceiling mounts.

Design Features

The average pattern of horizontal blinds:

1. U-shaped plank.
2. Control cane.
3. Control cord.
4. Lamella.
5. Universal mount.
6. Rope ladder.
7. Bottom weight bar.
8. Rotary mechanism.
9. Right lower clamp.
10. Left lower clamp.
11. Tension line.
12. Clip.
13. Stub.
14. Button.
15. Top side cover.

In blinds for plastic windows with slats located one above the other, a system called a “ladder” is used. The curtains are raised and lowered using a rotating drum, which is driven by a special cord. The curtain is fixed in the desired position with the same cord. The slats are rotated around their axis using a cane. This type of “cord-reed” control is used in standard models. In modern, improved models, all three processes (lifting, turning and fixing the slats) are carried out in the same chain.

Installation "on the opening" of the window.

Installation “in the opening” of a window.

Installation “on the sash” of the window.

The design of blinds with horizontal slats is designed in such a way that with their help it is very convenient to control the light flux. In this indicator, no curtains can compare with them. By turning them at different angles you can achieve any degree of illumination:

• in the position “parallel with the wide part to the window”, the slats meet at the edges and create complete shading;
• in the position “parallel with wide parts to each other” they do not block light and let it into the room to the maximum;
• in an inclined position they create partial shading, the degree of which depends on the angle of inclination.

It is also convenient that, depending on the model, horizontal systems can be installed on windows either over the entire window opening or on each sash separately. The main thing is to measure the dimensions correctly. In the latter case, we save space, and the window sill remains completely free.

Another type of window blinds is roller shutters. As a rule, they are installed on the outside of window and door openings. These models differ from conventional ones by the presence of side guides along which the slats move. When such canvases are completely lowered, they can be locked. That is why they are often used to protect shop windows.

Types of horizontal blinds

There are several types of horizontal blinds.

Classic

Such laconic models are very often used to decorate almost any interior. They combine protective and decorative qualities, and thanks to a huge variety of materials, they allow you to create a truly trendy design.

With photo printing (photo blinds)

Blinds with photo printing provide an excellent opportunity to escape the ordinary and dull and transform an ordinary interior into a non-standard one.

Pleated

Solid corrugated fabrics perfectly protect the room from sunlight and fit perfectly into any room design.

The photo shows pleated blinds in the living room interior.

Lamella material

Not only the type of blinds, but also the appearance of the window and the entire room depends on the choice of material.

Fabric horizontal blinds

Fabric slats can be of any color, plain or with designs in the form of flowers or geometric patterns. Due to this, they can become an interesting element of the entire room.

Aluminum

They have high performance qualities, are easy to clean and are intended for use in rooms with high humidity. Such lamellas are sure to become a stylish accent of the interior.

The photo shows aluminum horizontal slats on the skylights in the bathroom.

Metal

They are characterized by a long service life and resistance to ultraviolet radiation. In addition, the wide color palette of metal blinds allows them to harmonize perfectly with various style trends.

Wooden

A fashionable and stylish option that is relatively inexpensive. These lamellas, made from valuable wood, look natural and create a respectable, but at the same time warm and cozy design.

The photo shows horizontal slats made of wood.

Plastic

Plastic slats have a more affordable price, they are easy to maintain and have a huge color spectrum.

Bamboo

Environmentally friendly, not subject to deformation and easy to clean from dust and other contaminants. In the room, horizontal bamboo blinds look unusual and bring an atmosphere of peace and complete harmony to the room.

The photo shows a bedroom and window openings with horizontal bamboo blinds.

Paper

Corrugated paper is used to make pleated blinds. They fit perfectly into the overall design of the room and look light and weightless on the windows.

Installing a light-protective structure on a window

Now let's figure out how to install horizontal blinds on a window. The design of these light-protective products is quite simple, so you can fix them yourself without involving outside specialists.

Dimensions and measurements

Before purchasing and installing, you need to determine the width and height of the product.

Before hanging blinds on a window or window opening, you need to decide on the dimensions. In fact, you need to do this before purchasing a light-protective structure, so as not to have to adjust it to the location later.

To do this, you must first measure the width and length of the window and window opening. I recommend using a metal tape measure rather than a tailor's meter, as some “specialists” do. In the latter case, the value will be inaccurate and difficulties may arise with subsequent installation.

Next, we decide about the installation location (I already talked about this above). If installation is carried out inside a window opening, then the vertical length of the product should be 1 cm less than the height of the window. You need to subtract 2 cm from the width of the window opening, which will result in the horizontal size of the blinds.

Measuring the window opening for installing light-protective products on the sashes.

It’s another matter when installation is carried out above a window opening. I’ll tell you how to measure blinds in this case:

• the length of the structure should be 5-10 cm greater than the vertical window opening;
• The width of the blinds should be 20 cm greater than the horizontal window opening.

I would like to warn you that due to the design features, the minimum possible width of the entire light-protective structure cannot be less than 22 cm. The maximum is 220 cm, then the opening and closing mechanism will work without failures. You can also buy three-meter lamellas, but then the control mechanism may break down.

In addition, I advise you to immediately decide on some additional parameters:

1. It is necessary to determine on which side the product controls will be located. You can place them on the right or left. The location is determined only by the convenience of subsequent operation of the blinds.
2. Next, you need to decide what type of fasteners will be used for installation. There are standard twist brackets, as well as fastenings to window sashes with and without drilling.
3. After this, you need to decide on the length of the control handle (rotary). As a rule, it is equal to two-thirds of the vertical length of the blinds.

Schematic diagram of horizontal blinds.

Having decided on the dimensions, you can proceed to the next stage of work.

Blind assembly

Regardless of the material of the slats and the size of the product, any horizontal blinds consist of the following three parts:

Details of horizontal blinds.

In some cases, the product you purchased is delivered unassembled. Then you need to assemble it before attaching it. I do it this way:

1. First of all, I check that all the parts are in the package. Moreover, I do this in the store, so that later I do not have to take the purchased light-protective structure for exchange with claims.
2. I take two crossbars (top and bottom) and cut them to fit the size of the window or window opening. I do this with a hacksaw.

Adjusting blinds to the size of the window.

1. I make a hole in the top crossbar where the control cord for controlling the slats will be installed. You need to decorate it using a plastic insert, which usually comes with the product.
2. Then I install the stepped cord in the top bar mechanism. After this, you need to insert the required number of lamellas into it.

Installing a cord with lamellas into the top bar mechanism.

1. After this, the lower U-shaped cornice is attached to the stepped cords. Fixation is done using the side caps that come with the kit.

But usually the blinds are delivered already assembled, so you can immediately proceed to their installation on site.

Installation of blinds

The fastening technology depends on the type of brackets used. I'll tell you about each option in detail.

First - brackets, which are attached with self-tapping screws to the window frame or screws with dowels to the wall (window). In this case, the installation instructions look like this:

1. I mark the installation locations of the brackets on the top bar of the blinds and the wall. It is important to take into account this point: the distance between the fastening elements must be at least 60 cm, but they should be positioned in such a way that the fastener does not fall on the control mechanisms of the light-protective structure.
2. After this, I attach the brackets to the surface of the window block, the wall or in the window opening. In the first case, self-tapping screws are suitable, in the second - the “quick installation” system. If you want to install fasteners on aluminum windows or are afraid of ruining the plastic of the window blocks, I recommend using the “no drilling” method, which will be discussed below.

Attaching the bracket to the window.

1. Then you should turn the fastener latches counterclockwise until they stop. This will prepare them for joining with the top bar of horizontal blinds.
2. After this, all that remains is to insert the upper cornice of the light-protective structure into the brackets until it stops, and then turn the clamps clockwise until they rest against the stop.

Fixing the top bar on a twist bracket.

If you place blinds on a slanted sash, the slats will sag. Therefore, it is necessary to fasten not only the upper, but also the lower part of the product. The work flow is as follows:

1. I install twist trims in the upper part of the sash, as described above. At the bottom of the sash you need to secure the corners to hold the fishing line. They usually come in plastic, but you can find other options.
2. The upper ends of the cables holding the lamellas must be secured in bushings. These bushings, together with the springs, are installed in the holes at both ends of the top bar of the blinds.
3. After this, I install the curtain rod on the twist brackets at the top of the window block.
4. I secure the end cable in the outer holes of the lamellas, after which I put another bushing on its end. I insert it into the hole in the bottom bracket and fix it there.

The mechanism for fixing the cable on the bracket at the bottom of the window unit.

1. Then all that remains is to install the controls of the light-protective structure and check its functionality.

The most interesting and effective installation of horizontal blinds on plastic windows is using “no drilling” twist brackets. In this case, the fasteners are installed on the top of the sash without damaging the latter.

And you won't have to think about how to remove the blinds. Simply remove the fasteners and there will be no marks left on the frame.

Twist bracket for attaching the top scarf of the light-protective structure.

The installation sequence is as follows:

1. I mark the installation locations of the throw-on brackets in such a way that after installation they do not interfere with the operation of the control mechanisms.
2. I put the brackets on the sash, and then fix them in place with a key.

A hinged bracket on a window sash (the photo does not show a twist bracket, but the essence is clear).

1. If necessary, I mount cap brackets on the lower part of the sashes. They are needed to hold the guide wires of the blinds when opening the shutter for slot ventilation.
2. After this, I fix the top bar of the blinds to the twist brackets, and the cables to the bottom of the window using bushings and screws. All that remains is to check the entire structure for functionality.

Patterned blinds ideas and design options

In addition to sun protection, horizontal blinds can also serve as an excellent decorative decoration for a plastic window.

Cityscapes

Colorful images of cities will ideally complement the interior and add exclusivity and creativity to it.

Nature

Horizontal blinds with natural landscapes will create a favorable atmosphere and add the beauty of the surrounding world to the space.

The photo shows horizontal lamellas with photo printing in the form of a natural landscape.

Multicolored

Slats with alternating colors of the rainbow or two-color blinds create a festive and light atmosphere in the room, and due to the refraction of light, an unusual lighting of the room is obtained.

Under the tree

In appearance they are in no way inferior to the original products; in addition, they are much stronger, more practical and durable and have a lower price.

The photo shows a dining room and window openings with horizontal slats imitating wood.

Slat shapes

Various shapes will be an original option for decorating window openings.

Wave

Curved planks are suitable for those who like non-standard solutions. Thanks to the wavy shape, the light passing through the blinds undergoes an interesting diffusion effect.

Wide slats

A window opening decorated with such models will give the room a more comfortable and fresh look and make the window the center of the entire interior composition.

Perforated

Tiny holes in the slats create a pleasant diffused light flow, even when the blinds are fully closed.

Colors and shades

To prevent parts from fading, they are coated with enamel. It can be matte or glossy, has various shades, and has anti-corrosion and reflective properties. There is a large assortment of colors. Blinds can be painted with one or more shades.

Manufacturers have developed and recommend the following design options:

• white;
• natural wood;
• natural shine of metal;
• various shades of mother-of-pearl;
• brown;
• many other shades.

Natural shine looks good in glossy and matte finishes, especially on perforated planks. Through the holes you can observe the street without being noticed.

Color spectrum

The chosen color should give the interior peace and comfort.

White

They create an elegant and graceful atmosphere, bring an atmosphere of solemnity to the room and visually expand the space.

The photo shows a children's room and white horizontal blinds with wide slats.

Black

Noble black or black and white designs form a clear, ascetic and dominant design. On the windows they look very modern and aesthetically pleasing.

The photo shows the living room interior and windows decorated with black horizontal slats.

Brown

They make the space denser and deeper, make it a little heavier and give it the breath of some antiquity.

Yellow

They evoke positive and pleasant emotions, yellow or its golden hue, and with their presence in the room they create a summer and joyful atmosphere.

The photo shows a small living room and horizontal yellow slats on the windows.

Beige

They will become an excellent neutral background and add lightness, freshness and cheerfulness to the room.

The photo shows beige pleated blinds in the interior of a loft-style room.

Gray

Monochrome horizontal slats perfectly emphasize the design of the room and form a neutral, stylish, but rather cold interior.

Blue

Blue or dark blue blinds will be appropriate in any room; they will make it interesting, bright and sophisticated.

Green

Planks in various shades of green warm the interior and add freshness to it.

Orange

Makes the indoor environment more joyful, bright and warm.

The photo shows a fusion style living room and bright orange horizontal blinds.

Ideas in different styles

Blinds are used to decorate rooms in various styles.

Loft

Laconic models of soft pastel shades will not be conspicuous and will not disrupt the overall harmony of the loft style.

The photo shows large windows with horizontal white slats in a loft style.

Modern

Strict and discreet horizontal designs will emphasize the solidity and elegance of the style and will ideally resonate with other decorative elements.

The photo shows a modern-style bedroom and a window opening decorated with horizontal slats.

Minimalism

Here, the most successful option would be plain metal or plastic strips. They will fit especially harmoniously into the overall space.

Eco style

Natural materials in natural colors will become a real highlight of the eco-friendly style. Such models radiate calm and warmth.

Which blinds to choose for plastic windows: useful tips

Before going to the store, you need to measure the opening and decide on the main parameters that need to be taken into account when purchasing.

We also recommend: Aluminum or plastic: which blinds are better and why

How to choose:

1. Determine the installation location. Stacked curtains must be exactly the size of the opening, otherwise the structure will not close or open well. Horizontal and vertical systems that completely cover the opening should be 20 cm larger in width and 3-5 cm in height.
2. Select opening type. Horizontally located planks take up more space, rolled ones are compact, and vertical ones require more space to function.
3. Decide on the material. It is better to buy plastic or aluminum slats for the kitchen; they are easier to clean. Wood and fabric are suitable for the bedroom and living room. Aluminum or plastic is more often used in office premises.
4. Select control method. It depends on how much you like comfort: the mechanical structure must be opened manually, and the electric drive is controlled by a remote control.

The color, pattern and texture are selected based on the design and purpose of the room where you are purchasing the curtains. Blinds in a modern interior often have the color of furniture or walls, unless the goal is to refresh the design with a bright contrast with the main furnishings.

Photos in the interior of the rooms

A wide variety of models are chosen for rooms.

Kitchen

Horizontal blinds change the mood of a room and allow you to experiment. They are an ideal option that perfectly complements the kitchen and creates a homely atmosphere in it.

See also how to decorate a kitchen window with blinds.

The photo shows horizontal wooden blinds in the kitchen interior.

Living room

Gives the living room a more modern look. They go well with the overall interior, look elegant in it and create a complete ensemble.

The photo shows a modern-style living room with white horizontal slats.

Bedroom

Here, preference is most often given to natural wood or bamboo materials. Fabric blinds with or without a discreet pattern are also perfect.

Children's

In a child's room, blinds will help create daytime relaxation and will be an excellent alternative to curtains or curtains. They perfectly isolate the room from excess light and save space, which is especially important for a child’s room.

The photo shows a children's room and wooden horizontal slats on the window openings.

Bathroom

High-quality options made of plastic, metal or aluminum are suitable here, since products made from these materials are the most resistant to humidity.

The photo shows the interior of a spacious bathroom and windows with light horizontal slats.

Toilet

Horizontal structures in the bathroom can be an excellent decoration for a window if it is present in the room, as well as an excellent camouflage that will cover a niche with sewer or water pipes.

Balcony and loggia

The ability to install blinds directly on the frame is a huge plus for the balcony space. The structures fit tightly to the glass and do not interfere with the free functioning of the windows.

The photo shows horizontal slats on a loggia, stylized as a study.

Caring for blinds

How to keep blinds “in shape”? How to make them last a long time and look perfect? The easiest way to care for plastic and metal blinds. It is enough just to periodically wipe them with a damp cloth dipped in soapy water or powder, and metal ones can even be rubbed with a brush. Wooden blinds are wiped with a cloth and cleaned with a vacuum cleaner. The threads that hold the wooden parts together are treated with dust-moisture-repellent impregnation, so they don’t even need to be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner. For fiberglass blinds, only dry cleaning is suitable.

Fabric blinds are the most difficult to care for. But inevitably, after about a year (it all depends on the quality of the impregnation and where they hang), they will have to be cleaned. If you decide to take on the matter yourself, the flag is in your hands. First you need to remove the bottom chain and take out the weights, then remove the slats themselves from the runners. This procedure is similar to how you usually remove curtains from hooks. Each lamella is rolled into a roll (to better maintain its shape, you can tie the lamella in gauze) and dipped in soapy water or water with powder. Do not rub the slats under any circumstances, but just let them sit. After the dirt has come off, the slats are removed and hung back in place while still wet. Under their own weight and the weight of the weights, they straighten and dry out. If the fabric is not of very high quality and thin, then after such a procedure it may stretch out at the edges and lose its shape. Therefore, when buying fabric blinds, you should not chase the cheapness.

One company told me the following story. When they were just starting to work, a lady came to them and bought light, thin fabric blinds. Without hesitation, the sellers advised her to wash them when they got dirty. A year later, she removed the slats from the cornice and, without removing the weights and other plastic parts, washed them in the washing machine. After such a barbaric procedure, it was simply painful to look at the lamellas - they were warped and completely lost their shape. Now, as an experiment, the company’s employees must wash a sample of each fabric lamella by hand, dry it and see what happens to it. To know exactly how it will look after washing.

However, this procedure seemed very complicated and time-consuming to me. I reasoned like this: if fabric blinds are so popular, then there certainly must be companies that clean them professionally. I had to get on the phone. Almost everywhere I called, we heard something about these companies. They told me: yes, such companies really exist and some of the clients even used their services, but no one could give either phone numbers or addresses. And yet I was lucky. I found. Two companies. True, the first one immediately warned that they were cleaning blinds on an industrial scale. If the area of ​​the blinds in your office is more than 30 square meters, then a team of brave craftsmen will come to you with chemicals and special equipment and quickly clean everything. The cost of this service is 40 rubles per square meter. The second company carries out individual orders. When called, a person arrives, removes the blinds, takes them away and returns them clean two days later. Price - $2 per sq.m. I liked this option better. At least you won't have to breathe any nasty stuff. But alas, I was bitterly disappointed. It turned out that the minimum area of ​​fabric that the company will undertake to clean is no less than 25 sq.m! Naturally, my window area is much smaller. What should I do? As they hinted to me, there is a way out. You pay $50 and they will clean at least 1 meter for you. So decide what you prefer - do the laundry yourself or part with fifty dollars.

Cheap is never good

As a rule, the components of blinds are made of plastic. With the exception of curtain rods (which are mostly made of aluminum), the inside of the weights and the bottom chain of plastic and metal blinds.

The quality of parts varies from company to company, and the operation of the entire mechanism largely depends on it. Along with foreign companies that have specialized in the production of components for blinds for many years, many domestic companies have emerged that have established their own production. After all, making stamped plastic elements is quite simple, and the price is much lower than that of imported ones. But alas, the quality often leaves much to be desired.

How do you know if you have received a good mechanism or not? You should definitely check how the blinds “behave” when the finished order is delivered to you. If the parts are of high quality, the runners do not creak or jam when turning, and the slats open and close smoothly. The smoother it is, the longer the blinds will last. If you are not satisfied with something, be sure to tell the master about it. He is obliged to either correct the defect on the spot, if possible, or redo your order.

And yet, it is difficult for a non-specialist to figure out whether good parts were installed in the blinds or not. Therefore, for greater confidence, we advise you to place an order from a well-known company that has proven itself well. Such companies work with reliable suppliers of fabrics and components. And their specialists will serve you during the entire warranty period. By the way, it varies from company to company - from six months to 18 months.

Non-standard windows

Such openings require a special approach to decorative design.

• Arched. The slats fit perfectly into the semicircular shape of the arched window and support its unusual appearance.
• Attic. The functionality of horizontal strips with guides on the sides makes them most suitable for attic window openings that have a certain angle of inclination.
• Beveled. They are of an exclusive design nature, so blinds can take into account all the features and nuances of such triangular windows.
• Bay window. It lets in more light, so slats are perfect for it.
• Round. The originality of the round window is emphasized. For this design, both regular models and pleated blinds are used.
• Sliding windows. Thanks to their convenient placement on the frame, the horizontal slats do not interfere with the movement of the windows.

Options for using Venetian blinds

Several application options:

• On the windows. The standard option, which is currently appropriate, not only in solid office premises, but also in a cozy home environment.
• On the door. This use can significantly expand the boundaries of the room and make it more spacious.
• For cabinets. This ergonomic option is suitable for small rooms where it is not possible to use hinged cabinet doors.

What sizes are there?

Aluminum blinds have slats ranging from 16 to 50 mm wide. These are the most common elements. Their length depends on the width of the window. For standard windows, choose a size of 150x160 cm. If the length of the slats is too long, they need to be shortened by cutting them with sharp scissors or a knife.

After shortening the planks, they should be leveled using a fine-notched file. It is better to order and purchase products according to the size of windows or doors.