Which blinds are best to choose for windows: all about types and materials

Not so long ago, blinds were considered an indispensable attribute of offices and other public places, but that’s all. Boring colors and minimal design variations made them unattractive for home decor. However, everything has changed. New modifications are practical, functional and beautiful, so they are worthy of taking a place in any home. Let's look at what types of window blinds there are.

Why are they so popular?

The microclimate in the room largely depends on the weather outside. The bright sun can literally heat up a room in minutes, raising the temperature to uncomfortable levels. This is especially noticeable in the summer, when there is nowhere to hide from the heat. Once upon a time, curtains were the only salvation from bright rays. But today there are slat systems that are more functional. Their strengths include:

• Possibility of adjusting the intensity of the light flux.
• Light weight and compact.
• Easy to use and maintain.
• Good selection of different variations.

Regardless of the type of system, they protect the room not only from the sun, but also from drafts, as well as from overly prying eyes.

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Blinds make it possible to effectively regulate the intensity of light entering the room

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The best manufacturers

Currently, the market offers products not only from well-known manufacturers with a worldwide reputation, but also inexpensive models of blinds that are affordable for almost everyone. In order for the blinds to serve faithfully for many years, before purchasing you should study the characteristics of specific models, as well as read customer reviews. The products of the following manufacturers are considered the best:

1. "Proma";
2. "Katrice";
3. RollTech;
4. "PRIS"

In European countries, the most popular manufacturers of blinds are those companies that produce PVC windows.

In the following articles, our experts tell you how to choose the right plastic windows, the secrets of choosing a window sill and the features of choosing a plastic window profile.

Varieties of design

The name blinds hides a group of mechanisms that differ in their operating principles. Let's look at the pros and cons of each.

Horizontal

The lamellas covering the glass are located horizontally and are attached to the top bar. Thanks to this, the system is universal. It is variable in size and can be used for inclined roof windows. Among the advantages we note:

• Several mounting methods.
• They take up little space.
• Various materials can be used for their manufacture.
• The ability to change the angle of rotation of the lamellas and raise them to the desired height. This allows you to effectively regulate the intensity of the light flux.

Disadvantages include less strength than vertical analogues. Therefore, the dimensions of horizontal products are limited. If they are too long, there is a high probability of deformation and problems when moving the slats.

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For a long time, horizontal blinds were the only type of system

Cassette products are considered a type of horizontal products. They were developed for installation on plastic windows. Inside the compact cassette, which is attached directly to the sash, there are unique lamellas made of plastic or fabric. When open, they completely cover the opening. Several positions are possible when the glass is only slightly open.

Some similarities between cassettes and roller blinds sometimes cause confusion. They are also mistakenly classified as horizontal structures. But that's not true. The operating principle is completely different. If we compare which is better, blinds or roller blinds, it is clearly visible that the first option regulates the intensity of natural light much more effectively. Rotating the slats allows you to quickly find the optimal position, while the curtains can only be opened completely or partially.

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Horizontal blinds can be attached directly to the window sash.

Vertical

A system of vertically arranged lamellas, the upper part of which is attached to the cornice. The lower part is assembled onto a guide. The width and length of the structure can be very different. Its advantages include:

• Durability and strength.
• Easy to maintain and operate.
• Effective regulation of light levels by changing the angle of rotation of the slats.
• Possibility of fixing in openings of different, even the most complex shapes.
• Variety of designs.

There are few disadvantages, but they still exist. The main one is that only fabric can be used to make a vertical system. True, different types.

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The length of vertical blinds can vary. In some cases it reaches the floor

Flaws

Classic blinds have several significant disadvantages. They require special care. According to experts, the number of washes during the entire period of use should not exceed two. In this case, you cannot use a washing machine, hot water, or washing powders. Even after careful hand washing using delicate products, the protective impregnation is rinsed out of the material, which is why the blinds quickly lose their shape and begin to easily collect dust and dirt.

With some models of blinds, it is inconvenient to open the windows: each time you have to move the slats to the side. If there is less than 3 cm from the top of the opening sash to the ceiling, it will not be possible to install blinds, since in this case the window will be impossible to open. With the classic method of fastening, such curtains will take up most of the window sill, which is unacceptable in very small rooms.

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Some models of blinds have another significant problem. When the windows are open (especially during a draft), the panels emit a strong metallic ringing sound. This drawback can be eliminated by changing the way the bottom fasteners are installed, but you will have to pay extra for this service. If you damage one or more lamellas, it will be difficult to replace them. Only the company from which you ordered the product will disassemble the structure, which is one piece, for a fee.

The main disadvantage of roller blinds is the inability to adjust the direction of light, which is possible with classic blinds. Over time, the lifting mechanism of some curtains begins to work poorly, but this most often happens with cheap models from unscrupulous manufacturers. A common disadvantage for all types of blinds is the inadmissibility of their use in rooms decorated in a luxurious, formal style.

Installation methods

Depending on the type of system, it can be secured in different ways. Horizontal varieties can be installed:

• into the opening;
• on the sash;
• on the wall.

In the first two cases, the slats should be slightly wider than the window sash or frame. When attached to the wall, their width will be 12-15 cm greater than the opening. The optimal length is slightly less than the height of the opening, so that the product does not “lie” on the window sill.

Vertical varieties are attached:

• into the opening;
• on the wall;
• on the ceiling.

The first two options are almost similar in size to their horizontal counterparts. The system mounted on the wall should be at least 12-15 cm wider than the opening, more is possible. Length varies. In some cases, slats are chosen that reach almost to the floor.

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Blinds can be fixed to cover the entire window opening

Which blinds are best to choose based on the characteristics of the material?

Various materials can be used to make planks. Most often just one, but a combination of two or even several is also possible. Such multi-textured products are very impressive. For the production of planks choose:

Plastic

An excellent choice for rooms with difficult operating conditions: high humidity, temperature changes, etc. Well suited for loggias, bathrooms and kitchens. Plastic products are lightweight, moisture-resistant and durable. They are very easy to care for. The design of the lamellas can be very different. Plastic is easy to paint and can be applied to various textures. Poor quality plastic may yellow, break or become deformed.

Metal

This is usually aluminum or its alloys. Lightweight, inexpensive, resistant to moisture and high temperatures, planks were once indispensable in offices and production. Nowadays it is better to choose such blinds for the kitchen or for a glazed balcony. You can choose original models with perforation or a special velvety coating. Aluminum plates can become deformed and rattle unpleasantly, but these are, perhaps, all their disadvantages.

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Aluminum blinds belong to the budget category. Despite this, they are durable, strong and quite attractive.

Tree

An elite option for living rooms and bedrooms in a classic style. Beautiful, respectable and durable. The lamellas are environmentally friendly, hold their shape well, and are easy to care for. The disadvantages of wood plates depend on the raw material. Inexpensive wood can break and fade. In any case, the tree is “threatened” by fluctuations in humidity. In short, without special treatment and regular maintenance, the slats can dry out or deteriorate from moisture.

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Textile

Versatile, practical and beautiful. The big advantage of the material is that you can use different fabrics:

• Polyester. UV-resistant, dense, does not shrink. It is easy to care for.
• Fiberglass fabric. It is characterized by increased strength, does not deform or shrink, and does not burn.
• Cotton. It is environmentally friendly and has an attractive appearance. It is worth choosing only the densest varieties so that the lamellas do not become deformed. Linen, another natural material, is close to it in properties. Both may shrink when washed.
• Jacquard. Fabric made from synthetic or mixed threads with a special dense weave. According to reviews, they protect better than others from sunlight and provide maximum darkness.

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Fabric slats are impregnated with special solutions, which greatly simplify product care.

There is no need to be afraid of “rag” structures. All of them are necessarily treated with impregnations that repel dust, moisture, and dirt. Therefore, caring for them is extremely simple. This is dry cleaning for cotton or linen and wet cleaning for everything else. Polyester or fiberglass can easily even be washed in a machine.

What is better – horizontal blinds or roller blinds?

We have reviewed basic information about both types of structures. Let’s summarize the information received and highlight the pros and cons of each type in order to finally answer the question of what is better – roller blinds or horizontal blinds.

Pros and cons of horizontal blinds

The advantages of horizontal structures are undoubtedly:

• The ability to control not only the amount of incoming light, but also its intensity - using rotating slats. In addition, the light will enter the room evenly;
• Large selection of materials and colors - plastic and aluminum are painted in different colors from the company’s standard catalogue. Even wooden blinds can be of any shade, from light, almost white, to dark, close to black;
• Different widths of the lamellas - the appearance of the canvas depends on this indicator. Wide and narrow slats look different in the interior. Somewhere some will be more appropriate, somewhere others;
• A reasonable price is an integral advantage of horizontal structures, which makes them so popular. At a low cost, they provide excellent protection from the sun, unlike expensive curtains, which often serve only as a decorative element.

The play of light and shadow is one of the charming properties of rooms with horizontal blinds

There are also disadvantages:

• It is inconvenient to open a window when the blinds are installed in the window opening - the canvas can sway in the wind and make noise, and it also hides useful centimeters of the window space. This is a problem for those who use the window sill as a stand for flowers or other items. However, this same disadvantage is also characteristic of free-hanging roller blinds;
• The need for regular cleaning - as on any horizontal surface, dust will settle on the slats. You can remove it with a special brush or a regular damp cloth for cleaning.

Wet cleaning is contraindicated for wooden blinds! To treat them, it is worth using special compounds for polished wooden surfaces that are used to wipe furniture

Pros and cons of roller blinds

Among the advantages of roller blinds we can answer:

• Ease of installation - some structures are generally fixed to the sash using adhesive tape. And this is a constant plus for those who live in rented apartments and do not want to spoil the frames with holes for blinds. In addition, this means that you can install the blinds yourself;
• Large selection of colors - roller blinds have much more options than regular ones, due to the fact that, in addition to plain fabrics, there are different types of prints. In addition, you can order your own design;
• Ideally combined with textile decor - a single canvas harmonizes with the curtains and does not stand out from the overall picture with an overly office look, as can happen with horizontal blinds;
• Unpretentious to clean - the canvas is usually impregnated with a dust-repellent composition, and it is enough to wipe it occasionally with a damp cloth;
• They perform the function of light filters well - roller blinds are very good at regulating the amount of light. Moreover, they cope with the “blackout” function better than blinds, because they consist of a single piece.

Different positions of roller blinds “day/night”

But here are the disadvantages:

• There is no diffusion function - roller blinds do not have the ability to diffuse light throughout the room, as blinds do. The only exception here can be zebra roller blinds;
• They can break - the weak point of roller blinds is the adjustment mechanism. This often happens with inexpensive models. If you twist them back and forth often, they may become unusable.

How to choose blinds for plastic windows

PVC frames are strong and durable, so there are no restrictions on choice. Moreover, some types of systems, for example, cassette systems, are designed specifically for them. You can make your choice in five steps:

1. We determine the type of structure. Vertical ones take up more space, other varieties are more compact.
2. We choose the material. It can be anything for horizontal models.
3. We determine the installation method, it depends on the type of mechanism.
4. Choosing a control method. The simplest is mechanical, using a chain, rope or cane. There are models controlled remotely. They are more convenient.
5. We select the color of the product. Choosing a shade of lamellas to match the walls or furniture can be considered a win-win. Contrasting colors are an unusual solution, possible only for interiors in neutral colors.

Thus, you can quite easily choose blinds for plastic windows.

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Properly selected contrasting blinds will decorate the interior

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Vertical.

Installed as a replacement for curtains. Excellent protection from light. They are often impregnated with dust-repellent agents. Can be attached to a window opening, as well as to the ceiling or walls. Fabric is mainly used to make lamellas. Suitable for all types of windows.