Take a look at our full guide on all the different types of blinds, some things to consider when deciding, and how to choose the ones that would be best for your home.
One of the best things about your home is most likely the windows. They let in natural light, and they allow you to see outside. But unfortunately, they can also leave you feeling exposed if you do not have them covered.
Window blinds are a great way to cover your windows. They serve many purposes. Depending on your preference, they can darken the room or allow in light. When looking for blinds for windows, there are many options.
Most likely, you have windows in just about every room in your house. You may want different blinds for each room, or you may want them all to match. Window blinds are made from different materials and have different types of functions.
This article gives you insight into all the different types of blinds available and how to choose the perfect types of blinds for every room in your house.
It may seem like a difficult undertaking to find the right blinds for your windows. This article takes you through all the different types of window blinds to ensure you find the right style for your home. Blinds are practical but also add beauty to your home. We provide you with information on the most popular window blinds to keep you well informed and make your decision process easier.
What are Window Treatments?
Typically, a window treatment refers to a decorative element around your window. A shade, drapes, and valance are examples of window treatments. A window covering refers to something covering the window. Blinds or shades are examples of window coverings.
These terms are often used interchangeably, which often causes confusion. For example, there are many different types of window treatments.
Typically, there are hard and soft window treatments. For example, blinds and shutters fall into the hard category. Window treatments that are fabric, such as curtains, drapers, and valances, fall into the soft category.
Blinds
Blinds are their own category of window treatments. They are distinct from shades, curtains, and drapes. They can be used to control light and provide privacy.
Blinds are constructed from different types of materials and can match any decor. In addition, they can be custom-sized to fit all types, styles, and sized windows.
Blinds are considered hard window treatments and fit inside the window frame. They may have horizontal or vertical slats that move up and down a ladder string.
You can control them manually or with mechanical tools. Some have wands while others do not.
Shutters
Shutters are often found on the outside of a house but are slightly different than shutters found on the inside of a house. In this case, interior shutters are controlled from the inside of the house.
These shutters fit inside the window frame and swing inward on hinges. In addition, these shutters have louvers that can be closed and opened. This allows homeowners to filter the light coming inside the house.
Shutters are commonly found in bedrooms but look great in many other rooms. This is because they are durable and last a long time. However, they often are more expensive than other window treatments like shades or blinds.
Window shutters come in a wide range of colors, which natural wood and white being the most popular. They are often found in natural or painted wood, but faux wood is a popular option.
Shades
While some may try to use the terms shades and blinds interchangeably, they are not the same. Shades are considered a soft window treatment. This is because they are made from soft materials and fabrics.
Shades are some amount of fabric or other material that is cut to match the width of the window. This material is attached to a frame or a rod to allow for lifting the shade up or down. You can lift it with a roller or pulley.
Shades are among the more popular window treatment options. There are countless patterns, colors, and styles that allow them to easily match any decor. Some of the types of shades include balloon shades, roller shades, motorized, pleated, and Roman shades.
You can find shades that are wooden and woven like rattan or bamboo. These shades add texture to the room and filter out light. Shades are more traditional and softer than blinds.
Shades vary greatly in durability and price based on the material and how they are lifted. Motorized shades tend to be higher-end and more expensive.
Drapery
Drapes are similar to curtains. You may hear the terms being used interchangeably. Drapes look similar to curtains because they have the same style and shape as a panel of curtains. Drapes are typically thicker and heavier fabrics than curtains.
Drapes usually have a heavy backing. As a result, they have a more formal appearance to them. They can be pleated and are hung on a traverse rod. Drapes have a rod or string pull to open and close them.
They are perfect if you want blackout capabilities in a formally decorated room. Drapes are more expensive but also more durable than curtains.
Different Types of Blinds for Windows
There are many different styles of blinds for windows available on the market. Therefore, it may seem difficult to choose the best one for your home. The list below explains the different types of blinds for windows to give you all the details you need to make the best selection.
1) Paper Blinds
Paper blinds are an affordable option for window coverings. They are popular because they match many different decors. Often, homeowners use paper blinds as a temporary window covering until they can find something more permanent.
They are typically pleated and in solid colors. It is possible to find them in paintings, pictures, or designs. Most paper blinds have a sticky strip at the top that attaches to your window frame.
Paper blinds can be adjusted to fit your window by cutting them with scissors or a knife.
2) Outdoor Blinds
Outdoor blinds are an ideal way to cover a barbecue or patio area. This protects your food and guests from getting wet in the rain. In addition, they can provide shade, so you do not bake in the sun.
Outdoor blinds are durable and made from heavy material. Typically, you will find them in reed or wood grain and can withstand extreme weather.
The slats of outdoor blinds are closer together and almost rest completely over each other when closed.
3) Horizontal Blinds
Horizontal blinds are ideal for small, narrow, and tall windows. They can be constructed from fabric, vinyl, wood, or aluminum. These blinds have horizontal slats that are durable and do not touch the ground.
Horizontal blinds are commonly found with two-inch slats. They hang on top of one another from a cord or a ribbon. These blinds roll up from the bottom with a cord and pulley system. The smaller the slats means, the less light they allow into the room.
Horizontal blinds attach to the window frame at the top with a headrail. A headrail is a metal box that hides the innards of the blinds. The headrail has two different cords. One is tilt control, and the other is a control cord. You may find a wand instead of a tilt cord.
The control cord is the one that lets you close and opens the blinds. The tilt cord, or the wand, allows you to tilt the slats to let light in or keep it out. You can do this even when the blinds are open.
There are many types of horizontal blinds, including Venetian blinds and cellular blinds.
4) Vertical Blinds
Vertical blinds are wide and long slats that are typically found on sliding glass doors and wider windows. They are capable of filtering on these larger glass surfaces. The slats are typically about 3 1/2 inches wide.
Vertical blinds stack to one side when they are open. This allows your window to be completely open and unobstructed. In addition, they come with the ability to tilt them with a wand. You can draw them to the right or left. Some of them can be drawn in the middle.
Vertical blinds can be made from fabric, plastic, or other materials.
5) Wooden Blinds
Wooden blinds are a classic style and a common option. They may be constructed of teak, oak, maple, walnut, and rosewood. You may also find them in light wood color, black, dark wood, and reddish hues.
Wooden blinds are often Venetian style. Real wood blinds are among the most expensive options for blinds. However, there are faux options available that are less expensive. They are durable and completely customizable. Wooden blinds are a great compliment to any decor.
These blinds come in different paint and stain options. In addition, they come in various sizes. One of the most common is 2.5-inch slats. The larger the slats means, the more privacy you have.
6) Fabric Blinds
Fabric blinds provide you with the convenience of blinds and the beautiful style of shades. Fabric blinds have fabric that is stiff but still movable. As a result, fabric blinds are softer than more common blinds, which are typically plastic, wood, and metal.
Fabric blinds have slats that can be tilted to give you better control over the amount of light coming into the room. The material of the blinds may be cloth or fabric. This combination helps to filter the light from coming into the room.
Fabric blinds are easy to operate and clean. The slats of the blinds are called vanes. The fabric is woven and makes them resistant to moisture and dust. In addition, they are lightweight, which makes them easier to lower and raise.
Some of the fabric blinds have a way to secure the cord to the window frame or wall. These are perfect for larger-sized windows. Some blinds have a remote control to help you raise and lower them.
7) Curtain Blinds
Curtain blinds are a combination window covering. They can cover hard or soft window treatments. They can be vertical or horizontal. This is a catch-all term that may include roller shades, cellular shades, or shutters.
8) Cloth Blinds
Cloth blinds are similar to fabric blinds and are a great option for covering your windows. The vanes of cloth blinds are made of woven fabric.
They are resistant to dust and moisture. However, they are not as easy to clean as other blinds, like wood. Cloth blinds are ideal for diffusing light.
They offer a small amount of privacy because silhouettes can be seen through the fabric, even when they are closed. It is easier to see through them in the evening.
These blinds are made with cloth and are lightweight. As a result, they can provide the soft lighting effect that you typically expect from shades.
9) Venetian Blinds
Traditional Venetian blinds have slats that are horizontal and are suspended between fabric or cords. Venetian blinds are often constructed from wood, plastic, or metal. The cord holds the slats the same distance apart from one another.
Venetian blinds can be tilted as much as you want, up to 180 degrees. They are a popular option and can be used in every room in your home. There is a manual string to control the louvers of Venetian blinds.
Often homeowners get frustrated with the blinds because adjusting them can be difficult. First, you have to unlock the string by pulling it to the left. Once you unlock them, you are able to open or close them.
10) Roller Shades
Roller shades are an affordable and convenient option. These are ideal for those that do not like Venetian blinds or feel they are too difficult to use. A roller shade has fabric that is wrapped around a pole.
The fabric rolls over the pole to open the shade. When you want to close the shade, the fabric is pulled from the pole. The pole attaches to the window frame.
There is a string at the bottom that often has a bead or loop on it to allow you to easily pull down the shade. Roller shades have a locking mechanism to stop the shade from rolling open when you want it closed. You will not have to worry about it flying up randomly thanks to the locking mechanism.
You can find roller shades in various colors and fabrics. They come in waterproof and energy-efficient options.
11) Pleated Blinds and Shades
The terms pleated blinds and pleated shades are used interchangeably. Pleated blinds and shades are made with thin fabric that is pleated. They form an accordion-like pattern.
There are paper pleated blinds that are inexpensive and can be folded and flattened to be hidden from view.
Pleated blinds and shades are simple to install and very affordable. They attach to the window frame at the top with adhesive. They may have a blind mount. These blinds and shades do not allow light when closed.
They do not have slats with open spaces to allow light. These are ideal for rooms that require privacy, such as a bathroom. These blinds and shades can not be adjusted from side to side.
12) Vertical Slats
Vertical slat blinds are perfect for a patio or back door that is large and mostly glass. Typically, the window coverage goes from a few inches below the ceiling to the floor. Vertical slats cover the whole door to stop the light from coming in.
They can be used for large windows. These blinds are often constructed from vinyl, but you will find them in fabric or wood. Each slat hangs individually from a clamp at its top.
The panel can turn right or left based on the direction in which the pole is twisted. While they look similar to smaller blinds you find on windows, they cannot be lowered or raised. You can slide them to the left.
Vertical slats are easy and affordable to install. They look nice when installed and are super easy to clean.
13) Modern Blinds
Modern blinds work in a modern-style house that has clean lines, a lot of light, and an open floor plan. Modern blinds are constructed from brushed aluminum or composite.
Blinds, in general, are considered a window covering for the modern day, especially in brushed aluminum. Modern blinds have thicker slats. You will find most modern blinds are motorized.
There are made from high-quality material. They will not crack or fade. Vertical blinds are great modern blinds.
14) Micro Blinds
Micro blinds are a type of Venetian blind. There are also mini blinds, which are also Venetian blinds. They are constructed the same way as a traditional Venetian blind, but they have slats that are about one inch.
Mini blinds are smaller than micro blinds and usually have about 1/2 inch slats. These options are great for small windows or smaller rooms.
These blinds are often made from aluminum. They have cords and are lighter than most other options. They come in various colors and styles.
15) Roman Shades
Roman shades are fabric shade that covers the window. They roll up when you want to let in the light. They are lightweight and come in different patterns and designs.
When a Roman shade is lowered, it lays flat. When it is raised or opened, it stacks underneath itself. It has an even fold that looks like a pleat. The folds underneath can be seen.
Roman shades are a popular option. There are many styles and designs, so you can easily match your home decor.
16) Motorized Blinds
Motorized blinds are paving the way for future home decor. These blinds are more advanced than the manual version that you lift yourself. These blinds have a remote control that allows you to automatically lower or raise the blinds from anywhere in the room.
Motorized blinds are convenient, especially if your blinds cannot be easily reached. There are many smart options available for your house, and blinds can now be added to that list.
There are some motorized blinds that have voice control. You can raise or lower your blinds just by saying a command. The popularity of these blinds is likely to increase.
17) Honeycomb Blinds
Honeycomb blinds are a combination of a blind and a shade. These blinds are constructed from polyester fibers. They have a louvered style which means they look similar to a pleated shade or Venetian blind.
Honeycomb blinds provide complete privacy when they are pulled down. They can provide insulation for a home and make it more energy-efficient.
18) Cellular Shades
Cellular shades look very close to pleated shades and honeycomb shades. They can trap air inside them to help insulate the windows in a home. They are constructed from soft fabric that is thin.
These shades are environmentally friendly and help save money on cooling and heating. They are easy to install and affordable. They can be installed in any room in your house.
Cellular shades are a popular option for basement windows because they can help keep the room warm.
19) Solar Shades
Solar shades are a roller shade type. They are designed specifically to reduce the glare from sunlight, reduce heat, and provide privacy. These shades still allow you to see out of the window.
Solar shades are transparent when inside the house. However, those on the outside can not see inside the house clearly. They come in many different colors, including black.
Solar shades are more expensive and made with high-quality materials. They are not an affordable option for those on a budget.
20) Skylight Shades
Skylight shades are available in various styles, which include cellular, roller, and pleated. They are intended to cover skylights that are in hard-to-reach locations. They can usually be found in a conservatory to insulate and cover the glass roof.
Skylight shades insulate windows well, which makes them ideal for a skylight. They often have a removable rod that raises, lowers, and adjusts the shade. Instead of a rod, they may have a handle. Skylight shades are ideal for having a motorized or automatic option.
21) Smart Blinds
Smart blinds may be the way of the future. They are modern and high-tech. They are becoming more common as a smart feature in your home. You can find smart blinds in almost any style of window blinds.
Smart blinds can synch with your smartphone or other devices. You can provide access to someone else, like a spouse, to control them.
You can program them to open and close at specific times throughout the day. This is helpful for controlling the blinds to protect the house from the harsh sun even when you are not home.
22) Blackout Blinds
Blackout blinds control the amount of light that comes into a room. These are ideal blinds for bedrooms. They help to control and improve the temperature of the room. Blackout blinds cannot be seen through.
Blackout blinds provide a large amount of privacy for those in the room. They are often constructed from PVC, mylar, and vinyl.
23) Thermal Fabric Blinds
Thermal blinds and shades insulate your windows and prevent heat loss. Windows in a home give off the highest percentage of heat loss. Thermal blinds can reduce energy bills.
Thermal blinds trap heat in your room, prevent it from escaping, and keep your home cooler by reflecting sunlight away from your window.
Most thermal blinds are found in bedrooms to help control the temperature of the room. Cellular blinds are a type of thermal fabric blinds.
24) Tie-Up Shades
Tie-up shades are shades that are intended to be tied with strings or ribbons. They have two sections that are tied in the middle area of the side.
When these shades are tied, it keeps them from falling to their full length. The ties also create a scalloped look at the bottom of the shade. This adds a touch of design to it.
The top portion of the window is covered with tie-up shades. Tie-Up shades are made from fabric that is delicate and light. They offer some amount of privacy but will not completely block out the sun.
They are easy to install and are often large than the window. They hang from a curtain rod or other metal rod. You first roll up the shade, and then you tie it in place.
How to Choose Blinds (Things to Consider)
There are countless options when it comes to choosing blinds. It may seem overwhelming, but if you start with a few items of consideration, it can help you determine where to start. First, of course, no matter which option you choose, you should ensure that the blinds are installed properly. These items may not all apply to you, but it is a good idea to consider them when thinking about what types of blinds and shades are best for you.
Temperature Control
Blinds for your windows are made from a wide variety of materials that can suit your needs based on your room. For example, if you live in an area that has extreme temperature changes, you can find blinds that have a white backing or a reflective backing.
These blinds can insulate the area to help the outdoor temperature stay outside, and the inside temperature stays inside.
Humidity Considerations
When you live in an area that has a high amount of humidity, you want to ensure your blinds can withstand moisture. Metal or faux wood blinds are ideal for these areas. Even if you do not live in a particularly humid area, the bathrooms and kitchen in your house are where humidity occurs naturally.
Window Size and Shape
It is critical if you know which windows you want to cover with blinds. For example, you should consider having a hall window or sliding glass door you want to cover. You want to ensure that you select blinds that are easy for you to close and open based on the size, location, and window layout. It is best if you measure your window and window opening before deciding which option to choose.
Light Control
You want to think about how much light you want and need in the room you are covering. For example, when you have a kitchen window, you want it to be sunny and bright. However, in a bedroom, you want to be able to keep it dark, especially if it is a child’s bedroom.
You should determine if you want the light to come in through the blinds or if you want them completely dark. If you want a dark room, you should consider light filtering blinds.
Popular Questions about Window Blinds
What Blinds are Easiest to Clean?
The easiest blinds to clean are, without a doubt, vertical blinds. They have long slats that run up and down, which means they collect less dust and dirt. The dust often falls to the floor instead of staying on the vertical slats.
Vertical blinds come in PVC and fabric styles. PVC is the lowest maintenance option. Fabric vertical blinds can be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner occasionally. PVC vertical blinds can be dusted every few weeks with a duster.
What Blinds are Best for Living Room?
The best blinds for a living room are ones that are really great at insulating. This includes real wood or faux wood blinds. Also, any blinds that are made with thick and heavy fabrics, like Roman blinds, are great insulators and ideal for a living room.
Can Window Blinds be Cut to Size?
Most window blinds can be cut to the size you need. The type and material of the blind will determine what is needed to cut it. Some are easier than others to cut. If you do not feel comfortable cutting the blinds yourself, you can go to a professional to have them cut.