Choosing blinds sounds simple but the wide range on offer means it can be more complicated than initially expected.
It’s not just that there’s a variety of colours available, there’s also a huge range of materials used for blinds.
Some may be more suitable for a bathroom, as they are easier to wipe clean, while others may use a heavier fabric that is more appropriate for a cosy bedroom or living room.
We spoke to some experts about the different types of blinds, where they are best used, and what impact they can have on a space, such as whether they enable you to flood an area with light or are aimed at letting you block it all out.
Roman blinds (pictured) are perfect for adding pattern and colour into a living area
The experts’ suggestions may surprise you, as what blind needs to go where in a home is not always obvious – and nor is the difference that they can make to a room.
Nicola Brumfitt, of Prestigious Textiles, explained: ‘The versatility of blinds can have impact on both appearance and functionality of a room.
‘The scope of different designs, colours and controls means a person can completely customise a window dressing that perfectly encapsulates the personality of the buyer and the setting.’
She continued: ‘On a practical level, they can adjust the lighting and mood within a room with blackout linings, plus the materials can be delicate for decorative purposes, or heavy duty for wear and tear.
‘There are lots of optional extras such as remote controls and tape options too, as well as a huge range of colours and materials to pick from for a stylish contemporary or traditional look.’
Day and Night blinds are made up of two layers of voile and opaque alternating fabric which glide over each other to control the intensity of light entering a room
How to balance style and function
Interior designer Jenny Allan, of Jenny Allan Design, said: ‘When it comes to blinds and window treatments it is important to strike a balance between style and functionality.
‘For example, in bedrooms we often add layers of blinds, starting with a Roman blind solely for its decorative appearance and then behind that a sheer blind for day time privacy and then a blackout blind with side tracks to ensure a completely dark, blacked out room for sleeping.’
The tracks are side channels that the blind runs in so that light doesn’t come around the sides of the blind, enabling the room to be blacked out.
She continued: ‘The style of the blind you choose will affect the whole feel and design of the room, if you are looking to make a room feel more cosy, a Roman blind made with an interlined high quality fabric will be best as it will help absorb any echo and give a homely effect.
‘If you prefer a more modern, minimalist look then electric blinds that recess into the ceiling are a great option.’
The different types of blind
Venetian blinds
Basswood and faux wood are both types of venetian blind. They are made up of horizontal slats of wood, or a wood substitute, which is usually a plastic designed to look like wood, and can be easily adjusted to let in more or less light.
Basswood (pictured) and faux wood are both types of venetian blind, made up of horizontal slats of wood
They are suitable for many rooms, but are ideal for kitchens and bathrooms, where you may need to adjust the lighting and privacy. They are also good for bright living room areas and home offices where the light may need to be softened, especially if you need to stop any glare on screens.
Basswood blinds
Ideal for privacy and controlling the light in living areas and studies, Basswood blinds offer privacy during the day, while being able to control the amount of daylight you want to let in.
This Basswood blind is a 50mm slat option and is in a dark grey option to match the kitchen
Faux wood blinds
Faux wood slats are ideal for bathrooms as they have an easy wipe clean finish and can withstand high moisture areas, without breaking, fading or warping, also making them good for kitchens.
This Faux wood blind is in 50mm slat dark grey tape design to match the grey walls
Roman blinds
Perfect for decoration, adding pattern and colour into an interior scheme, Roman blinds are ideal for bedrooms and lounges. Choosing a blackout lining will keep the light out in bedrooms, making them a highly practical choice too.
Roman blinds (pictured) can be ideal for bedrooms and adding a pop of colour
Roller blinds
Ideal for kitchens and bathrooms, roller blinds can easily add colour and pattern to these rooms.
Roller blinds (pictured) can be used in bedrooms, especially if blackout material is used to help reduce light levels
Blackout blinds
These do what they say on the tin, and are perfect for bedrooms to block out the daylight when necessary.
Day and Night blinds
Day and Night Blinds are operated using a standard chain sidewinder, and can be upgraded to motorisation via a remote control.
They are made up of two layers of voile and opaque alternating fabric which glide over each other to control the intensity of light entering a room.
You can close the blinds for privacy and shade the room from sunlight or open them to allow the daylight in when required.
They offer light intensity control and privacy for home offices and rooms that may be on busy roads.
Day and night blinds can be operated using a standard chain sidewinder or upgraded with a remote control
Does your blind suit the room?
Some of the factors to consider when choosing a blind include which room the item is going in. Will they need to withstand wear and tear, or damp in bathrooms and kitchens, or are they purely for decorative purposes?
You also need to consider the thickness of a blind. They may even need to be blackout blinds that help to block out daylight for bedrooms. Or can they be a lighter weight fabric for a living room?
There is, of course, also the colour to decide on. And if you are looking to have an exact match for existing décor, you may decide on a custom blind rather than one off the shelf.
Mrs Brumfitt added that custom-made blinds may prove more expensive and so if you are on a budget, consider colours, themes and materials that match your décor for a ready-made set of blinds.
Size, functionality and the controls can all add to cost. Remote control and electric blinds are available but can be more expensive, so budgets will play a role in your final decision.
