Does looking to your windows cause you to recoil?
Do you find yourself hurling an array of swear words when you need to raise or lower your blinds?
It might be time to consider new window treatments.
Maybe your blinds have finally succumbed to abuse from the cat, your toddler, or weathering over time. If your blinds are warped, discoloured, or just being difficult, replacing them is a great time to reconsider which blinds are best for you.
Quality blinds are a great investment to your home and can elevate your style. Here are the top 7 things you should keep in mind when shopping for blinds online.
1. Get the Right Fit
When it comes to getting the perfect blinds for your home, proper measurement should be your first priority. No matter what type of blinds you decide to go with, indoor or outdoor, learn how to properly measure for them.
Some blinds come mounted to the inner frame of your window, and some will be mounted outside your window frame. Do some research on your desired window blind style and measure with an aluminium measuring tape.
Always measure your windows to the nearest millimeter and write your measurements down as “WxH” for all windows. Take your measurements with you to shop for custom blinds in-store. Some suppliers even send reliable installers to your home ensuring that your blinds are measured and installed professionally and without hassle.
2. Privacy Needs
Since the primary use for blinds is for privacy, it’s important to decide how much privacy you need. If you’d like to totally block light, wooden blinds will do a better job than vinyl or metal blinds will.
Fabric blinds will lend the least amount of privacy, as they can be semi-sheer.
3. Durability
When it comes to durability, you’ll get the most durable blinds by being to invest a bit more in them. Wooden blinds are the most durable and will add value to your home.
Wooden blinds like plantation shades are also safer for pets or kids because there are no loose chords and shade panels to get caught up in, and they are mounted securely to the wall or window frame.
Aluminium roll blinds will be the least durable option (and seem to be cat magnets..!), so, for this reason, it’s best to avoid these in high traffic areas.
4. Outside or Inside Blinds
Many homeowners will need to consider if they prefer interior or exterior blinds. Exterior blinds can make your home more attractive and add curb appeal and will likely add more value to your home than interior blinds.
However, exterior blinds will be more difficult to open and close so some homeowners opt for both.
5. Budget
Budget is obviously an important factor in choosing your new blinds.
Solid wood plantation shades will usually be the most expensive, while metal roller blinds will be the most cost-effective.
6. Maintenance + Cleaning
Most blinds can be simply cleaned and dusted with a damp cloth.
Outdoor blinds will obviously take more of a beating and need much more frequent cleaning. If you don’t have the time to maintain outdoor blinds, opt for indoor-only.
7. Light
If natural light is important to you, you’ll want to consider what your blinds look like when they are open. Some blinds only allow a moderate amount of light in, even when they are fully open.
Wooden blinds sometimes don’t roll up or out so this should be a consideration. Venetian and roll blinds both have the capability to roll completely up or to the side to expose the full window and let in the most natural light.
Final Thoughts
When shopping for indoor or outdoor blinds, be realistic with your time and money and make a list of your priorities.
If you have children and pets, you might want to invest in durable blinds or exterior blinds.
Still feeling like you need help choosing what blinds are right for your home? Contact us!