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Blinds and Shades: Window Treatment Options for the Home
Vinyl Blinds
One of the most popular types of blinds available are vinyl blinds. Vinyl window treatments are easy to clean, and light-blocking blinds do a great job of blocking out unwanted light, but they are not the sturdiest window treatments available. Although they can last for years, vinyl blinds do not stand up well to continual bending, and the slats can break if mishandled. Vinyl blinds sold on store shelves are typically available in neutral hues of the most popular sizes, but they can be special ordered in a variety of custom colors and unique hues.
Metal Blinds
If you want window treatments that can stand up to a little more wear and tear, choose high-quality metal blinds. Although the slats are sturdy and do not break off like typical vinyl blinds, they are not indestructible. Metal blinds can become bent and permanently misshapen, but with proper care, metal blinds can last for decades. Like vinyl window treatments, metal blinds are typically available in neutral colors in the most popular sizes, but they can be special ordered in many different colors and uncommon dimensions. Just like vinyl blinds, metal blinds are easy to install, and they are an excellent choice if you are looking for window treatments that will withstand years of continual use.
Matchstick Blinds
Those looking for window treatments with tropical flair should consider matchstick blinds. These attractive window treatments are typically designed using split bamboo or manufactured materials that look like bamboo. Although they look great, matchstick blinds do not block out light or provide complete privacy unless they are backed with light-blocking material.
Wood and Faux Wood Blinds
Blinds made of wood or faux wood materials are stylish, attractive, and they are window treatments that provide privacy. They also have insulating qualities and do a great job of controlling the amount of light that penetrates windows. If you plan on buying genuine wood blinds, consider choosing bamboo since it is a renewable natural resource. Bamboo resists UV damage and it resists warping. However, genuine wood blinds are one of the most expensive window treatments available. To cut the price by almost half, consider embossed faux wood made from sturdy PVC. Faux wood window treatments are mildew resistant, and they are ideal for areas of high humidity. Both genuine and faux wood blinds are available in different stain colors to match home decor.
Vertical Blinds
When looking for window treatments to control sunlight and provide privacy in a room with sliding doors, consider choosing a vertical blinds. These types of window treatments are also ideal for larger windows, and they can be chosen to match the color of other window treatments in a room. They are available in easy-to-clean vinyl, metal, and fabric covered varieties, and although most ready-made vertical blinds on store shelves come in neutral shades, a variety of colors are available by special order in stores that offer custom window treatments.
Roll-Up Blinds
One of the most inexpensive varieties of blind is a type that rolls up. These types of blinds can be attractive in the right setting, but they do not completely block out light, and the small spaces between the slats do not offer complete privacy. This variety offers many different colors and sizes that are readily available. Choose roll-up blinds for a room where privacy is not required, and where complete darkness is not necessary.
Solar Mesh Shades
Those looking to save energy year-round while beautifying windows should consider solar mesh shades. They are designed from polyester fibers and coated with PVC that can be wiped clean. These easy-to-clean shades are available in various colors to match home decor, and they are fairly reasonable. On the downside, they do not block light or provide complete privacy.
Roller Shades
When some people think of roller shades they recall the plain white shades of decades past, but these days, roller shades are available in countless styles and colors to match many different styles of home decor. Search online and you will discover roller shades that are fringed, scalloped, and many more. In addition, they can be lined with a blackout layer for privacy and light control. Roller shades also come in varieties that gently filter light, and the color options are many.
Balloon Shades
Those who are decorating an elegant room should look for equally elegant window treatments, and balloon shades are an excellent choice. Not only are these shades attractive, balloon shades can be energy efficient. Varieties are available that will completely block out light while providing an insulating layer of protection from damaging UV rays and drafts.
Roman Shades
Another one of the most popular varieties of window treatments available are Roman shades. Roman shades are one of the most popular types of shades because they are very stylish and elegant, and they range from those with just a few folds to very full shades that offer complete privacy when pulled down. These beautiful shades come in a wide range of colors and materials, from woven wood varieties to polyester that can be dusted or vacuumed.
Cellular Shades
One of the most efficient insulating window treatments available are the cellular shades. These energy-saving shades provide a pocket of resistance that effectively blocks out extreme cold and heat. On the downside, cellular shades do not completely block out light. They are available in many different colors to match every decorating scheme or theme, and they are an excellent choice when searching for window treatments that will not only look good but will also help save valuable energy.
Author and home decor specialist Alyssa Davis is the senior staff writer for Metal-Wall-Art.com, a online store specialized in
metal art
andmetal wall sculptures
.
