Window blinds are an extremely popular covering because of their appearance, durability and their affordable price. Since window blinds come in so many different styles and materials the prospect of buying the right set for your home may at first seem a little bit overwhelming. Nothing could be further from the truth as buying blinds is in fact quite simple, however it does require a some knowledge of the product as well as a bit of careful planning. Here are a few pointers that will make your shopping a whole lot easier.
First you need to decide whether you are going to purchase some horizontal or vertical window blinds. Which style you choose to go for depends on factors such as the size of the windows themselves, their position in the room as well your own personal taste. Horizontal blinds are the more traditional choice for bedrooms as they are able to block out more light. You tend to find vertical blinds fitted to oversized windows as it is possible to get them custom fitted and ordered to almost any size. In addition to this you may find that horizontal blinds can be heavy and harder to operate on longer windows so vertical blinds will be the more practical option in this case too.
As with any important purchase you should predetermine your budget. The cost of installing window blinds throughout the home can quickly add up. The total will of course depend on your personal taste. Even the most expensive blinds on the market are generally much less expensive than curtains or drapes. Aluminum mini-blinds are commonly the cheapest and wood blinds the most expensive.
Decide what material you want your blinds to be made out of. Vertical blinds are made from either PVC vinyl or fabric. Some fabric blinds are sheer and allow some light through when partially open. Horizontal (venetian) blinds come in materials such as aluminum, wood and faux wood. faux wood window blinds look like the real thing however they are a little bit heavier and considerably cheaper. The most important thing is that you should buy the blinds which come in a material that will complement the decor of the room.
Make sure that you measure your windows as it is vital that you take accurate measurements, especially if you are paying extra money to get some custom made blinds that are non-refundable. When measuring always use a metal measuring tape and note down each measurement twice. How you go about measuring depends on whether you'll be mounting the blinds inside or outside the window and of course it will also depend on the type of blinds you are buying.
Finish of the look buy buying some accessories for your blinds. A valance can add quite a classy, finished look to vertical and venetian blinds and they come standard with some models. Motorized blinds are much easier to operate via remote control and have the additional benefit of eliminating the child safety risks that are often associated with cord operated blinds.
