Should I Choose Horizontal or Vertical Blinds?

Custom window blinds are an important part of your home décor. They are necessary for privacy, security, controlling the amount of light that enters your room as well as the amount of airflow when the window is open. Blinds can also improve the energy efficiency of your home and are an important part of the look of each room. One of the first and most important decisions you will make is whether to have vertical or horizontal blinds. Once you consider the following options, it should be an easy decision to make.

VERTICAL BLINDS

One of the main reasons to choose vertical blinds is easy access to a sliding glass door. Vertical blinds move on an overhead track going to one side allowing easy entry and exit. Since vertical blinds are usually the only choice for sliding doors, it is helpful to check out all the new types of vertical blinds. Verti-glide blinds are shades that move on a track and provide insulation like honeycomb shades. There are also sliding panels that have larger veins and can give a totally different look from traditional vertical blinds. Luminettes are a more upscale vertical choice, having cloth veins that tilt, leaving a sheer curtain in between. Vertical blinds with their long wide slats are also helpful on windows that are very wide. These can filter more light especially when the fabric is very see through like silk or light linen. Traditional vertical slats are usually 3 ½ inches wide. Wider slats emit more light when tilted and make a smaller stack when pulled to the side. One of the many advantages of vertical blinds is that they are very low maintenance. Because the louvres hang vertically, dust does not accumulate. Vertical blinds come in a wide variety of fabrics, operating systems and looks.

HORIZONTAL BLINDS

Tall, narrow windows are perfect for horizontal blinds. These blinds roll up from the bottom using a cord-and-pulley system instead of moving to one side. Horizontal blinds come in many varieties and the first way to determine between them is to decide do you want blinds that can tilt open so you can see while the blinds are down? The advantage to this is that it allows you to enjoy your view while still maintaining some privacy and control of the light entering the room. The other choice is blinds that are either open or closed. You can still stop these blinds part way up, leaving part of the view open, but you will not be able to tilt the blind to see out. Once you decide on this feature, it considerably narrows your choice. Horizontal blinds that tilt include mini-blinds, wood blinds, Silhouettes, and shutters. Horizontal blinds that do not tilt would include honeycomb shades, woven wood blinds and roman shades. Another consideration is maintenance. Mini blinds, wood blinds and shutters all require dusting. The other choices are more maintenance free. Some types of horizontal blinds come in a few choices of metals, woods, or colors, while others offer a wider range of colors and pattern options.

PROFESSIONAL ADVICE

Making decisions on which type of blind to choose can be made easy by using a window fashion professional like those at Murray Floor & Window Covering. Certain decisions depend on the mounting depth of your windows and how much your view will be compromised by your choice in blind. Let our professionals make sure you choose the right blind for your particular needs and style preferences. Family owned and operated for over 17 years, Murray’s can help make your blind buying experience a wonderful one. If you are near the Billings, Montana area call Murray’s. Customer service is our number one priority.

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