The Benefits of Window Blinds

Blinds are versatile window treatments that fit into a range of interior design styles. They typically come in a narrower range of materials, colors, and textures than curtains.

Some of the most important considerations include light control, privacy, and easy maintenance. For example, blinds with broader slats close more tightly and are easier to dust than those with thinner slats. Other perks include route holes, matching valance options, and cordless and motorized operation. Read more.

Light Control

Blinds allow homeowners to control the amount of light in a room. They can be adjusted from a remote, wall switch, mobile app, or through voice command integration with virtual assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Home.

They are also available in a wide variety of fabrics including sheers that filter daylight to reduce energy consumption and darkening options for blocking light at night. They can also be integrated with smart lighting systems like Lutron to create the perfect balance of electric light and natural daylight.

Motorized blinds can be set to open and close according to a schedule to boost natural light in the home. This can help support the release of serotonin to improve moods and increase mental clarity. They can also be programmed to shut down at dusk to prevent heat and UV rays from entering the home and damaging carpets, furniture, and household surfaces.

Privacy

Blinds with horizontal slats can be tilted to let in light or closed for privacy. For example, you can angle the slats upward to avoid seeing the inside of your home when passersby walk by. This position also improves light control by blocking UV rays that can damage furnishings and cause fading.

To keep your home safe from burglars, you can also close your blinds in the down position to block the view of your home. You can even create custom automation to automatically raise and lower your blinds during certain times of the day.

Shades offer similar privacy features, but they use a single piece of fabric and have two operating options – open or closed. Silhouette Window Shadings feature S-shaped vanes suspended between sheer fabrics that rotate for adjustable light control and privacy.

Easy Maintenance

When it comes to window treatments, blinds are some of the easiest to keep clean. The flat slats of most blind types repel dust, and the smooth paint finish helps prevent airborne dirt from sticking to them.

Regularly vacuuming or using a feather duster will remove most of the dirt from your blinds. If you have stubborn or sticky spots on your wood or faux wood blinds, we recommend using a solution of equal parts vinegar and water. To apply the cleaner, place a clean sock over your hand, dip it into the cleaner, and wipe the sock over each slat of your blind.

To give your blinds a more thorough cleaning, some people suggest submerging them in the bathtub. However, soaking your blinds too long can cause them to warp or break.

Durability

Blinds are a great option for high-moisture rooms like bathrooms and kitchens because they can withstand moisture without warping or degrading. They are also long-lasting and are designed to resist heat and harmful UV rays.

Blind slats can be moved to different positions to let in varying amounts of light and maintain privacy. Some slats can even be closed completely to block out the light.

Blinds work with standard pull cords, continuous cord loops, and cordless and motorized controls. For added safety around children, look for a break-apart tassel or cord lock control system to eliminate exposed dangling cords. Also, install a pair of cord cleats near windows to secure cords and chains out of reach. For added convenience and a sleek appearance, consider a motorized blind that can be operated with the touch of a button on a remote control.

Style

Blinds work with your windows and can help define the style of a space. They also come in a variety of colors to match the existing color palette or create an entirely new look. Unlike drapes, which require frequent dry cleaning to prevent the fabric from fading, window blinds can be easily washed with a damp cloth.

Blinds can also be customized with a variety of finishes, upgrades, and decorative tapes to add more personality to your home. For example, faux wood window blinds can withstand high moisture levels in areas like bathrooms and kitchens without warping. Or, you could opt for a traditional tab-tie style to channel country decorating ideas and create a cozy feel in bedrooms or living rooms. Blinds that don’t use cords can also provide a cleaner, sleeker appearance by eliminating lines of string that can become knotted and messy. Next blog post.