Choosing the right blinds for your home requires many decisions. One of the first choices to make is what material to use in your new blinds.
Vinyl
Vinyl blinds are a favorite for many. They come in varying widths and thicknesses, and many are made to emulate the look of wood blinds and shutters. Vinyl is also available in a range of colors, from natural wood tones to white or even black. The blinds require nearly no maintenance other than monthly dusting. If they do need a deeper cleaning, such as to remove grease on kitchen blinds, they can be washed easily with soapy water.
Fabric
Fabric is primarily used for vertical blinds, although you can sometimes find fabric horizontal blinds. Generally, the fabric is applied over a plastic or vinyl base. You can dust and vacuum the blinds, but removing heavy dirt or stains is a bit more complicated. You can't soak the blinds because the fabric will separate from the base, so careful spot cleaning is necessary. For this reason, fabric is best reserved for areas where the blinds won't be touched often, such as in high windows.
Wood
Wood is prized for blinds because of its warm, natural look. It's best to choose wood only if you want to stain it a natural color. If you plan to paint it a solid color, like white, opt for vinyl because it is easier to care for. Wood must be dusted regularly and wiped clean with a damp cloth periodically. It's also wise to rub in a bit of wood conditioner every few months, especially in the winter when the hot, dry heating air can dry out the blinds and cause the wood to crack.
Plastic
Plastic is used primarily for mini-blinds. It's an inexpensive choice that is good for those decorating on a budget. You can find plastic blinds in every color of the rainbow, as well as in varying widths. Dusting and occasionally wiping down the slats with a damp cloth will keep the blinds in good shape. Plastic slats can bend easily, so you don't want to use them in an area where pets or children may crease them from bending them out of shape.
Aluminum
Aluminum is sometimes used as an alternative to plastic. The main drawback with aluminum is that it doesn't just bend; it also creases and breaks quite easily. This can leave behind sharp edges that can pose a cutting danger. If you opt for aluminum, install them only in windows where they won't be handled often.
Contact a window blinds supplier to learn more about your options.
Share13 October 2020
Moving to a hot climate freed me from dealing with snow and ice in the winter. However, it also brought a lot more heat during the summer. I had resigned myself to paying big bills for cooling nine months out of the year when I found out from a friend that my air conditioner was struggling and need in of repair. Once a technician stopped by and gave my equipment a tune up, my cooling costs were nearly cut in half! This surprising discovery prompted me to head online and blog about my experiences. Even if you and your family only use the air conditioner a few times a month during the summer, you can benefit from my tips on keeping the equipment running smoothly and efficiently. You'll appreciate the combination of cooler indoor temperatures and lower monthly bills.
