Choosing the wrong window furnishings is like wearing a tuxedo with Crocs. Sure, they do the job, but it simply doesn’t look right.
To avoid an interior design disaster, here’s how you can choose the right indoor blinds to suit your home.
Roller blinds: Blockout and screen privacy blinds
To begin, let’s talk style and functionality. Roller blinds are a sleek and minimalist option suited to modern homes. They do what it says on the tin – roll up and down with ease, using either a chain or a motorised system.
An advantage of roller blinds is their versatility, available in both blockout and screen privacy options.
- Blockout blinds: Perfect for bedrooms or spaces where you want complete darkness. They block out light entirely, making them ideal for creating a restful environment (or watching horror movies in the middle of the day).
- Screen privacy blinds: These allow you to enjoy natural light while maintaining your privacy. They’re great for living rooms or kitchens, where you want to let in light but still keep prying eyes at bay.
Benefits
- Sleek, modern design.
- Easy to operate.
- Customisable fabrics and colours to match any décor.
Considerations
- Blockout roller blinds can sometimes make a room feel too dark during the day, so they’re better for rooms where you don’t need natural light all day long.
- Screen blinds won’t offer total privacy at night, as they allow light to pass through from inside.
Honeycomb blinds: Versatile and energy efficient
Honeycomb blinds, also known as cellular shades, are an excellent choice for homeowners looking to cut their energy costs. Their unique honeycomb design traps air within the cells, providing insulation that helps keep your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
They come in both blockout and semi-transparent (translucent) varieties, making them ideal for different rooms and lighting needs.
- Blockout honeycomb blinds: These provide excellent light control and insulation, perfect for bedrooms or media rooms.
- Translucent honeycomb blinds: These allow some light to filter through, offering a soft glow while still providing some privacy.
Benefits
- Superior insulation helps cut energy costs.
- Suitable for smaller windows or awkward spaces as they can be custom-made.
- A variety of colours and styles to complement your decor.
- Functional and stylish in any room,
Considerations
- Honeycomb blinds tend to be more expensive than other options, but the energy savings can offset the upfront investment.
- While they’re stylish, the honeycomb design may not suit all decor styles, particularly in more traditional homes. Talk to the team at Delux Blinds for some advice.
Venetian blinds: Aluminium and timber options
Venetian blinds are a timeless and classic choice for any home. These blinds consist of horizontal slats that can be tilted to control light and privacy.
- Aluminium venetian blinds: Ideal for wet areas like kitchens and bathrooms, aluminium venetian blinds are durable, moisture-resistant, and easy to clean. Their metallic finish adds a modern touch to any room.
- Timber venetian blinds: For a more natural and warm aesthetic, timber venetian blinds add an organic, rustic feel to living rooms or bedrooms, and can be stained or painted to suit your interior palette.
Benefits
- Excellent control over light and privacy.
- Durable and easy to clean, especially the aluminium variety.
- Timber venetians provide a rich, luxurious feel to a room, adding a natural element to your décor.
- Available in a wide range of finishes and slat widths.
Considerations
- Timber venetians need more maintenance than aluminium, as wood can discolour over time.
- Venetian blinds, in general, tend to collect dust more easily than other kinds of indoor blinds, so they need regular cleaning to stay looking tip-top.
Perfect sheer blinds: A blend of style and function
Perfect sheer blinds offer a unique combination of the functionality of roller blinds and the softness of curtains. Made from sheer fabric panels, they spread light beautifully while maintaining privacy. These blinds are ideal for creating a soft, elegant look in living spaces, dining rooms and even bedrooms.
Benefits
- Sheer fabrics create a beautiful, soft glow in the room.
- Maintain privacy without sacrificing natural light.
- Ideal for spaces where you want a luxurious, airy feel.
- Available in a range of soft colours to complement your decor.
Considerations
- Sheer blinds don’t block out light completely, so they may not be the best choice for bedrooms or media rooms.
- They can be more delicate than other blind types (we’re thinking of you, parents with small children) and may need extra care when cleaning.
Choosing the right blinds for your decor
There’s a bit to think about before settling on blinds for your home. Here’s what to consider:
- Room function: Think about the purpose of the room. For example, blockout blinds are perfect for bedrooms to ensure complete darkness, while screen privacy blinds work well in living areas where you want a balance of light and privacy.
- Lighting: Consider how much natural light you want in the room. If you love sunlight but still want privacy, screen blinds or sheer blinds are great options. For rooms where light control is important such as bedrooms or media rooms, opt for blockout blinds.
- Insulation and energy efficiency: If you’re looking to reduce energy costs, honeycomb blinds are the most efficient choice. They trap air, helping to maintain your home’s temperature and reduce energy consumption.
- Aesthetic appeal: Each type of blind has its own style, so choose something that complements your home. Timber venetian blinds add warmth and natural beauty, while aluminium venetians offer a modern, industrial look.
- Maintenance: Consider how easy the blinds are to clean and maintain. Venetian blinds, for example, tend to collect more dust than roller or honeycomb blinds, so they may need more upkeep.
Choosing the right indoor blinds for your home can transform how it looks and functions. As always, the team at Delux Blinds can help guide you every step of the way (as long as you leave your Crocs at home).
