Blinds…Oh, the Possibilities!

Most people aren’t blind connoisseurs. Did you know there are many more options than vertical or horizontal?

First, some basics:

1. Blinds lift up and down like shades, but are usually not fabric (except roller blinds—see below). They are comprised of slats (louvers) that tilt to let in light.
2. Blinds come in standard slat depths of ½”-1” (mini blinds) or 2” or larger (Venetian blinds). You can buy them cut to fit your windows. We like wide slats because will get a better view, more sunlight, and they are easier to clean.
3. You can get blinds with or without cords. Some are even motorized.
4. There are super-affordable blinds like aluminum or vinyl venetian blinds. Regular venetian blinds and roller blinds are more expensive.
5. Blinds come in wood, fake wood with embossed colors that make the wood look real, metal, fabric or composites.

Here are some of the options and their benefits:

• Cost-efficient aluminum blinds are perfect for budget-minded or contemporary-design-loving homeowners. Their finish of baked enamel seldom chips or fades.

Perfectly color coordinated head and bottom rails give your windows a consistent, seamless look. Customizations make them your own: consider cordless styles, options with cloth tapes or a color that says “you.”

• A practical and economical way to increase your privacy and block out UV rays, vertical blinds come in faux wood, fabric and PVC, each of which has its own style and benefits. With their easy-to-open-and-close self-aligning wheeled carriers and self-lubricating acetal parts, verticals are great for large windows and office areas.

Choose from over 50 colors, along with stacking and valance options to complete the look.

• Wood: Luxurious custom wood blinds add warmth and elegance, while matching virtually any décor. Made from kiln-dried American basswood–a lightweight hardwood–they come in a wide variety of painted or stained colors that enhance any room. Staining allows the natural wood grain to show through for an interesting texture.
• Faux wood: These blinds come in a number of colors, good for areas with moisture like kitchens or bathrooms. They resist warping, sun and heat discoloration, and offer the look of real wood for less money. Originally developed for wet areas such kitchens, bathrooms and garages, faux wood blinds gained popularity quickly and are one of the most sought-after window coverings on the market today.

More about Venetians

1. Provide the best light control of any window treatment.
2. You can raise them to any level, and you can angle the slats for your desired amount of privacy.
3. Some natural light will sneak in around the slats and the sides.
4. That makes venetians a good choice for the living room, bathroom and kitchen.

More about Aluminum Venetian

1. These affordable blinds are made of thin slats that hang from a headrail on a cord.
2. The slats allow the blinds to have a thin profile when opened.
3. They are durable and moisture-resistant.

More about Roller Blinds

 Made of one piece of fabric that hangs from a headrail.

1. A weighted bottom bar keeps them in place when closed.
2. There are no slats, which means they can provide total darkness.
3. If you opt for a blackout lining and add fillers around the edges, no light will come in.
4. If you want less darkness, look for roller blinds in light-filtering fabrics.
5. You can also find roller blinds in endearing prints.

Cincinnati window treatment stores like Adler’s Blinds that offer in-home shopping can bring a number of samples out to help you decide what blinds fit your style and space.