Window Blinds
Complement Any Room
When choosing decor for a room, how you dress the window makes a big difference. Don't forget about blinds when putting that window look together. Modern window blinds are available in an endless variety of styles, and will fit any decorating scheme. And not only do blinds add to the decor, they also protect furnishings and carpets from harmful ultraviolet rays.
Window blinds
can also help reduce costs of
heating and cooling
by helping to insulate the windows. Blinds are also excellent for
providing privacy.
Blinds come in a tremendous choice of materials and styles.
Horizontal styles
of blinds include classic
Venetian blinds,
mini blinds,
cellular shades, and
roll-up bamboo blinds.
Cellular shades are made with open cells along the width of the shade. Because of the air pockets, cellular blinds are particularly good to help insulate the room. Bamboo roll-up blinds are very effective when used in a natural or country style decor. Vertical blinds are an option as well. These generally hang freely from a coordinating valance. Vertical blinds can be made of fabric, vinyl, or other materials.
Venetian blinds, miniblinds, and various roll-up styles can be used under sheer curtains, offering an increase in privacy. The style of blinds used under curtains should be simple and neutral so that they harmonize with the decor in the room. For example, ruffled Priscilla curtains can be combined with plain white blinds for a classic country look. Another idea is to top your blinds with only a valance. Lace is suitable for this, but any decorative fabric can be used. Blinds can be mounted to the insides of the window frames or on the front of the frame. For pairing up with curtains, an inside mount works best.
The pull cords used with window blinds have come under criticism in recent years as a child safety hazard. They also tend to look untidy. Today's blinds often contain a retractable mechanism to keep the cords out of the way. Another innovation has been cordless window blinds, which have a battery operated control mechanism.
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