Archive for the ‘Blinds’ Category

Mini Blinds – perfect window coverings

Mini blinds are the perfect window covering for those who like things that are practical and efficient. There are many things to consider when purchasing blinds including insulation abilities, privacy, cost, light control, ease of use, and appearance.

They are a cost effective way to meet all of the above criteria. Mini blinds come in a wide array of styles and colors and also work well in conjunction with other types of window treatments.

They are very simple to install, even for those that have no previous experience. When ordering mini blinds you want to measure very carefully, as blinds that do no fit well will be difficult to install. When purchasing blinds they are listed with the width measurement first and the height measurement second.

Mini blinds feature a curved slat which provides for extra strength. The most common type of mini blind that is purchase today is the aluminum blinds with one inch slats.

The finish of your blinds should be resistant to both dust and static, durable, and spring back when bent. The 1 3/8 inch aluminum blind is another common choice in mini blinds. It offers the practicality of the mini blind with a little more style.

They offer a look that will please no matter what the decor of your home. They are incredibly affordable, especially when you consider all the features they possess.

Introduction to Mini Blinds

There are many different ways to raise and lower mini blinds, including pull cords, chains, and remote controls. Using mini blinds you can protect your furniture from excess sunlight and your privacy at the same time. They also add style to any home. You can purchase a wide selection of pre-made mini blinds or if you would rather, make your own.

While it is possible to custom order various mini blind sizes and styles, they are also available in a wide selection of pre-made sizes and colors. Mini blinds give you the flexibility to determine exactly how much sunlight can enter the room at any given time, as well as provide insulation when they are closed. By opening and closing the slats you can also determine how much of a breeze can enter the room when the windows are open.

There is one style of mini blind that consists of two sheer layers of fabric with the slats placed in the middle. This allows you to have diffused light when the slats are open. You can get a curtain effect with another type of mini blind which laminates slats vertically to one layer of fabric.

There are many styles of mini blinds available including aluminum, wood, faux wood, and vinyl. You will get unique textures and subtle colors when using real wood blinds. Blinds can fit well with just about any dcor, from contemporary to classical.

Faux wood blinds are made from PVC or a composite material and offer a less expensive alternative to real wood mini blinds. Another popular low cost option is aluminum mini blinds which are easy to clean. The least expensive type of mini blinds are made from vinyl and can be found in a variety of standard sizes.

Venetian Blinds

Venetian blinds can be incredibly challenging to keep clean. They have those lateral slats that often act like dust magnets and the long pull cords that often end up in a big tangled knot. Blinds that hang crooked seam to bother just about everyone. The good news is that many of the manufacturers of Venetian blinds are taking steps to make them easier to clean, as well as more attractive and functional.

The first step in using them as a successful window covering is making sure they are hung properly. You will not be able to use the strings as pulleys if the blinds are hung crooked. There is no point in having blinds that do not function correctly.

Creating a retro look is the only real reason to use old fashioned plastic Venetian blinds. Even then, anodized aluminum or painted silver blinds may be a better bet. These blinds will gather less dust than vinyl and keep your retro room looking more attractive.

There is a wide selection of colors and textures of Venetian blinds offered by manufacturers these days. They can create a host of different looks by coating, anodizing, or painting the slats. Some of the more modern color choices include various neon shades, metallic bronze, and even gold.

Many offices still feature the boring blinds that were produced in the 90s. White or black blinds were often chosen to go with offices that featured a wood decor. More modern shades that have increased in popularity include burgundy, brown, and olive. Offices that feature a sleek modern look may choose to go with celadon or cherry red.

New window treatments are a great way to add flair and style to any room, even when you are on a strict budget. You can jazz up your Venetian blinds using valances or drapes. Mini blinds are a great choice for those hard to fit windows or small windows and are also now available in a host of vibrant colors.

You may want to hand paint your blinds if you are trying to make a unique decorating statement. The images you choose will only show up once the blinds are closed, giving you an element of surprise and wonder.

Measuring For Mini Blinds

Your first step is to determine whether you will need inside or outside mounts when measuring for your new mini blinds. Blinds with an inside mount will be placed within the window frame while outside mount blinds will fit outside the window frame and extend just past the window opening.

Inside Mount Mini Blinds To determine the width for an inside mount window blind you will want to measure the distance between the two sides of the window frame at three locations: top, middle, and bottom. The measure you use should be the narrowest of the three numbers.

To determine height you will want to measure the distance from the top to the bottom of the window frame at three places: far left, middle, and far right. You should choose the longest measurement as your final number. Deduct 1/4 inch if you would rather the blinds not touch the window sill. If you do not have a window sill, measure to the point where you would like your blinds to cover.

Outside Mount Mini Blinds The width can be determined by measuring the distance between the farthest two points where the blinds will hang. You should have the blinds extends approximately 3/4 inch past each side of the window in order to get the best light control from your blinds.

Measure from the top of where the blinds will be placed to the top of the window sill in order to get your length measurement. Again, for windows without a window sill you will want to measure down to where you want your blinds to cover.

You will need to have proper measurements to place an order for your new mini blinds. The manufacturer will make any necessary adjustments in the measurements to account for hanging brackets. Measuring carefully in the beginning will make installation a snap once your new blinds are received.

Benefits of Wooden Mini Blinds

You can cover your doors and windows using wooden mini blinds. Mini blinds give you greater control of the light entering into the room and your privacy since they have narrower slat dimensions than other blinds.

Not only do wooden mini blinds look great, they are excellent at providing both light and privacy control. Any room can be given style and charm with the addition of wooden mini blinds. There are many different models, styles, and colors to choose from when ordering wooden mini blinds.

Some important considerations when ordering wooden mini blinds include privacy, light control, ease of operation, insulation, and appearance. While wooden mini blinds are more expensive than either aluminum or vinyl mini blinds their improved appearance and function makes them well worth the price.

You will add a natural look to any room by installing wooden mini blinds. They look good from both the outside and inside of a home and offer improved performance over both curtains and shutters. Unlike either vinyl or aluminum mini blinds, wood mini blinds offer great insulation against both heat and cold.

Many of the materials used to make wooden mini blinds naturally repel insects. The two main types of wood used to make wooden mini blinds are basswood and ramin, both of which have their pros and cons.

Wooden mini blinds are the best match for more traditional homes. You can really add to the appearance of a log home with the addition of wooden mini blinds. While they are the most expensive type of mini blinds they remain popular thanks to the added features they provide.

Wooden mini blinds can be purchased pre-made or custom ordered. Most manufactures will arrange for installation of your new blinds, or you can install them yourself. They are fairly easy to install and should be no problem for the do-it-yourselfer.

Wooden mini blinds are really your best option when it comes to style and performance. You will get the best value for your money and a great look for your home.

All About The Window Blind

Window blinds are traditionally attached to the interior side of the window in order to provide privacy and protection from sunlight. Below we will discuss some of the many different types of window blinds.

Venetian Blinds This is a fairly large category that covers several types of blinds. While the shape of the slats was originally curved, you can now find them in elliptical, flat, and curved models.

Faux or PVC These are a type of blind that have been constructed used PVC, or poly vinyl chloride plastic. The use of this material a fairly new innovation when it comes to blinds. The surface of these blinds can either be embossed with a wood grain or smooth. While you will mostly find these in white, it is now possible to find some wood tone blinds made from PVC.

Some of the advantages of PVC blinds are that they are resistant to sunlight and water damage, they are easy to maintain, and they are incredibly durable. The weight of the slats is the main disadvantage. Since the weight of these slats is heavy, this is not the best material to choose for large windows as they can be challenging to raise and lower.

Composite Blinds Wood and polymers are combined to make these blinds. This is another fairly new material in the blind industry. A solid composite material or a smooth poly coating will be used to make the surface of the slats.

There is a limited color selection available with composite blinds, mainly whites with a few wood tones. They have a quality that is similar to the PVC blinds and are usually priced in the low to middle of the price spectrum for blinds.

Wood Blinds Real wood is used to make both value and premium blinds. American hardwood, such as Basswood, is used to make premium blind slats while Asian hardwood is usually used to make the slats for value blinds.

Wood blinds are your best bet if you want to match the stain on your cabinets or trim. While these blinds are the most expensive, they are also the best quality. The advantage of wood blinds is that the material is relatively light and works well for larger windows. One of the disadvantages is that the slat will warp and fade over time.

Window blinds of any kind can add style and sophistication to a home. There are several different styles and types to choose from, at a variety of price points. You are sure to find the perfect blinds to match your decor and your budget.