Dont Forget Windows in Home Design

April 19th, 2007

Window blinds are versatile home design elements. They come in a variety of materials, fabrics and style to suit your tastes. Well look at several materials.

1) Metal. These are the original blinds. For many years, aluminum was the predominant metal used in blinds. Its durable, affordable, cleanable and flexible. The slats come in a variety of lengths and widths to fit any space or taste.2) Wood. This is a popular choice for window coverings for the warm touch it gives to a room. Its not a great choice when the room is prone to humidity, such as in a bathroom or a kitchen. Theyre not good choices in humid geographic areas either. Wood can warp, crack or swell, rendering them useless when they wont open or close correctly, or the louvers wont move. Wood is used in Venetian blinds and woven blinds.3) Cane. Youll see this in woven blinds. The slats are very thin, and theyre only adjustable as an entire unit, not by a single slat. Light filters into the room through the thin slats, that are usually tied together with rope. They add a very natural look to a room. 4) Vinyl. This is the most popular material for blinds. It can take on the look of wood, but its also very low-maintenance. It wont crack or warp like wood, and it doesnt attract dust like wood blinds do. Miniblinds are most often vinyl. Theyre among the most popular type of blind, due to their thin slat and their versatility.5) Fabric. Sometimes youll see fabric backed with a stiff material to create slats. These are exceptionally nice when they complement the d?cor in a room. Fabric can be used to bring a room together.

Blinds can be used by themselves, or layered with other window treatments. The severe lines of blinds can be contrasted with the softness of curtains or a valance, providing a polished, finished look.

Blinds can work in any room with windows. They can be horizontal or vertical, small or large. They can be subtly colored, and offset with a bold curtain or punchy valance.

Blinds are not only functional, as they keep light out and can act to obscure drafts from cracks around windows, but theyre decorative as well.

Blinds can make a great addition to any room. Theyve advanced so much in recent years, that you can get the look of yesterday with the technological advances of today.

About the Author

Linden Walhard continually edits short articles on news dealing with home design. From his works such as http://www.shades-blinds-shutters-guide.com/window-blinds.html ,the columnist expressed his expertise on topics dealing with window blinds and home design.

Entry Filed under: Window Design