Blinds are a great way to add decorative window coverings that also help control sunlight in a room and offer privacy for occupants. By choosing the right color you can give your room a modern feel or even a southwestern look. Good quality blinds will last a long time. And blinds are not difficult to install. Here are some basics of what you need to know before choosing blinds for your home.
Common Types of Blinds
There are many different types of blinds on the market. They vary in material, durability, quality, and price as well as in the colors and textures that are available. Common blinds types, and some basic info on each, are listed below.
Vinyl Blinds
- Cheaper alternative
- Typical size is 1” mini-blind
- Comes in a variety of colors
Faux Wood Blinds
- Comes in 1” to 2” sizes
- Many hardware stores carry it in white or brown
- Other colors available with custom orders
Wood Blinds
- More natural look
- Longer lasting
- More expensive
Honeycomb Blinds (also called cellular shades)
- Strong and safe around kids
- Available in single, double, or blackout
- Better energy efficiency by helping reduce heat and cold through trapped air in cells
How to Measure for Blinds
Once you’re done choosing blinds for your home, you’ll need to measure your windows. You’ll be measuring the inside of your window opening—top to bottom and side to side.
When buying from a retailer like Home Depot, you can take in your measurements and they can cut a set of blinds down to size for you. For example, if you have a window that is 70” wide but the closest blinds measurement you can find is 72″ wide, the Home Depot associate can cut the blinds down to 69” (leaving you ½” clearance on either side).
When buying blinds from an online source, simply follow the measuring guidelines provided on their website.
A Word on Safety
Blind cords are a choking hazard for children. Emergency room visits related to blind cords were up from 2012 to 2017. The blinds industry wants to keep up with innovation and safety and is promoting cordless blind technology across the U.S. and Canada. In fact, starting in 2019 big box stores decided to only carry cordless blinds.
