Blinds are a separate category of window treatments that is distinct from other window coverings like shades and curtains. Though people use all of these window treatments to provide privacy and light control, blinds have qualities that allow them to work with certain decor styles and on unique windows where other options do not fit.

Blinds are hard window coverings that you fit within a window frame. They are composed of vertical or horizontal slats that descend down a ladder string as you raise or lower them either using manual or mechanical mechanisms.

You can tilt these louvers or slats open or closed which allow partial light to filter through the window.

Types of Window Blinds

There are two broad categories of blinds: horizontal and vertical blinds with many distinct varieties of each. It is important to understand the qualities of each type to understand the best choices for your home windows. We will take you through the most popular window blinds and give you details on each.

• Venetian Blinds

Horizontal or venetian blinds are the most popular window blinds today. There are multiple varieties that manufacturers craft with slats of plastic, wood, or metal. You can tilt these slats to let less or more light in as you desire. You can control the louvers on venetian blinds with a manual string.

• Cordless Blinds

Venetian blinds also have cordless options. These work well for families with small pets or children who want to avoid the hazards that come from hanging strings. There is no dangling cord which gives them a cleaner look than corded blind options.

• Mini Blinds

Mini or micro blinds are another version of venetian blinds and feature horizontal slats. However, unlike standard venetian blinds, mini blinds tend to be made from aluminum. These have a smaller slat than traditional venetian blinds. The slat measure 1/2 inch and allow more light to filter through than wider slat varieties.

• Wooden Blinds

Wooden venetian blinds are a classic choice. These are crafted from oak, walnut, teak, maple, and rosewood and come in light wood color, dark wood, reddish hues, and black. These real wood blinds are some of the most expensive types of blinds. However, there are faux wood blinds that have a similar style that are less expensive.

• Smart Blinds

Smart home technology has reached the window blind market. These are crafted in the venetian style, but are motorized blinds with a control that allow you to control the tilt of the slats. These are a good option for blackout blinds as the wide wooden slats provide a tighter close for more privacy and darkness.

• Fabric Blinds

Fabric blinds are a window cover that combines the style of shades with the convenience of blinds. The designers have created this window treatment using stiffened fabric that is still pliable. This gives the shades a softer look than traditional blinds made from metal, wood, or plastic.

• Plastic blinds

PVC or vinyl are the most popular kind of plastic blinds. These are more cost-effective than wood blinds or motorized blinds and have the same functional capacity. While plastic may feel like poorer quality than the other options, many of these blinds use heavy-duty PVC that lasts well over time.

• Vertical Blinds

Vertical blinds are blinds for windows with vertical slats that hang down from top to bottom rather than side to side. They allow you to control the amount of light entering your home with the flexibility of being able to move them from side to side. These types of window blinds are used for large windows, odd shaped windows, and sliding glass doors like patio doors. Vertical blinds are crafted from PVC, wood, and fabric.

• Panel Blinds

Panel blinds or panel track blinds are a type of vertical blind with a wide vertical fabric panel that hangs from a track you place at the top of a window or glass door. These blinds are good for full window coverage so they are a good option for blackout blinds. However, there are other sun-filtering options available like light filtering and solar screens.

• Vertical Wood Blinds

These vertical blinds are real wood that the manufacturers craft from 100% hardwood. These wooden window blinds come in a variety of shades and sizes. These blinds are a good option if you have patio doors that you need to cover while still maintaining a classic or formal style.

• Vertical Faux Wood Blinds

Faux wood blinds are plastic blinds that mimic the grain of real wood. They are less expensive and more water and humidity resistant than real wood. In addition, they are lighter and more flexible which make them less prone to cracking.

• Vertical Metal Blinds

These vertical metal blinds are made from high-quality aluminum. These are cost-effective and a good option for modern blinds as they are sleek and clean in their style. Aluminum is light-weight and resistant to rust.

• Honeycomb Blind

Honeycomb blinds or cellular shades are the name for this window covering that is a cross between a shade and a blind. Manufacturers make cellular shades or honeycomb blinds from polyester fibers.

They have a louvered style look, similar to a venetian blind or pleated shade, with combs that pull down to cover the window. You will have complete privacy coverage with these pleated blinds. In addition, these make your windows more energy-efficient and provide sound insulation.

Our homes have many types of windows and not every window treatment option will work for all of them. Window blinds are a helpful addition to your window treatment options because they are cost-effective, energy-efficient, and have a contemporary look that many other window treatments cannot match. Explore all of your options before you make your decision. If you take time to determine your needs, you will save valuable time and money in the long run.