Vertical or horizontal? Fabric, plastic, metal, or wood? What blinds do designers choose for their projects today? We tell in this article and show with examples.
Not so long ago, window blinds were considered predominantly an office option. They did not differ in special aesthetic properties, they looked extremely simple, without any claim to any style. They were chosen solely for practical reasons. But in recent years, the approach has changed. Interior designers appreciated the potential of blinds and began to actively use them in their projects of living spaces. What do blinds look like that will not spoil the interior? What materials and design options are currently relevant? We talk about everything in detail in this article. And, of course, we show illustrative examples.
When and why to choose blinds
Today there are different types of window decor: heavy curtains, light curtains, translucent tulle, Roman, roller, French, English, and Austrian curtains. So why choose blinds?
Pros
Recently, they have found a second life in design. They are used solo, in tandem with light curtains or thick curtains. What is the reason for such increased attention and why are these curtains so loved by designers?
- Versatility. Can be installed on any window: standard or complex openings. For example, on an inclined attic. There are no restrictions on size either: you can choose a model for both the smallest window and for a large, panoramic one. Blinds today are used in interiors of various styles: popular minimalism, eco-style, and even modern classics.
- Easy care. Plastic, metal, and wooden lamellas accumulate much less dirt and dust than textiles. They do not absorb odors, unlike fabrics. And if the product is still dirty, it is easy to wash. You only need a damp cloth.
- Compactness. They do not take up much space, so they are suitable even for miniature rooms. In addition, if you hang them on the sash, the window sill remains free. Which means it can be used. Short curtains are convenient to use in the kitchen, where the window is above the work surface.
- They help regulate the flow of light: you can choose the angle of the slats in such a way as to let in more or less sunlight, depending on your needs. And you can completely stop the ingress of light from the street.
Cons
However, it would be wrong not to talk about the “weak” sides of such window decor. They are few, but they exist.
- Limited design. If classical or Roman blinds give a rich choice of color, pattern, and style, then there is no much choice for metal ones. In most cases, the palette is limited to black, white,, and brown shades.
- Price. Now for residential spaces, metal, and wooden models are more often used. Both options are quite expensive. Of course, if you choose high-quality ones.
- Possibility of breakage. These designs are more complex than lifting rolls. And the more complex the design and the more elements it contains, the higher the chances that one of them will fail.
Types of blinds on windows (with photo)
When wor blinds are mentioned, many people think of plastic or fabric office models. But this is an outdated view. There are many varieties of such curtains. What types of blinds are there?
According to the principle of action
Vertical
Most often they are made of synthetic dense fabric. When opened, they move apart. The upper part of the slats is attached to the eaves.
Vertical curtains make it possible to regulate the flow of light from the window: fabric strips can be rotated at the desired angle or completely closed and block natural light. But vertical models are only suitable for standard windows. Hanging them on inclined, for example, attic openings, will not work.
In modern interiors, vertical products are less common than designs of the second type – horizontal. They are more often used in offices and workspaces.
Horizontal
This type is often chosen by interior designers. The slats in such curtains are located horizontally and are attached to the upper bar, and are connected on the sides by a system of fishing lines. When opened, they rise. This design allows you to install the curtain even on inclined windows. By changing the angle of the slats, you can adjust the illumination of the room.
Unlike vertical models, horizontal ones are made of different materials: plastic, metal, wood.
A variety of horizontal blinds can be called pleated blinds. They differ from ordinary ones in that they are a single canvas, assembled by an accordion. The material used is paper or fabric.
By material
We have already mentioned above that lamellas are made from several materials: fabric, plastic, metal, and wood. What are the most reliable and stylish?
- Textile. Fabric models are usually vertical structures or pleated curtains. The fabric for curtains is used densely, often with the presence of artificial fibers in the composition. Any fabric perfectly absorbs odors and can accumulate dirt, fortunately, there are models with dirt-repellent and water-repellent impregnations. It is also convenient to use fabric products that are shown washing in a washing machine.
- Plastic. This material is chosen for fairly affordable products. Plastic has its advantages: it is not afraid of moisture, it is durable, it is easy to clean and even cleaning products can be used. Also, plastic models are lightweight. But you need to keep in mind that low-quality plastic can change color under the influence of the sun and also breaks quite easily.
- Metal. Metal products are one of those that designers prefer for their projects today. For production, aluminum and alloys of this metal are more often used. Therefore, the structures are strong, reliable, but at the same time light. Metal with proper processing will not suffer from humidity and temperature changes, products can be washed with a damp cloth. Such curtains look minimalist and are actively used in modern interiors.
- Tree. Natural, eco-friendly material is also loved by designers, like metal. Wooden curtains on the windows create a special atmosphere, reminiscent of country life or houses on the sea coast. They are often used in eco and rustic interiors, in scandi, japandi, and other popular styles. However, when choosing wooden models, you need to be careful. The tree must be treated with special compounds that will protect it from moisture, pests, and fire.
Installation methods
The type of installation depends on the type of curtains themselves, as well as on what effect you want to get as a result: completely close the opening or just the glass itself. You also need to consider the material of the frame.
- Vertical does not hang on the frame. Usually, they are attached to the wall, above the opening. Accordingly, the width of the curtain should be greater than the width of the opening. Focus on a difference of at least 10 cm so that the blinds go onto the walls on the sides of the window by about 5 cm on each side. You can attach the cornice to the wall using drilling, and screws. This mounting option is a priority since vertical structures are quite heavy.
- Horizontal ones give more options: they can be mounted both on the frame and on the wall. If the horizontal curtains are light, it is allowed to fasten to the frame without making holes, using adhesive tape. The best blinds for plastic windows are just that. Since the holes in the plastic case can lead to depressurization and disrupt the entire window operating system.
Trends
Let’s sum up. What blinds look relevant today and will become a beautiful element in the interior of a house or apartment?
- From natural materials. There is nothing unexpected here: the desire for environmentally friendly living space is one of the main trends. The priority is metal and wood products.
- Horizontal slats. If we analyze the projects of designers, it becomes obvious that horizontal blinds on the windows in the photo are much more common than their vertical counterparts.
- Natural, neutral colors. Models of white, black, gray, and wood colors are in fashion. Products of bright colors, with a pattern or photo printing, are almost never found in modern projects. Fashion for minimalism is reflected in the window decor.
How to choose the right blinds
It seems that the choice is not difficult. But in reality, there are many things to consider.
- Consider the material from which the frame is made. Most often it is plastic. What blinds are better to choose for plastic windows? Those for which you do not have to drill holes in the frame, that is, they are quite light and compact.
- Determine the type of structure – vertical or horizontal. Mostly it’s a matter of taste and preference. However, it is worth considering that horizontal ones are more compact and take up less space. Vertical – more massive.
- Choose a material. It depends on the style of the space and its purpose. For example, metal, plastic, or wooden curtains are more practical for the kitchen than fabric ones.
- Consider how to manage. Now, in addition to the traditional mechanical, there are remotes, with an electric motor.
- Notice the color. The most versatile are achromats: white, black, and gray. If you want to add comfort, look at the products of natural wood shades. Bright models of the house may look too active.
- Determine the size. If you plan to hang the curtains on the sash, measure its width at several points with a tape measure, as well as its height. In several places, it is worth measuring the width of the opening, if the canvas is attached to the wall above it. The width of the curtain should be approximately 10 cm greater than the width of the opening. If the curtain is attached to the opening, leave an indent of about 1.5 cm on the sides.
Immediately upon purchase, check the product for serviceability: the lamellas should turn smoothly and easily, change the angle, be even, and not leave gaps and cracks when closed.
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