Choosing The Right Material For Your Blinds
Posted on: 16 December 2017
Blinds are a popular foundational window treatment. You can let blinds stand alone, but many homeowners layer them with curtain panels, swags, and other window treatments. Blinds are ideal for controlling light, privacy, and air. The following four common materials for blinds have their advantages and disadvantages — the decision is up to your needs and preferences.
Aluminum Blinds
Aluminum is common for Venetian blinds, which are those with horizontal, pivoting slats. Aluminum is ideal for this style because the material provides stability. Aluminum blinds are a little noisier than some other materials. And while they come in numerous color options, you don't have a lot of design choices. However, aluminum blinds are exceptionally sturdy and easy to clean.
These qualities make them ideal for high-traffic areas as well as high-moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms.
Vinyl Blinds
Vinyl blinds can be manufactured to resemble wood, though the louvers can be left smooth. They come in a wide variety of colors louver sizes. Vinyl blinds can be more expensive than aluminum, especially if you choose textured or wide louvers. However, they're even easier to clean and maintain than aluminum.
Vinyl blinds are good for the above situations as well. According to Hunker, the big distinguishing factor is that vinyl blinds can be textured to resemble wood, while aluminum cannot.
Wooden Blinds
Wooden blinds also come traditionally in the Venetian style. Just like vinyl, they come in a wide variety of color and louver options. However, wooden blinds have two big advantages. One is that they're exceptionally sturdy. The second is that they can be stained to reveal their natural graining. This fact gives wooden blinds a style advantage.
The only real drawback to wooden blinds is that they can warp if subject to high-moisture conditions, making them unsuitable for bathrooms and kitchens. However, the stylistic profile of wooden blinds makes them ideal for public spaces, such as living and dining rooms.
Composite Blinds
Composite blinds typically feature a wood core coated with a composite material that makes them impervious to moisture and UVA rays. Composite blinds feature the texture and sturdiness of wood since it's part of their construction. You don't have quite as many color choices, nor do they feature natural wood graining. However, they're very durable and easy to clean.
Composite blinds are a good choice for high-traffic and high-moisture areas. If you want the look of wood in your kitchen or bathroom, consider composite blinds.
Choose blinds that work well both with your home's style and with your maintenance needs.
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