subject: Useful Information About Vertical Blinds [print this page] Vertical blinds are often considered as coverage options for windows that are wide and glass doors. They can change the perception of space and are also helpful as room dividers. They can retract in different ways, which makes them more flexible. This flexibility can be further enhanced with customization. Blinds have slats made from different types of material that can be adjusted to open or close or be partially open or closed. They provide differing insulation capabilities reflected by type and thereby improve the energy efficiency and reduce expense to variable degrees. Depending on the season, they are an aid for heat reduction or for heat retention.
Based on the design and the material used, they can also reduce light to varying degrees and enhance interior privacy. Different types of window blinds have different balances of privacy and shade functionality. Depending on the materials and design you choose, you can reduce the amount of light or block it completely. Light enters the interior space through the space between the louvers. The materials of the window blinds can vary and they and they may be manufactured in a number of ways. They should be kept heat vents about 6 to 8 inches away.
Hand operated or automated models are available. With automation there is easier operation and it can be operable with a remote or a timer that is programmable. Automation allows them to be lifted or lowered, the louvers or vanes to be tilted and timers set to control the functioning of the slats.
Things to consider in the selection process
The materials available and the style are prime consideration factors. The most common materials available are vinyl, fabric, and fabric inserts on vinyl vanes. Vinyl blinds can vary in appearance. Color options are not limited. Vinyl vanes close more tightly. The wooden or faux wood is also gaining popularity. Faux wooden blinds are made from vinyl. They are more resistant to moisture than wooden variety. However, wooden material is stronger and the color choice is more limited with faux products, which may also suffer from age discoloration. Faux products are cheaper.
Fabric blinds are the optimal choice for light filtering. They do not close as tightly as vinyl when they are rotated shut. They have weights at the bottom of each vane and some manufacturers may provide you with the choice of chains attached to the weights. The weights hold the vanes straight and prevent them from flopping around. You may want to inquire, if the weights are either glued or sewn in. If they are not, they may slip out. Fabric inserts onto a vinyl vane are an alternative to the free hanging fabric variety. This combines the softer look of fabric with the strength of vinyl. They will not have weights at the bottom and tend to shut tighter. A possible drawback is the fabric can come out of the insert. The thinner the fabric, the easier for the fabric inserts to slip out. A heavier fabric insert is recommended for those who are partial to this type. It is recommended that fabric verticals be used if minimizing noise is a concern.
Most have a standard valance with clear plastic corners at the ends. Depending on the manufacturer, they may offer upgrade choices. One upgrade has a wrap around valance with rounded corners for a more unstructured appearance. Another option is a double valance that is more suitable for wider windows or transparent doors against which it looks more proportional.
The headrail quality varies. Upgrade are worth the cost. Interchangeable carriers make replacement easier, if necessary. The plastic pieces onto which vanes are clipped on are carriers. Should the plastic piece break, vanes will spill out. The interchangeable function permits the removal of the broken piece and the replacement of the new piece. Otherwise, sending in for repair will be your option. Self aligning vanes can be aligned by rotation. Do check to see if the vanes are self aligning.
Cordless control is a feature many find especially useful, around children or pets, as cords can be a hazard. There are different products that eliminate cords. Do also read child safety instructions provided by the manufacturer. Greater expense can mean improved quality. Minimal cleaning is required and products are now also being made to be more resistant to soiling. Maintenance plans and warranties can also be an additional protection. There is a wide selection of possibilities to choose from no matter what your needs and your budget.
