Whether you are looking to upgrade your existing blinds or are starting out fresh, choosing the right style is important. It sets the mood and tone of any space, and of course, affects functionality. That is to say, everyday use.
It is actually quite common for most people to immediately consider the aesthetics and opt for the same blind in all rooms. However, the needs of each space could be quite different. For instance, if you like to sleep in on the weekends or are a night-shift worker, then blockout solutions are for the bedroom. But if you have, say, a sunroom with a bay window where you like to relax, then sheer curtains will be great. Venetian blinds could look grand for the living room.
You probably get where we are going with this now. Mixing it up is not necessarily a bad thing. The aesthetics of a space can be experimented with, giving you better results than expected. It is all about the right balance by knowing your needs. Seeing as how blinds are also more of an investment, it pays to put in the time and effort. Plus, it can be a whole lot of fun!
So to make the process easier for you, here is a list of a few things to look at to get you started. This should help set up the foundation you need
Light and Privacy Control
These are two of the main reasons why anyone gets blinds in the first place. Controlling the flow of light and of course privacy, is key to comfort and usability of the space. DIY blinds will help you tailor these needs to a ‘t’.
Different types of blinds offer different levels of light and privacy control. For instance, roller blinds, which are one of the most common types around, only go up or down. While you can determine how much you want to open up or close off, there is less control. Venetian blinds on the other hand have slats, which can be individually operated. You can tilt them depending on how much light you want to let in at different times of the day. This is great for sun-facing windows as light levels change from morning to evening. You might want to let in more light in the morning and less in the afternoon. Then at night, you can completely close the slats for privacy.
Identify Your Unique Needs
If you have an office space for instance, you likely have specific light needs. You want to be able to control the glare on your computer screen as you work. With blinds that can only be raised or lowered like rollers or Romans, this functionality may be limited. Here again, something with operable slats may be a better choice. Vertical blinds also work like a charm as they have panels that twist 180 degrees. They can open or close horizontally too.
If there is a view you like to retain however, you can opt for something like sunscreen roller blinds. Not only do you get to see the outside, they also filter natural light and offer daytime privacy even when rolled down. Ideal for home office spaces that need something of everything. However, if the room faces a busy street for instance, then light filtering may be better. These blinds do not offer views from the inside out or vice versa, offering complete privacy from passers-by. Conveniently, they also allow light in, so you do get that benefit as well.
Insulation
Window blinds play an important role in elevating your home’s insulation properties. Frankly speaking, rising energy bills are quite a problem today, so you want to do whatever you can to control them.
Glass windows that are not adequately covered are a prime cause for high energy costs. They facilitate air exchange internally and externally, so temperature is never regulated. For instance, if you turn on the heater in the middle of Winter but have your windows bare, then this heat will seep out. So naturally it will be running for longer as you remain confused about why it is not really working. Then some blinds like retail store blinds are not made with the right materials. This also affects insulation though they may cover the windows. DIY blinds however are a big step forward in this aspect. They allow you to customise your blinds with the right fabrics, so you can be sure of insulation capabilities.
Screen or light filter blinds may not be the best choice for this as the fabric weave is more open. However, you can opt for an additional layer on top of these like a blockout. Not only will this assist with insulation, but also give you more flexibility. Whenever you want total privacy in the room you can simply roll this layer down, then roll it up for the day.
Window Size
Not all windows in your house will be the same size. Some areas to be covered may not even be windows, but sliding doors. So the style of blinds you choose will then need to be tailored accordingly.
Sliding doors for instance are large and expansive, and see a lot of traffic through them. Practicality, therefore, is definitely something to take into consideration. For such use, roller blinds, Roman blinds and Venetian blinds will not be very suitable, but panel glide blinds and vertical blinds will do the trick. They are stylish, span large areas, and can also cater to height. Since both these types of blinds also open up horizontally, they can be moved out of the way when needed. So when you have a party or get-together, you can let your guests freely move in and out of your home without hassle. Great for when you need to bring through those drinks and party platters!
Venetian blinds tend to look great on any type of window, and their slats can be customised depending on the size. For example, large slats on a small window might look overbearing, so opt for slimmer ones and vice versa. The aim is to accentuate the features of your space, not drown them out. Paying attention to the traits of your window blinds is one way to do this. Bear in mind though, that this is once again only possible with custom blinds.
Aesthetics – Colours, Patterns and Design
Now the technicalities are out of the way, it is time to have some fun! Once you have figured out the size and type of blinds you want, you can play around with colours, patterns and design. This part really helps your window furnishings stand out, in turn accentuating your room.
Choose from peppy fruit prints for the kitchen or cute dinosaur prints for the kiddies’ room. Bright, bold blackouts also make a statement, while more neutral, muted shades are great for balance. You can beautifully tie a room together by considering the colour palette. Plus, you can also create the illusion of a bigger space by using the right shades. There are quite a few tricks in the world of interior design you can use to achieve different results. You also get to exercise that creative muscle and let your imagination take the reins.
The chances of being able to get exactly what you want will be slim with off-the-shelf options though they may be cheaper. This tends to be the first thing in mind, especially if there is a tight budget. However, customised blinds can be yours without breaking the bank. DIY blinds are the easiest and simplest way to solve all of these challenges, so you need not be restricted.
Reach out to our team for a chat on the best options for you. We will share all we know, including tips on the best colours and designs. We are available on the phone, via e-mail, or through our live chat, whatever works best for you.
