Friday, July 6, 2012

Blinds Are the Affordable Answer For Redefining the Home


When it is time for a fresh new look in one or more of your rooms a time and money saving approach is to choose window blinds over curtains. Changing your window coverings is one of the quickest and most inexpensive ways to do a home makeover. There are four basic kinds of blinds to choose from such as real wood, faux wood, mini and vertical.

If your goal is to enhance the traditional look of the room wood will serve that purpose. The choices in slat width and wood color will determine whether the room assumes a heavier or lighter look. The one inch narrow slats are suitable for windows with a narrow sill. They are painted and stained with a UV protective coating to reduce the chances of fading.

Another choice for window treatment includes the wider slats measuring two and a half inches wide. The vertical cloth band is more prominent with this style providing a robust, informal look and feel. A library setting would be suitable for incorporating a masculine ambiance. A chestnut to light pine wood stain adds an element of natural aesthetics to a book lined study.

As an alternative to wood blinds faux wood is not as expensive and will not warp over time. It can be painted or stained to resemble real wood and comes with a UV protective coating. Cut outs are available to accommodate door handles if the blind is to be door mounted. A crown valance is added for a finishing touch. These blinds are ideal for the bargain hunter who desires the look of wood but is on a modest budget.

Mini blinds create a streamlined effect as door coverings. Properly secured to the door the integrated design works together with the opening and closing of the door. They come in one or two inch 90% recycled aluminum and are treated with a special dust guard paint. This makes them ideal for the nursery or office too. These streamlined coverings are cordless so children or pets cannot get tangled in them. The bottom rail requires a slight pull or push to raise or lower the blind.

A different look is achieved by the vertical blind that looks smart in front of sliding glass doors. They come in textured fabric and faux wood and the slats can be stacked left, right or center. The vertical blind provides a contemporary look that adds a spacious linear height to a room.

Another kind of blind to consider is the blind-shutter. These have no cords and provide a kind of Continental cafe, plantation look in front of French doors. The slats are constructed inside a frame and provide a clean, uncluttered appearance. They can be cleaned with mild soap and water and the poly resin faux wood is guaranteed not to fade.

Blinds are a quick solution to treating the windows in a fresh and different way. When it is time to do a room makeover an affordable and unique approach is to do it with blinds. There are hundreds of combinations of colors and widths. Often it is helpful to use the resources of an interior decorator who has the expert eye for finding the look that one is trying to define.