Which Style of Blinds Is Right for You?

It's the first question you need to answer when shopping for window blinds: which style is best for me? But style can mean different things to different people. For some it's about design, for others it's material, while others prefer one manufacturer to another. To simplify your search, we've provided answers for all three.

Design
Window blinds fall into three design categories: horizontal, vertical, and mini/micro.

Horizontal window blinds are commonly referred to as Venetian blinds and are the most traditional of all blind styles. Horizontal window blinds are the preferred choice if you want wood or faux wood textures in your home or office.

Slat widths on standard horizontal blinds usually vary from two to three inches. Remember that slat width will play as significant a role in your blind's appearance as its material. Gauge is the term used to designate slat thickness. The higher the gauge, the more durable the blind should be.

Vertical window blinds were once associated solely with taller and wider windows and patio doors, but they're increasingly being found covering smaller windows throughout the house. The design of vertical blinds permits the use of unique materials such as fabric, a helpful consideration for anyone decorating a fabric-heavy living room.

Mini blinds and the even smaller micro blinds are typically made from aluminum, a material well suited to their 1-inch and 1/2-inch slats. Mini blinds and micro blinds offer a very contemporary look best suited to office buildings or modern homes.

Material
Faux wood blinds are extremely popular, combining the visual warmth of wood with greater resistance to heat and humidity. They're also quite heavy, but are a fairly inexpensive and very durable option as window coverings.

Wood blinds are beautiful, natural, and inviting, but are among the more expensive window blind materials. Wood window blinds also require finishing, but once installed they will greatly enhance the ambience of any room.

Aluminum blinds are often described as sleek, elegant, modern, and contemporary. Aluminum is likely too cold-looking a material for traditionally decorated homes.

Though less common than wood blinds, bamboo blinds are an inexpensive way to add natural richness to your windows. Unlike wood blinds, bamboo window blinds are designed to be rolled up or folded.

Vinyl or PVC is sometimes used in combination with hardwood pulp to make faux wood blinds, but vinyl is also used entirely on its own. Vinyl blinds are cheaper and lighter than their material alternatives, but won't be as durable as faux wood or aluminum.

Manufacturers
As you shop for window blinds you?ll likely find that one manufacturer appeals to you more than another. There are many quality manufacturers from which to choose, but the following three are among the most popular: