Privacy, natural light, and views are all important for the overall comfort homeowners experience indoors. Of course, the window placements throughout the home and the coverings over them control this. So, how do homeowners choose well when there are countless Merion, PA window blinds, shades, and shutter options?
Of course, having limitless options is a gift for the modern-day homeowner. After all, in decades past, choices included shutters and drapes, at best. Homeowners should feel liberated by their options—but, so many feel overwhelmed when the time comes to choose new window coverings for their space.
Let’s put this anxiety to rest and begin with the basics: blinds.
What Are Blinds?
A general description of window blinds can is simple: treatments constructed of slats of a hard material (usually wood or faux wood) which can be adjusted by a manual cord, wand, or remote. They are easily adjusted for light exposure; they can close tightly to darken a room and nearly disappear when adjusted for full sunlight. Pulled open, they leave homeowners a completely unobstructed view.
Varying Widths
When choosing window blinds, it’s advised to begin with picking the width of the slats first. Slat width options usually come in one of three sizes:
- ½ inch. This is the most popular option for contemporary home designs.
- 1 inch. Slightly less expensive than the ½ inch version and a good compromise for homeowners who prefer “not too small, not too big.”
- 2 inches. Perfect for the vintage home: cottage, farmhouse, craftsman, historic, and Victorian styles.
Horizontal vs. Vertical Blinds
Beyond the obvious difference between these two (hanging side to side vs. up and down), these two window blinds orientations are designed to cover different windows.
- Vertical blinds. These are designed for wide glass expansions like multi-slide doors, bifold doors, sliding patio doors, etc. Most homeowners prefer to stay away from aluminum vertical blinds, as they make quite a business-like statement, instead of a residential feel. Today, there is a wide range of materials offered.
- Horizontal blinds. This option is much better suited for narrow, tall, “normal” sized, and sidelight windows. Horizontal blinds are less vulnerable to wear and tear as their vertical counterpart.
Choosing Color
If you happen to be one of the few homeowners who never plans to redecorate, make significant upgrades, or repaint the interior walls of the home, feel free to opt for a bold colored set of blinds. But, if you intend for a long-term addition that will enhance the interior look and personal privacy of the home, choose a neutral color. In fact, choose a neutral color which matches the window trim closely. This way, changing the color palette a hundred times over the next ten years in the home is doable. Further, a neutral color for window treatments is the most inoffensive option to a potential home buyer, should you look to sell one day.
At Blinds & Drapery Showroom, our professional team can assist you with your window covering options. Our Merion, PA window blinds, shades, and shutters are on display here in our showroom—come, see what you like best and learn how each function to provide varying amounts of light and privacy. We are located at 1247 W Chester Pike, Havertown, PA 19083 and we can be reached at (610) 853-0900. We can’t wait to hear from you!