Posts Tagged ‘fabric slats’

Cheap Vertical Blinds: An Elegant Alternative for Your Home

September 25th, 2009

Finding cheap blinds that are right for you home can definitely be a challenge. Cheap vertical blinds offer a unique and lovely alternative to traditional horizontal blinds. Most commonly used as patio door blinds, they also work well on wide windows or as privacy measures for interior archways. Typically, vertical blinds consist of a top railing from which long strips of fabric, known as louvres, are suspended. The louvers are individually attached to a mechanism which allows them to turn in unison. By tilting the louvers to different angles one can vary the amount of light coming in through the blind. Additionally, the slats can be moved to the side in order to allow free passage back and forth.

Vertical blinds are available in a variety of colors and materials to match any interior décor. Among the most common materials for these blinds are vinyl, fabric, wood and faux wood, and Mylar; each of these offers certain unique features to enhance the beauty of your home.

• Vinyl is one of the least expensive materials for cheap vertical blinds. Easy to clean, vinyl is available in a variety of colors and textures; this opens up a wide range of design possibilities and ensures that your blinds will mesh perfectly with your home’s décor. Make sure the vinyl is pliable rather than brittle; this will ensure that it lasts longer and stands up to routine wear and tear. Brittle vinyl can crack or break, necessitating replacement or repair.

• Fabric slats are usually treated to make them more rigid; this allows them to turn and overlap correctly when in use. The materials used range from high-end designer textiles to simple cotton or polyester weaves; cost varies depending on which type of fabric is used. Cloth tends to attract dust and stain easily, so it’s one of the least durable options when selecting blinds.

• Wood blinds offer a warm, natural look for your home, but at a significant cost. Pecan and basswood are commonly used woods for blinds, and can be quite expensive to mill and manufacture. One drawback to genuine wood blinds is their tendency to warp in high temperatures, though some high-end blinds have been tempered to lessen this effect. Faux wood blinds offer the same look as genuine wood blinds, but with improved durability and lower cost.

• One of the newest types of cheap window blinds is Mylar, which offers a reflective surface. Available in gold and silver tones, these blinds offer a modern look to any room. Mylar blinds are energy-efficient and can even help lower monthly utility bills, so these metallic blinds are likely to increase in popularity for the foreseeable future.

Cheap vertical blinds offer privacy and ease of use in one convenient package. In metallic silver, wood tones, or neutral shades of cream and white, they can dress up your windows, doors, and rooms with a touch of elegance. A small investment in cheap blinds can reap large rewards in lower utility bills and a new look for your home.