Window treatments can revitalise any space and transform your home in unexpected ways. The key is choosing the right treatment, and window blinds tend to have plenty of advantages over other treatments, like curtains. For one, they’re easier to maintain, requiring only the occasional dusting with a damp cloth. For another, they let you control light and heat coming into your home.
Another reason for choosing blinds for your window furnishings is the variety of styles, materials and colours available. Window blinds can be used on picture windows, bay windows, French windows or sliding doors. You’ll also find different types of blinds for internal and external spaces.
The variety of styles, materials and even colours are not just specific to the type of windows in your home. You’ll find different kinds of blinds to match or complement the overall look of your home, from the clean, spartan lines of Scandinavian design to the striking elements of industrial interiors.
What window blinds can you install in your home?
With their slatted blind design, Venetian blinds are the most familiar of all window blinds. The window treatment’s origin goes as far back as the 18th century when merchants introduced blinds in Italy. Back then, the slats were a bit larger and flat, and they came in natural finishes. These days, Venetian blinds can come in thinner slats, in faux wood, plastic or vinyl, and in different colours.
Venetian blinds are popular because they’re versatile, so they can dress up any window. They’re easy to use as well, allowing you to adjust the slats through a cordless wand or pull chain. Much like all the other blinds in this list, Venetian blinds are easy to clean and maintain. But they may not be as sturdy as some of the options on this list.
Outdoor blinds are built to endure the elements while enhancing your outdoor living areas. They’re made from durable materials, like PVC or heavy-duty fabrics, that can block out harsh sunlight, reduce glare and protect outdoor furniture.
This type of window furnishing is ideal for patios, verandas and balconies. They help create a comfortable outdoor space, shielding you from the sun and wind while allowing you to enjoy the fresh air. There are also different variants, such as the retractable straight drop outdoor blinds (perfect for large openings) and outdoor track blinds that can be easily secured to prevent wear and tear from flapping during strong winds.
When you want something more genteel, plantation shutters are a stylish option. Although commonly associated with Southern colonial homes in the US, plantation shutters have been embraced by Australian homeowners. The sophisticated window treatment was invented in 800 BC by Ancient Greeks, who made shutters out of marble, creating quite a sturdy covering.
Now made of wood, plantation shutters feature deep-louvred, swinging slats, letting you control indoor light and temperature through a rod. Shutters are available in varying colours and stains to enhance or match your interior design, and they come in different styles to fit any window.
These styles include:
As one of the different types of window blinds that look exceptionally stylish, this window treatment goes beyond visual appeal. Homes with sliding or bi-fold shutters are more valuable for buyers or tenants. They’re built to last, easy to maintain and clean, and contribute to any property’s energy efficiency (i.e., they provide extra insulation).
Roller blinds are a classic and versatile choice for any room in your home. Made from a single piece of fabric, they roll up neatly at the top of your window, providing a clean and streamlined look. They come in a wide variety of colours, materials and patterns, which means you can match them with your decor effortlessly.
These blinds can come in different types of fabrics: light-blocking, light-filtering, sheer or opaque. Since this type of window furnishing is made from fabric, they’re much more suitable for living rooms, bedrooms or offices. They’re particularly effective in spaces where you want a simple, unobtrusive window treatment that can still provide privacy and light control. Since they’re made from fabric, they’ll stain easily in high-moisture environments, like bathrooms and kitchens.
Roman shades lend a touch of sophistication to any space. These fabric window coverings fold neatly into pleats when raised, creating a soft, tailored look. Roman shades come in various styles, from relaxed and casual to structured and formal, making them suitable for different interior design aesthetics.
Roman shades are great for living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms where you want to add a bit of style and luxury. They provide light control and privacy while adding a decorative element to your windows.
Motorised blinds offer the ultimate convenience in window treatments. You can adjust these blinds to the perfect position with the touch of a button or a tap on your smartphone. They’re available in various styles, including motorised roller shutters, Roman and Venetian, and can be programmed to open and close at specific times of the day.
Motorised blinds are perfect for hard-to-reach windows, such as skylights or tall windows, and for anyone who wants to integrate smart home technology into their living space. They’re especially useful in media rooms and bedrooms where you might want to adjust the lighting without getting up.
Vertical blinds are a practical yet stylish choice for big windows and sliding doors. They consist of vertical slats that you can tilt to control light and privacy or draw completely to the side for an unobstructed view. They come in various materials, including fabric, vinyl and aluminium.
Vertical blinds are ideal for patio doors, large windows and office spaces. They provide excellent light control and privacy and, due to their vertical orientation, can make a room feel taller.
Choosing the best type of blinds depends on your specific needs and the room where you’ll use them.
Roller blinds are great for a simple, clean look, whereas Roman shades add a touch of elegance.
Outdoor blinds are essential for creating comfortable outdoor spaces, and motorised blinds offer unparalleled convenience and integration with smart home systems. Plantation shutters are perfect for large windows, offering both functionality and style.
The latest trend in blinds is all about smart technology and sustainability. Motorised blinds that integrate with smart home systems are becoming increasingly popular, allowing homeowners to control their window treatments with ease. Sustainable practices and environmentally friendly materials are also in high demand.
Blinds made from natural fibres, recycled materials and energy-efficient designs are not only stylish but also eco-conscious, making them a preferable choice for modern homes.
The perfect window furnishings can transform how you live and how your home looks. At Modern Group, we manufacture and install a variety of blinds and shutters that elevate your home’s functionality and style.
We have been serving thousands of Australians for decades, delivering affordable and high-quality window furnishings and home improvement solutions. Let us help you with your home improvement needs – book a free consultation today.
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