There are basically six types of blinds that you can use to cover windows in your home, and each one comes with its own set of pros and cons. Moreover, individual rooms in a home also come with their own set of needs, and as such, home owners have to choose the right type of window covering according to the room’s characteristics. To help you select the right window blinds for each room in your home, here are a few tips from the experts:
Living room
This room is reserved for hanging out with the family and entertaining guests, thus elegance, comfort and privacy are top considerations. Roman and roller shades offer the most number of style options because you can choose among many types of cloth to complement the room’s design. These blinds are also great for insulation, keeping the living room warm or cool as needed.
Media or entertainment room
Honeycomb shades are the best option for media rooms because they offer added insulation that can help minimise noise. In addition, because they are made out of a continuous sheet of cloth, they are better at blocking out lights — perfect for replicating that cinema atmosphere.
Kitchen
With the various splatters and spills that occur in the kitchen, your prime consideration for selecting blinds for this room should be ease of maintenance. As such, plastic or metal blinds are your best option. Make sure to choose blinds with smooth finishes, because rough or textured materials are hard to clean.
Bedroom
You can use any type of window covering for this room, so long as it helps enhance comfort and privacy. Blackout shades are a popular choice because they can keep out light and promote sleep even during the day. Honeycomb shades, which offer more insulation than other types of blinds, can help keep room temperatures more stable — and thus, more comfortable — during all types of weather.
Bathroom
Bathrooms tend to be humid, so it’s best to choose materials that are not prone to water damage, such as plastic, vinyl and wood. These materials are also less prone to soak up moisture, thus minimising stains from moulds and mildew.
Study
These rooms should be bright enough so as not to hamper work or reading. However, privacy should also be maintained to allow users to concentrate on their tasks. Slatted blinds, such as venetian and vertical shades, offer more control over light entry while still providing adequate window cover. Wooden blinds can lend an air of sophistication to this room.
Nursery
Your greatest concern for this room is safety. Make sure that cords are not within reach of children or that they are not placed near cribs, and that there are no small spaces where fingers and toes can be pinched. Blackout shades with automated closures are best for darkening rooms while keeping kids safe.
