Fabric, Vinyl, and Wooden Blinds

Though the person who'd prefer to live without windows is next to impossible to find, there are times when everybody needs a bit of shade or privacy. There are several products on the market that will perform this task. However, for appearance, function, or both, many homeowners agree that blinds are the best choice when it comes time to keep light out and the household's goings on to itself.

Vinyl Blinds
Vinyl blinds are the new standard in the blind world. They are easy to clean, unaffected by moisture, and do a good job of blocking light. They are also the least expensive type of blind. Metal blinds in the past did the jobs that vinyl blinds now perform. Vinyl is an improvement on its metal predecessor as it won't rust or cut fingers.

Vinyl blinds are cost effective and come in a wide variety of styles including mini-blinds and vertical blinds. They aren't as durable or visually appealing as some other choices, but, functionally, they are very sound.

Fabric Blinds
Fabric blinds are most often vertical. They have a sleek and modern look that goes well in both home and office. Because of their vertical construction, fabric blinds are ideal for very large windows or patio doors. They do a good job blocking light and add a touch of elegance to any room.

To add extra insulation to fabric blinds, they are often available with a PVC backing. Homeowners enjoy the appearance and easy, smooth operation of vertical fabric blinds. The cost is more than that of vinyl blinds, but many say that the added visual appeal is worth it.

Wooden Blinds
The look and feel of wood lends value and authenticity to everything it touches. Wooden blinds are a part of wood's long standing tradition of luxury and durability. Their performance is second to none. They block out light very well, and can be purchased in a "no hole" design that will let in even less light. They provide excellent insulation that, in particularly cold or warm climates, may save on energy costs. Automatic wooden blinds are widely available; they can be adjusted at the push of a button and from across a room.

The biggest selling point of wooden blinds is the look. They give any room a touch of rustic charm, and a sense of history. Wood finish goes with almost anything and can look good pretty much anywhere. Blinds come made from many different varieties of wood, each of which has its own particular look. Those who prefer an exact color match to the natural wood look can certainly have them painted (or purchase them that way).

Wooden blinds are more expensive than fabric or vinyl blinds. Wood blinds that are not properly sealed could also have moisture problems such as swelling or warping which makes them less suited to kitchens or bathrooms.