Window Blinds and Shades - 5 Tips For Better Choice

Choosing the right window blinds and shades depend on several factors including ease of maintenance, function, decor theme and budget. These window treatments, blinds and shades are both decorative and functional as drapes or curtains. Here are 5 tips that can help you while choosing the right window blinds and shades for yourself.

1. You can choose roller blinds or shades for cost effectiveness and ease of installation. They are simple window coverings that come with easy to install hardware. Since they are mostly made of fabric, paper and natural materials like rattan, reeds and bamboo, they are available at relatively cheaper prices.

2. You can choose roman shades if you want simplicity with a touch of class. As they are also easy to install and operate, they have become the most fashionable window covering solutions. Because of the cascading style, folding and the tendency to use textured, heavy and colorful fabric, these roman shades are good for creating a decorative statement.

3. You can choose Venetian or Slatted blinds for functionality and universal appeal. They are universal because they can be used as is or in coordination with other drapes or curtains. They are easy to set up and maintain (requiring only wiping and vacuuming down) and versatile as well. These blinds are usually more durable than any other style of blinds.

4. You can choose gathered blinds if you want the luxurious look. As they use heavy and textured fabric which create ruffled draping effect, these gathered blinds are best used with affluent decor themes and deep colors. These blinds are the quite expensive than other type of blinds.

5. You can choose cellular shades if you want the contemporary look. They are similar to venetian blinds but are constructed with honeycombs which help in controlling light and insulation from extreme temperatures. These cellular window blinds and shades are available in different types of materials and colors with varying price tags.

Inside Tricks to Cleaning Window Shades and Blinds

Wipe down mini blinds monthly by turning the slats downward facing you. Spray a lightweight terry towel with an all purpose cleaner. Start at the top and wipe over the surface. Reverse the slats then pull the blinds out and walk behind them. Repeat from the back. It only takes three or four minutes per blind so do a room every time you dust to keep ahead of the buildup.

If miniblinds have reached the point of no return, grab a hammer and two good sized nails. Measure the blinds and hammer the nails into the back of your home or other inconspicuous area one foot less than the width of the blinds, and hang the blinds there. Turn the slats downwards. With a spray can of foaming tub and tile cleaner begin at the bottom spraying your way to the top. When the foam drips from the top, wipe with a wet sponge. Reverse the slats, flip the blinds over and repeat from the back. Dry and rehang.
Wood and Fabric Surfaces

Wood blinds are cleaned in the same manner except use one-fourth cup of white vinegar per quart of water. These blinds require regular maintenance to prevent buildup that deteriorates the sealant. Once the sealant deteriorates, the blinds loose their luster.



Fabric pleated shades do not tolerate cleaning chemicals or even water. Either will leave unsightly stains. If you vacuum your pleated shades be sure to wipe the bristles of the brush frequently. The dry sponges that are now available in many stores quickly pick up dust and dirt the vacuum overlooks. Wipe over the shades with the dry sponge. Wash dry sponges in sudsy water when soiled.



Problems come when bugs crawl across fabric shades leaving their droppings behind them. For these or any stains on the shades dampen a cotton swab with water. Then dip the swab into a small amount of liquid dish soap. Lightly dab on the stain then wait 30 minutes. Gently blot with a light dampened cloth.



A lint roller made for clothing, easily rolls over vertical blinds picking up dust and cobwebs along the way.

Window Shades and Blinds For Your Personal Style

Window shades and blinds are a great way to add some color and character to a room. You can change the whole look of a room just by updating your window coverings. There is such a huge choice available in all colors, styles and textures that you will be spoiled when you embark on your journey to find the window shade or blind that best suits your needs.

However, before you get carried away with silk or suede, cotton or canvas there are a few things you need to consider. If you get your basics right, then you will be well on your way to choosing wisely and getting exactly what you want. It's usually too late to return your purchases after you have hung or installed them on your windows. So to start with, answer the three questions below.


1. Light:

How much light do you have coming into the room through the window that you are looking to cover? But more importantly is the amount of light that you may be blocking out if you choose certain fabrics for your coverings. Do you want more or less light in your room? Once you have an understanding of this then you can choose the fabric that is most suited to achieving this.


2. Privacy:

Are you looking for window shades and blinds to give you more privacy? Perhaps you are covering a window that many people can look in through and you want to redress this. If this is the case then you won't want to pick any transparent materials for your windows. They may look lovely and delicate but they will not keep out those prying eyes.


3. Insulation:

As so much heat escapes through your windows, this can in some ways be reduced by your choice of window covering. Conversely, you may want lots of fresh air flowing through. Especially if you have a small kitchen where the only escape for food smells is through the window.

So you see it is important to take a little time before you get out the measuring tape, to understand what you are trying to accomplish when choosing your new shades or blinds. Always check the measuring guides that are available on all the manufacturer websites to make sure you are measuring correctly for their product, and if in any doubt just give them a call.