Nowadays there are numerous designs of blinds suitable for almost every type of window. Here are some tips to help you select the most appropriate model for different domestic situations.
Windows with a beautiful view:
When you have a window with the view of a scenic landscape, seascape, pool, mountains, etc., you should consider a blind that pulls up as tightly as possible to minimise obstruction of the view. However, we often suggest that windows with a view are left unobstructed, perhaps only with a set of dress curtains to coordinate with the rest of the decor. Avoid bulky wooden venetian blinds.
Arched windows:
Arches can be a problem and are often treated as a rectangular aperture. To retain the arch you could consider pleated or honeycomb blinds which fan into a semi-circle.
French Windows (Doors):
French doors can be tricky because the blind or the controls can get blown around when the doors are open, or caught in the hinges as the doors are closed.
The key is to think of the door as a window, which happens to be in a door. It is usually best to use the same products as those already on windows in that room, for consistency of style. Wood Venetians work quite well because their weight flaps around less in a breeze. Roller blinds with a friction lock mechanism are good because they eliminate cords & chains.
Bay Window:
Most products will work in a bay, but care is needed in measuring and design. A bay will need between 3 and 5 individual blinds. Roman blinds need to allow space between each one to avoid contact and entanglement as they move up & down.
Skylights:
Consider using a highly efficient insulating honeycomb blind or a roller blind. These are available in different materials that can control the influx of heat and light. The honeycomb helps provide an extra degree of thermal insulation. Roller blinds fitting inside a skylight recess usually need to be compatible with the skylight; especially if it is an opening window. Blinds fitted outside the recess on a sloping ceiling need side rails or tension cords for support to prevent sagging.
All skylight blinds need a control mechanism such as a wand to activate them when you are standing below them.
Sliding Patio Doors:
Verticals are very popular for sliding doors, despite their diminishing popularity in general. They can be installed within the frame or over the glass, but don't necessarily choose a vertical if the other room products are something other than verticals. Consistency is important, too.
Very large windows:
Whenever a window covering is extremely large, its weight makes it difficult to raise and puts unnecessary tension on the strings (which may cause the strings to break). You may need to consider a special control option, or alternatively consider dividing them up into multiple blinds on a single headrail, or order multiple blinds and install them side-by-side.
Hard to reach windows:
Consider specifying extra long cords so you can open or close a product. Many blinds can be made with remote controlled motorised operation, though this is not cheap and you need to consider where to fit the mechanism.
Front of house windows:
It is common to want the front windows of your home to be as uniform as possible-just how consistent is up to you. What ever style of blinds you like, it should be possible to achieve this.
Windows with humidity:
All quality products should be water resistant. But high humidity or widely changing humidity can be a problem for wooden Venetian blinds, fabric Roman or laminated fabric roller blinds.
Harsh sun or bright outside light:
To eliminate glare on a TV or computer monitor, or to prevent a bright security light from beaming in to your bedroom, use blinds with no stitch holes. Blackout lining is also recommended. Honeycomb blinds provide superior insulation under harsh sunlight.
High activity areas:
If you have kids in your home, you should get the highest quality, sturdiest products. Also you should consider the safety aspect of pull cords and chains to avoid the risk of tripping or stangulation accidents.
Finally
There is a wide choice of blinds available, so much so that you might feel you are spoilt for choice. In that situation it is always prudent to seek advice from an interior designer. If you speak to a designer they will have the design freedom to suggest window dressings other than blinds, whereas if you speak to a specialist blind company be aware that they are out to sell blinds - indeed as many as possible!
Bronia Suszczenia is co-founder and Creative Director of Art from the Start Ltd a firm of interior designers in Yorkshire England. She has also recently established Fabric Gallery and Interiors a retailer of quality curtain fabric and designer wallpaper in York England
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