You might think vertical blinds are only used in Florida, where they are used a lot. They are not used as much as roller shades, or bamboo shades, but you would do yourself a favor to have a look at the new ones. If you need to cover a sliding glass door, or patio door, they are the first pick. If you hang one of the horizontal shades over a door opening, it would block access. Then you’d have to have a friend roll it down behind you if you didn’t want to just leave it open.
Vertical blinds have individual slats attached to a moving rack which moves them back and forth, not up and down. A reasonably handy person might install them by themselves. They all come with directions with lots of pictures and even a CD to give you real pictures. They look more like drapes than window blinds, and they are hung more like drapes. There are many parts to install: the overhead track they move on, the hooks for each slat, and the parts for the pulleys and their cords.
They come in several significantly different materials. PVC vinyl is the simplest and cheapest, but even this comes in many different colors. The choices really multiply after the basic slat type: faux-wood covered, fabric covered, embossed, and amazingly, mirrored. They used to make a clattering sound when moved, which is greatly limited with these new types.
You can match your existing hardwood flooring in the faux-wood types, and they are very resistant to water or liquids. They don’t shed liquids all by themselves, however. You still have to dry them off. Whatever wood effect you choose, their effect is a very dramatic one.
To deaden noise, try the fabric covered slats. There’s no clattering and the fabric itself helps muffle noise. There are many types of fabric covered slats carried by dealers, but you could also get them custom covered to go with any room. You can mix horizontal shades with the fabric covered type, and as long as the patterns or colors match, they will look great.
Another type has patterns embossed, or raised, on the surface. These patterns make a lovely effect when the light hits them. Affordable PVC is what you’ll find for embossing.
The farthest ‘out there’ design is metallic. They come in very shiny silver or gold, and this is the side that faces toward the room. The outside looks normal, white or ivory. These metallic are the most light obstructing.
There are two more choices the buyer must make. Unlike horizontal shades, verticals can be opened in the middle (requiring two different panels), or from either side, depending on where you have room. The shape of slats themselves must be decided. There is a flat surface, the most usual, then a curved shape, and finally an S-curve shape. Their shape is what provides maximum light control because they hang without gaps. They block light with this arrangement.
Vertical blinds a can be found everywhere there is a home store, which might even give a free class on installation. You will be happy with the prices at the big box stores, but your choices might be smaller. The materials to mount the spring-loaded cords, hiding them behind the blind without slack, will be supplied as well. This device prevents kids and cats from playing with the loose cords.
Readers can learn about window blinds. Stop by Jerrikat Jennison’s site where you can find out all about vertical blinds and what they can do for you in your home or office.
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