The Best Types of Fabric Blinds
This handy guide will help you to get to grips with the different types of fabric blinds out there and help you figure out what’s best for your windows.
Types of Fabric Blinds
Your planning to buy new blinds but maybe you’re not quite sure how to differentiate your Venetians from verticals. Don’t sweat, you’re not alone. There are several types of fabric blinds and understanding the differences can help you make a better choice and ensure your windows are looking tip-top.
Natural and Synthetic Fabrics
Natural fabrics are popularly used to make blinds. However, the proliferation of different synthetic fabrics has shifted the market. The most common natural fabrics are cotton, sea-grass and jute. These fabrics are usually available as roman, roller or tie-up blinds. Natural fabric blinds are durable and relatively easy to clean but they can succumb to the sun’s UV rays over time as they aren’t resistant to fading.
Synthetic fabrics, on the other hand, are also quite popular. Like natural fabrics, they’re easy to clean and durable. But, they’re highly resistant to fading and will tend to maintain their beauty for longer than natural fabric blinds.
Roman Shades
These are very traditional window coverings. They come in a wide range of styles but they share one thing in common: As you raise a roman shade, it folds into itself similar to how Venetian blinds operate. Roman shades are available both lined and unlined to suit different needs and preferences. The linings offer additional features such as thermal and blackout linings.
Tie-Up Blinds
These are sort of like a cross between a curtain and a shade. They’re typically constructed from a piece of fabric featuring ties that extend beyond the bottom of the shade. Raising the blind requires you to roll it up then tie it in place. This style of shade offers a country or casual look that can blend seamlessly with many styles of decor.
Roller Shades
Another popular type of fabric blind is roller shades.They’re usually made from natural or synthetic fabrics and you can choose to roll them up or down to suit your needs. They come in varying styles that mount to the windows in several different ways. The most economical roller blinds feature an external system that allows you to see the different mounting hardware and mechanisms of the blind.
More stylish options feature cornices, fascia’s and valances which hide the blind’s components providing a more polished look. Like roman shades, roller shades come in a broad array of synthetic and natural fabrics and often have additional features such as blackout and thermal linings. Therefore, these types of blinds are great for keeping the heat out.
Bottom Line
There are plenty of different types of fabric blinds. The types mentioned are the most common but other blinds to consider include pleated blinds and cellular shades. Because they can look great and they’re functional, blinds are the most popular window coverings for any area in your home. Choosing the right type of blind will ensure you make the most of your window treatment.
