Design Confidently, Live Comfortably
| March/April 2005 Choosing Shades & Blinds Types of Blinds (All price ranges quoted are from a single source, for a 30- by 48-inch window, excluding options.) MINI-BLINDS  PROS Economical  Available in a wide range of colors Lightweight and easy to install Hard-wearingCONS Very inexpensive—and they often look it Long lasting but difficult to clean OverusedCOST Half-inch aluminum mini--blinds are $36–$74 TIP I like the de-Light feature in blinds by Hunter Douglas; with cord holes set in the rear, light gaps are eliminated. NATURAL WOOD BLINDS PROS Warm and rich in both casual and traditional rooms May be stained or painted to match any decor Variety of decorative tapes available to hide cordsCONS Heavy and prone to denting Not suitable for cold or moist spotsCOST 2-inch hardwood blinds are $63–$97 TIP You can get the look at a fraction of the cost with wood-core blinds coated with a vinyl finish, or with synthetics that look like wood.  Larger than life An ordinary window can feel more substantial when it’s covered with classic, 2-inch wood blinds mounted outside the window casing. (Smith+Noble) VERTICAL BLINDS PROS A good choice for wide windows or doors Available in a variety of colors, sizes, and materials Offer maximum light control CONS Cumbersome when stacked back for opening Hard to keep in place, especially with kids and pets Fall off track clips easilyCOST Vinyl vertical blinds are $66–$122 TIP In my opinion, they’re noisy and dated looking. STANDARD BLINDS PROS Wider (2- to 3-inch) vanes give them a classic feel Great for deep windows Reasonably pricedCONS Noisy when raised and loweredn Can be heavy to lift Don’t do much to absorb sound or soften a roomCOST 2-inch aluminum blinds with fabric tapes are $55–$67 TIP I recommend these for clients who want a plantation shutter look on a budget. NEXT: Types of Shades |
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PHOTO: COURTESY OF SMITH+NOBLE. |
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