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Fine Window Blinds As Decoration
by Peter Wilson
Blinds can be very utilitarian, even industrial as a window
treatment. Among the reasons that they have been popular as
window decoration in office and industrial setting is because
they are durable, easy to clean, filter sunlight effectively
and provide privacy. For all of these same reasons they are
also popular as window decorations in homes. The trick was to
make them attractive.
Types of windows blinds
Designers and home decorating companies have come up with a
wide variety of materials and finishes for blinds. Decorators
also use curtains and valences to give windows a much warmer
feel. The result has been window treatments that are
attractive, bright, airy and contemporary. The types of blinds
commonly used in homes today include the following.
1.Venetian. These are still usually made from aluminium;
however they may also be plastic. The slats may be 1, 2 or 3
inches wide and are slightly curved. The slats are connected by
cords and twill tape. They can be opened, closed, opened at an
angle or pulled up to the top of the window. These blinds are
very versatile, can be used in any room and are available in
many colours. The slats close tightly, providing privacy when
desired.
2.Wood slat. Venetian blinds made from wood are also called
wood slat blinds. The slats are thicker, and when pulled to the
top of the window, will create a thicker stack. They may be
stained or painted. Like other styles, the slats can be opened
or closed to admit or filter sunlight.
3.Miniblind. These have become very popular in the past 20
years or so. The slats on these blinds are very narrow, either
1/2 or 1 inch wide. They may be aluminium or PVC and come in a
wide array of colours. These are a type of Venetian and can be
opened, closed or pulled to the top of the window. These are
very popular because when closed, they give the window a very
smooth appearance.
4.Vertical. Vertical blinds (
http://www.shades-blinds-shutters-guide.com/vertical-blinds.html
) are very popular in both offices and in homes. They may be
used for both windows and sliding glass doors where they can be
open, closed or pulled to one side. The PVC or metal slats hang
from a track across the top of the window or door. The slats
may either be connected at the bottom with a chain or cord, or
simply hung loose. Some models are electric blinds and can be
opened and closed with a remote control unit.
5.Woven. Unlike the styles described above, woven blinds do not
have slats that open or close. The slats are very narrow and
woven together. Narrow spaces between the slats filter
sunlight. More light is admitted by pulling a draw string and
rolling the blind up toward the top of the window. Woven blinds
do not offer quite as much privacy as Venetians.
Not only do blinds come in a variety of attractive styles, they
are also available in a variety of materials. The combination of
styles and materials give decorators tremendous versatility in
putting together extremely attractive windows. This versatility
results in windows that compliment and coordinate well with
virtually every taste in room decor. Among the materials used
in blinds are the following.
Metal
For years metal, especially aluminium, has been among the most
popular materials for blind slats. Metal is durable, easy to
clean and long-lasting. It comes in a variety of colours and
the slats are available in widths from 1/2 inch to three
inches.
Wood
Wood is a popular window dressing material because of the rich
beauty and sense of strength it offers. Wood gives a room an
aesthetic quality not found with any other material. Wood can
be stained or painted a virtually infinite variety of colours.
The slats in wooden blinds are generally one to two inches
wide. Draw strings are pulled to open or close the slats, thus
controlling the amount of light let into the room. Wood is used
for both Venetian and woven blinds.
Cane
Cane is used in woven blinds. Cane may be either bamboo or
rattan. The slats may be either whole or split pieces of cane.
The slats do not open or close, but the small spaces between
the pieces of cane admit filtered light into the room.
Vinyl
PVC. Vinyl is used in both Venetian and woven styles. It is
easily substituted for metal or wood in Venetian or woven
styles. Vinyl looks good for years, is easy to clean and is
typically much less expensive than metal or wood.
Fabric
Stiffened fabric is sometimes used as slats. This fabric may
also be back with vinyl or metal. Fabric can be used to
compliment or coordinate with other fabrics in the room.
Blinds can be used as the sole window treatment or in
combination with drapes, curtains and valances. As the sole
window treatment, they can make a room look larger and
contemporary. Used in combination with curtains and valances,
the room can be made to feel softer and smaller. The fabric of
curtains or valances softens the hard, linear appearance
created by blinds. The possibilities are almost limitless for
the home decorator.
The decor in almost every room of the home can include blinds
as part or the entire window treatment. A traditional styled
living room, for example, looks comfortable and homey with
light-coloured Venetians in the windows topped with a scalloped
valance. A breakfast nook has a bright and airy feel with woven
rattan blinds filtering out the full strength of the morning
light. Bedrooms are private and attractive with rich-hued
miniblinds softened by floor length double tied back and lined
curtains. Small bathrooms seem larger with lightly-coloured
Venetians providing privacy while admitting sunlight.
Blinds are colourful, functional and decorative. In combination
with curtains and other window dressings they add style and a
pleasing linear effect to any room. The blinds of today are a
far cry from the sterile and antiseptic windows of my childhood
physician's office.
Please Visit http://www.isnare.com/?s=author&a=Peter+Wilson
for more information
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