Blinds are an important part of many homes, both inside and out. Outside, they protect from the sun, heat, rain, and cold and they can also look great! Inside they act as insulators against cold drafts in the winter, while letting in soft light during the warmer months. They also add to the decor of your home, whether it’s a DIY project or if you hire someone to do it for you. Whether you’re buying the best roller blinds in Singapore or any other kind of blinds, here are some tips to help you pick what will work best for your home.
1. Material & Color
There are many choices when it comes to material, too. PVC is popular because it is strong and will not fade over time. That said, it can be a little more expensive than other options. A slightly cheaper alternative is Polyester which is a more temporary option as well as easy to clean. The most durable option on the market and one you can check out yourself at home is Sunblocked Textile which has proven to last for many years, retaining its colour and shape.
2. The size of the blind is important
The blinds in your home should be closed all day and night so that they don’t let in too much light. While you can always buy more, remember that the price will depend on the size of your house, so you’ll need to factor that in when choosing. Also, if you have a small window (with a 4m width) and have chosen to go for a smaller blind, then this would require more tension than larger windows for the same reason. The blind should shield the light and it’s important to opt for a size that will suit your window perfectly.
3. The opening mechanism
The most popular mechanisms are:
Roller blinds
These can be rolled up and down at any time and is good for homes with kids as there is no pull chord or strings that may cause injury. They come on a rail, are easy to operate, and typically have 2 strings for rolling up or down. It is also very secure in windy areas as the material is usually thicker than other types of blinds.
Plantation blinds
With a metal headrail and plastic slats. These are ideal for larger areas, with the slats adding to how much light comes through. The blind is more expensive than other types of material, but it’s easier to clean as it can be removed from the window.
Wooden Venetian Blinds
These slide horizontally across the window and are very good for medium-sized windows (3m wide). They are easy to operate and lift up in one go instead of rolling up or down. They don’t block out light completely, but they do reduce glare significantly and you can choose which portion of the window will be covered with them with adjustable slats available.
Vertical blinds
The blinds are attached to a wall track and you can slide them up or down (when they are in the up position). These don’t always offer insulation, but they do look modern and great for homes with kids. They also come in many different styles, so you can easily match them to your home decor.
4. Cord vs chain
If you choose to go with cord control, then a pulley option is best. The two main reasons for that are safety and security against vandalism-the pull chord will be high on the wall where an adult cannot reach it, so is safe for children to play with. Secondly, it will not fall off the wall easily and so is harder to vandalize. If you’d prefer a chain, then make sure that the chain is also attached to something secure, so that it can’t be snapped by vandals.
Think about how much light you want and how long the blinds will be closed. Also, make sure that the blind is powerful enough for the size of your window and will not break easily.