Vertical blinds (also known as Vertical Window blinds, Verticals etc) are a great addition to any room with wide windows, patio doors, or sliding glass doors. They offer privacy and sunlight protection during those hot summers and keep heat in during cold winter days.
This article will outline everything you need to know about vertical blinds if you are considering them for your home.
What Are Vertical Blinds?
As the name suggests, vertical blinds are blinds whose slats are arranged vertically and are all connected to a sliding head rail.
They usually have wide and long slats with many loose gaps in-between them. Their graceful but relaxed look makes them ideal for wider windows, patio doors and covering sliding glass doors.
Vertical blinds open from right to left or (sometimes part in the center) rather than from top to bottom.
Most vertical blinds have a wand or cord that allows you to close and open them as well as adjust the slats’ angle. Modern vertical blinds can also have motorized opening and closing mechanisms.
Pros of Vertical Blinds
Vertical blinds are a great choice for sliding doors, patio doors, and wide windows
Sliding doors close and open from side to side. Therefore, it is recommended to use vertical blinds as they normally do the same. Vertical blinds do an excellent job blocking sunlight from wider windows, and they accumulate less dust.
Since vertical blinds do not have horizontal surfaces, they do not accumulate dust and do not require time to wipe down each slat.
They can be more affordable
Vertical blinds are relatively cheap. For instance, the overall installation cost, including labor, can range from $250 to $1000.
They are a more versatile option
Unlike window shades and drapes, vertical blinds can be opened in two ways. For instance, you can open them by turning the slats or sliding them from one side to another. This gives you more ways to control and filter light.
They can block more light.
Typically, vertical blind slats are thicker than horizontal blind slats. This helps in effectively blocking more sunlight. They can also keep more heat from escaping your house in the winter which can help reduce energy costs.
Increased privacy
Usually, vertical blinds cover the whole window or doorway from above to bottom. Hence, they offer more privacy than other window or door treatment options. When they are made with opaque material and closed entirely, you will virtually have 100% privacy.
Cons of Vertical Blinds
Vertical blinds are not ideal for narrow windows
Vertical blinds do not cut it for narrow and normal-sized windows. Horizontal blinds would work better.
They can easily get dirty from touching the floor
Vertical blinds made from fabric material can easily pick dirt and dust from the floor, which can be a nightmare to clean. However, you can use vertical blinds made from Vinyl, Aluminium, or Wood to make life a little easier.
They are not as durable as other blinds
Generally, vertical blinds are not overly durable for the long term. Once they get broken, they are harder to repair than other blinds. Get more information on how to fix vertical blind from our article.
They can be a louder choice
Aluminum and plastic vertical blinds have loose slats, which can cling together and create a lot of noise when bumped into or pulled in and out. However, if you do not like the noise, you can go for vertical blinds made from fabric material.
They can block more of the view
Vertical blinds are generally thicker. This makes them block the view more. Even if you open them fully, they can still get in the way.
What Rooms Can You Use Vertical Blinds?
Do you love the feel and look of vertical blinds but are unsure where they can fit in your home? The good news is that you can use vertical blinds in any room in your house. However, vertical blinds’ effectiveness varies with the room’s requirements. Here are the places where you can use vertical blinds;
Living room
You can use vertical blinds in living rooms with wide windows and patio doors. However, it is vital to use vertical blinds made from fabric material. This is because they can mimic the warm feel and look that comes with drapes. It is also economical and practical for wide windows and patio door openings.
Office
You can also use vertical blinds in your office. It doesn’t matter whether it is a traditional office space or a spacious at-home home.
By using vertical blinds in your office, you are guaranteed adequate privacy. They also block the sunlight from reflecting off your desktop screen.
Sliding doors
You can also use vertical blinds in sliding doors that lead your home to the yard. For instance, vertical blinds are easy to move into the right position. Therefore, you will not get constantly frustrated by moving them as you will regularly be required to access your sliding doors.
Dining room and kitchen
The dining room and kitchen are the other places where you can use vertical blinds. Usually, these places will have sliding doors to the back and wide windows in the spaces.
Therefore, vertical blinds are a practical and attractive way that you can use to control the amount of sunlight getting into these most-used places of your home.
Bedrooms
You can cover the large windows in your bedrooms using vertical blinds. Using custom-made blinds and drapes for large bedroom windows can be an more expensive option. Therefore, vertical blinds are an ideal and cost-effective choice to use.
You should note that plastic and aluminum blinds can make a lot of noise. Therefore, if you are a light sleeper, you should go for fabric vertical blinds.
Conservatories
You can use vertical blinds in conservatories. They assist in controlling the sunlight and keeping the temperature low.
During hot sunny days, you can tilt your slats away from the light direction to keep your conservatory cool and comfortable.
Vertical blinds allow you to spend several hours in your conservatory, enjoying the gentle summer breeze without worrying about the sun’s harsh glare.
Bathroom
You can also use vertical blinds in bathrooms. However, the blinds must be made from moisture-resistant material such as faux wood.
The light control, coupled with the privacy aspect, allows vertical blinds to find an ideal balance between visibility, and the light that bathrooms need. For instance, you only need to tilt your slats to block the view while still allowing adequate light to enter the room.
Types of Vertical Blinds
All vertical blinds have slats that vertically drop down from the head rail. Most traditional vertical blind versions looked similar and allowed homeowners to adjust the amount of light that entered the room. Their positioning was also similar. For instance, they were either pushed to one side or pulled all the way across the window
However, in recent years has seen a variety of new styles, which include;
Vertical Blinds with Chain and Cord
These types of vertical blinds work by pulling on a cord and chain hung from the side. Depending on how you pull the cord, you can either open/close the blinds or bring the panes to the side.
These types of vertical blinds are often made from plastic. However, you can also find them in other materials.
Cordless Blinds
Generally, cords can be a safety concern for pets and children. This has prompted designers to make vertical blinds with a small plastic wand attached to its control end.
You can close or open your vertical blinds by twisting the wand. You can also pull the wand along the track to move the vertical blinds from one side to the other.
There are also motorized vertical blinds, though at a higher price point. These motorized vertical blinds can be controlled using a remote and do not require wands or a cord/chain.
Sheer/Decorative Vertical Blinds
Usually, you will see vertical blinds made of materials that are difficult to see through to create privacy. However, with the increase in the popularity of vertical blinds, decorative and sheer vertical blinds have emerged that you can see through.
These types of vertical blinds can be controlled in a similar way as the other types.
What Materials Do Vertical Blind Come In?
In the past, vertical blinds were mostly made from plastic. However, with the change in technology, a whole host of different materials have been become available. These include;
Faux Wood
Faux wood vertical blinds give you the classic appeal of real wood, but is much easier to maintain and is more durable than its counterparts!
Faux wood is actually heavier than wood as it is made from a combination of composite wood and PVC.
Resistant to water and moisture, faux wood is warp resistant and as a result, a very popular and durable choice of material.
Faux wood comes in many different stains and wood grain finishes, meaning the possibilities are endless!
Vinyl
Vinyl is the excellent material if you are looking for the most economical option. It is cost-effective, and a practical way to add privacy to your room or home.
Vinyl blinds are available in many different colors. Other than the occasional dusting, Vinyl blinds are relatively maintenance-free. For instance, they rarely look dirty and are easy to clean.
Furthermore, although they are not the most aesthetically pleasing choice, Vinyl blinds are economical and practical.
Aluminum
Aluminum vertical blinds are not popular as most people have not considered or even heard of them. However, they are the ultimate option for high-traffic areas of your home. This is because aluminum vertical blinds have a protective coating, making them resistant to debris and dust build-up.
Although aluminum vertical blinds can look the same, they come in different colors and sizes.
Fabric
Fabric vertical blinds offer the ideal way to achieve that look and feel of curtains or drapes without sacrificing the practicality of the blinds.
With this fabric, the possibilities are practically endless. For instance;
- You can pick sheer or room darkening
- You can choose from a wide range of different fabric materials
- You can choose from any of the available colors and textures,
It is vital to note that vertical blinds made from fabric are not as easy to clean spills or stains.
What is the Cost of Installing Vertical Blinds?
Generally, the average cost of vertical blinds installation ranges from $250 to $1250. This overall cost comprises the total cost of the vertical blinds’ materials and labor.
However, the overall cost varies depending on a number of factors which include;
- Labor and installation
- Type and type of vertical blinds and windows
- The materials they are made from
- Your geographical location
- Vertical blinds brand
- Any additional costs such as style and customization
Factors to Consider When Buying Vertical Blinds
Here are some of the key factors that you need to consider when deciding if vertical blinds are the right choice of window treatments for your home;
1. The operating mechanism
There are many ways to operate vertical blinds. For instance, there are manual ways, remote control mechanisms, smartphone control mechanisms, and track operating mechanisms.
The placement of your vertical blinds (door or window) can influence the most appropriate operating mechanism.
Therefore, it is vital to consider the operating mechanism that you want to use on a room by room basis.
2. The material
There is a wide range of materials that you can choose from. For instance, there are vinyl, polyester, plastic, aluminum, fabric, etc.
Therefore, it is vital to go for vertical blinds made from quality material. Besides, the material should have durability, and a level of coverage appropriate to your needs.
3. The style
You should always choose a style that compliments your room or home decor and other curtains that you might already be hanging in your room.
4. The Purpose in the home
Do you want to add some elegance to your home or room? Do you want privacy? Do you want to boost the functionality of your room? Or do you want to control light? All these questions should guide you while screening for the right vertical blinds.
5. The Budget or cost
If you are working on an unlimited budget, go for motorized vertical blinds. On the other hand, if you have a limited budget, go for ready-made vinyl vertical blinds.
6. Light and privacy
If you want window treatments that provide adequate privacy and block light, go for aluminum vertical blinds. Otherwise, if light control and privacy are of lesser concern, go for vertical blinds made of sheer fabric.
7. Safety
If you have pets and children, you should consider buying the safest vertical blinds. For instance, cordless are ideal.
Final Thoughts
Vertical blinds are one of the most popular choice of window coverings on the market. They offer privacy and sunlight protection during the summer and keeps heat in during those cold winter days. They are multi functional, add to the aesthetic of your room and are a lower budget blind choice.
We hope this helped you learn more and understand the benefits to expect when you choose vertical blinds for your home.
