Modern interiors are focused on convenience and practicality. This also applies to window decoration - roller blinds and blinds are often used as an alternative to curtains. Which is better to choose?
Differences between horizontal blinds and roller blinds
Depending on the design and functionality of each product, you can choose the appropriate option.
Horizontal blinds
Horizontal blinds, unlike vertical ones, can be attached not only to the entire window opening, but also placed on each window sash separately. Which mounting method to choose depends on whether you want to have access to the window sill, or whether you want the walls and window to look like a single space.
The materials from which the lamellas are made are also varied. Wooden models look especially elegant. This option is quite expensive, but the result - an atmosphere of warmth and comfort - is worth it!
The choice of plastic blinds, which have a fairly long service life, will not hurt your pocket too much.Models with metal slats are even more reliable. Covered with a protective layer on top, they can also be made in any color suitable for the interior.
Advantages
The main advantage of blinds remains the ability to regulate light: the slats are fixed at any angle, creating the required degree of illumination. This is especially true for hot summers and rooms located on the sunny side! The angle of inclination can be adjusted so that, while maintaining the privacy of the home space, you have a sufficient overview of what is happening outside the window.
The variability in the choice of materials allows you to order blinds to suit every taste and budget. The service life of the product is extended due to the ability to replace failed parts: you can replace several broken lamellas without changing the entire structure.
It’s easy to clean and wash plastic, metal and wooden models without risking damage: they are not afraid of moisture.
IMPORTANT! When ordering wooden blinds, make sure the quality of the varnish covering them! When wiping aluminum models, handle them delicately: a thin strip can easily be crushed.
Flaws
The main disadvantage of all horizontal blinds without exception is their “ability” to attract dust to each lamella. Another “side effect” is holes from self-tapping screws on the window sashes, which remain after attaching the most advantageous-looking models of horizontal blinds. However, you can choose a free-hanging cheap option that is attached only to the top of the window opening.
Roller blinds
In terms of functionality and variety of models, this is probably the most interesting option for window decoration. They vary in texture and degree of opacity, colors and patterns, making them ideally suitable for the design of any interior.
They can be purchased ready-made and made to order, taking into account all requirements - a great opportunity to try yourself as a designer! Especially if you consider the possibility of combining them with traditional tulle curtains or velvet drapes. They are mounted both in the window opening and on the window frame, separately for each window sash. The latter method is convenient because it allows you to use a window sill, for example, to place indoor plants.
ADVICE! If you want to completely close the window opening, focus on models whose size matches the size of the window or even slightly exceeds them!
Advantages
The undeniable advantage of roller blinds is practicality and ease of maintenance. The special fabric of the product is impregnated with protective compounds, so it is not afraid of dust, grease and bright sun. Careful care guarantees a long service life of the product.
IMPORTANT! Roller blinds require dry cleaning: light with a brush, deeper with a vacuum cleaner. Sometimes you can (carefully!) use a damp cloth.
Flaws
This wonderful method of window decoration also has some imperfections! Roller blinds are more expensive than blinds. You will have to fight the temptation to wash them or take them to the dry cleaner - they can become hopelessly damaged. If the curtain is mounted on a frame, you must ensure that it does not get wet when the windows fog up. Another feature is a noticeable reduction in the window opening angle.
Blinds or curtains: which is better?
It depends not only on the banal “I want!”, but also on a number of conditions. It's easy to identify them by answering a few questions.
What kind of room will be decorated? For example, in the kitchen the temperature and humidity “jump”, and you cannot do without grease and soot.If you don’t have a powerful enough hood, it’s better to make do with blinds. Roller blinds for the kitchen require enhanced impregnation, therefore, they will cost more. The living room or bedroom is an ideal place for such curtains.
ADVICE! Do blinds seem too boring? Complement them with light short curtains!
There are other points. How much money are you willing to spend on window decoration? Where do the windows face - to the south or to the north, into a shaded courtyard or a street illuminated by lanterns? What is the general style of the room (for example, sometimes clear contours and strict lines are required - then blinds are optimal)? By answering these questions, it will be easier to make a choice.
Each option is good in its own way. Especially if you rely on quality both when choosing blinds and when choosing roller blinds!
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