Previously, blinds and curtains were used exclusively for protection from wind or sun, in other words, they were bought and installed only because of their practicality. Today, such products are used as an important element of interior decoration.
Without them, rooms look empty and uncomfortable. In addition, such a product helps to adjust the space. This article will describe the main selection parameters, which are better curtains or blinds, as well as which options are best in 2020.
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Top manufacturers
Before choosing good blinds, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with proven and well-known manufacturers, which are very popular and are of high quality.
The modern market for blinds and curtains can offer different types and options for any interior, so everyone can choose the best model for themselves. There are no obvious leaders among the companies that produce blinds, but the most popular are the following:
- Designers Guild;
- Watts;
- Byron & Byron;
- Casa Valentina;
- Hope and Phillips;
- PROMA;
- RolTech;
- Katrice.
The companies described offer a large assortment of different collections, with any color scheme.
Types of blinds
When deciding which blinds are best for a particular room or design, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with their types. This will help you find the best option for any room and taste.
Horizontal
They are considered the most popular, placed on sashes or openings, and the choice directly depends on color schemes and widths. Ideal for small window sizes. You can lower and raise the canvas using a cord that can be easily pulled. Horizontal models can change the angles of the slats to regulate the flow of light into the room.
pros:
- Affordable cost.
- Simple structure, convenient adjustment.
- High degree of reliability.
- Wide scope of use.
- Can be used in conjunction with curtains.
Minuses:
- They require constant maintenance, since dust quickly accumulates on a horizontal surface.
- If you do not use a special mount, the glass unit may be damaged, and after removing the product, holes remain on the frame.
Vertical
These models are a replacement for classic woven curtains. They perfectly protect from sunlight, are often impregnated with substances that can prevent dust from settling. Installation is carried out to the opening, ceiling or walls. Often fabric is used as the main material. The view is perfect for large windows, arches or bay windows.
pros:
- Can be combined with curtains and make a single design.
- The room and the height of the windows visually expand.
- Minimal deformation from wind and temperature.
- There is a possibility of replacing lamellas and other individual elements.
Among the shortcomings, noise is distinguished during swinging from the wind.
Cassette
Such a model is designed specifically for plastic windows, they are mounted on the sash, and due to this mechanism, the windows can be opened together with the blinds. They protect the room from light and can last for a long time.
pros:
- Durability.
- Easy dust removal with a damp cloth or vacuum cleaner.
- Large selection of different colors.
Pleated
Includes a pair of guides, between which the fabric with folds is pulled. This adds warmth and comfort, and when raised, the matter will fold in the form of an accordion. Lifting can be by means of an electric drive or a cord; a weighting device is installed below. Pleated is a functional and comfortable model without slats, and when folded it is almost imperceptible to the canvas on the window.
Pros:
- Sunlight scattering is soft.
- The material retains its color and shape for years.
- It does not take much effort to maintain, the surface is covered with a protective substance to reduce dust settling.
- Simple installation.
- Suitable for any kind of windows.
Minuses:
- Not recommended for spacious rooms.
- High price.
Roll
These are fabric blinds that roll up or unfold using a mechanism installed at the top of the window. The product perfectly protects from light, the material is durable and not exposed to moisture. These are good blinds for any home.
pros:
- Easy installation in the opening.
- The ability to adjust the flow of light into the room.
- You can completely close the access to light.
- Combination with other interior elements.
- Suitable for all windows.
- There are options with photo printing.
Minuses:
- Difficult to clean from stains, dust and other dirt.
- Sensitive to moisture.
- Ascetic appearance.
Roman
They are presented in the form of flat cloths, often a pair of them. The product will easily decorate the window, during the lifting of the fabric with the help of a special mechanism, folds are formed with an overlay on each other. Among expensive models, the entire fabric is assembled this way, and in cheaper models only the lower part.
pros:
- Functionality.
- Simple care and management.
- Can be placed in small rooms.
- Ideal for the nursery.
Minuses:
- They do not look very nice with a large area.
- Not suitable for any interior.
Austrian
As a rule, manufacturers for this type use translucent and lightweight materials. The product is characterized by large and lush folds that will form when pulled together. In the lowered position, the canvases are even and there will only be a small fold at the bottom.
pros:
- Add airiness to the room.
- Practical and efficient.
- Easy to manage.
Minuses:
- Not used for the kitchen.
- They can look pompous.
French
They are characterized by a large number of folds, are made in many sections and even the lowered version will have lush folds. The lifting mechanism allows you to move the canvas up as much as possible.
pros:
- Perfect for tall windows.
- Easy management.
- A festive look.
Minuses:
- Not suitable for any interior.
- Poorly combined with small areas.
Japanese
The people also call this kind of panel or screen. They are laconic, visually similar to a screen, mounted on a cornice. Natural fabric is often used, but PVC and other raw materials can be used. There are rigid slats at the bottom and top that help prevent material from folding when moving. Move in one or two directions.
pros:
- Practicality.
- Functionality.
- Easy care.
- Suitable for zoning or door replacement.
The main disadvantage is that it is possible to use this type with a minimalistic interior.
Basic materials and selection criteria for blinds
In addition to the main types, it is recommended to understand the features of materials that can be used to make blinds:
- Aluminum - is characterized by practicality and affordable cost, in addition, the surface will not fade from sunlight. Maintenance is very simple, just use a damp cloth and wipe it regularly or buy a cleaning brush. It should be noted that the surface can easily deform, so the care is done carefully.
- Plastic - often used for offices. The material itself is practical and therefore is often used for kitchen windows and balconies. Plastic blinds are sold in different colors, there is a wood imitation.The surface is easy to clean.
- Wood - a product with such a material looks noble in any room, especially if the windows are also made of wood. The lamellas at the blinds are about 2-4 mm thick, manufacturers use various breeds, and the material itself is environmentally friendly and reliable, but expensive.
- Fabric is the most common option, which comes from natural or artificial raw materials with additional impregnation to protect against dust, moisture and dirt. If necessary, fabric blinds can be easily shortened by hand.
- Multi-textured - this type can include several different materials at once (2-7 types).
When deciding which blinds are best to choose, several features of the window and the room itself should be taken into account. If installation is planned inside the opening, then the height of the blinds should be 2-3 cm less than the size of the window itself. Not observing this rule, the material will touch the window sill, and the appearance will be spoiled. Placing products with a cornice over a window requires the selection of a product 20-30 cm wider than the opening. Vertical models that cover the space from ceiling to floor should not touch the ground, so it is important to maintain a 5 cm gap.
The presence of a weighting agent is also taken into account, which is especially important for vertical views. It is better for them to buy products with plastic elements, which will be more practical, and rust and stains from cleaning will be excluded.
With the help of a connecting chain, the canvases are combined and held as one whole. The quality of such an addition depends on the color of the plastic, which should be white, without other shades, especially yellow.
If the product has a cornice, then it is better to give preference to aluminum. It is characterized by a long service life, high strength and reliability in comparison with plastic. The latter, after a few years, may deform, which will make it impossible to open and close the blinds. It is recommended to check the control mechanisms before purchasing. They should be comfortable, with a soft movement, without noise, squeak and other things.
The best blinds of 2020 for an apartment
Since there are many types of blinds in stores, it can be very difficult for a buyer to choose a product for a particular room. Today, the following solutions can be considered trends:
- Models based on plastic or aluminum are perfect for a bathroom or kitchen. It is also recommended to use them for balconies, and it is better to choose fasteners for the sash. If the balcony is small, swing windows are used, then the best choice in favor of vertical views. It is recommended to complement the loggia or balcony for rest and relaxation with woven materials from light color tones.
- Wooden blinds that match the color of the main furniture or the window frame can be suitable for any space.
- For bedrooms, children's rooms and living rooms, preference should be given to a woven covering and it is better that the surface is combined with upholstered furniture or wallpaper.
- For small windows, roll and horizontal types of products are recommended.
- For a dormer window or unusual shapes, it will be easier and more profitable to mount pleated blinds.
- Small rooms can be visually expanded with white or light colors, the lamellas should be narrow.
- The multi-texture coating is recommended for large areas.
It should be remembered that the vertical direction of the stripes can make the window and overall space longer, and diagonal patterns will expand the space.
Blinds cost
The price of products directly depends on the type of blinds and the main material from which they are made. For example, the cost for 1 sq.m. for horizontal models it will be like this:
- Plastic - from 220 rubles.
- Aluminum - from 350 rubles.
- Wood - from 950 rubles.
The cost formation for woven options depends on the model. So, rolled types start at 400 rubles, vertical ones - from 350 rubles, and multifactured ones cost from 580 rubles.
