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Window blinds are one of the most popular window treatments in the world. For centuries, the simple adjustable-slat design has been used to control light and privacy on windows around the world.
Window blinds are essentially a series of slats hung on control cords. These slats can be tilted to increase or decrease the amount of light that passes into the room. This very simple adjustment—which offers an infinite range of light and privacy levels—makes them work on nearly any window in your home. On top of that functionality, there are hundreds of different slat colors and textures, giving you a wide range of stylish options. You’ll find blinds made of wood, resin, aluminum, vinyl, and even fabric.
Why Choosing the Right Blinds Matters
Blinds are one of the most versatile window treatments you can buy. But because there are so many kinds of blinds, choosing the right one for your home can be a challenge. Fortunately, your Graber Design Expert has the know-how to find the right blinds for you and the expertise to install them for flawless performance.
The look of a set of blinds is dictated by its slats—the thickness of the slats, the width of the slats, the material the slats are made out of, and the color or finish of the slats. In general, larger windows get wider slats and smaller windows are generally fitted with narrower slats. Light-colored slats reflect light from outside and bring more light into a room than darker colored slats. Wood slats, with their sturdy look, have a very different feel than a set of thin aluminum or vinyl slats. And wood slats are better insulators than thinner slats made with aluminum and vinyl.
What different types of blinds are there?
There are many different window-blinds designs. Graber offers the full range, and this can be broken down into six different categories:
Wood blinds—Classic, made of real wood
Composite and faux wood blinds—Same classic design as wood but moisture resistant
Aluminum blinds—Highly durable, modern look
Vinyl blinds—A great affordable option
Vertical blinds—The classic covering for patio doors
Soft blinds (also called sheer shades)—A fabric version of traditional blinds
Popular Types of Blinds for Windows
Wood Blinds
The most classic of all window blinds are real wood blinds. Graber Wood Blinds are crafted from North American Hardwoods. The slats are made from basswood—an underutilized wood that is ideal for making slats. These sturdy blinds really are one of the most sustainable of all window treatments on the market.
Real wood blinds have a timeless elegance. They can be produced in a wide range of painted finishes as well as clear finishes that let the natural beauty of the wood grain shine through. Use real wood blinds in living rooms, dining rooms, home offices, bedrooms, well-ventilated kitchens, and any room that needs a touch of timeless style. The time-tested design offers excellent light control, and the real wood is a natural insulator, so any room where wood blinds are installed will be more comfortable.
Composite and Faux Wood Blinds
Composite and faux wood blinds are designed to look like real wood. And because they cost less than real blinds, many homeowners opt to install them instead of wood blinds. But the reason why composite and faux wood blinds exist is their versatility: composite and faux wood blinds can tolerate moisture, high humidity, and large temperature swings. This property makes them the ideal window covering for bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. A set of composite or faux wood blinds will not warp or crack due to temperature or moisture.
Many homeowners who are installing blinds in their home will opt for real wood blinds throughout the home with composite or faux wood blinds reserved for the high-moisture areas of the home. Most people will not notice the difference between the real wood and non-wood blinds—the technology Graber uses for composite and faux wood blinds creates a very convincing imitation of the real thing.
Beyond their resistance to warping and cracking, composite and faux wood blinds are easy to clean. A quick dusting with a feather duster or a quick going-over with the upholstery attachment of a vacuum cleaner is enough to keep your blinds clean. But, if necessary, you can use soap and water on your composite and faux wood blinds—something you do not want to do with real wood.
Vertical Blinds
Vertical blinds are the classic solution for sliding glass doors. And for good reason—the simple design of vertical vanes hung along a sliding rail makes opening and closing the blinds a cinch. Plus, the long, vertical lines accentuate the verticality of doors, allowing this important visual element—the tall glass panes—to really shine.
Choose from a range of materials for your vertical blinds. Graber offers fabric and vinyl options that provide an on-trend, modern take on vertical blinds. You can match your vertical blinds to solar and roller shades on other windows in your home, or opt for a bold color that adds a touch of visual interest to your design scheme.
Vertical blinds are extremely versatile. They can be adjusted quite easily and, when open, provide an excellent view to the outdoors. This, of course, makes them ideal for sliding glass doors, but also for wide windows or tall windows—anywhere easy light control and an excellent view to the outdoors is needed. Vertical blinds are especially effective in large, wide-open rooms. And, adding a set of vertical blinds to any room with lots of horizontal blinds can be a great way to add some variety. They’re a real workhorse among window treatments.
Vinyl Blinds
Vinyl blinds are another versatile window covering. Not only are they affordable, they’re also available in a huge range of colors and textures. Vinyl blinds are lightweight and extremely durable—ideal for high-traffic areas, rec rooms, and anywhere you need an affordable window treatment option. They’re also easy to clean and resist moisture, fading, and wear. Best of all, their time-tested design is easy to operate and allows for a wide range of light control and privacy levels.
Aluminum Blinds
Like vinyl blinds, aluminum blinds are highly durable, affordable, easy to clean, and feature a time-tested design. But they have a special look that many people prize—a sleek, modern minimalism that is ideal for contemporary spaces.
You most often see aluminum blinds in home offices, kitchens, and modern living rooms. But they really are at home in any room. The range of colors and textures offered by Graber allows you to find aluminum blinds for nearly any design scheme. And because aluminum blinds won’t rust, crack, or warp, you’ll enjoy many years of reliable performance
Sheer Shades (Soft Blinds)
The last category of blinds is sheer shades—also known as soft blinds. They’re made entirely of fabric, but their overall design is much like a traditional set of blinds. A sheer shade is made of two sheets of sheer fabric with fabric vanes woven between them. These vanes can be tilted just like slats to open or close the blinds to control light and privacy.
If you’re looking for the easy control of traditional blinds but want something a bit more elegant, sheer shades are an excellent choice. Sheer shades gently filter light, adding a softness to a room that traditional blinds cannot achieve. Bedrooms, living rooms, and any room where you’d like to add a cozy, refined look would be well served by sheer shades. Your Graber Design Expert can show you how a sheer shade can transform a room.
What is the most common type of blinds?
The most common type of blinds you’ll see around the world are vinyl and aluminum blinds. They are among the most affordable of all window treatments.
What is the most popular blind style?
Wood, composite, and faux wood blinds are Graber’s most popular blinds. They all feature a very classic look that elevates any room, and they’re also sturdy and dependable.
Which Blinds Offer Privacy While Allowing You to See Out?
Blinds are different than all other window treatments. They are extremely easy to adjust—just a twist of the wand allows you to dial in just the right amount of privacy and light. And, when open, they provide some level of privacy while allowing a view to the outdoors. For many people, blinds are the ideal.
Blinds with smaller slats work well with smaller windows but can limit your view to the outdoors. Wider slats are preferred for larger windows and can be used on any window where a better view to the outdoors is desired when the blinds are open. All binds, no matter the size of the slat, can be closed to provide privacy. Just remember that even when closed, a small amount of light will seep in between the slats. For most people, this is no problem. But, if you’re looking for a blackout window treatment, add a set of blackout drapes or choose another blackout window treatment, such as a blackout roller shade or blackout cellular shade.
What blinds are best for seeing out but not in?
If you’re interested in maximizing privacy, light-colored blinds are your best option. But, if you’re less concerned about privacy and more concerned about having a good view to the outdoors, choose a darker colored set of blinds.
Customizing Blinds with Graber
If there’s a word that best describes window blinds its versatility. There’s a set of blinds for every room. With so many options, it’s helpful to have a guide. Luckily, your Graber Design Expert is a window-blinds expert who can help you create a look that accentuates the best aspects of your room and provide you with the light control and privacy you need. You will find that Graber offers colors and designs for every situation.
How to Customize and View Blinds
Why Choose Graber Blinds?
Graber means outstanding quality, innovative designs, and the best customer service in the industry. You’ll find on-trend colors and fabrics and a huge range of window treatment options, from blinds and shades to shutters and drapery. You’ll even find energy-efficient and eco-friendly design options. Plus, Graber offers motorization and automation solutions that let you create a home where smart shades can be raised and lowered at the touch of a button.
Get Started
Finding the perfect blinds begins with knowing your needs. Are you looking to elevate a living room, dining room, or home library? Choose the classic look of real wood blinds. Or are you decorating a huge rec room in the basement? You might want to consider affordable and reliable aluminum or vinyl blinds. Sliding glass door? Vertical blinds. Your new bathroom, complete with soaking tub? Composite blinds are your go-to.
Whatever type of blinds you’re looking for, your Graber Design Expert is your best source for ideas, information, and high-quality window treatments.
