Choosing blinds for my home - few things to consider

With so many styles of blinds and shades to choose from, it isn't always a quick open-and-shut deal to find the right one for your needs. Here we have our best advice gathered to help you see your way through the process.

Choice and variety are basic 21st-century expectations. When I was a kid, coffee came with cream and sugar, either black or. Nowadays at my nearest Starbucks, I could fill in a small dictionary with the list of coffee choices. In fact, to explain all the different choices, I need a dictionary.

The choices have proliferated in a similar way as regards window treatments. It should be a blessing to have this kind of selection, not amazing, so I've sorted out and defined some of the options to make the process easier for you.

Let's start with some fundamentals. "Blinds" usually refers to a hard treatment made from slats or vanes that are adjusted with a manual pull cord, wand or remote control. (Another remote control, just what we need.)

I found that window blinds are wonderfully adjustable; the slats can stay tightly closed for privacy and light control, or tilt open to allow you to choose just how much light you want. When they're pulled up and stacked at the top of the window, they leave a view unimpeded.

Whether you are looking for privacy, style or both, it can be a daunting task to choose the window treatments. Do you need to go to a specialty blind store, your local home center or shop online? How formal to go, or how blunt to go? And how do your stylish neighbors always look like they get it right?

Windows are a great focal point in a room, and both decorative and functional shades and blinds should be used. Luckily we have come a long way from hiding them behind basic mini blinds. Now you have hundreds of ways to dress up a room without making a big investment.

Things I considered when buying shades and blinds

Light and privacy: Decide whether you want a bright and airy room or something more "buttoned up" and cozy. Blinds tilt to let the sun hang in or keep it out; you lose light when it's closed. Shades have room-darkening or light-filtering fabric options, giving you more control over brightness. But they have to be pulled up to let light in or down to deter nosy neighbors, unless you opt for the sheerest.

Your budget: Outfit just one window or the whole house? You might want to consider spending more on some windows and scaling back on others. Window treatments are priced by size so expect to cost more for larger treatments. The cost also comes with custom sizes and specialty fabrics, patterns, and features.

Safety: I choose cordless styles if you have children, since accidental strangulation is a top concern.

Cleaning: Blinds do not need professional cleaning, but can be magnets of dust. Use 360 ° Duster (it's a Seal holder) to make dusting them easier. Shades in textured tissues and weaves conceal soil better, but cleaning shades is trickier — you can lightly vacuum and spot-clean, but bigger messes are best left to the pros.

Your style of decoration: Is that formal or casual, comfortable or chic? Bold colors can be entertaining or dramatic. Subtle hues are ideal for a room decorated in earthy, neutral colors. I prefer both corded or sleeker styles.

Here's what you should know about some kinds of blinds:

I also found that motorized blinds come in light and dark shades and polished or painted finishes — from white country cottage to rich Peruvian walnut. They aren't the best choice for kitchens or baths where moisture could cause damage (instead, choose polymer or faux wood), or for bedrooms or living rooms where you want a more romantic, softer effect.

I was looking for blinds near me that help to conserve energy and either filter or block light, so they work hard for your money. There are many stores in Lexington where I found insulating blinds branded selection comes in a variety of coolers.

When choosing blinds remember that wider horizontal slats create the illusion of larger windows and more space in small rooms and apartments.