When it comes to shopping for blinds, you are generally going to have one of two options to choose from: vertical blinds or horizontal blinds. Which option you choose will depend upon your personal tastes and the room in which they will be placed. For example, horizontal blinds work well in bedrooms for blocking out sunlight. On the other hand, vertical blinds work well for oversized windows, as they can easily be custom ordered to fit almost any size or shape.
The next step in shopping for blinds will be to determine what your budget is. The cost of outfitting your home in blinds or shades can range from several hundred dollars to several thousand. The cost of your window treatments is going to be affected by brand, style, and the type of material used in their construction. Of all available options, aluminum blinds tend to be the most affordable.
Your next step will be to choose the type of material you would like for your blinds to be constructed from. From PVC vinyl to sheer fabrics, there will be a number of options for you to choose from, including wood, faux wood, and aluminum. Ideally, you should the material that will best complement the existing décor of the room in which they will be placed.
Do not forget to measure your windows. This is step is crucial. If you do not take precise measurements, you run the risk of wasting time and money by purchasing the wrong size. Bear in mind that custom blinds are often non-returnable, since they are made to order. Use a measuring tape. Measure twice. Write down all of your measurements. Do not forget to take into account whether you will be mounting your window treatments inside or outside of the window when taking measurements.
Finally, consider purchasing accessories for your blinds. For example, a valence will add a polished, finished appearance to horizontal blinds. Likewise, if you have small children in your home, then you may want to consider investing in motorized blinds. Because these blinds are operated via a push button, it eliminates the risk that your child might accidentally become tangled in blind chords. With these considerations in mind, you will be well on your way to choosing blinds that will beautify and complement the décor of your home.