Blinds have been used for more years then we realize. The ancient Egyptians appear to have used them to keep out the heat and although this primitive type, (a reed blind and slaves poured water over a top bar), is far from the ones we are used to today, the principle was the same. Vertical blinds afforded privacy, insulation and shade.
Blinds block out the sun and stop it damaging furnishings and causing fading on fabric, whether it is carpet or sofas, as well as insulating the room, keeping heat in, (or out depending on what part of the world you live in), and cold out. They allow your room to be kept at the temperature you want, and not the one dictated by the elements outside.
Although the term vertical blind can be used to refer to any vertical blind, it is commonly used to refer to the panels that hang from a top rail and open and close from left or right. Blinds that close up and down are referred to as horizontal blinds as the term is used to indicate the way they close and move, rather than how they hang. Just look at the panels, strips, slats or vanes, (there are many different ways to refer to these strips), and if they are vertical – it is a vertical blind.
Vertical blinds are often the most economical solution for privacy, insulation and shade and come in a vast range of types, colors and designs, making them affordable for all budgets, while offering a multi-colored, attractive solution. These are normally panels of material, (called slats or vanes), that glide along a top runner and can either be manual or electronically operated. A remote control has all the advantages of manually closing the blinds – partial closure, tilting and so on, but can be done from the comfort of the sofa without having to get up. These vanes come in an assortment of colors and textures with a myriad of patterns, so that as well as being a practical addition to a home, they also become decorative.
The vanes close over the window and can be tilted to any angle you wish to provide full cover, or simply any level of partial cover required. Privacy can be had by pulling the vanes all the way across, but tilting them in a certain direction, so light still comes into the room. This is where blinds have an enormous advantage over curtains or drapes, which are either open, partially open or closed. There is no way to have complete privacy and still let in light with drapes, and that is why many households opt for blinds.
There are many types of vertical blind; Embossed PVC Verticals and Free Hang Fabric Verticals tend to be similar except for the material. PVC blinds are easier to clean, only needing a wipe, and are cheaper. This substance is the same one used to protect pipes and as such its insulating qualities have been well tested. The PVC is made to look as much like fabric as possible, offering a pleasing and easy maintenance alternative to fabric blinds.
PVC Back Fabric Verticals are also similar to the above two, with the added advantage of the PVC backing, which means the strips close tighter, providing better insulation and shade.
The same blinds can come with wooden vanes for a natural look, or even “mirror” vanes for adding a really modern touch to the room and more insulation.
Some more rare types of vertical blind are the mirrored finish which has a reflective substance on the outside and a choice of finish on the inside and some even have a solar activated control, which means more efficient protection against the sun’s rays.
There are companies who specialize in reproducing high resolution images onto vertical blinds that will not peel or fade. This allows top brands such as Disney, Betty Boop, NBA and many more, to feature as part of your furnishings. When your blinds are closed it is like having a giant posted on the wall and, apart from adding appeal, these images are a great way of encouraging children to close the blinds.