How To Guides Buy Blinds

Date Published:

10/06/2008

Credit: Eclectics

Think you need curtains to finish a window? These brilliant blinds will make you think again...

By Clare Steel

Black-Out Blinds If you're a light sleeper, have a south-facing bedroom or work shifts and need to be able to sleep during the day, then choose blackout blinds for bedrooms. They're made from densely woven fabric and will effectively minimise the light entering a room. Try John Lewis. for a good range.

Roller Blinds are the most practical, basic type of blind. Made from fabric that has been specially treated and stiffened, many come in wipe-clean versions which are good for kitchens or children's rooms. They are operated by a cord pulley system, making them really easy to use.

Venetian Blinds are made from wooden or aluminium horizontal slats, which can be raised, lowered and tilted to let in varying amounts of light, so are ideal for rooms like home offices.

Shutters work in roughly the same way as Venetian blinds, in that the slats can be tilted, or completely opened and closed to let in varying amounts of light. These are good for long windows and can be made to fit most, including bays.

Roman Blinds are made of fabric which folds when the blind is up, and remains straight when the blind is down. They are operated by a cord pulley system, and sometimes have wooden slats behind to preserve the decorative fabric effect. Most suited to dining, living rooms and bedrooms.

Austrian Blinds Don't even go there...