Finding the right verticals to elevate your view
Window blinds and shades come in hundreds of styles, makes and models. Blinds, shades, shutters, drapes and curtains each have their own unique purpose and style depending on your needs. Choosing which window coverings are best for your home can be as big of a decision as the types of flooring, wall colors or even furniture you choose. No small task.
In order to help whittle down the selection, we put this guide together for one of our most popular items: Vertical Window Blinds. When is it best to use vertical blinds? Consider the following scenarios.
Pro: Vertical Blinds Are Best for Wide Windows and Sliding Doors
Sliding doors open and close from side to side. It’s only right to use blinds that do the same. Vertical blinds also do a better job blocking sunlight from wider windows than horizontal blinds can.
Con: They’re Not so Good for Narrow Windows
Vertical blinds just don’t cut it for normal-sized windows. For tall, narrow windows, especially sidelight windows we recommend custom shutters (seen image) or roller shades.
Pro: Vertical Blinds Accumulate Less Dust
Because vertical blinds have no horizontal surface, dust and other airborne debris will not settle. This means no dust accumulation and no time spent wiping down each slat.
Con: They Can Get Dirty More Easily from Touching the Floor
Vertical blinds made out of fabric can pick up dust and dirt from the floor. This can be a nightmare to clean. The solution to this is to choose vertical blinds made out of wood, aluminum, or vinyl.
Pro: Vertical Blinds Can Be More Affordable
As an alternative to large window drapes and shades, vertical blinds are less expensive. Of course, this is if we’re talking about treatments for large sliding doors and window panes.
Con: Low End Styles Don’t Last as Long
If you’re going for something inexpensive, be aware that the life expectancy may not be as good with low priced styles. If you expect a lot of traffic through your sliding glass door, then simply upgrade to a higher quality brand to get more life out of them.
Pro: Vertical Blinds Are the More Versatile Option
Unlike window drapes and shades, vertical blinds can be opened in two ways. They can slide open from side to side, or they can be opened from turning the slats. These give you more ways to let in some sunshine.
Con: They Can Also Be the Louder Option
Because vertical blinds have loose slats, they’ll clang together in the wind especially if the slats are made out of harder material. If you’re not a big fan of the noise this makes, get the vertical blinds made out of fabric.
Pro: Vertical Blinds Can Block More Light
On average, the slats on vertical blinds are thicker than the slats on horizontal blinds. This blocks sunlight more effectively for the summer, and can also keep heat from escaping better in the winter.
Con: They Can Also Block More of the View
The downside of having thicker slats is they block the view more. Even when fully open they get in the way.
