World of blinds

Window blinds are the product fixed on a window to cover, decorate and adjust the light. it can mainly be classified into two types!

• Horizontal Blinds
• Vertical Blinds

In Horizontal blinds, the light enters path of a blind we’ll be horizontal, and usually these blinds are folded or roller upward or downward direction. Vice versa in vertical blinds.

Popular types of horizontal blinds are Zebra blinds, roman blinds roller blinds, Venetian blinds, etc.

What you see here is a zebra blind it is called this for obvious reasons the black combines transparent and bold horizontal stripes in two layers that black past each other to create different effects this tile’s versatility provides privacy in its closed position whereas the translucent position allows the light to filter in its imported product available in natural tones it gives you excellent light control.

Origin:

Zebra blinds were initially invented in South Korea, zebra shades popularity spread throughout Asia and then Europe, Now its the most demanding type of blinds in India and Kerala.

Key Benefits of Zebra Shades

• A relatively flat surface like a roller shade but with 3 main settings — Open, Closed, and Up — versus 2 main settings for roller shades (Up and Down);

• Lots of fabric finish options for both light filtering and room darkening fabrics. Can easily coordinate with other room furnishings and finishes including drapery and upholstery.

• Lightweight so easy to lift large shades. Easier to lift means that the shades will be used more frequently thus maximizing the benefits of having this shade;

• Full day-time privacy in an Open setting due to sheer layer — you can see out while people outside cannot see in. (In comparison: open shutter louvers or horizontal blinds slats does not provide privacy.  They must be closed for privacy).

• Fabrics are anti-static so does not collect dust — no cleaning is required!

Limitations to Combi Shades (Zebra Shades or Banded Shades):

• More than half the view is blocked in the Open setting. For more outside views, one needs to roll up the shade;

• Limited ability to self-clean if get stained (this is true for all soft window shades.) Thus need to get professional cleaning service.

• Room darkening fabrics are not fully blackout.

Roller blinds are a type of window blind that is typically made from a polyester fabric wrapped around a plastic or metal roller. The roller may either be exposed or enclosed inside of a frame and can be placed at the top of the window recess or outside of the recess. To control the roller blind there is typically a chain or string on either side of the blind. When the side chain is pulled one direction the roller will raise, and if pulled in the opposite direction it will lower instead.

Some manufacturers also produce a version of roller blinds with two layers of fabric, sometimes referred to as double roller blinds, for even greater control of light filtration through a window. Typically, one layer will be made of a sheer fabric that can be used to reduce glare, with a second layer that typically includes a blackout lining for even greater filtration when necessary.

The Pros of Roller Blinds

• They’re relatively inexpensive
• They’re very adaptable
• They’re available in a huge range of styles, materials and colours
• They provide plenty of privacy
• They can be made Smart or wired into an electric blinds system easily
• They are available as Perfect Fit Blinds

The Cons of Roller Blinds

• Roller blinds can be unsuitable for irregularly-shaped windows
• They can sometimes flap in the breeze if the window is open
• They can sometimes have dangling cords or chains that are not child-safe or pet-safe.

Roman blinds are one of our most popular ranges as they provide a great asset for living rooms, bedrooms and kitchens alike.

Roman blinds allow for the outlook of the outside world while protecting the home from glare. They block window drafts, add warmth to a room, maintain privacy levels and look beautiful hung at your window. You can also match them up with other fabrics in your home for a truly stylish, modern look.

Origin:

The history behind the roman blind began not surprisingly in Rome. It evolved when the Romans were trying to keep out dust and grit from their homes during the construction of the Colosseum. Strips of damp cloth, thick paper or even animal skins were secured at glassless windows to protect them from the building work.

Pros:

• When it comes to these blinds, you have various options when it comes to which style you want. The options range from fabric and colours to width and length which means you can easily work within your budget.
• Due to its versatility, you can also customise them for the different rooms in your house and finish it off with an elegant touch.
• Are you one to always keep up with modern trends? Well, lucky for you Roman Blinds never really go out of fashion. They have been around for many years and yet still they seem to be a very popular choice for not only home owners, but also interior designers.
• This means that you can install your blinds and not have to worry about getting new ones in a year or two’s time.
• We know how much most people enjoy their privacy, which is what adds to the greatness of these window dressings. The design allows you to control the amount of light that enters the room and also the visibility from the outside. Depending on the material that you chose, it can even completely black out the room!
• They are great for covering up glass areas such as doors and enclosed patios. This adds a nice finishing touch to the look that will bring a smile to your face every time. Overall, these are a much loved choice that will always draw attention and bring a sense of cozy, yet elegant and fair.

Cons:

• One of the biggest cons of Roman Blinds is definitely the fact that they can only be up or down. There is no in-between as with vertical blinds where you can tilt them open or closed. This would mean that if they are down, you won’t really have much of a view to the outside, and if they are all the way up, the whole neighbourhood can see inside your home.
• The strings you use in order to operate them can be a hazard to either your kids or your pets. It can be seen as a danger for tripping and falling, or to animals, it could seem like a toy which can end up in complete chaos. Of course there are ways and means to avoid this, such as tying it halfway to shorten it, but it is best to always keep this in mind.
• When it comes to rooms that can build up moisture, such as a bathroom, these might not be the best option to go with. Steam from the shower can cause mould to grow on the material and in order to prevent this, a lot of maintenance and cleaning will have to be done. This counts for the kitchen area too, as the different scents from cooking food can get trapped in the fabric and cause an unwanted stench.

Wooden blinds are a timeless addition to any home, and are suitable for use in rooms where other blinds types may be more of a challenge, like bathrooms and kitchens. This is thanks to their hard-wearing, waterproof and wipe-clean materials, which makes cleaning your wooden blinds a breeze!

When closed, they are completely opaque, and so are an excellent choice for rooms where privacy is required or where light control is paramount, and are also able to pivot to exactly the degree you’d like in order to control light entering the room or allow a breeze to roll in without letting in too much sunlight.

Wooden blinds can also be made in a variety of colours and stain finishes, so whether you’re looking for a dark and warm blinds solution or something more light and airy, we can provide exactly what you need.

If you choose Expression Blinds to install your wooden blinds, they’ll also be made to measure, to make sure they fit perfectly on every window or door you choose. We always begin by sending one of our expert fitters to take measurements and talk through all your options with you, so you’ll be able to make the best possible decision for your wooden blinds.

All wooden blinds are sturdier than other blinds types, everything we build is made to last. When you choose to have wooden blinds installed, you can rest assured that you’ll be able to rely on them for years!

Pros:

Wood blinds are fantastic option for rooms that lack architectural interest.  Unlike fabric shades, wood blinds tend to look more “built-in,” and become a part of the structure of the home – almost like a piece of furniture or cabinetry.  The warmth of the wood can add dimension and richness to spaces with little other wood in the room.  Wood blinds come in an array of colours, finishes and vane sizes to fit any decor.  And, they offer amazing flexibility at the window:  they can be raised and lowered to adjust the view and light level in the room, and the vanes can be opened and closed to further adjust light level and privacy.  This photo of Hunter Douglas Country Woods Blinds shows how wood blinds can create a warm, elegant atmosphere in a room while controlling the light level:

Cons

Wood blinds tend to be very heavy.  When they are installed on a large window, they can be unwieldy to raise and lower, and the stress on the inner cords can cause them to break prematurely.  The vanes are thicker than those of aluminium blinds, resulting in a large “stack” at the top of the window.  The “stack” of vanes can block part of the light coming in the window and will block parts of the view.  Wood blinds, especially darker stains, tend to show dust more readily than other types of window treatments.  However, high-end manufacturer Hunter Douglas has treated their shades and blinds to repel dust, which helps to counteract this negative aspect of wood blinds.

In addition, wood is a natural product, which means that variations in grain pattern and color are likely.  Wood can also expand and contract with changes in moisture, which can lead to twisting and warping of the vanes – especially in lower quality wood blinds.  This feature makes them poor choices for areas with high moisture, such as windows above bath tubs, inside showers or above kitchen sinks.

Vertical blinds are an ideal choice for those looking to cover large windows with simple, yet durable, materials. Available in PVC, faux wood, and even fabric, vertical blinds are easily customizable to match any décor.

Due to their size, vertical blinds are the ideal solution for not only picture and floor-to-ceiling windows, but patio doors and sliding glass doors as well. Their durable materials hold up well to the frequent interaction they get, especially if used on a patio door and are very easy to clean!

Why Choose Vertical blinds?

• Vertical blinds are the perfect choice for many rooms and styles.
• Durable: Vertical blinds are made with durable materials like PVC, faux wood, and fabric. PVC and faux wood are also great choices in areas with lots of moisture.
• Easy to Clean: One of the easiest window treatments to clean, PVC and faux wood vertical blinds can be wiped down with a clean cloth for a fresh look.
• Coverage: Vertical blinds are the ideal choice for covering large windows that run floor-to-ceiling. Additionally, they are perfect for covering patio doors and sliding glass doors.

Why Not Choose Vertical Blinds?

• 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
• But They Also Don’t Last as Long. If you’re going for something inexpensive, they will work out that way. Vertical blinds don’t last as long, and they’re harder to repair once broken.
• 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.
• 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, aluminium, or vinyl.
• They’re Not So Good for Narrow Windows. Vertical blinds just don’t cut it for normal-sized windows. Horizontal blinds or shades work better here.

Panel blinds are a variation on the traditional vertical blinds, with wide fabric panels that slide

smoothly across on a subtle head rail. The size of the panels make them an ideal solution for large windows, patios and bi-fold doors.

These blinds provide an advantage for large windows which are located for premium sunlight, such as conservatories, as they can be drawn to either side of the window just like a set of curtains. This allows for complete control over privacy, light and glare whilst maintaining the perfect view.

Pros:

• The panel widths available vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, but many range from 11″ to 24″ in size. The panels glide effortlessly to the side of each window, offering a clear view out the window, but complete privacy when closed.
• Most sliding panel systems are available in a variety of fabrics and colours, making them a great option for homes of all styles. While some are completely private or opaque, others allow a partial view through to the outside.  The most popular options include highly-textured woven grass fabrics, as well as sheer and floral printed fabrics.
• Gliding panel systems can also often be used as room dividers or even closet doors. They can be a more stylish option than other room dividers, allowing homeowners to coordinate the fabrics throughout the room.

Cons

• However, sliding panels are not the best option for every window situation. Due to the width of the individual panels, the stack of the treatment can get large – especially on a very wide window.  For the Hunter Douglas version, for example, the stack is equal to one panel width plus 1″ for each panel across the window.  With a 17″ wide panel, you can see that the stack can quickly add up across a wide window.  Keep this in mind, as the stack can cover an entire pane of glass in some cases!
• In addition, gliding panels are not especially flexible in their function. Unlike vertical blinds, the panels cannot be rotated to allow a little light in or to see outside.  Instead, as with vertical honeycomb shades, the panels are either open or closed – there really isn’t anything in between.
• Depending on the sliding panel system you choose, the treatment can get very deep, as well. The Hunter Douglas system, Skyline, has a very minimal depth due to a special stacking system in the head rail – just 2-1/2″.  This allows it to fit inside even a shallow window or door frame for an inside mount situation.  However, some other systems can get very deep depending on the number of panels in the treatment – sometimes 6″ or more!

Cellular shades (also called honeycomb) are made of two or more layers of folded fabric that deliver strong protection against UV light, and superb insulation against heat and cold. Cellular shades have a clean appearance and are available in multiple opacity levels for different privacy options. They are also available in vertical applications for larger windows

and patio doors. Shades are made of a strong anti-static fabric that repels dust and dirt, but they may still require light feather dusting or gentle wiping with a damp cloth.

Pros

• Substantial Insulation. Honeycomb shades offer an amazing boost to your window insulation. Even with highly economically-friendly windows, it’s nearly impossible to keep the cold out during the winter and the heat out during the summer. Because of their intelligent cellular design, honeycomb shades offer and extra buffer or layer of insulation to help control the temperature in your home.
• Greater Privacy. While many of us are attuned to inner-city living or even suburban living, it doesn’t mean we don’t still want privacy. People walking or driving in the neighborhood can make things awkward when they peer into your windows. Honeycomb blinds, when pulled down to the window sill offer 100 percent privacy from top to bottom – no cracks or breaks in the blinds for prying eyes.
• Helps Block Out Noise. Another amazing benefit to the cellular design of honeycomb blinds is its inherent ability to block out noise. While these blinds are by no means soundproof, they do add an extra layer of tranquillity to your home by dampening the various noises from outside.
• Slim and Stackable Often, when you look at products that offer sound reduction and extra insulation, you find bulky, heavy items. In the case of honeycomb blinds, the opposite is true. Honeycomb blinds are thin and stack compactly when raised. They are slim and sleek, giving them a very clean and crisp look whether drawn or raised.

Cons

• Cleaning Is More Difficult. Unfortunately, even though honeycomb shades can be made of various types of fabric, none allow for the simple clean you’d find in plastic or wood blinds. They collect dust and can even be stained. Due to their structure, cleaning can be difficult and may even require pulling them down and gently washing them in the bathtub.
• Not the Most Fashionable. In terms of fashion, honeycomb blinds aren’t likely to win any awards. However, their fashion less design is what makes them so incredible in terms of insulation. If interior design is the most important part of your home, cellular shades may not be your best choice.
• No Adjustable Natural Lighting. Honeycomb shades come with a second catch-22. While their solidity provides fantastic privacy, it also inhibits your ability to control the amount of natural light you want coming in through your windows. You have two choices – all or nothing.

Venetian blinds actually originated in Persia. According to a 1941 book by Thomas French, Venetian traders discovered the window blinds in Persia and brought the innovative idea to Venice

Venetian blinds are a fabulous choice for any home, from contemporary to traditional our custom venetian blinds aluminium are truly a thing to behold. Our Aluminium Venetian Blinds collection includes beautiful white venetian blinds, black venetian blinds, aluminium blinds and everything in between. These slimline venetian blinds are light and hardwearing and made from aluminium, so they won’t rust. They can be used easily as external venetian blinds but would just as happily be at home in your kitchen, or bathroom where you can control light easily with the twist of a wand.

Pros:

• One of the most common reasons people invest in aluminium blinds is because they’re easy on the pocket compared to other window treatments. Economically, they’re comparable to vinyl and plastic window shades, but with a much classier finish. This makes them a great solution for large windows.
• Unlike timber window treatments, aluminium is ideal for withstanding its environment. These blinds won’t rot, rust, deform or lose colour over time, hence they’re ideal for rooms with higher moisture levels such as kitchens and bathrooms.
• The malleability of the metal means aluminium blinds are generally available in a wide range of designs and styles. They can be easily cut and styled for awkward windows, as well as customised with a decent coat of paint to match your interiors. In addition, you can easily control the level of privacy and light by adjusting the angle of the slats accordingly.
• If you’re going for a modern aesthetic, aluminium blinds are the perfect complement for your windows. They work to add a streamlined and contemporary feel to your space, which is why many office buildings install these types of window treatments.

Cons:

• Lower insulation. As metal is a natural conductor for heat and cold, aluminium blinds don’t offer the same levels of insulation as other window treatments.
• Higher maintenance. Where a window treatment such as a roller blind only requires one manual sweep with a vacuum, blinds require each slat to be individually cleaned. While this theoretically shouldn’t add too much extra time to the process, you may find it a little cumbersome. However, there are benefits to these maintenance requirements: you can tackle both sides of the blinds at once by simply reversing the direction of the slats – a nifty advantage that you don’t get with roller blinds or curtains.
• Incomplete light blockage. Despite the major advantages of being able to manually manipulate how much light streams into your space, these blinds do not offer complete black-outs. When closed, a small amount of light will still filter through slightly, hence they’re best-suited for living rooms or study spaces as opposed to the bedroom.

Reduced safety. Given their metal edges, aluminium Venetian blinds come with the minor risk of scraping or cutting oneself. This should be kept in mind when you make home improvement if you have children or pets.