Everything you need to know about finding a Blind Installer

There is a wide variety of blinds available today to suit just about any need or décor offering shading, privacy and insulation.

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Some of the most popular are outlined below:

• Venetian Blinds – Venetian blinds are typically made from metal, PVC or timber slats that are affixed to a cloth tape.  They work by a cord attached to a pulley system.  Venetian blinds are available in a range of colours, sizes and width and allow you to control the amount of light and air that enters the room at any given time.  Venetian blinds are particularly good if you are after a modern look in your home.
  
  
• Vertical Blinds – vertical blinds are composed of strips of fabric or timber (known as louvers) that are suspended from a head rail.  They are similar to Venetian blinds but the slats are vertical rather than horizontal.  Vertical blinds are extremely practical and are great for larger areas such as large windows or sliding doors.  If you want to be able to control the amount of light and air that enters your home, vertical blinds are a good choice.
  
  
• Panel Drapes – panel drape blinds have a multiple tracking system that allows flat panels of material to slide across the window or door that is covered.  The panels can be centre-opening or situated to one side, depending on where the particular blind is being used.  These blinds work particularly well in contemporary homes and are ideal for large areas of glass.
  
  
• Honeycomb Blinds – honeycomb blinds have a unique honeycomb cell construction that traps air in the cells, making them ideal for insulation purposes.  Honeycomb blinds are structured in such a way that the top and the bottom of the blind can be operated independently, meaning that you can have the top of the blind open for light without compromising privacy.  These blinds are available in a wide range of colours and textures and can be fitted to almost any type of window, including skylights, arched windows, and angled windows.
  
  
• Roller/Holland Blinds – roller blinds are made from stiffened fabric that simply rolls on to or off a tube when it is raised or lowered.  They can be scalloped at the bottom and have the addition of braids or other trim to match the décor.  Double roller blinds are also available and this is where two blinds are fitted to the same bracket.  Usually one blind is transparent to let the sunlight through while the other is a heavier blind to block out the light and to provide privacy.  These blinds are functional and economical.
  
  
• Pleated Blinds – pleated blinds have horizontal pleats that form a concertina, or accordion effect.  They fold into a small area when fully raised so they are ideal for situations where you want to maximize your view.  Pleated blinds are useful for windows that are on an angle and skylights.
  
  
• Roman Blinds – roman blinds are soft fabric blinds that fold into pleats when they are raised.  The folds can be either flat folds or tear drop style.  Roman blinds have the advantage of being able to use any of the fabrics that can be used for curtains, making them very versatile.  However, to fully block out light, consider adding a block out lining.
  
  
  

Many blinds can also be used in skylights, for example, pleated blinds, block out blinds, Venetian blinds, Duette blinds and so on.  If using blinds on skylights, ensure that they have a heat-resistant coating or backing in order to keep the room cool.

How Much Do Blinds Cost?

The size and type of blinds will typically be the main factors which affect the initial cost of your project. Solid timber blinds will often carry a premium, as will fabric lined roller blinds and double blinds. Generally speaking you pay for quality. Also factor in the cost of installation, though online suppliers now increasingly offer a DIY option. If you are not handy consider a handyman or have them professionally installed by the supplier.