Hard window treatments include roller blinds, shutters, sunscreen blinds, venetian blinds, vertical blinds, and wooden blinds which can be used in conjunction with curtains, swags and tails, top treatments and pelmets. In this article we will outline the features of hard window treatments and highlight key considerations when dressing your windows.
PLEATED BLINDS:
• Available as a single pleat or in a honeycomb design.
• Stack into a minimal space and come in a wide range of colours as a block-out of semi-transparency.
• The honeycomb style is the best type of blind for heat retention because they have an air pocket to trap heat and are therefore energy efficient.
ROLLER BLINDS:
• A fabric blind that comes in a wide range of textures, colours, and opacity.
• Can be controlled by spring operation, a chain, or motorisation.
• Great in contemporary situations where large window have little or no stacking ability and clean, modern lines are required.
WOODEN SHUTTERS:
• Available in a painted finish.
• Come with a fixed timber frame.
• Have adjustable or fixed horizontal slats.
TIMBER-LOOK BLINDS:
• Easy to clean and maintain.
• Great for use in wet areas and will remain stable in higher heat environments e.g. kitchens and bathrooms.
• Made from a special thermoplastic alloy resin so are impervious to moisture and resist cracking, warping, and fading.
METAL VENETIAN BLINDS:
• Metal blinds come in 25mm or 50mm widths and use either a string or tape for the ladder.
• Also available with varying overlap or perforations to control the amount of light.
WOODEN VENETIAN BLINDS:
• Can be painted to suit the interior scheme.
• Available in 25mm or 50mm slats with tape or string ladders.
• Unsuitable for wet areas such as bathrooms.
• Provide good privacy and light control.
• The handsome quality of wood with a clean, contemporary look.
VERTICAL BLINDS:
• Most affordable window dressing available, with minimal stack back when used as an internal treatment.
• Tend to have less insulation and can be high maintenance.
Finally, it is important to consider the finishing details of your hard window treatments:
• Back roll (or standard roll) gives better privacy as the fabric is closer to the glass and the frame.
• Front roll (or reverse roll) covers the roller and falls from the front of the roller, giving a polished look and allowing the blind to pass window catches.
• Make sure all blades are the same width within the same area.
Thanks to James Dunlop for this informative article.