Word Count: 590 Date: Fri, 23 Jan 2009 11:04 AM
Blinds; The Interior Designer's Choice Of Window Covering
As a window covering blinds have become a popular adornment in commercial, industrial and residential properties. Coming in such a large variety of designs and materials they can be matched to existing decor and can be a design feature in their own right. Interior designers are now recognising the practicality and versatility of blinds and widely using them for their clean, straight lines.
Consumers are often left befuddled by the types of blind on the market, unsure which to choose for their home or office space; hopefully the following article will describe some of the styles available and the materials used in their construction.
Faux wood blinds are being increasingly used in design as material that has all the benefits of real wood without the downsides. In the majority of cases these are manufactured from polyvinyl plastic and are then treated to look like wood; fortunately modern techniques have made faux wood almost indistinguishable from the real thing.
Real wood has a tendency to warp and discolour in highly humid areas such as the bathroom or kitchen; fortunately faux wood does not have the same problem due to UV inhibitors that are applied to the plastic that prevent discolouration. As a result of their hardiness faux wood blinds are used by people who want the warmth of wood in their bathrooms and kitchens. Even with the benefits however, many will still be swayed by real wood for its back to nature style.
Aluminium started to be used in blind manufacture from the nineteen fifties onwards and has since become one of the more popular materials used in the construction of blinds. It is lightweight and strong and hence is perfect for blinds as it makes the slats easy to lift and manipulate. The thermal properties of aluminium are limited being such a thin metal; it is however perfect in the summer for keeping interiors cool. As a thin and lightweight solution they can fit into doorways and window recesses easily saving space and being unobtrusive; aluminium is also a material favoured by modernist designers.
Roman blinds are another popular form of window covering used in the home. Predominantly made from fabric they use overlapping folds that can be raised or lowered. They are not conventional slats as light is not allowed in between the folds; they are however the ideal way to bring Mediterranean styling to a home. Being made from fabric they can keep the heat in well during colder times of the year and are a good alternative to regular drapes or curtains. Additionally PVC or polyvinyl is frequently used in the manufacture of blinds as it is an affordable material that is both lightweight and relatively strong.
Vertical blinds are frequently used in office spaces and homes with floor to ceiling windows. They are usually made from a mixture of fabric and plastic and the slats are aligned along the vertical access. Once again cords are used to control the blind adjusting how much of the window is covered and the angle of the slats. Fundamentally they are ideal for modern looking flats or offices.
Hopefully this article has highlighted some of the materials used in the construction of blinds and the various used of these materials. As a window covering they are simply unrivalled for practicality and versatility and as changes are made to manufacturing processes and styles, designers will be more inclined to use blinds in their interior spaces.
About the Author
Interior design expert Thomas Pretty studies the key considerations needed when choosing blinds for the home if they are to compliment the decor.
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