Blinds: Comparisons & information on types of blinds

Are you blinded by the light? There is an easy answer - get some blinds. The range of blinds available is considerable; there is a style to suit all tastes, decors and budgets. Here's a sample:

• venetians - slimline and wide slats
• roller blinds
• Roman blinds
• verticals
• outdoor blinds and shutters
• motorised blinds

What are the advantages of blinds?

Most people rate privacy as a distinct plus but blinds can also be a useful security strategy in blocking unwelcome visitors from seeing other attractive items - widescreen TV's, laptops and the like. Some blinds are designed to enable you to see out but outsiders can't see in.

From an environmental perspective, blinds with high ultra-violet (UV) ratings can provide screening and insulation from direct sunlight, not only a health benefit but a way to stop fading and damage to expensive carpets and furniture.

Blinds can also make a fashion statement as there are almost endless options in terms of colours and designs, plus a wide choice of fabrics and other materials such as aluminium, wood, plastics, vinyls and PVC.

Things to consider when choosing your blinds

As with most purchases - shop around. There are a number of specialist blind retailers and prices can vary considerably. Installation by the professionals can be expensive but this is probably the way to go if you want the finished product to look good and work efficiently. Having said that, many of the large retail chains cater for the DIY market with a wide choice of easy-to-install blinds. These are supplied with all the fitting hardware and well-documented instructions which enable most handypersons to achieve a good outcome.

Another factor to take into account is the location. Perhaps a blind constructed of PVC or wood composite material is better suited for 'wet' areas such as bathrooms, laundries and kitchens, where heat, humidity or water could cause problems with some materials.

Finally, think about cleaning. Dust can be an issue in some locations and if you've got better things to do than housework, maybe an easy-clean style or a washable material is the way to go