| The versatility of blinds and shades make them an | | | | recommended to use real wood versus faux wood |
| ideal window treatment for any home. Whether you | | | | since real wood is lighter weight. This will make |
| are trying to block out the light or preserve the | | | | controlling the blinds better. |
| view, there is a blind or shade for you. | | | | Solar Shades |
| To help you better understand your options, here is | | | | Solar shades filter out harsh sunlight and UV light |
| a little guide to blinds. | | | | while allowing you to enjoy the view. Since these are |
| Vinyl Blinds | | | | not considered privacy shades, it is not |
| Traditionally, vinyl blinds come in horizontal or vertical | | | | recommended to install them in bathrooms and |
| slats. While they do not rotate a full 180 degrees, | | | | bedrooms where privacy is needed. |
| they do come very close allowing you the maximum | | | | Roller Shades |
| light control. Additionally, the blinds can be raised and | | | | Roller shades do just that, they roll. Using a spring |
| lowered for more variations in light filtering. | | | | and pin, the shades pull down and lock into place. |
| Faux wood blinds fall under the category of vinyl | | | | With a gentle tug, the shades roll back up again. If |
| blinds. They have the look of real wood blinds but | | | | you have any problems with the rolling mechanism, |
| with the use of new materials, faux wood blinds give | | | | you can adjust the tension for easier use. |
| you a real wood look at a more affordable price. | | | | Wood Blinds |
| Venetian Blinds | | | | Wood blinds are made of wood. Sometimes they can |
| These can be either plastic or metal, although you | | | | be a combination of materials. In those cases, you will |
| may find a vinyl venetian blind. Some bamboo blinds | | | | see the term "woven wood" used. Oftentimes, |
| fall into this category as well. | | | | woven wood is used for bamboo style shades and |
| Most horizontal blinds fall under the category of | | | | blinds. |
| Venetian since it is primarily considered an overlapping | | | | Natural wood can give a home a rustic, formal, or |
| horizontal blind. Therefore, the classic aluminum | | | | natural look. Bamboo blinds tend to give a home |
| mini-blind is a variation on the Venetian blinds. | | | | more of a South Pacific flare. |
| Vertical Blinds | | | | Honeycomb or Cellular Shades |
| The slats on vertical blinds are, you guessed it, | | | | These shades are ideal for insulation. The cellular |
| vertical. They can be made of vinyl, wood, plastic or | | | | feature traps in air to provide maximum insulation. |
| fabric. They rotate approximately 90 degrees to | | | | Generally, you can find honeycomb shades in single, |
| allow changes in their light filtering capabilities. | | | | double and sometimes triple cells. When combined |
| Mainly you will find vertical blinds on large windows | | | | with a ComforTrack side track system, some even |
| and doors. When covering sliding glass doors, it is | | | | qualify for the Federal Tax Credit for energy saving. |