Using Roll Up Blinds in Your Home

One of the first things most homeowners purchase when they first move into their home is something to cover the windows and provide privacy. Mini blinds, cellular shades and roll up blinds all provide a quick and easy option for this purpose that can tide you over until you decide what type of window treatments you want to use. Blinds of all types create the perfect foundation for any window treatment and if chosen carefully will last for years.

Buying mini blinds or roll up blinds can last through multiple changes in your decor when you purchase them with this in mind. Choose a neutral color and style that will stand the test of time while providing the privacy and sun filtering quality you desire for each room.

Using Roll Up Blinds

Window blinds have come a long way since the first wooden venetian blinds were introduced in the late 1700′s as means of blocking light and insulating windows against the elements. Now they are available in vinyl, aluminum, synthetics, wood and fabric. Some blinds are made with small horizontal slats that can be opened and closed in addition to being raised and lowered. Low end varieties are made of vinyl, mid range of aluminum and high end of wood.

Traditional roll up blinds were originally made of vinyl coated fabric that rolled up onto a spool when they were raised. You can still purchase this type of blind but they are now made from a wide array of materials and fabrics. If you are looking for something to block out light almost completely you will readily find room darkening roll up blinds to do this for you.

Honeycomb or cellular blinds are the newest variety of window blinds and were introduced in the early 80′s after the last gas shortage as a way to insulate windows and save on home energy consumption. They quickly became a staple in window coverings as they are not only energy efficient, they provide an attractive alternative to regular roll up blinds and slated mini blinds.

The honeycomb style of roll up blinds are made of two layers of fabric that provide exceptional insulation for windows. The pockets of air they create can reduce heat loss by up to 50%. When raised they fold up accordion style out of the way. Some manufacturers have designed them to be lowered from the top as well as the bottom providing flexibility in lighting and privacy.

Most shades and roll up blinds can be ordered in custom sizes to fit windows that are not a typical size. For ordinary windows measure carefully before purchasing blinds to make sure they fit well and install easily. Window blinds are usually mounted on the inside of the window frame so that when they are closed they lay flush with the molding. Measure the window from inside to inside of the frame for this type of mounting. Different hardware is used for an inside mount than when mounted on the window trim.