Getting to Know Six Types of Windows and Blinds for Residential Use

Nowadays, window blinds are commonly used as modern-looking covers that are not only functional but also serve as a visually appealing interior design element. Window blinds have varied translucency varying from ones that allow sunlight into the room to those that totally block any light from the outside. 

Before diving into the shapes of window blinds according to their functions, it is good practice to know the blind materials in advance and to understand how they filter the light passing through them. 

Solar Screen

Solar screen blinds are designed to filter heat from the sunlight whilst still allowing visibility for people inside. This type of screen is usually installed in office spaces.

Dim-Out

Dim-out blinds refract incoming sunlight while maintaining privacy in the room. Light can still penetrate the blinds, however, the view through the blinds is restricted. This model is commonly used in studies, dining rooms, or other rooms that require lower light intensity. 

Blackout 

Blackout blinds block incoming light and provide maximum privacy. Usually, this kind of blind is equipped with rails on both sides to ensure that the blinds function efficiently without folding occurring on either side. Blackout blinds are usually installed in meeting rooms, bedrooms, or theatres. 

Now that we are familiar with a few types of blinds based on their basic material, here are six types of window blinds and their applications. 

Roller Blinds

Roller blinds are practical, affordable, and versatile for window covering applications. They can be divided into two types depending on their functions, namely indoor and outdoor. Indoor roller blinds combine aesthetics and light control, resulting in them becoming one of the more preferred products for modern and contemporary blind applications. 

Outdoor roller blinds are designed to withstand mild to moderate wind and rain while maintaining a cleaner and expansive look for the building. This type of blind is also equipped with a strong sling in order to resist wind gusts. 

Examples of indoor blind applications are offices and apartments, and outdoor blind applications are used in villas or restaurants.

Roman Blinds

Roman blinds are an elegant and classic option for a modern design. There are also two types of roman blinds in regards to functionality: indoor and outdoor. 

Indoor roman blinds create a warm atmosphere, adding a subtle touch of elegance to the room. The difference between this type of blind and others is the fold it makes when pulled up. 

Outdoor roman blinds are designed and equipped with braces to withstand stronger winds. Slings are also added to help pull the blinds up and hold them in place. 

Examples of an indoor application for roman blinds are apartments, hotels, and residences. Outdoor applications could be in restaurants or cafes.

Sheer Blinds

Sheer blinds combine innovation and functionality to the design with their unique, three-dimensional structure that protects rooms from UV light. More specifically, sheer blinds consist of two layers of screen, sometimes with horizontal stripes between the screens. The intensity of incoming light can be controlled easily by adjusting the angle of the horizontal stripes, allowing less light to pass through. Sheer blinds can also be used as an acoustic element for the room due to the internal gap within the blinds. This blind comes in varied materials such as solar screen, dim-out, as well as blackout. They are commonly used in apartment and hotel applications. 

Venetian Blinds

Venetian blinds are one of the most popular choices for blinds when searching for a modern interior look. This type of blind usually comes in PVC or wooden material and can be adjusted to control light intensity via the chains on the side of the blinds. 

Vertical Blinds

Vertical blinds can easily control the incoming light intensity as well as privacy through their rotating slats. These can be either retracted or arranged neatly on both sides in order to maximise window openings. Vertical window blinds are commonly used in offices or residential buildings. 

Roll Up Blinds

Roll up blinds are operated by pulling the slings to the left or right side of the blinds. This application is suitable for limited space and gives the room a natural look, especially when made from natural material such as bamboo. 

You can view and specify any of these blind applications by heading to Archify to see a wide selection of quality blinds.