The right window dressing can make a big difference to the way that your home looks and feels. Here, we’re not just talking about the effect that the blinds have on the window itself, but the way that they influence the overall look of the room by regulating the amount of light that gets into it.
If you want a modern look that will offer maximum flexibility and natural light, then Venetian blinds are an obvious choice. These come in many different materials, but for the most part you’ll be choosing from two: the more common aluminium Venetian blinds, and wooden ones.
What Are Venetian Blinds?
Venetian blinds comprise a stack of very narrow, tiltable slats, arranged horizontally. They can be raised as well as tilted, which means that you’ll have several different means of controlling the light entering the room. If you’d like maximum privacy, you can tilt the blinds upward, so that light can still enter the room. If you want maximum light, you can raise the blinds completely.
How Wooden Blinds Fit into the Venetian Category
Wooden Venetian blinds are often referred to simply as ‘wooden blinds’. After all, this is the only variety of blind that can feasibly be made from timber. More specifically, so-called wooden blinds are made from a composite material with a natural veneer. This allows them to retain the natural warm look of real timber, without warping over time. Remember, these blinds need to be able to stand up to direct sunlight – and moisture, if they’re being installed in a kitchen or a bathroom.
Style, Material and Aesthetic Comparison
Venetian blinds that are made from aluminium or plastic can be made much, much thinner. This means that they take up much less room when they’re fully retracted, which in turn means that more light can enter the room.
If you’re looking for a more contemporary aesthetic, then the chances are that metal blinds are a better choice. If you’d like your home to feel homely, then you might opt for wooden ones. Since metal and plastic blinds are smoother, they tend to accumulate visible dust more quickly. However, they can often be cleared in a matter of seconds.
Which One Should You Choose for Your Home?
When you’re picking out blinds for your home, you’ll need to bear in mind a number of considerations. Metal blinds tend to be more affordable, but wooden ones can often add considerably to the long-term value of the home. If you’re concerned about heat retention, then wooden blinds might be the marginally better choice – but in this case, supplementing the blinds with a heavier set of curtains might be a better bet.
