Choosing the right blinds for your windows

Window blinds are just one of the many types of window treatments for your home. They not only serve to protect the interior of your house from heat or cold, they also add to the aesthetic appeal of your house.

To guide you in what type of window blinds you might want to buy, it's helpful to know the different types available, and their typical usage.

Venetian blinds - the most popular type, also known as horizontal blinds. This type is composed of horizontal panels or slats which can be tilted so the light that enters the room can be adjusted. These are opaque coverings so you'll get enough privacy and protection from the outside, and they often cost less than a drapery set.

Roman shades - this type of blinds allows you to retract the shades by pulling or releasing a cord that is sewn through the shade fabric. When raised material of these window blinds gets folded up like an accordion.

Cellular or Honeycomb blinds - this type of blind is usually made of treated cotton fabric that can prevent UV light from entering the house. They can help control the temperature inside the house, since they block heat or cold from coming in. This makes cellular or honeycomb blinds a good window treatment to use if you want to save energy.

Vertical blinds - has vertical slats that can be turned to adjust the amount of light that enters the window or door panels. Vertical blinds can also be pulled entirely to the sides for maximum lighting.

Bamboo or wood blinds - these are great for filtering the light that enters your room. The wood comes in 1inch or 2inch slats and treated for water resistance. They control light, and provide natural and stylish insulation for your home. But even when treated, wood blinds are not recommended for wet environments. When raised, they are either pulled together like an accordion, or rolled-up.

Another type of wood blinds is the faux wood blinds. They are usually made from plastic or PVC that is colored and molded to look just like real wood. They are not subject to warping like real wood window blinds are. They are very durable but quite heavy too, so they are best for smaller window treatment needs.

The type of blinds you will want to use depends on the functionality it can offer to a particular window in your home. For example, use mini-blinds made of either aluminum or wood for windows that are built into a door. These usually come with brackets at the bottom so the blinds will not swing around each time you open or close the door.

For large glass windows or glass doors, like sliding glass doors, a vertical blinds are a great way to go. They are lighter than wood blinds so they do not stress the head rail, and are very easy to clean. Vertical blinds even allow you to pass through while blocking sunlight.

For areas of the house where moisture is present, like in bathrooms or kitchens, choose blinds that are warp resistant like those which are made from aluminum, plastic or PVC. A good choice would be aluminum mini blinds or faux wood blinds.

Once you've decided which particular blinds you want to purchase, make sure you measure accurately. If you're shopping online or through a catalog, remember that the color you see may not be the exact shade you will find on the actual blinds. Colors are displayed differently on computer monitors and paper.

Installation can be a challenge for some homeowners, but manufacturers provide easy-to-read and understand instructions with their products so it shouldn't be much a problem. If you need more help, ask the sales associate or a trusted friend to help you. Finally, you can always find a local handyman to do the job.

Common typos: blins, linds, indow, windo