Example of a vertical blind with patterned vanes

Vertical blinds can be so much more than just then just white, smooth and vinyl. In fact, there’s quite an array of textures, fabrics, patterns and colors.  This article will give you the information you need to make an informed decision.

If you are reading this, I am going to assume that you already know what vertical blinds are and that they are a great choice for sliding glass doors and other large windows.  Check.  What you may not know is that there is a plethora of “advanced” choices within the category of vertical blinds.  This article will give you just such information. 

Available materials:  vinyl (of course), faux wood, wood, cellular, solar screen and fabric.  What this means is the vanes (the hanging bits) of vertical blinds can be in any of these materials.  Many of you probably know what these materials are.

Available colors:  you name it.

What is lesser known is the choices in textures, patterns and even shapes.  Vertical blinds can be purchased with patterned fabric vanes, linen or grass-like weaves, lace, textured and tone on tone.

Patterned vertical blinds are usually fabric vertical blinds, but there are some vinyl vertical blinds that have patterns.  These patterns can be tonal or multi-colored and from geometric to more natural shapes.  The bottom line is pattern vertical blinds are a good way to add texture and depth to what are normally flat and smooth blinds.

Weaves – there are fabric vertical blinds that have woven fabric vanes.  The most common weaves are linen and grass-like materials.  Woven fabric vertical blinds are a great way to add a more natural, relaxed look with subtle texture and colors.

Lace – Though not as easy to find, there are manufacturers that make lace vertical blinds.  Nowadays, the lace is usually just an accent.

Textured – there’s actually quite a lot of choices when it comes to textured vertical blinds.  What this means is that the slats are not smooth.  Some resemble marble, some just have the uneven texture of raw fabric.  Textured verticals are generally available in vinyl and fabric. Whichever you choose, vertical blinds with textured slats will add depth and character to your blinds; in sharp contrast to the typically smooth hanging vertical vanes of most vertical blinds.

Tone on tone – Tone on tone vertical blinds feature different shades of the same color for greater visual texture without the ‘busy-ness’ of multicolored patterns. Tone on tone vertical blinds are always fabric. 

Shapes – vinyl vertical blinds are also available a S-shaped.  That means the vanes have an undulating s-curve.  Why would you choose these?  Two reasons.  First, when closed, they actually provide better light control.  And, when closed, the “S” shape looks more like flowing curtains – breaking up which would normally be a flat wall of vertical vanes.

Child Safe Mini Blinds

Mini blinds are only child safe if they have cordless or continuous cord operations. These two solutions will prevent possible dangers for small children in your home in regards to your window treatments. Mini blinds are an affordable, practical, and attractive solution for your home windows and with these operating systems they can also be child safe.

As, I mentioned previously there are a few types of operating systems for window treatments that will offer safety to homes with young children. The first is cordless, which pertains to mini blinds with a bottom rail control system. You operate cordless mini blinds by gently pushing or pulling on the bottom rail to adjust the height of the blind. Cordless mini blinds in addition to being much safer are much cleaner in appearance, without the messy clutter of cords, as well as more convenient and easy to use. For further customization of cordless operation you can choose a top down/ bottom up system which allows you to operate the blind from both the bottom rail and the top rail.

Continuous cord loop operation does involve the use of a cord but the cord always remains the same height regardless if the aluminum mini blinds are all the way open or closed. The clutch assisted lift control keeps the loop on a continuous path and out of a child’s reach. There is also usually an anchor of some sort to attach the loop to the wall for extra security.

One thing to keep in mind when you are choosing your cordless system is the size of the window. If the window is very tall and large you will want to use the continuous loop system to be able to reach the loop and have full operation of the window. If you install a bottom rail touch system on a very tall window it will be difficult for you to close once it is all the way open.

Child safe mini blinds are made by Kirsch, Bali, and Levolor. Four different product lines from these three brands are considered to be child safe including: Bali Light Blocker, Kirsch Plus 8, Levolor Mark I, and Levolor Mark I 1 3/8” Premium. They come in 1 inch and 1 3/8 inch slats as well as a wide selection of colors.

Overall, if you are in the market for mini blinds and want to ensure they are safe for your children then keep these operating systems in mind. Whether you end choosing mini blinds or some other window treatment, you must avoid dangling cords if you have small children or even pets, as they can be very dangerous. Hopefully this article will be helpful in your shopping process for child safe mini blinds.

6-Gauge Red Mini Blinds

I’m sure most people are unaware of what the term gauge even means when it comes to window blinds. Gauge refers to the thickness of the slats on aluminum mini blinds, also known as horizontal blinds. There is 6-gauge, 8-gauge, and 9-gauge which are the most premium slat in the industry, only made by certain brands. Each gauge is well suited for a particular style and size of window and for a particular room in the house. You must choose the proper gauge to get your money’s worth and eliminate replacement costs.

One main factor to consider is your style of décor as these gauged metal slats come in a wide variety of colors. The color you choose is pivotal as these blinds will complement your home styling and provide finishing touches to your rooms. Also keep in mind that rooms that get the most wear and tear require thicker slats such as the 8-gauge or 9-gauge for added durability. For the best light control and privacy, choose mini blinds with route less slats. This eliminates all outside light and visibility from seeping through the holes in the slats.

Some window treatment manufacturers that make excellent aluminum mini blinds are Bali, Levolor, Kirsch, and Blindsgalore. All of these name brand mini blinds offer 6 and 8-gauge but only Kirsch and Levolor mini blinds offer 9-gauge, which is the industry premium. The gauge is often overlooked but it is a very important part of choosing the right horizontal blinds for your home. Hopefully you’ve learned which gauge to choose for your next purchase of metal mini blinds.