When you’re in the market for window coverings, there is no reason not to consider blinds as an option. The massive variety in colors and materials makes for endless possibility to revamp your windows. However, there are instances in which either horizontal or vertical blinds will work better. Read on to find out when you should install horizontal blinds versus when it’s time to go vertical.

Prime Window Coverings installs custom window blinds Mississauga and the Greater Toronto Area. Learn more about why blinds are a great choice for your home.

 

 Things to Consider:

  1. Window Dimensions

The size of your windows is your number one reason to go with either horizontal or vertical blinds. While there are window coverings which work wonders for all window shapes and sizes, there’s no real reason to install vertical blinds over smaller, narrower windows. Take a look at what they look like.

A little bit silly and bound to cause you more frustration that they’re worth. Smaller windows, especially narrower ones are perfectly suited to horizontal blinds. Meanwhile, consider installing vertical blinds over larger windows such as floor to ceiling condo window or sliding doors instead.

  1. Window Mechanisms

While the size of window matters quite a bit, there’s also the added conundrum of opening and closing mechanisms. With the many types of windows: casement, sliding, awning, skylight and more, you have a variety of means in which they open and close. For example, installing horizontal blinds over a window which has a roller will likely prevent you from using the roller properly. Meanwhile, a sliding panel on a sliding window will likely be restricted by horizontal blinds unless they’re fully folded. When selecting, make sure you’re also not making a choice that will cause you a headache later on.

  1. The Function and Style of your Windows

Not all windows will look good adorned with certain types of coverings. Large, traditional window frames might look mismatched with certain types of window coverings such as vertical blinds. Similarly, a rounded or irregularly shaped window will be difficult to fully cover with these kinds of treatments.

  1. Your Home Décor

Windows are meant to accentuate the architecture and décor of your home. Why shouldn’t your window coverings do the same? Select the proper type of window covering by imagining the way your covering will look with the colour, design and interior of your home.

Blinds in a living room example

Comfortable living room arrangement with decorative blinds.

The Pros and Cons

Vertical Blinds

Pros

  • These blinds are most compatible with sliding doors and patio doors, or large sized windows.
  • They come in a variety of materials and colors.
  • They are easier to clean than horizontal blinds; requiring nothing more than a clean sweep along the surfaces.
  • They provide a more cohesive surface against sunlight than horizontal blinds usually do.

Cons

  • While they effectively block UV, they allow some amount of light to come through when shifting. This also means that they’re less effective at providing complete privacy when closed.
  • With an open window, they tend to move around and might cause some noise issues
  • The track on which they run will require more maintenance due to wear and tear, due to it being a singular track.
Horizontal Blinds

Pros

  • Perfectly suitable for smaller, narrower and taller windows as they open up and down.
  • Excellent choices of colors, materials and styles.
  • More durable than horizontal blinds.
  • More effective at providing complete privacy, as they can be fully closed and are not expected to move.

Cons

  • Due to their positioning and the amount of strings and surfaces, horizontal blinds are harder to clean. As they’re often installed on taller windows, reaching them for cleaning is a bit more difficult.
  • They block slightly less UV than vertical blinds, as light might creep through the holes from the top if not perfectly installed. For this reason, they’re slightly less energy efficient.

The Bottom Line

Both horizontal and vertical blinds are an excellent choice for most windows. With excellent reliability, a reasonable price tag and amazing results at making your home or area more energy efficient, either choice is a good choice. Both types of blinds can be made from a variety of materials such as wood, aluminum, faux wood, PVC, vinyl, fabric and more. One of our customer favorites is the zebra blind, which overlaps opaque lines and sheer fabric for when you want to retain privacy, but still let in sunlight. The options for your windows are endless, and if you’re still unsure, simply give us a call or send us an email to talk with one of our specialists today. Prime Window Coverings is here to help.

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