Choosing Window Treatments: Vertical Blinds vs Horizontal Blinds

Most people are unaware of the dramatic difference changing the window coverings can bring to the overall look of their room. With the correct coverings, you can entirely transform your space and increase the functionality it offers as well. When selecting blinds as the window covering of choice, you have two main styles to choose from; you can choose either vertical or horizontal blinds.

Both options come in a variety of colours, materials, and styles. Depending on the size of the window you are trying to cover and the general décor of the room, you will want to pick the right type of blind.

The Difference Between Horizontal Blinds and Vertical Blinds

The main difference between horizontal blinds and vertical blinds is the direction in which they open. Horizontal blinds have horizontal slats that open from top to bottom, whereas vertical blinds have vertical slats that open from side to side.

Vertical blinds are a good option for very large windows or patio doors; however, they are not very practical for smaller windows. They also do not have a lot of design-functionality. Horizontal blinds, on the other hand, look great on both small and large windows and can give you a lot of room to add a unique touch to your living space.

For instance, you can cover a large window or patio door with three sets of horizontal blinds as compared to one large vertical set. This adds a lot more functionality regarding how much light you allow into the room. It also gives you the option of trying out different designs, like pulling up one blind and leaving the other two down.

Similarities Between Horizontal Blinds and Vertical Blinds

Both types of blinds have plenty of differences, but they have their similarities as well. They are both effective at blocking sunlight and UV rays from entering a room. Also, both types of blinds are often made from the same types of materials.

Common materials used to make both horizontal and vertical blinds include:

• Wood
• Fabric
• Jute
• Aluminum
• Vinyl
• PVC

Both horizontal and vertical blinds are a good option if you are looking to keep the sunlight out of a room while making it look more modern and stylish at the same time. As both windows covering options come in a wide range of styles and designs, you can take the time to select the ones that suit your taste and the current look of the room you are trying to redecorate.

When should you choose either horizontal or vertical blinds?

You may be surprised to discover that people often select either horizontal or vertical blinds based on the direction of the sunlight hitting their windows. Horizontal blinds are often used in windows that face either north or south, while vertical blinds are often used on windows that face either east or west.

It is also important to note that horizontal blinds require a little more cleaning then vertical blinds, but this usually shouldn’t be a problem at all. All you must do is take a small duster and pass it through the slats while doing your daily cleaning routine. This will keep the blinds completely clean, and keep the air in the room fresh alongside preventing the blinds from getting ruined before their time.

Horizontal blinds may be harder to clean, but they offer a lot more privacy. Vertical slats often allow sunlight inside. It’s hard to cover the gaps entirely, not to mention that the panels move around frequently.

This usually leads to people covering their vertical blinds with curtains at times when they want to complete privacy in the room. Horizontal blinds, on the other hand, can be closed completely, allowing a maximum amount of privacy.

What are the major benefits of using horizontal blinds?

Horizontal blinds offer many benefits that vertical blinds do not. First, they offer a lot more privacy for your space while still letting light in at the same time. Secondly, horizontal blinds do not touch the floor, so they often last longer and do not get covered with dust unnecessarily. Horizontal blinds can also be fitted into narrow windows and come in a variety of sizes.

When should I avoid using vertical blinds?

Vertical blinds do have their benefits, but you should keep in mind there are a few downfalls to selecting this type of window covering. If you have children or pets in the house, you should avoid the use of vertical blinds because of the fact they break rather easily.

If the vertical panels are constantly touched and played around with — which is what your kids and pets will do with them — they have a major risk of breaking and falling off. These panels would then have to be bought and replaced individually. This can be both time-consuming and expensive.

Vertical blinds also tend to be noisy while they are being adjusted, so if complete silence in the room is a priority for you, you may want to switch over to using horizontal blinds. If you are adamant about selecting vertical blinds, you should make sure to grease the slats regularly. Greasing the slats may be time-consuming, but it helps ensure the slats move efficiently, and they do not make a lot of noise while moving either.

The main difference between horizontal and vertical blinds is the direction in which they are opened. Apart from this obvious difference, horizontal blinds offer more privacy, they can be fitted into a wider range of spaces, and they usually bring a more modern appearance to a room.

If you are looking to add blinds to any space in your home, you should consider horizontal blinds as a means of both providing you with the privacy you need, while adding more beauty and modern touch to the room you are renovating.

For more information on horizontal and vertical blinds, call Window Blinds Direct at 647-360-7026 or contact us here.