10 Types of Blinds Every Homeowner Should Know
With so many different types of blinds available, it’s hard to know which one will look best in your home. Roller shades and vertical blinds each have unique features that make them more suitable to certain situations, and that’s barely scratching the surface.
To make the decision easier, check out these 10 blind types, whether you’re looking for window treatments that are sleek and modern or traditional and classic.
1. Vertical Blinds
Photo: blinds.com
Not only are they stylish and easy to operate, but vertical window blinds also offer an efficient way to control the amount of light and privacy in any room. They can be made from a variety of materials, including fabric, vinyl, aluminum, or composite wood. All these options allow for complete customization of the look and feel of your windows.
The slats are suspended from a track that runs along the top of your window frame. This style of blinds collects less dust than other types of blinds and is easy to clean, simply needing to be wiped down with a damp cloth.
Best For: Affordability and minimal maintenance
Our Recommendation: Vinyl Vertical Blinds at Blinds.com starting at $35.69.
These vertical blinds are customizable, coming in a wide variety of heights and widths, and come in a rainbow of colors.
2. Venetian Blinds
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Venetian blinds have been used for centuries as an attractive and effective way to regulate the amount of light coming into a room. They consist of horizontal slats, which can be adjusted by rotating them around their midpoint using either a pull chain or a cordless wand. This allows the user to control the amount of light filtering through the blinds and also adds privacy by blocking exterior views. While Venetian blinds have traditionally been made from wood, modern versions can also be made from materials like aluminum, vinyl, and plastic, and they can be found in abundance at most major home retailers that sell blinds.
Best For: Flexibility
Our Recommendation: Home Decorators Collection White Cordless Room Darkening 2 in. Faux Wood Blind at The Home Depot for $44.98.
These faux-wood Venetian blinds are cordless, making them safe for households with pets or young children.
3. Mini Blinds
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Mini blinds share much in common with Venetian blinds, with some minor differences. Like Venetian blinds, they are typically made from aluminum or vinyl instead of wood or bamboo. However, mini blinds feature smaller slats than Venetian blinds—mini-blind slats are generally no wider than 1 inch. While the two types of blinds perform the same way, mini blinds tend to appear more modern and contemporary due to their sleeker appearance.
Best For: A modern look
Our Recommendation: Achim Cordless Light Filtering Mini Blinds at Amazon starting at $18.30.
With a minimal design and cordless operation, these mini blinds are safe and stylish.
4. Wood Blinds
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Wood blinds are a popular choice for those looking to add an element of luxury to their window treatments. Wood blinds offer a natural, timeless look that will never go out of style. Not only do they exude sophistication and timelessness, but they are also incredibly durable and can last for many years with proper care and maintenance. They can be painted or stained to match any color palette, and different slat sizes are available to accommodate shoppers’ specific needs. Wooden blinds tend to be horizontal—or Venetian—style, though vertical wooden blinds are also available.
Best For: Investing in a timeless look
Our Recommendation: Levolor 2 Inch Real Wood Blinds at The Home Depot starting at $68.84.
These genuine hardwood blinds come in a wide range of heights and widths and are available in 56 finishes.
5. Aluminum Blinds
Photo: blinds.com
Aluminum blinds are one of the most popular types of window blinds because of their affordable price and lightweight yet durable design, making them easy to install and incredibly long-lasting. They offer a sleek, modern look that can complement many decor styles. Aluminum blinds also come in a variety of colors, sizes, and textures, allowing homeowners to customize the look of their windows to suit any aesthetic. In terms of energy efficiency, aluminum blinds help keep a home's interior cooler by reflecting the sun's rays away from the window. This helps reduce air conditioning costs since less energy is required to maintain steady temperatures inside the house.
Best For: Easy installation and durability
Our Recommendation: 2 Inch Aluminum Blinds at Blinds.com starting at $27.99.
Coming in several colors and brushed aluminum, brown, and black finishes, these metal blinds are sleek and affordable.
6. Panel Blinds
Photo: amazon.com
Those looking for blinds to cover large windows or sliding doors should consider panel blinds. These window treatments are composed of several panels affixed to a headrail at the top of the window. Each panel is attached to a carrier that slides along a track in order to open or close the blinds. They offer a unique look that differs from standard vertical blinds, making them a great choice for decor-forward shoppers.
Best For: Tall windows and sliding doors
Our Recommendation: GoDear Design Deluxe Sliding Panel Blind at Amazon for $149.99.
These semi-opaque panel blinds offer privacy but don’t block out light entirely, making them a great choice for living and dining rooms.
7. Roller Blinds
Photo: amazon.com
Roller blinds are technically a type of window shade, making them different from many of the other types of blinds on our list. An alternative to curtains, these shades are made up of a single piece of fabric material that rolls up and down to control the amount of sunlight that enters the space. Roller shades can be made from a variety of fabrics, ranging from sheer materials to more opaque options. While roller blinds might have a reputation for being low quality and not performing well, their design has actually come a long way in recent years.
Best For: Creating a blackout effect
Our Recommendation: Chicology Cordless Snap-N-Glide Roller Shades at Amazon starting at $77.24.
This blackout roller shade has a cordless design and is made from hypoallergenic polyester that won’t attract dust.
8. Matchstick Blinds
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Matchstick blinds are a great option for those who are looking to add a rustic charm to their windows. Made from bamboo or reed, matchstick blinds are eco-friendly and provide insulation while offering privacy. Matchstick blinds, also known as bamboo shades or reed shades, consist of tightly woven wood strips that give off a natural texture. Choose from a range of different colors and finishes like natural brown, stained mahogany, or painted white.
Best For: A rustic aesthetic
Our Recommendation: Seta Direct Natural Bamboo Matchstick Roll Up Window Blind at Amazon starting at $36.99.
Made from bamboo, these natural matchstick blinds partially filter sunlight and come in a variety of sizes and finishes.
9. Motorized Blinds
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Motorized blinds are a modern window covering solution that allows users to open and close their blinds using a remote control, phone app, or voice command. Some models come with sun sensors that automate the opening and closing of your blinds at certain times of the day. Unlike traditional blinds that must be adjusted manually, motorized blinds use either electric or battery-powered motors to raise and lower them. This makes it easier to control the lighting in a room without ever having to leave your seat. Today, virtually all window blind types can be motorized.
Best For: Convenience
Our Recommendation: Custom Home Collection Designer 2 Inch Wood Blinds at The Home Depot starting at $74.50.
Featuring a traditional Venetian aesthetic, these motorized blinds offer both familiarity and convenience.
10. Outdoor Blinds
Photo: amazon.com
Outdoor blinds allow you to enjoy your sun-soaked deck or patio in the shade. These versatile window treatments come in a variety of styles, materials, and sizes to fit any outdoor space while offering privacy and light filtration. The most common style of outdoor blind is a retractable roller blind. As their name suggests, these shades can quickly and easily be rolled up or down with a simple pull or push of the cord. They’re available in an array of materials, including canvas, PVC vinyl, aluminum mesh, and more–all designed to provide maximum durability in wet and humid climates.
Best For: Decks, patios, and sunrooms
Our Recommendation: Coolaroo Exterior Roller Shade at Amazon starting at $48.14.
This exterior shade is affordable, cordless, protects against UV rays, and comes in a wide range of finishes.
The prices listed here are accurate as of publication on March 31, 2023.
