Are you looking to buy new window blinds or shades for your home? With so many options to choose from, it can get overwhelming trying to select the right window treatments. This ultimate shopping guide will walk you through everything you need to know – from determining your needs to understanding different window blind styles and materials to properly measuring and installing your new blinds or shades.
We’ll provide handy buying tips, room-by-room considerations, and answers to frequently asked questions. Follow this advice to make sure you find beautiful, functional window treatments that fit your décor, budget, and lifestyle.
Determining Your Needs
Before you start browsing options, first determine:
Functionality and Features
- What’s your main goal? Options like privacy, light filtering, blackout capability, insulation, etc. impact choices.
- Special features like cordless or motorized lift systems also play a role.
- Consider room usage, window locations, and activities needing accommodation like movie watching or afternoon naps.
Style and Aesthetics
- What general style or look do you want? Think about existing room décor and design elements you want blinds to complement.
- Are you looking to make a statement or prefer something subtle? Colors, patterns, and textures available vary by product.
- Do you prefer sleek and modern or decorative and ornate? Certain blind styles cater more to different aesthetics.
Quality and Budget
- In general, more expensive window treatments are better quality.
- Consider how often blinds will be used and if investment pieces or budget buys are more sensible. Durability and longevity vary.
- Sales and promos can make higher-end options more affordable. Quality over quantity is recommended if on a budget.
Understanding Different Blind Types and Materials
Key deciding factors when selecting window blinds include:
Type | Description | Materials |
Venetian | Horizontal slats tilt to control light and airflow | Wood (basswood, bamboo, faux wood), aluminum, vinyl |
Vertical | Vertical hanging slats draw sideways | Vinyl, fabric |
Panels slide side-to-side or fold like an accordion | Fabrics, bamboo, faux wood, grasses | |
Made of natural or engineered real-looking woods | Real wood species, PVC |
Consider room views, lighting needs, ambiance goals, privacy concerns, and décor style to narrow choices. Then, decide if special features like cordless lifts, motorization, top-down/bottom-up, day/night settings, remote controls, etc., are needed to accommodate usage.
From there, select suitable sustainable materials that balance your priorities like aesthetics, durability, longevity, easy cleaning, and budget.
Take Proper Window Measurements
To ensure proper fit, accurate measurements are essential when ordering custom window blinds and shades. Use a steel tape measure and record widths across the tops, centers, and bottoms of windows. For heights, measure left, right, and center. Account for obstructions like window cranks or molded trim.
Knowing the exact window dimensions allows proper manufacturing and installation, clearing any obstacles. Check the relevance of inside or outside mounts for your needs, too. Precision saves time, money, and headaches.
Install New Blinds Correctly
With measurements complete, the new blinds you selected will arrive sized and ready to install. Carefully follow the included instructions to attach window dressing hardware securely and correctly. This prevents accidents, damage, or the need for returns/reorders.
Most blinds come with brackets, screws, and required fasteners. Have a drill, screwdriver, and level ready to make the installation process smooth. Take care not to damage window sills or trim work. Ask for help lifting large blinds up for tricky overhead mounting.
With everything attached properly, the last step is adjusting slats, cords, wands, or motors for ideal accessibility and performance. Refer to manuals for customization details to maximize the benefits of newly installed treatments.
Maintain Blinds and Ensure Longevity
General maintenance keeps window blinds and shades functioning optimally and looking their best long-term. Regular quick dusting with a microfiber cloth or duster prevents buildup from accumulating. Occasionally wipe down slats and hardware with a damp cloth and mild cleaner if needed.
Check periodically that hanging systems work smoothly, braided cords aren’t fraying, and pieces are still aligned. Make any minor repairs immediately before small issues grow. Properly caring for window treatments protects investments in these functional home décor elements.
Room-By-Room Buying Considerations
Tailor window blind selections to where they’ll be installed. Requirements and best options differ from room to room.
Kitchen Blinds
Steer clear of fabric blinds prone to grease stains. Consider easy-wipe vinyls. Add blackout liners if you want privacy without sacrificing natural light totally.
Bedroom Blinds
Blackout and noise-reducing blinds are ideal for sleeping. Room darkening lined shades guarantee both. Cordless is safest for kids’ rooms.
Bathroom Blinds
Moisture-resistant blinds with easy care slats that handle humidity best. Lean toward waterproof types of vinyl and similar durable materials.
Living Room Blinds
Layer sheers behind primary blinds to balance light filtering and visibility. Large windows suit wide blinds without multiple sets needed.
FAQs: Most Common Blind Buying Questions
Blinds have slats that adjust. Shades roll up and down or open and close as a single piece. Blinds offer more flexibility, while shades provide smoother, simpler coverage.
Cool paint colors pair well with warm wood blind tones and vice versa. For accent walls, match blind colors. White/light blinds maximize natural light the best.
Custom fits ensure optimal coverage, functionality, and visual appeal. Precisely measured blinds require no adjustments during installation for a flawless finish.
If remotely opening multiple larger/harder-to-reach blinds with the push of a button sounds appealing, then yes, motorization adds worthwhile convenience.
Blinds have slats that adjust. Shades roll up and down or open and close as a single piece. Blinds offer more flexibility, while shades provide smoother, simpler coverage.
Costs range widely from $5 up to $100+ per square foot depending on materials, features, customization, brand, and more. Sales can make high-end options much more affordable.
Cool paint colors pair well with warm wood blind tones and vice versa. For accent walls, match blind colors. White/light blinds maximize natural light the best.
Custom fits ensure optimal coverage, functionality, and visual appeal. Precisely measured blinds require no adjustments during installation for a flawless finish.
If remotely opening multiple larger/harder-to-reach blinds with the push of a button sounds appealing, then yes, motorization adds worthwhile convenience.
Key Takeaways
- Consider room usage, décor, and top needs driving your window blind selection.
- Measure windows meticulously for perfectly sized custom blinds
- Match blind materials and features to lighting, privacy, and design priorities
- Follow room-by-room considerations for the best window treatment fits
- Care for blinds properly to maintain appearance and performance
- Utilize this guide for a stress-free blind buying experience!
Call Bloomin’ Blinds for Personalized Help
This article outlines the ultimate step-by-step guide for how to shop for window blinds. We provide best practices for determining your needs, understanding terminology, measuring accurately, installing properly, and caring for your product. Following this advice simplifies the purchasing process so you can choose beautiful, fully functional blinds that enhance any space.
If the vast blind options still feel overwhelming, bring in experts. Bloomin’ Blinds’ specialists provide personalized guidance tailored to complement your unique home. Enjoy a complimentary in-home consultation assessing your existing space while collaborating on goals, issues, and budgets.
With our pros simplifying the “how to shop for blinds” process, achieving stunning window treatments that meet your exact desires is smooth, stress-free, and enjoyable. Contact Bloomin’ Blinds today to schedule your design meeting! Our team makes enhancing any room with perfectly fitted, tailored blinds easy.
