A comprehensive guide to blinds for interior designers

The interior design process can be complex and in-depth, and when it comes to window treatments, considering the many variations available and how each of these can affect specific outcomes is key.

Before delving into the design itself, the first aspect that’s considered is functionality, and a process should be undertaken in which the designer will imagine how each individual room will be both utilised and most importantly lived in, to ensure that the choices made are at optimum levels of practicality and style. With so many blind variations to choose from, and so many different window styles available on the market, it’s important to select the treatment that ticks all of the very individual boxes required, with levels of light, privacy and cleaning ability all considerable variables. Here we discuss in detail the different blinds that are available on the market, and how each of theses blinds could be suited to the space in question being designed.

Roman Blinds

Roman blinds are built from fabric that is designed to pleat when raised. By mounting slats that are connected to cords, roman blinds have the capability to be lifted, pulling the slats together to create the all-important pleated look. Material-wise, roman blinds have a real range of options available depending on the required look, with everything from bamboo, cotton and silk on offer. Roman blinds are a fantastic option for those who are tight on space and offer a cosy, more intimate feel to a room. Because of this, roman blinds are often a great choice for bedrooms and living spaces.

Venetian Blinds

Venetian blinds are created using long horizontal slats which are connected by a cord system. Each of the slats are placed in neat and evenly spaced rows and are controlled using a rotating a pieces, generally built from either plastic, wood or metal. The blinds themselves can be created using a range of materials to suit specific styles, with vinyl, metal and wood all available options in a variety of shades. Venetian blinds are particularly favourable thanks to their ability to allow as much or as little sunlight into a room and are great for mimicking the oh-so stylish look of shutters without the hefty price tag. Not only this, venetian blinds are a great choice for uniquely shaped and sized windows, as they can be made to measure. With a comprehensive range of made to measure blinds for sale at Terrys Fabrics, there’s an interiors solution for every designer.

Vertical Blinds

A vertical blind is extremely similar to a venetian blind in that it is made up of individual slats or lengths of fabric, the key differences being that they are vertical in direction and are clipped on to a sliding track from left to right. Not only this, but generally speaking, vertical blinds have larger and wider individual slats, as they are often used for more overbearing window spaces, such as wide fixed windows, sliding windows and doors, all of which require a stronger level of coverage than that of a standard window. Available in a real range of materials, with everything from wood, different fabrics and vinyl an option, they’re extremely versatile and stylish.

Roller Blinds

Roller blinds are modern, minimalist and budget-friendly, and perfect for a practical and easy window treatment design solution. These particular blinds are designed with the blind itself attached to a roller with a spring hinge for opening and closing, making them extremely easy to put up and down, depending on the desired effect. Available in a whole range of materials including cotton and vinyl, roller blinds are a great choice for those wanting easy clean capabilities and are particularly popular in kitchens and bathrooms. Offered both as readymade and made to measure, roller blinds are readily accessible and a simple solution for darkness and privacy in the home.