Are you picking blinds for the first time? Strike that – choosing blinds can be difficult even if you’ve done this ten times! With so many options on the market, the process can become quite overwhelming. This is why we’ve chosen the most popular types of window blinds in Canada and shared their key features below. By the end of the article, you’ll know exactly what blinds you need!
Key Takeaways
- The most popular blinds for windows include Magic’s thermal blinds, vertical and horizontal window treatments, mini blinds, and zebra blinds.
- Other options to consider include panel, top down bottom up, venetian, Roman, roller, cellular, and matchstick blinds.
- Choosing the right material for blinds is essential, as it affects both their appearance and functionality in different environments.
11 Types of Window Blinds
Window blinds are more than just functional pieces; they are an integral part of your home’s decor – no wonder it’s so difficult to choose them! Luckily, there’s something for every taste and design needs – from vertical blinds perfect for large windows to chic roller shades for a minimalist look.
1. Thermal Blinds and Solar Shades
Best for: Any windows and doors in any room!
Let’s start with one of the most innovative blinds in Ontario – Magic’s thermal blinds and solar shades. Here’s why they’re excellent for any home:
- They’re fully retractable, allowing you to control how much light and heat enters your home. For example, you can keep the solar shades open during the day when it’s hot, retract them in the evening to ventilate the room, the open the thermal blinds during the night for a more peaceful sleep.
- The thermal blinds improve a window’s energy efficiency by 40%, and they’re made from highly insulating materials.
- The thermal blinds and the solar screens block UV rays, preventing furniture damage.
- The thermal blinds ensure complete privacy.
- The thermal blinds and solar screens are fully customizable.
- They have soundproofing properties.
- They do not get as dirty as other blinds, do not require too much maintenance, and can last 40 years – after all, our blinds and shades are covered by the 40-year warranty, just like our windows!
All our windows and doors come equipped with these retractable blinds and shades. Unlike other blinds on the market, ours are perfect for window walls, French doors, and sliding doors. Thanks to their innovative design, you can stop the blinds at any point along the track, making it easier for you to use the doors and offering complete control over how much natural light enters the room.
2. Mini Blinds
Best for: Smaller windows that require energy-efficient window treatments
If you’re looking for a sleek and modern alternative to traditional Venetian blinds, mini blinds are a great option. These blinds feature narrower horizontal slats (not wider than 1 inch) made from metal or vinyl held together by a vertical string. They’re usually chosen for their insulating properties. Mini blinds are perfect for smaller windows and provide a chic, minimalist style.
Don’t forget that you’ll have to clean them regularly and check for signs of wear and tear.
3. Vertical Blinds
Best for: Large bedroom windows, patio doors
Vertical blinds have slats that run vertically. They are excellent for large windows and sliding patio doors. The vertical slats can be rotated to control light and privacy or pulled together on one side, making them incredibly practical. These blinds are easy to clean with a simple wipe-down, adding to their appeal.
On the other side, vertical blinds do not block noises, are susceptible to wear and tear because of the constant swinging motion, and do not offer complete privacy.
4. Venetian Blinds
Best for: Any room that requires light-filtering blinds
Venetian blinds have horizontal slats traditionally made from wood, although you can now find aluminum, vinyl, and plastic blinds. Their design is flexible, so Venetian blinds can be installed in any room. You can control them through a twistable rod, which adjusts the slats as needed.
It’s worth considering that Venetian blinds do not offer complete privacy.
5. Roller Shades
Best for: Standard-shaped windows; not the best for kitchens and bathrooms, as the fabric may get moldy or absorb food smells
Roller shades are among the most popular blinds in Canada. They are simple yet stylish window treatments consisting of one piece of fabric that rolls up and down – in and out of a roller cassette installed at the top of the window. Roller blinds have excellent light-filtering properties, but they can only be installed on simple, rectangular windows, do not offer complete privacy, and can be difficult to clean.
6. Cellular Shades
Best for: Rooms that require heat and light control
Cellular shades are also known as honeycomb shades. They feature a unique pleated design that traps air for insulation, making them incredibly energy-efficient. When raised, the air pockets fold onto each other. These shades are also ideal for privacy, but they do not have soundproofing properties.
7. Panel Blinds
Best for: large doors or windows, window walls
Panel blinds are ideal for large openings like sliding doors and tall windows. Unlike vertical blinds, which have several narrow vertical slats, panel blinds have fewer, wide fabric panels that slide from one side to another, offering a contemporary design and excellent light control.
These blinds are perfect for living rooms and dining rooms, providing both style and functionality. On the other hand, they aren’t made from insulating materials and do not ensure privacy in the evening.
8. Matchstick Blinds
Best for: hallways, living rooms, kitchens
Matchstick blinds are an excellent choice for a rustic home design, although they can also work well in a contemporary-designed house as long as they blend in strategically. Matchstick blinds are typically made from wood strips woven close to each other. They add a natural, earthy feel to any room and are available in a variety of finishes.
Unlike other blinds, matchstick blinds are more difficult to raise and lower than fabric blinds – although this depends on how wide the wood strips are. Either way, it’s best to install them in rooms where you won’t have to raise and lower them daily/several times a day. It’s also worth considering that these blinds do not offer complete privacy.
9. Zebra Blinds
Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, dining rooms
Zebra blinds are also known as day and night blinds. They have alternating stripes of sheer and opaque fabrics, allowing you to control light and privacy. However, since they’re made from fabric, they can get dirty quickly, especially if they’re installed in kitchens or bathrooms, so you’ll have to clean them regularly.
10. Roman Shades
Best for: Bedrooms and living rooms; not the best for kitchens and bathrooms, as the fabric may get moldy or absorb food smells
Roman shades are made from a single piece of fabric – just like roller blinds. The difference between them is that Roman shades gather into neat folds when raised, adding an elegant touch to any room. These shades have a chain control on one side, thus being extremely easy to operate. In addition, Roman shades are highly customizable, so you can match them with any interior decor pieces.
It’s worth considering that these shades can get dirty more quickly than blinds made of materials like aluminum or vinyl.
11. Top Down Bottom Up Blinds
Best for: Any room that requires privacy
Top-down bottom-up blinds are innovative window treatments that allow you to cover half of the window. They are perfect for bathrooms, for example – you can cover the bottom glass surface for privacy and leave the top glass surface clear to let in natural light.
Tips for Choosing the Right Window Blind Material
When choosing blinds for your windows, it’s crucial to pick a suitable material.
Blinds are usually made from:
- Fabric
- Plastic
- Wood
- Aluminum
- Faux wood blinds
For example, it’s best to go for plastic or aluminum blinds in the kitchen or bathroom. Wooden blinds can get moldy in the bathroom, while blinds made of fabric can trap smells and get dirty in the kitchen. Even if wood blinds are installed in the bedroom or living room, they require regular maintenance and protection from moisture.
If you want your blinds to have a wooden look, you can always pick faux wooden blinds. For example, faux wood Venetian blinds are often favored against aluminum Venetian blinds due to their aesthetic appeal. This material is durable, budget-friendly, and moisture-resistant.
The material the blinds are made of influences their insulating properties as well. Magic blinds, for example, are made from a high-quality insulating material that improves a window’s energy efficiency by 40%.
Installation and Maintenance Tips
You’ve chosen the blinds of your dreams, what’s the next step? The installation. Some blinds, like Roman or cellular shades, are easy to install, so you can do this yourself. Others, like the panel blinds or the top-down bottom-up blinds, should be installed by an expert to avoid functionality issues in the future. Either way, if you’re not sure how to install window blinds, it’s best to contact a professional.
Once your blinds are installed, it’s time to plan a cleaning and maintenance routine. First, it’s important to get as much information as you can from the manufacturer. The cleaning steps are different for various blinds and depend on the material they’re made from. Don’t forget that cleaning the blinds and inspecting them regularly for wear and tear is the key to ensuring their longevity. Otherwise, you’ll likely have to replace them much sooner than expected.
Contact Magic to Discover All the Features of our Blinds!
Have our innovative blinds and shades intrigued you? Book a free consultation with Magic to discover more about their opening mechanism, the material they’re made from, and their insulating properties!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular type of window blind?
Magic’s thermal blinds are among the most popular and practical in Ontario. Other popular types of blinds for windows include zebra and vertical blinds, Roman shades, and faux wood blinds.
What are the different blinds for windows?
There are thermal, vertical, horizontal, matchstick, cellular, zebra, top-down bottom-up, and panel blinds.
What blinds add the most value?
Magic’s thermal blinds and solar screens add the most value because they improve a window’s energy efficiency by 40% and can last 40 years.
What type of blinds lasts the longest?
Magic’s thermal blinds last the longest. They come with our 40-year warranty, which is also provided for all our windows and doors.
What is more popular, vertical or horizontal blinds?
Both vertical and horizontal window treatments are popular. You should choose depending on the size and shape of your windows.
What are the most practical blinds?
Magic’s thermal blinds are the most practical because they’re fully retractable. When not in use, our blinds stay hidden within the window frame, so you can enjoy unobstructed views and natural light.