How to Choose Window Treatment Blinds

You need blinds in Dubai. Living in the United Arab Emirates is a dream because it's sunny year-round. However, if you live here, window treatments are a must. Curtains, blinds, or shutters—you call it. You need any of these on your windows or forget about sleeping in. Window treatments will filter sunlight, block it, and dampen the glare so your spaces can be less hot, less bright and more comfortable. They also provide other benefits, such as noise and privacy control. In this article, you will learn about the different types of blinds according to the material used. This should help you decide which blinds to get for your villa or apartment.

Wood Blinds

Wood is a classic. It's warm and versatile, able to blend in with most types of décor, especially traditional and rustic ones, and may be painted and finished to fit modern and contemporary designs. Wood blinds are durable and sturdy and can last many years with proper care. Wood can also provide insulation, keeping the heat out so your air-conditioner can do a better job of cooling your interior spaces and potentially reducing energy costs.

However, wood can be more expensive than other types, especially if your wood blinds need a coat of paint and a custom finish to fit your interior design. It's also prone to cracking and warping in humid spaces, so install it in rooms where your air-conditioner is keeping humidity down. Definitely don't use wood blinds in bathrooms and kitchens where moisture levels and temperatures naturally and frequently fluctuate. Wood is heavier than other materials, too, so don't use it where you envision yourself frequently raising and lowering your blinds. It may be better in areas of your home that you'd prefer to keep usually dim, so you can just open the slats fully to attain your desired brightness. Finally, wood blinds are high maintenance; they require frequent cleaning and regular wood conditioning to last longer.

Faux Wood Blinds

Faux wood blinds (i.e., fake wood blinds) look like wood but are made of synthetic materials like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or some other polymer. They may also be a composite wood derivative, like wood pulp mixed with plastic resin. Fake wood blinds can provide the aesthetic benefits of wood. To some extent, they can make a room look classically lovely. Of course, in some lights, they won't look or feel as good as actual wood blinds. They can also come in a wider array of colors and finishes than real wood blinds because they are manufactured to look like wood but are not natural wood. However, unlike wood blinds that you can cut and shape according to your window shape, faux wood blinds are not as easily customizable. They come in more designs, but you generally cannot customize store-bought faux wood blinds.

Fake wood blinds are suitable for bathrooms and kitchens, where wood blinds will just warp and crack because of the humidity. Just don't use them in areas exposed to scorching heat (near where you cook, for instance) because they can warp with high heat. You can use faux wood blinds, too, if the finish and color you need are readily available off the shelf, if you have no time to maintain your blinds properly, and if you want a less expensive alternative to wood.

Metal Blinds

Metal blinds are typically made of aluminum. They are a good option, especially for commercial spaces, but you can also use them in your home. Metal blinds are highly durable. They are superior to wood in their ability to withstand moisture (i.e., humidity) and heat. They won't warp, bend or crack, even in kitchens and bathrooms. They can also withstand frequent adjustments and not get easily damaged. This makes them such a popular option for offices where different people may require varying levels of light and privacy.

Aluminum blinds are also generally more affordable than wood and faux wood blinds. They are low-maintenance, available in a wide range of colors and finishes, and are lightweight so they can be easily raised and lowered. That said, metal blinds have a few disadvantages. For instance, they can be so much noisier; imagine them clanking as you raise and lower them and clanging as they bang against the window when a gust of wind (say, from your fan) hits them. They can also look colder than wood and faux wood. Metals are also not the best insulators and, while aluminum is durable, it can get dented if you're not careful.

Vinyl Blinds

Vinyl blinds are blinds made of plastic, typically PVC. Therefore, they're somewhat similar to PVC faux wood blinds. Vinyl blinds are a popular option because they're much more affordable than other types of blinds. They are available in various designs and colors, so you can easily find the blinds to suit your space. They are resistant to high humidity, so use them everywhere, including the kitchen and bathroom. Since they're made of plastic, vinyl blinds require only minimal maintenance. Dust them and wipe with a damp cloth, or use whatever cleaning material you have available. They don't need special treatment, so just include cleaning them in your regular home maintenance routine.

However, vinyl blinds will never look as warm and aesthetic as wood blinds. They may also give off an unpleasant smell, especially when new; properly airing them out before use should take care of that. While generally durable, vinyl blinds can bend and tear with rough handling.

Choose Your Material

When choosing blinds for your home, you have four options: wood, faux wood, metal, and vinyl. Each one has pros and cons. It's up to you to select which material suits your needs best.