Vertical blinds: ideal for the office

While vertical blinds aren’t restricted to the office, they’re certainly a good choice for that setting. Once you get past the stereotype of waiting rooms and dental surgeries, vertical blinds are actually quite an aesthetically pleasing window covering.

Though only recently made commercially available, vertical blinds have been around for ages. Such a simple form of window covering was bound to become commercialised at some point, though, and a design patented in 1950 by a Mr Bopp was the first vertical blind to become a ‘household name’, as it were.

Popular for both aesthetic reasons (attractive alternative to curtains) and practical reasons (easy to make fit any window installation), vertical blinds’ popularity was cemented as soon as they became available. Office owners across the globe took notice of this and began sticking them up wherever possible, presumably to give workers an alternative to the curtains they had at home (or perhaps for cost reasons! Vertical blinds are often great value for money).

The privacy benefits of vertical blinds are ideal for offices. During the day, the blinds can be opened to let light in and to let people see out, but the view in will be obscured. This can be useful when protecting company privacy, or simply to prevent distractions from the outside world. The option to let light in while blocking the view of outside is something that curtains simply can’t offer.
Of course, vertical blinds can also be used outside the office, and are a common fixture in many homes around the world. And why shouldn’t they be?

How to choose wooden blinds

Wooden blinds are stylish and functional additions to any room. Their unique aesthetic cements their appeal as a window covering of choice in your home, as they can suit most existing decor schemes and furniture. How should you go about choosing the right wooden blinds for your home though?

Here are four useful tips to answer that question:

Price

First and foremost, set a budget and only look at options within that. There’s no point deciding diamond encrusted, gold tinted wooden blinds will suit your decor only to find out they’re hundreds of pounds too expensive. The great thing about wooden blinds, though, is that they’re often a cost effective solution.

Colour

Wood doesn’t have to be brown. The blinds on offer will be in a range of colours that will compliment any room. The best course of action is to identify major colour schemes in the room and choose something to match that. Check how the colour looks under different lighting levels as well to ensure it’s suitable.

Operating system

Wooden blinds can be operated manual, or with modern technology. The latter involves remote controlled blinds, which can be opened or closed from anywhere in the home! Not only will this impress the guests, it’s also hugely practical. Being aware of all the options available will help you to make a more informed decision.

Scale

The blinds should be made to fit the windows already in your home. This is easily achievable, but must be specified when ordering to prevent mishaps later. Slat size is also important to consider; certain sizes will suit certain rooms (and tastes) better. The best way to determine this is to get some samples and test them in your home before buying and installing the blinds.

With these thoughts in mind when choosing your wooden blinds, you’re sure to make a decision that will improve your room and delight the whole family.