If you are having a hard time figuring out what blinds to get for your living room, bedroom or kitchen, you need to keep two key things in mind. These are functionality and aesthetic appeal. Before considering the different types of blinds available in the market, take some time and identify the amount of light you want and level of privacy you need. Additionally, determine the level of UV control you need and if you want energy efficiency. You also want your blinds to be durable. These sum up the functional aspect of blinds. The aesthetic appeal should come second to functionality.

Amount of Light and Privacy

Figure out how much light you need in each room. This helps you choose between opaque, translucent or transparent blinds. Opaque blinds do not let any light in, translucent blinds let in minimal light, while transparent blinds let in a lot of light. The same goes for privacy; since opaque blinds do not let any light in, they offer more privacy. The same can be said for translucent blinds; even though they let in little light, they offer privacy as well. Transparent blinds do not offer privacy, and prying eyes can see through them.

UV Control

Harmful UV rays can pass through your windows and expose you to skin cancer. You may want to consider blinds that protect you from these rays. Before considering a particular type of blind, ask whether it prevents harmful UV rays from reaching you.

Energy Efficiency

During the hot season, you want blinds that help keep hot air outside and cool air in so that you avoid using your air conditioning system frequently. During the cold season, you want blinds that can keep warm air inside and keep cold air out. This is something you need to think about to save on your energy bills.

Durability

Of course, you want blinds that will serve you for a long time without you having to go back to your pocket for repairs or replacement. If you know you experience strong winds that might carry some debris, get both strong and durable blinds to protect your glass windows.

Your Decision

Now that you know the functionalities to look out for, you can consider the different types of blinds available. Of course, their aesthetic appearance will have a lot of weight in your decision. Try and consider the functional aspects first, then look for a favourable design. You can even have custom blinds made.