When it comes to styling your home, there is so much to consider. Where will you place your favourite cabinet? Will the television be hung on the wall or stood on a unit? What type of window blinds will you choose – vertical blinds perhaps? Ok, so we think it’s pretty obvious that the last question peaks our interest a tad more than the first two. We are firm believers that the right window blinds make a room complete. And today, we’re here to talk about vertical window blinds.
So, if you’re looking for something that is both modern and classic to dress your windows, take a browse through our comprehensive Buyers guide right here.
What are vertical window blinds?
So, first thing’s first. Let’s discuss what they are. Vertical window blinds are window dressings made up of long slats commonly known as vanes. They are similar to traditional Venetian blinds in the way that they operate. Each vane can be adjusted in position, allowing the user to control light distribution and privacy. These window blinds can be installed on their own, along with sheer or voile blinds for diffused light or with full length curtains for a luxurious feel. They are commonly available as a made-to-measure option due tothe range of different windo heights and requirements.
What materials are vertical blinds made from?
The beauty about vertical blinds is that they can be made to suit your needs. If you’re on the hunt for a thermal dressing to lock in heat during cold mornings or a waterproof dressing for kitchens, they can be crafted to suit. Depending on your requirements, the slats can be either rigid (such as PVC) or flexible with normal fabrics. This variation allows you to create the exact windowstyle you’re looking for without having to compromise.
Here at Shop4Blinds, we have a wide selection of vertical blinds available in different materials. Block out every ray of light with blackout blinds, embrace luxury with our faux suede vertical blinds or put the safety of your family first with our fire retardant range.
What sizes do vertical blinds come in?
The length of vertical blinds largely depends on where they are purchased from. Many companies will restrict single head rail blinds to under a 250cm drop. Here at Shop4Blinds, our strong and high-quality vertical blinds can be purchased with a drop of up to 390cm in one headrail. This gives a consistent and streamlined look to your windows and allows those with the largest of windows to benefit from their beauty.
In turn, our vertical window blinds are also available at widths up to 480cm with slat widths available in both 3 1/2” (89mm) and 5” (127mm). We are committed to ensuring that your blinds fit exactly and beautifully. This reduces the risk of light seeping in when privacy is what you’re looking for. All of our vertical blinds are made to measure which offers peace of mind on every single purchase.
Where to hang vertical blinds?
Vertical window blinds are the perfect choice for big windows. Where you install them is entirely up to you but here are some of our most popular suggestions to act as inspiration.
Patio Doors
One of the main places you will spot vertical blinds are on patio doors. This allows you to completely shut off the outside world at night time or during those moments where your family needs more privacy. They are made to cover the entire door, from top to bottom, and are easy to adjust for different times of the day. Here, you will normally find vertical blinds paired with full length curtains for additional privacy or style.
Bi-Fold Doors
Similarly, vertical blinds are perfect for bi-fold doors and for many of the same reasons as above. They are sleek and stylish, with enough styles available to suit your individual home decor. Style them up with sheer curtains or kept simple to block out some of the sun’s harsh rays during the day. They allow your beautiful (and expensive bi-fold doors) to be appreciated in their entirety when guests come to visit.
Larger windows
If you’re lucky enough to have a home with unusually large windows, these big blinds are the perfect choice. They help to further elongate the visual look of your windows while allowing you to cover up this opening whenever you want. The made-to-measure design is ideal – ensuring you’ll be able to cover the entire pane of glass without fuss.
How to measure for your vertical blinds
Measuring up for your vertical blinds is a quick and easy process. There are professional fitters out there who can take these measurements. However, this will incur an additional charge so we always recommend attempting it yourself first.
We have a detailed instructional guide for how to measure your windows for vertical blinds available for download here.
You will need to take note of the recess height along with the length of the window in question and the style you’re looking for. Lengthen the look of your windows with long vertical blinds. Equally, measuring for vertical blinds that fit your windows perfectly makes for a streamlined and premium look.
Make sure to note whether or not you have obstructions in the way during your measurements. This can include dado-rails or skirting boards – both of which will have an impact on the numbers that you provide.
Vertical blinds are one of the only window dressing options that cannot be generally brought ready made. This is due to the unique nature of every single tall window and ensures you receive a fit to be proud of.
How to style your vertical blinds?
By nature, vertical blinds are sleek enough to sit on their own. No matter the material or colour you choose, they have a sleek and sophisticated look that works best with other angular-styled accesories. However, there are a number of different ways you can add your own personal touch to vertical blinds.
Hung with curtains
One of the most popular ways to style vertical blinds is with long curtains. This allows you to add depth to your windows while incorporating another colour or fabric into your home. Where possible, opt for full length curtains that drape down to the floor. This will reduce the risk of droughts let in underneath patio doors while adding to the privacy your family can appreciate.
In bright colours
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again – vibrant window dressings are a great way to add colour into your home. And with their tall and imposing design, they stand out proudly and capture the attention of every single guest. Choose a bold pop of pink in a sea of greys or fall for one of our vibrant patterns.
Maintenance
The most important way to extend the lifespan of your home accessories is to follow a functional maintenance routine. When integrated with your normal cleaning steps, this allows your blinds to sparkle all year round. See our top tips for maintaining and caring for your vertical blinds.
Dust regularly
All window dressings capture dust – as do most accessories and hangings within your home. Regular dusting helps to cut through this build up and prevents colours from fading over time. Use a simple dusting cloth and a sprits of warm water – this will shift clogs and leave your blinds sparkling clean. Wipe from top to bottom and be cautious of flexible materials such as PVC or those with plastic components. Heavy handling can cause bends or creases that will affect the aesthetic.
Wipe stubborn stains off
For stubborn marks, use a gentle fabric cleaner or simply water and mild soap. Make sure not to soak the slats too much. This could cause dye to leak, marks to form or even the slats themselves to warp. Applying gentle pressure should shift most stubborn marks and remove any grime you find on the surface. Incorporate this into your routine every singly month to remove ingrained dirt.
Hoover with the brush adaptor
The brush adaptor on your hoover isn’t just great for your sofa – it is a quick and effective way to shift dust and dirt from your vertical blinds. Again, be gentle when using it and pass it from top to bottom along each slat. If you use scented beads or sprays inside your hoover, this will also add a fragrant touch to your blinds which you’ll appreciate every time you open or close them.
Conclusion
Vertical blinds are a staple addition here at Shop4Blinds and are one of our most popular options. They fit in well with all home decors, from that country-chic cottage through to the sleek city bachelor pad. The easy function pull cord operates vertical blinds and twists tthe slats. Allow as much light in or block out the world – the choice is entirely yours.
Here at Shop4Blinds, we have a wide range of vertical blinds to suit your style. From 100% waterproof options that stand proudly in your bathroom through to thermal options that lock in the heat. Our blinds are made-to-measure according to the dimensions you provide and provide the perfect fit. Discover the perfect set of vertical blinds for your home on our website today. For additional information and advice, our friendly team are on hand to answer any questions you may have. And, for interior design inspiration, look back on our previous post to discover the right blind style for your home.