How to guide for buying window coverings
If you’re tired of paying high retail prices for products, buying online is an affordable and easy alternative. Since we don’t have to cover overhead costs, SelectBlinds Canada can help you to save money by letting you buy directly from the source. Because we are an online website, you can shop whenever you want, wherever you want. On this page we’ve put together a comprehensive list of the window coverings available, and how to choose the best one for your needs and style.
Aluminum Blinds: One of the most popular and inexpensive choices in window coverings is aluminum blinds. Available in a variety of colours, they can match any décor style in your home. They are commonly found in the 1” (mini) slat size.
Wood Blinds: Add class and style to your home by installing wood blinds. The most popular choice in wood blinds has 2” slats, and is made from basswood (a very light wood). Since these blinds are so light, they won’t put stress on the headrail, making them a good choice for large windows.
Faux Wood Blinds: More durable than wood blinds, faux wood blinds are great for locations where moisture is common, such as kitchens and bathrooms. Even though blinds are made from a composite of PVC or plastic (and sometimes wood), they look just like real wood. If you have a larger window, we recommend that you split the blind into two on the same headrail. This will extend the life of your blinds, since faux wood blinds are heavy and can cause damage to the headrail if the window is particularly large.
Vertical Blinds: If you want blinds that are functional but unique, vertical blinds are an easy choice. These durable light-weight blinds are resistant to warping and can be easily cleaned. Because they can be stacked on either side or even the middle, vertical blinds are an excellent choice for sliding glass doors. They are available in 3 1/2” slats and are made of plastic or wood.
Bamboo and Woven Wood Shades: Trendy and stylish, bamboo and woven wood shades will add a unique texture and feel to any room. They are available in several types of wood and stains, and can be retracted in a roman fold or roll-up style. While these shades are an excellent choice for many homes, if you prefer to have your window covering out of site when fully retracted, these may not be for you. Even when moved all the way to the top of the window, they will still occupy a lot of space.
Roller Shades: For the budget-conscious home decorator, roller shades are a popular choice. They’re easy to operate since they simply roll and unroll from a cylinder installed above your window. Vinyl shades will block any light from entering your home. Roller shades made from cloth and sheerweave materials are also available. A variety of colours and textures will let you coordinate your window coverings with the rest of your décor.
Cellular/Honeycomb Shades: If you want to block harmful UV rays from entering your home, cellular shades is a great choice. Their honeycomb construction traps air to help insulate your home from outside temperatures. The amount of insulation, measured in R values (resistance to heat flow), varies between manufacturers. Generally, you can expect an R value of 2.8 to 4 during the summer and 3 to 5 during the winter, which will significantly decrease your heating and cooling costs. In addition to their insulating properties, cellular shades are often made from a stain resistant poly cotton fabric, so they’ll look as good as new for years. If you sleep during the day or want to eliminate light from a home theatre, blackout cellular shades are a great option. They are also available in a light filtering option, and a wide variety of colours. Available in 1/2”, 3/8”, and 3/4", cellular shades will complement any décor. To help you pick your new shades, simply request which samples you would like and we’ll send them to you for free!
Blinds for doors with windows: If you have a window that needs covering in a door, some unique problems arise. Opening and closing your door can cause your blinds to bounce around, which can damage them and is annoying. To avoid this problem, 1” wood blinds, aluminum blinds, or cellular/honeycomb shades should be chosen and installed with an outside mount style. If you want a roll up window covering, pleated or bamboo shades can also be chosen. These blinds and shades are slim enough that you can easily reach the door handle to open and close the door. You should request hold down brackets which will secure the bottom or your blinds or shades to the door. Tilt and lift controls should be placed next to the door hinge to ensure they don’t get caught when opening and closing the door.
Blinds for sliding glass doors: The right window covering for your glass door should let you easily open and close the door. Keep the location of the door handle and the size of blinds in mind to ensure a good fit. The most popular window coverings for doors are vertical blinds. The slats are usually 3 ½” and can be moved to either side, the middle, or both sides.
Blinds for wet environments: If you need window coverings for your bathroom or kitchen, you will need something that is durable, as well as moisture and water-resistant. The best option for these environments is faux wood blinds, which are made from PVC or plastic. Unlike real wood blinds, these will be able to handle the humidity and moisture in the air without warping or breaking. Aluminum mini and micro mini blinds are also suitable for wet environments.
