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Matching blinds to rooms

It can be difficult to choose a new blind when there are so many different styles, fabrics, colours and patterns available. With this in mind, here are some practical hints that will help when deciding which blind to choose for a room.

Blind Styles and Practical Considerations

Think about the style of the room when choosing a blind. If it is a modern room, then a wood or faux blind will complement existing features, whereas a Roman blind will usually suit a traditional room. Also consider how often the room is used and by whom. A vinyl blind is easy to clean and can withstand rough handling, making it ideal for homes with children. A textured blind, such as one made from silk, linen or chenille, will add a different and softer finish to the room. A heavily textured blind will also be able to add depth to the window space.

Verticals or venetian blinds offer more privacy than other types of blind. If being fitted inside a recess then they should fit snugly to prevent a large gap at the side. Blackout (or PVC-backed) blinds are ideal for the bedroom, particularly in summer. The coating on blackouts prevents light from passing through the fabric of the blind. This type of blind is useful in a room that has high glare and because it blocks heat it helps to control the room temperature on hot days.

Bathrooms and kitchens are often humid or damp. This means avoiding a fabric, metal or natural wood blind which may be damaged easily or be difficult to clean. It is better to choose vinyl roller blinds or a faux wood venetian for the bathroom or kitchen.

Colours and Patterns

The colour of a blind can alter the perception of temperature and room size. For example, if a light-blue blind is placed in a warm and sunny room, the room will feel fresher than if a pink blind is used. Warm colours can make a difference, particularly in winter and the cooler shades are usually best in sunny, south-facing rooms. Blues, greens and greys should not be used in north-facing rooms as these colours can create a 'cold' feeling.

Instead of trying to follow the latest colour craze, choose a blind colour that everyone in the house will like. If unsure of which colour to choose, stay with neutrals such as cream, beige or white as these will complement virtually any colour scheme or style.

A patterned blind has the potential to change the appearance of the size of the window or room. A pattern of diagonal lines will lead the eye up and outwards and a bold geometric pattern also draws the eye. A floral pattern will add a softer touch to the room and a striped pattern is popular in an older child’s' bedroom or in rooms such as the study, where there may be more of a focused atmosphere. If uncertain of what pattern to select, do consider a patterned blind that contains both bold and soft colours. These can work together very well to create a blind design that appears harmonious.