With so many options to choose from it can often be hard to select the best blinds for your home. However, there’s a few key considerations to ensure the blinds you pick are the perfect fit for you – read our handy guide below to learn more.
Measure Up Your Blinds
Before you measure for your blinds, consider whether you would like them to hang inside, or outside, the window recess. Inside is often better for small rooms, as it prevents the window treatment from overwhelming the space around it. This is also the option to opt for if you plan on pairing your blinds with curtains, to keep things neat and tidy.
For larger rooms – or in places where it’s vital you block out the light, choosing a blind that hangs outside the window recess is best.
We’ve written a handy guide on measuring for blinds to help you – but if you get stuck our team are happy to help as part of your free at home consultation.
Consider Light & Privacy
When selecting your fabric and blind type, it’s worth considering your lighting and privacy needs.
For open spaces like lounges and dining rooms, allowing in the most light possible, while protecting your privacy is a key concern. Sheer blinds like our Allusion range are made of elegant voile fabric, that allows in the light without allowing in the stares of nosy neighbours or peeping passers by. Flexible shades like our Mirage or Vision blinds allow you to control the amount of daylight entering your home with 2 independently moving layers.
Some blinds can also diffuse light to create softening, cosy effect like the Luxaflex Duette range.
Understand Your Room Requirements
Bedrooms
For bedrooms, blackout blinds are essential. They ensure a dark environment conducive to restful sleep, blocking out early summer sunrises. Additionally, they provide excellent thermal insulation, keeping your room cooler during hot summer nights. When choosing colors, soft, soothing tones like pastels can enhance relaxation. Consider integrating automated blinds that can be scheduled to rise with your alarm, gently waking you with natural light.
Living Rooms and Dining Areas
Living rooms and dining areas benefit from maximising natural light while ensuring privacy. Opt for sheer or light-filtering blinds to brighten the space without sacrificing privacy. Materials like linen or light cotton can add a breezy, airy feel, perfect for summer. Adjustable blinds, such as Venetian or vertical blinds, allow you to control the light throughout the day effectively. They can be tilted to prevent glare while still letting in plenty of light. In rooms with large windows or bi-fold doors, you can make your window into a feature with statement panel blinds, or make the most of the natural light with vertical blinds that tilt and turn to allow in light.
Conservatories and Uniquely Shaped Windows
Conservatories and rooms with uniquely shaped windows require specially tailored solutions. Perfect fit pleated blinds are ideal as they fit directly into the window frame without the need for drilling, maintaining the room’s aesthetics and structural integrity. These blinds also help control the intense light and heat that can build up in these glass-heavy spaces, making them more usable during the summer months. For a seamless look, choose fabrics that complement the exterior views.
High-Traffic Areas: Kitchens and Bathrooms
In kitchens and bathrooms, where durability and ease of cleaning are priorities, faux wood Venetian blinds are a top choice. These blinds resist moisture and can be easily wiped clean, making them practical for spaces prone to splashes and steam. Opt for lighter shades to keep the room feeling bright and clean. Additionally, these blinds offer excellent control over privacy and light, which is particularly useful in these often overlooked spaces.
Considerations Across All Rooms
When selecting blinds for any room, consider the décor and intended ambiance. Elegant, streamlined blinds suit modern interiors, while traditional spaces may benefit from classic wood tones. A sleek modern décor is well complemented by a streamlined blinds style – like a roller shade, where a more traditional interior is best served by something classic, like wooden blinds. Always choose colours and materials that resonate with the overall aesthetic of your home to create a cohesive look.
Choose Your Colour Wisely: Selecting Summer Shades for Blinds
We’ve written a few articles before about the symbolism of colour, but it bears repeating – the colour you for a room can impact the mood of the people who use it.
Colour plays a pivotal role in both the aesthetics and functionality of your home, especially during the summer. Selecting the right colors for your blinds not only complements the interior design but also influences the mood and light dynamics of each room. Let’s dive into how to choose trendy summer colors and match them to different spaces in your home.
Bright and Airy Living Spaces
For living rooms and other communal areas, opt for light and vibrant colours that enhance the summer feel. Soft whites, subtle creams, and pale blues are trending this summer, reflecting sunlight to brighten your space naturally. These colours create a calm and welcoming environment, perfect for social gatherings or relaxing days spent indoors. Consider using sheer materials in these hues to allow for maximum daylight while maintaining privacy.
Tranquil Bedrooms
In bedrooms, prioritise colours that promote relaxation and tranquility. Cool tones like soft lavender, gentle blue, and muted gray are popular choices. These shades are known for their calming effects, ideal for creating a serene retreat where you can unwind after long summer days. Blackout blinds in these colors enhance their functionality by ensuring complete darkness, essential for quality sleep.
Functional and Stylish Workspaces
For home offices or studies, select colours that stimulate focus and creativity. Vibrant yellows and energetic greens are excellent choices for summer, infusing your workspace with positivity and encouraging productivity. These colours are not only stylish but also brighten the room without overwhelming the senses, making them suitable for areas where you spend many hours.
Refreshing Bathrooms and Kitchens
In bathrooms and kitchens, go for fresh and clean looks with aqua, teal, or marine hues. These colours evoke the refreshing qualities of water, perfect for spaces associated with cleanliness and freshness. They pair beautifully with the practicality of moisture-resistant materials like faux wood blinds, which offer both style and durability.
Coordinating with Home Décor
Always consider the overall décor of your home when selecting blind colours. If your home features a modern aesthetic, bold and solid colours can make striking statements. For traditional interiors, opt for rich, deeper tones or natural wood finishes that complement classic designs.
Seasonal Considerations
Finally, while choosing colours, think about the seasonal impact. Lighter colours reflect heat, helping keep your rooms cooler during the hot months, while darker tones can absorb heat, which might be beneficial in cooler climates but less so in summer.
By thoughtfully selecting your blind colours based on room function, existing decor, and seasonal needs, you can enhance the beauty and comfort of your home. Remember, the right colours not only transform the space visually but also contribute to a more enjoyable and functional living environment.
Get Hands On!
It’s worth testing out fabrics and styles before you make a decision – that’s why we invite customers for a free consultation at our Cardiff and Bridgend Showrooms before they purchase.
Test fabrics by holding them up to a window to see how well they block out or diffuse light. Patterns often look different in real life than on a computer screen, so even if you’re sure of what you want – it’s worth looking at the style in person if you can.
You can also try out our home-automation systems in our Cardiff Showroom – or arrange a consultation with our interior design experts – for help in choosing the best blinds for you.
Go Hands Free!
Smart home technology is moving forward in leaps and bounds and blinds aren’t being left behind.
Smart Home kits from Somfy allow you to control your blinds from an app – allowing you open and close them at the touch of a button, or select predefined times of day when you’d like to let in the light, or shut it out.
For more information on our range of blinds, click here.