There are generally
just a few main groups of window coverings in popular use
in the UK, namely curtains, blinds and shutters. Every home
and business however has different uses for different rooms,
and although there are some standard window sizes, there
are potentially lots of different window sizes. Made to
measure window coverings of different kinds are however
relatively affordable and commonplace today – this
goes for all the window covering groups mentioned. Are there
however situations where vertical blinds would be particularly
suitable?
Vertical
Blinds
Standard
sizes of vertical blinds tend to range from 12 inches or
30cm in width to 200 inches or 600 cm in width. In terms
of length or ‘drop’ standard sizes range from
8 inches or 20 cm to 96 inches or 254 cm. Outside of these
sizes vertical blinds can be custom made. Within reason
then, vertical blinds
can potentially be used on any windows. Vertical
blind slats however tend to have standard widths of
3.5 inches and 5 inches. On very narrow window spaces then
it would seem that vertical blinds could be less practical
and a little more complicated than other window coverings
such as roller blinds or curtains. The width of the vertical
blind slats means that from a purely functional point
of view a vertical blind will perform better where it can
be set back from the glass by at least 3.5 inches. This
could make the idea of fitting vertical blinds inside shallow
or particularly small window recess a little impractical.
Also, there needs to be an allowance for the fitting of
the head rail of the vertical
blinds, and very small windows may make this a little
impractical and awkward.
By looking
at the main strengths therefore of vertical
blinds it may be possible to get a better idea of where
best to use them. When in the fully open position, vertical
blind slats are spread out regularly across the window.
The slats in this case are essentially side on to anybody
looking out from the house. Since blind
slats are essentially strips of fabric with weights
in the end, when side on the slats give an almost uninterrupted
view outside, and allow light in through a very large area
of the window. For this and other reasons
vertical blinds often work particularly well in the
main living room and bedroom windows. Vertical blinds slats
can be angled to let just the right amount of light in,
allow a clear view out, but maintain household privacy by
obscuring the view into the room by just the right amount.
Vertical blinds
also work very well on patio doors or in conservatories.