When it's time to install or replace your home's window blinds, the first thing to decide is whether you need a horizontal or vertical style. Explore our guide to understand the differences and similarities of vertical and horizontal treatments to determine which one is right for each room in your house. There are also certain key factors that should be kept in mind for comparing the specifications and needs of vertical and horizontal blinds. So, let's get started!
What to Consider First
- Dimensions of Windows
The size of the windows matters a great deal when it comes to choosing blinds for them since there are numerous sizes for window treatments these days.
- Opening and Closing Mechanisms
Windows come in various designs, sizes, shapes and colors. They also come with different opening and closing mechanism styles as per the need and choice of homeowners. Not every type of window covering is suitable for every type of window. So, selecting the right window treatments is important for accurate functionality.
- Home Décor Theme
Windows are designed according to the architecture of the home. And window treatments should also be selected to go with the overall color theme and design of the home so that there won't be any mismatch.
Differences Between Vertical vs. Horizontal Blinds
To decide which blind is suitable for your windows—vertical blinds or horizontal blinds—you need to know the differences between them. Only then will you be able to choose the right window one. So let's get into the differences between the two!
Shape and Size of Slats
Well, this is pretty obvious so let's go ahead and start with this one. The names say it all, one blind is horizontal, and the other is vertical! Now, onto the sizes.
Vertical blinds have bigger slats. They hang from head rail tracks at the top of the window opening. They can be opened and closed with wand or chain pull systems and are optimal choices for covering bigger windows and sliding glass doors.
Horizontal blinds have smaller slats that are usually between one to two inches. They're a common choice for small or medium size windows.
Sunlight Protection and Privacy
Since vertical blinds have wider slats than horizontal blinds, they can block more sunlight. Even one single vertical blind can block more sunlight than even the largest custom horizontal blinds.
The sun shines downward so the sun rays can easily pass through the cracks between the slats of horizontal blinds.
When it comes to privacy however, horizontal blinds are a better option as vertical blinds can allow unwanted eyes to bump into them and open slightly to see inside.
Cleaning and Maintenance:
Cleaning and maintaining blinds whether vertical or horizontal is a must to retain their lifespan. Cleaning both is not too hard, but cleaning vertical blinds are a bit easier than cleaning horizontal blinds.
Vertical blinds can easily be cleaned in one sweep but horizontal blinds have other mechanisms and strings attached which cause some difficulty. Horizontal blinds are also implemented on hard to reach windows so reaching them for cleaning is difficult. Vertical blinds can be cleaned easily but as they rely on a single track with moving slats, they are more likely to wear out needing replacement or repairing.
Similarities Between Vertical and Horizontal Blinds
Blocking UV Rays
Even though they block UV rays differently, both vertical and horizontal blinds block them effectively. They will both keep your home comfortable and cool during the warm months and warm during the cold months. An excess amount of light can be disturbing for your space so using either of these is a cost-effective and nature-friendly solution.
Materials Used
The second similarity is that they're crafted from the same types of materials. You'll see them in materials like wood, aluminum, PVC and vinyl to name a few.
Horizontal and Vertical Blinds at Avalon Flooring
Now that you know the differences and similarities between vertical and horizontal blinds, you can start selecting your ideal choice based on those few factors. And while it's best to come into one of our locations and see them in person, here's a peek at some great Hunter Douglas ones we carry!
Everwood® Alternative Wood Blinds
Hunter Douglas Cadence® Soft Vertical Blinds available at Avalon Flooring
Hunter Douglas Skyline® Gliding Window Panels available at Avalon Flooring
Hunter Douglas Somner® Custom Vertical Blinds available at Avalon Flooring
So, when it's time for new window treatments, you're going to be prepared with this knowledge to help you figure out if horizontal or vertical blinds are best for you. Also, stopping by one of our locations to see these in person, will make the process even easier!
