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The secret to choosing blinds that actually suit each room

Your guide to picking the perfect window treatments.

Dressing up your windows isn’t as simple as you think. They need style, practicality and functionality, so looking at the various options on the market and how they’ll fit into your home is super important. Whether you opt for a sophisticated cellular style or are after unique blinds, there is a perfect solution for every space and style of decor.

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The most important things to consider when giving your windows a style update are what its chief purpose will be, how its colour and style will complement the space where it’s installed, and what type of material will work best. For example, roller blinds are great for maximising privacy, vertical blinds look beautiful with full-height windows, and PVC venetians cope effortlessly with humid areas such as bathrooms. 

Should blinds be lighter or darker than walls?

Blinds can either match or contrast with your wall colours, depending on your aesthetic preference. Here are two approaches:

Matching blinds: Choosing blinds that match the wall colour creates a cohesive and visually harmonious look. This approach works well in smaller rooms to create an illusion of space.

Contrasting blinds: Opting for blinds that are slightly darker or lighter than the walls can add depth and visual interest to the room. This approach works in larger rooms where you want to create a focal point or highlight the windows.

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roman blinds in bathroom
(Photography: Will Horner)

What material is best for blinds?

The material of the blinds affects both aesthetics and functionality. Some common materials include:

Wood blinds: These add warmth and a touch of elegance to a room. They work well in traditional or rustic interiors.

Aluminium blinds: Sleek and durable, aluminium blinds are suitable for modern and minimalist spaces. They’re also moisture-resistant, making them ideal for kitchens and bathrooms.

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Fabric blinds: Offered in various opacities, fabric blinds can be used to control light and privacy effectively. They’re a great choice for bedrooms and living rooms.

clean bathroom
(Photography: Kristina Soljo)

To help make your decision easier here is a list of the different types of blinds to choose from. 

Venetian blinds

There’s a good reason why venetian blinds have never really waned in popularity: the basic design is simply so effective and versatile! In addition to providing full control over how much light enters a room, they are inexpensive, reliable and easy to install. They’re also available in an incredible range of finishes, colours and materials, ranging from PVC and aluminium to timber.

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Roller blinds

This is a super-simple and robust variety of blinds, and depending on the type of fabric you choose, roller blinds can offer everything from complete blackout to privacy without impeding light transmission. Some roller blind fabrics can even make a room seem brighter by diffusing sunlight more ev

enly. Choose a day/night set for maximum flexibility: this is a matched pair of blinds that includes one privacy roll for daytime use, and one blockout roll for evening, or if blocking intense sunlight is desired.

(Credit: Photography: Sue Ferris)

Vertical blinds

The best option for rooms with windows that start at floor level is to install vertical blinds. This is particularly true if sliding doors or bi-folds are involved, as the blinds can be moved to the side for clearance. Choose a colour that is as close as possible to the window trim, which will help the blinds blend into the space.

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If you’re after something a little softer for your oversized windows and sliding or bi-fold doors, Veri Shades are you best bet.

Designed specifically for Australian homes, Veri Shades combines the elegant flowing appearance of sheer curtains with the versatility and control of blinds.

(Image: Getty)

Roman blinds

If you love sumptuous fabrics, you’ll be thrilled with Roman blinds. In addition to their wonderful texture, the horizontal pleats create the illusion that a window is larger than it actually is, especially if they are installed a bit higher than the top of the window.

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Honeycomb blinds

A relatively new type of window treatment, the cellular or honeycomb design is an extremely effective way to provide heat insulation in addition to controlling light and increasing privacy. Cellular blinds have a sleek, modern look as all the cords and channels are hidden inside their honeycomb structure.

Honeycomb blinds from Choices Flooring
Choices Flooring Honeycomb Shades feature a unique D-cell structure that traps air to provide insulation and energy savings. (Image: Choices Flooring)

Matchstick blinds

The light filtering through matchstick blinds creates a charming, organic pattern which complements interiors with a modern style of decor. They’re incredibly easy to install, available in a range of natural textures besides the classic option of bamboo, and can be lined to increase privacy and reduce the transmission of light.

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