The time has come to bid vertical blinds farewell and embrace more stylish alternatives that offer aesthetic appeal and functional versatility.
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If you’ve ever chosen vertical blinds due to the size of your windows, you’ll be pleased to discover many contemporary options available for your window treatments.
Lisa Alward is the principal interior designer at Bella Vie Interiors. She says that while vertical blinds can be the go-to for cheap and cheerful window coverings, the downside is they can look less than luxurious.
So what are people replacing vertical blinds with? Here are five vertical blind alternatives.
Vertical blind alternatives
1. Sliding panels
Easily accessible from major retailers such as Ikea, sliding panels follow a similar mechanism to vertical blinds but exude a more modern, less corporate feel. Unlike their predecessors, sliding panels possess enhanced versatility.
You can neatly stack or spread them to control light and privacy. With straightforward installation and the option to customise width by trimming the panels, they’re an excellent choice for enhancing the aesthetic of a rental property. Moreover, their cord-free design makes them a safe and practical option for children’s rooms.
2. Roller blinds
Lisa says roller blinds are becoming a popular choice and for a good reason.
“A sleek, modern alternative to vertical blinds, roller blinds are available in various colours and finishes,” she says.
“Roller blinds can block out light completely or allow light filtering for privacy or take the heat of the midday sun. Cost-effective and with the option to be motorised, these are a popular choice.
Still offering that streamlined look, contemporary roller blinds are continually coming to market with more fabrics and better functionality than ever before. Patterned or plain, textured or solid, hard-working textiles take on a bigger décor role and ease the load on heating (and cooling) bills.
3. Curtains
Time-tested and always in vogue, well-crafted curtains are a timeless choice. More than just a practical window covering, curtains offer the opportunity to make a bold statement through fabric selection, harmonising an entire room.
Another option is sheer curtains.
Lisa says sheer curtains “offer privacy and elegance by adding a softness to a room. They are available in a wide range of colours and fabrics. Add a blackout roller blind behind them to darken a room at night.”
Designed specifically for Australian homes, Veri Shades combines the elegant flowing appearance of sheer curtains with the versatility and control of blinds.
4. Roman blinds
With all the benefits of curtains without the bulk, Roman blinds are an elegant compromise.
“These can be expensive but look really beautiful,” says Lisa. “They are made from fabric that folds upwards to create a seamless window covering. When fully open, the room can be exposed to passers-by.”
5. Plantation shutters
Fixed plantation shutters are the ultimate window dressing to achieve a Hamptons look and are adjustable to block out light and moderate temperatures inside the home. Choose whether to install on parliament hinges so they open all the way back to lie flat against the wall, leaving the window clear.
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