Interested in installing blinds in your new home or office? Or are the current ones in need of an upgrade? Check out the stores listed on Yellow and explore the range of shops which specialise in blinds and shades. Choosing the right item is no easy task as you'll be gazing at the chosen blinds for the years to come so it is quite a long term investment which requires your utmost attention. They must ideally be functional and decorative simultaneously.

Why insert blinds on windows?

Blinds are an effective insulation mechanism for all Mediterranean seasons. They repel UV rays in summer, making your rooms cooler, and preserve heat in winter, making them warmer. Hence, loss of energy through your apertures will be at a smaller degree.

Do you wish to preserve your furniture as much as possible? Installing blinds will protect your furniture pieces from fading by forbidding UV rays from entering. This is especially practical for south facing rooms.

Privacy is a much needed element in your personal home and blinds will help in creating and enhancing a private living space. This is especially crucial if you have windows which passers by can see through easily.

Blinds are also practical in controlling how much light enters the room and in reducing glares on computer screens in offices and home studies. They come in different slat angles so you can adjust the amount of lighting coming through.

Since windows are a focal point of any room, regardless of their size, installing blinds will embellish the apertures and contribute to the decor of the room.

What blinds can you find?

When going around looking for the right blinds for your apertures, you'll be presented with a variety of products suitable for both domestic spaces, for commercial establishments and industrial settings. They come in a diversity of shapes and sizes, designs, colours and patterns to cater for any demands, tastes and architectural styles.

From arch blinds to door, office, outdoor, ceiling and skylight blinds, you can rest assured your apertures will be fitted with appropriate corresponding blinds. You'll find a variety of innovative and versatile products to enhance both classic and modern settings and can be custom made to fit any size and shape.

The most popular styles you can find include Roman blinds, horizontal and vertical blinds, micro, zebra and Venetian blinds, pleated, panel and roller blinds. Apart from style, you also need to choose the material which best suits your room. You can choose from PVC, aluminium, fabric, vinyl or bamboo blinds.

There are several features which you can include if you have specific requirements. From blackout blinds, to fire retardant, water resistant and childproof blinds, the features available are numerous. Control systems may vary: from manual and motorised blinds to remote controlled systems, blinds integrated with smart home systems are also gaining popularity in this time and age.

Apart from blinds, you can also choose from a wide range of shades. Seeing as the latter have no slats, you'll have less control on the amount of light you want filtered in the room but they can be more useful in specific rooms.

What should you take in consideration when shopping for blinds or shades?

It's common to feel overwhelmed by the vast selection of blinds you can choose from. Here are some factors which you should consider before settling on one:

Type of window

Take into account the size and shape of the aperture. Vertical blinds would be a practical option for sliding doors and large windows, and high windows need to be motorised if you want to avoid using ladders to open and close apertures. It could be that only specific types of blinds can be customised for odd shaped windows, so check accordingly.

Room

Distinct rooms require particular blinds. Soft Roman blinds would be an appropriate choice for a living room if you want to create a sophisticated ambience, a bathroom would require water resistant blinds, while bedrooms and theatre rooms need blackout blinds to watch movies in the right setting and to avoid waking up with annoying sun rays on your face.

Also consider the room's purpose and the level of privacy and light control you're expecting for each room. Woven shades would still allow light through when closed, while aluminium shades do not. Blinds can be more versatile than shades so you can filter the light coming through more efficiently.

Needs

Each individual and room have their own unique needs. Motorised blinds would be feasible for people with restricted mobility and blackout blinds would be worthwhile for people with irregular sleeping hours. If you have children running around, best to avoid manual blinds as cords pose a choking hazard and you need your house to be as safe as possible.

Colour

The colour and pattern you choose depends on the room you're installing your blinds in. If you're into a classic look, best to opt for neutral colours, while bolder colours would be suitable for children's rooms and to enrich a room's ambience and make it look more vibrant.

Material

The material you choose for your blinds depends on their purpose. Are they purely for decorative purposes or do you need to adjust the lighting? If you want to block sunlight, opt for a heavier material, while wooden blinds would be the best solution if your aim is to create a warm and rustic look. The latter would be suitable for traditional spaces, but would also complement modern spaces due to the contrasting styles. If you want to install blinds in an industrial setting, best to choose aluminium over PVC due to its sturdier fabric.

Budget

Do set a budget. Prices will vary considerably and cost will generally depend on the material, size, and any extra features which you want included. Do not forfeit quality as you want them to serve you for the coming years, so opt for durable and sturdy materials which would guarantee a longer lifespan.

Maintenance

Certain fabrics cannot be washed but would require steam or dry cleaning. If you want to avoid extra work, opt for blinds which can be easily wiped with a damp cloth.

Services

Most companies offer a comprehensive service and offer onsite advice on the best size and design which would suit the room. They will take the necessary measurements and would be able to manufacture any blinds you need according to your specifications. Do visit physical outlets to check fabric samples. Once produced, they may offer delivery and installation. Repair services may also be provided. Double check with the company to ensure it offers all these services before committing.

Explore the range of outlets providing blinds and shades across Malta and Gozo. Enhance your apertures and enjoy some much-needed privacy in insulated rooms.