To drape or cover a window one can use curtains or blinds. Blinds are so called because they blind the observer visually from outside. Blinds are normally composed of long strips of material or rigid fabric. Their utility lies in protecting interiors from sunshine and prying eyes.



There are two main types of blinds slat blinds and solid blinds. Slat blinds are made up of a set of long strips that are linked together by a string. These slats can be rotated to open the blind while still covering the window and allowing the light to pass. Vertical blinds consist of slats hanging vertically from a slat, which can be rotated 90 degrees to let light pass through. As the slats can closely they are very good at controlling how much light can come into the room. The slats hang vertically from one end in track blinds. In mini blinds and Venetian blinds the slats are suspended horizontally on cords.

Slat blinds are of horizontal or vertical varieties. Horizontal slat window blinds are also called Venetian blinds and are placed one slat above the other. They are normally made of metal plastic or bamboo. They were introduced in 1770 for the first time, probably in Venice. They are suitable for smaller areas and vertical blinds for larger areas. Other varieties of window blinds are mini blinds, micro blinds, Holland blinds, Honycomb shades, Roman shades and roller shades.

Solid blinds are often called shades and they can only be raised or lowered. In some varieties there are spaces left open while in others there is no open space as the slats are sewn inside fabric. Window blinds are used to reduce sunlight.

The ancient Egyptians had blinds made of reeds now a days they are available in a wide variety of materials. Roll up blinds were originally constructed from bamboo. They have been used through the ages as popular window coverings. Natural fibre roll up blinds are made using natural papers fibre and plastic, Together with bamboo and wood.

Roman blind can be made with linen and polyester fabric attached with Velcro to an aluminum head rail. It creates a contemporary classic style.

Now day's blinds come with child safety wads. These child safety wands are the most common and popular alternative to chains and cords in window blinds. The child safety wand is normally made from clear plastic and, the wand is camouflaged or hidden behind the vertical blinds. The wand is actually a "stick" about 2 feet long that attaches to the top of the vertical blinds and can be used to pull the vertical blinds close or open. The wand is convenient to use since the vertical blinds glide along the track. Rotating the wand allows the vanes to be tilted in either direction. Use of child safety wands helps to reduce accidents caused by children and pets getting strangulated with the cords.

.

The mounting brackets in outside mountings sit above and outside the window frame. This kind of mounting is suitable where visual appeal needs to be added, or if the window frame is unattractive. As the vertical blinds are opened the side of the window will be exposed first. When the binds are fully closed, the four edges of the window frame won't be seen.