Until recently, window blinds were seen as severe, hard and impersonal window coverings that were most suitable for an office facility or public building. However, the very reasons they are used in such places, their practicality, durability, and ease of maintenance, make them ideal for use in the home too. The only factor missing was style and this has now been achieved, meaning that there are now a variety of blinds available designed specifically to be used in home design.

There are a wide variety of blinds that can be used instead of, or in conjunction with curtains and drapes to create a really stunning effect. Designers love the bright, airy modern feeling that can be achieved with blinds and the following varieties of shades have become popular for use in the home.

Venetian blinds are generally manufactured from aluminum, but are also available is various vinyl and plastic finishes. They are made up of horizontal slats, varying from one to three inches in width and having a slight curve. These slats are fastened together by cord and can be fully open, completely closed, or left half open for a degree of privacy with some light allowed through. The slats can also be pulled right to the top of the window when they are in the fully open position. Venetian shades are highly versatile, and come in a range of colors, which will complement the décor in any room.

Venetian blinds made from wood can be called wood slat shades. These have the same functionality as standard Venetian blinds, although the slats are usually thicker and do not have the same curve. They can be painted, stained, or left as natural wood to create the desired effect.

A variety of Venetian blind that has become a very stylish addition to many homes in recent years is the aluminum or PVC miniblind. Similar to standard Venetian shades, they have much narrower slats, which gives a particularly smooth effect when the blinds are fully closed.

Vertical blinds are a great alternative to Venetian blinds and are particularly appropriate for covering sliding doors as well as windows. The individual panels are attached to each other by cord or tape and can be turned so that they are closed, that is flush with the window, or fully open at right angles to the window. They can also be pulled completely to one side. Although a pull cord at the side is the usual way to operate such shades, more expensive shades may be automatically opened via remote control.

Woven blinds are different from Venetian styles as they do not have slats that open and close. They are made up of very narrow slats that are permanently woven together. Light is able to penetrate through small gaps between the slats, or the whole blind can be rolled up towards the ceiling. These do not offer the versatility or privacy of Venetian blinds but can still be an attractive addition to your home.