Blog Layout

How to Choose the Right Window Blinds

Christian Wilkinson • March 14, 2019

Some homeowners can’t be fully satisfied with a simple window replacement as they are constantly searching for new ways on improving and refreshing their homes. When faced with the decision for choosing window treatments, lots of homeowners panic and make a forced decision. This is understandable as window treatment is a complicated subject even for qualified interior designers.

Why Window Blinds?

Recently homeowners started to choose window blinds over curtains and drapes. Window blinds are the most popular window treatments and this is because of the many benefits they bring to homes:

  • Functionality – The way window blinds function enable homeowners to adjust and control the amount of sunlight entering the room. This is used for adjusting comfort in a room, protecting art pieces and furniture from being destroyed and controlling room temperature.
  • Higher Energy Efficiency – Compared to drapes, blinds are more solid and firm. This is why they are better insulators and have higher energy efficiency. In the hot summer days to maintain a cool atmosphere in your home, use the blinds on the windows and prevent the entrance of unwanted sun rays.
  • Cost Effective – Window blinds are cost-effective as they require less maintenance and have a lower price on the market. Some blinds made out of quality wood material can be more expensive than the casual textile blinds, but they too will prove to save up on some money for future maintenance.
  • Quality – The quality of light blockage which window blinds provide makes them ideal for preserving our privacy and security. Drapes cannot protect us from curious viewers, but blinds can. That is why big fans of drapes decide to combine the two and enjoy all window treatment benefits.

Types of Blinds

Window blinds are used across the globe so it isn’t a shock that there is a large variety of types out there. When it comes to the material, you can buy blinds made out of ivory wood, aluminium, textile, vinyl and even bamboo. Choosing the right material should be influenced by your practicality preferences and aesthetic desires.

Since we mentioned aesthetic desires, we should also warn you that they will be put to the ultimate test when faced with the infinite numbers of patterns and colors a blind can have. But when it comes to ways of functioning (without minding several sub-categories), there are 5 main types of blinds: Roller, Roman, Venetian, Vertical and Panel Track.

How to Choose Window Blinds

Choosing the right blinds for your home mainly consists of carefully combining the 3 characteristics of a blind: material, function, color and pattern. This would have seemed like an easy job it these characteristics didn’t bring a thousand other qualities with them. For instance, wood is a commonly desired material for a blind as gives a certain sense of stylish warmth.

Your budget is tight and your energy bills are getting higher as cold winds blow where you come from, so you go for cheap wood, not knowing that the quality of energy efficiency will depend on the wood type and so will texture of the overall room and the risk of mold growth.

This is the reason why when shopping for a blind, you should previously distinguish your priorities and needs or so-called-factors of choice. This will help you in focusing on the task rather than being distracted by the beauty and variety of window blinds. Here are some common factors for choosing the right blinds:

  • Positioning of a Room- whether the needed amount of sunlight enters on a daily basis
  • Preservation of Privacy – some homeowners value privacy more than others and some types of window blinds are better for this job than others
  • The Room’s Aesthetic – the style of a home should dictate the type of blinds you are going for. Other than being practical and efficient, window blinds can increase the overall aesthetics of a room
  • The Budget – window blinds have differences in price depending on material and size. You should consult with an expert to find the most budget-friendly solution
  • The Type of Window – there are blinds for every window type. Some blinds are better fitted for specific window types and when it comes to choosing blinds, try to imagine how these two would work together.
  • Practicality Preferences – each type of blind offers a different living atmosphere. The way you open the blinds, the amount of light they transfer, required maintenance and outside-view visibility influence daily life.

When you recognize your priorities and desires, go to the experts and ask for their suggestions on blinds that will satisfy your needs in the fullest. With time, designers found ways to satisfy multiple factors and preferences in one, single-blind. For instance, Light-filtering blinds offer homeowners an unobstructed view while also protecting them from the eyes of “curious neighbors”. On the other hand, room darkening blinds enable homeowners to enjoy a healthy nap with darkening up the room in an instant.

About Element Windows and Doors

Element Windows and Doors is your top choice for window replacement, entry door replacement, and patio door replacement in Windsor, ON.


A wooden house is sitting next to stacks of coins with plants growing out of them.
By Christian Wilkinson August 6, 2022
You may be eligible for up to $10,600 in grants and $40,000 in interest-free loans for improving your home's energy-efficiency! Learn how to take advantage today.
A living room with a couch , coffee table , chairs and a large window.
January 21, 2020
Lighting is an all-too-important factor in home design. The layout of your house can be emphasized or undermined, based on the way the lighting works. While you can achieve any effect with electrical lights in different shapes and designs, strategically placed to provide the expected outcome, natural light from the sun, always provides a more genuine look –which is the epitome of design. Natural light is a suitable option, to be optimized, because it saves the cost of electricity, reduces energy generation and supports environmental-friendliness. If you are building your house or looking for window replacement you may be able to decide how much natural light is available in every room but, for a house you’ve been living in, you may wonder if it’s possible to increase natural light. The answer is, Yes. As long as your house is not sandwiched between taller buildings which cut off your sunlight, you can definitely achieve that. Below are some ways to increase the natural light in your home. White overhangs The wooden structure right above your window frame, on the external wall of your home, are known as overhangs. Painting them white helps your windows cast all-bright sunlight, with limited shadows, straight into your home, thereby increasing your natural light. Also, because of the color, heat is not absorbed and you can enjoy the natural light without the harshness of the sun. High-gloss paint Having rooms painted with a high glossy effect works wonders for natural light. During the day, the sunlight bounces right off the walls to brighten the room and at night, your bulbs can create the same effect. Reflective tiles In the same way, high-gloss paint reflects the sun, so do reflective tiles. They help you create a bright and naturally lit up a room. As opposed to reflective tiles with a glossy sheen, you can get glass tiles for the same purpose. Ceiling windows Tall windows that stretch from ground to ceiling give you a full load of natural light that brings any room to life. Although, it is advised that you use ceiling windows only in the living room. Interior design theme The entire design of your home interior can make or mar your natural light effect. Dark colors absorb light and give heat so you need to opt for lighter hues and softer materials to enjoy the full experience of a naturally lit room. You can maximize the inflow of natural light in your home, with any of these options. Ensure that any, and all, construction which may be required, is done by a professional home contractor or experienced handyman, in order to get the best results.
A kitchen with a wooden island and two white chairs.
January 10, 2020
The choice of windows largely determines the outlook of your home layout and there is no dispute. Getting the right design to fit into the aesthetic appeal of your house is important but an easier way to achieve this is by getting the right style through window replacement or window treatment. No, we don’t mean maintenance and cleaning. Window treatment is the additional features that bring life to your windows – they treat windows right. This can be anything from drapes, curtains or shutters. They are all multi-purpose additions to your home décor that are aesthetic and functional, at the same time. Not only do window treatment give more life to your window space, but they also help you regulate how much natural light you are exposed to, based on your preferences. Selecting the right window treatment does not entirely depend on the overall design of your home because they have a way of standing out, no matter the design, it all boils down to personal preference. Here are a few types of window treatments to help you select the right option for your home. 1. White Curtains You can select any material from soft cotton to chiffon for curtains but using white as the color is very important. Not only will it help with natural light for the room, but it also creates an airy feeling in the room. 2. Blinds Blinds are a popular window treatment option. They are usually made from light wood or plastic material and come in different colors and designs. With blinds, you do not necessarily need a glass windowpane as they perform both the function for aesthetics and temperature control. 3. Colorful Trim For a beautiful window treatment, you can add colorful trims to the window frames. You can pair the trim with white drapes or curtains to create a royal effect for the room. Colorful trims also bring your window space to life, with a transformation. 4. Multi-Hued Curtains To get the ultimate aesthetic effect, multi-hued curtains work perfectly. You can get a curtain in one or more basic colors, with a gradient effect to give a really artsy effect for the room. Bright colors are the best options for multihued curtains in order to help with temperature regulation, as they do not absorb heat. 5. Patterns While some are against the idea, you can use patterns to create a distinctive effect with your window treatment. You can have patterned trims and a patterned material for the drape. Basically, however you want it to be, there are no rules when it comes to patterns. Whichever designs and theme call out to you, go with it and watch how it brings your room to life.
A kitchen with white cabinets , wooden counter tops , a stove and a window.
December 22, 2019
The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in any home. It is the hub for every member of the family to gather and have a meal and have fun. However, the type of window installed in the kitchen can affect the overall experience there. As a result, having the perfect window for your kitchen is the best thing to upgrade the level of comfort, convenience, and experience in your kitchen. If your kitchen does not provide the right experience, consider window replacement . Meanwhile, here are five window styles perfect for your kitchen 1. Sliding Windows Sliding windows provide both functional and aesthetic features to the kitchen. It allows more natural light to enter the kitchen, especially when installed above the sink and countertop. It can also allow fresh air into the kitchen. Sliding windows are large and will make the entire kitchen well-illuminated. Consider window replacement to benefit from the features of sliding windows in your kitchen. 2. Casement Windows Another window style that is perfect for your kitchen is the casement windows. They are flexible and will give you control over the airflow into your kitchen. You can easily control overheating in your kitchen by leaving one of the windows half-open. You will also have more natural light in your kitchen. Window replacement may be required if your existing windows are no longer suitable for your kitchen. 3. Double Hung Windows Double-hung windows are among the most common window styles in any home, including the kitchen. Be in control of airflow in your kitchen. They can be opened a little to improve air circulation in your kitchen without disturbing your cooking. The windows are perfect and will improve the visual appeal of your kitchen. If you are planning a window replacement, double-hung windows are worth giving a thought. 4. Garden Windows If you love growing herbs yourself, you can install garden windows in your kitchen for this purpose and other benefits that garden windows offer. The structure of garden windows extends past the home’s facade, which makes them quickly noticed, and they provide space for growing your herbs. The herbs will make the kitchen look complete and natural. 5. Awning Windows Awning windows are ideal for the kitchen as they allow heat to escape and fresh air to enter the kitchen without any disturbance. They extend outward when opened and allow more natural light into the kitchen. This is a suitable style you can consider if you are thinking about window replacement in your kitchen. The above are five window styles that are perfect for your kitchen. Choose the preferred when carrying out a window replacement project in your home.
A house with a large porch is lit up at night.
December 6, 2019
So, you’ve heard about the benefits of an outstanding curb appeal for your home. And at the same time, you know it will significantly raise your property’s value. Still, you don’t know precisely how to boost your home’s curb appeal. And this is why we’ve created this article. Inside it, we’ve shared the top ways to better a home’s curb appeal. Read on to uncover how to make your home fantastic starting today! 2. Consider Window Replacement And following up close is window replacement . Old windows that are damaged and have a lot of wear and tear in the glass pane can lead to an awful first impression for your property. So, to improve your home’s curb appeal, you should start by choosing the best window replacement solution. It will add a lot of style to your façade while complementing the colour pattern of your house’s design. Besides, it can offer you additional benefits, such as improved isolation for your interior and a lot of comfort. 3. Use Outdoor Lightning Well, light has a lot of power, especially when it comes to a home’s exterior. So, to boost your house’s curb appeal, you should add some extra outdoor lighting solutions. In this way, your property will look amazing and welcoming even during the night. 4. Keep an Eye on Your Front Garden And if you have a garden in front of your home, you should never leave it unattended. The first impact a visitor will have with your home will be in connection with the state of your front garden. So, a well-maintained garden will make your property appear well cared for. You don’t need complicated landscape projects. All you have to do is undergo general upkeep practices to keep everything smooth and good looking. 5. Fix Issues with Gates and Fences The swinging gate won’t say a lot of good things about your property and can even lead to an awful first impression. So, to boost a home’s curb appeal, you should do some maintenance on your front doors and fences. Make sure you fix any issue with them and even consider door replacement when necessary. Always remember that a poorly maintained exterior will decrease your home’s value and will definitely won’t contribute to a great curb appeal. So, with these ideas about how to boost your home’s curb appeal in mind, you can start today to improve your home’s appearance. Consider windows and doors replacement as the first steps towards a great house exterior, and add a little extra style with the help of exterior décor.
A close up of rain drops on a window.
By Christian Wilkinson November 22, 2019
Window leaks are caused by a number of factors, chief among which are worn out parts and improper installation. Whichever the case may be a leaking window is something you…
Three windows on the side of a house with green trim.
November 6, 2019
Even the best windows at some point need replacement. The longevity of your window depends on many factors including, the quality of the material it’s made from, the kind of weather it is exposed to and how well you maintain it over the years. Before your window starts falling apart, you should always watch out for indicative signs that tell they need replacement. Replacing your window at the right time is economically advantageous and also improves the quality of life of your family. When it comes down to replacing your windows, here are 5 major signs you should look out for; 1. Soundproofing Ability New windows are usually insulated with Argon or Krypton to enhance their sound-absorbing capacity. Windows play a major role in reducing the amount of noise coming into your house from the environment. When your window starts failing at this function, you can say goodbye to the peace and quiet you’ve once enjoyed. This occurrence could cause a quick deterioration in your quality of life due to the noise disturbances coming from the environment. At this point, you can be sure your window is due for replacement. 2. Soft, Chipped and Water Damaged Window Frames When your window material becomes soft and chipped, these are critical signs showing you need a window replacement . Your window starts becoming soft and chipped after absorbing water for a long time and this results in the growth of rot and molds which weakens the window. At this point, finding a quick and quality window replacement is the best and safest option. 3. Difficulty When Opening and Closing the Windows Are you finding it difficult to open, close or lock your windows? These may be signs that your window needs replacement already. Stiffened and imbalance windows are a result of improper installation which ultimately results in damaged windows. Rusted hinges also make opening and closing your windows quite a difficult task. When your window starts showing these signs, an immediate replacement is very important for the safety and security of your family. 4. Increased Energy Bill Overworking your HVAC system due to poor window insulation in your home is a major cause of skyrocketing energy bills. When the air starts getting into your home through your single-pane window or through seams, even when locked, it is a good sign your window needs replacement. If not fixed on time, this can quickly take a heavy toll on your HVAC system and also cause an increase in your energy bill. A window replacement will provide better insulation that will help keep the temperature of your home constant and also shut out noise from the environment. 5. Worn Out Windows Worn out windows are the worse as they keep you wondering whether to renovate or just completely replace them. Worn out windows are severely disadvantageous on so many levels. From disfiguring your home and making it look like a haunted house, to leaks, letting both rainwater and air into your home. Wearing occurs in wooden windows as a result of rot and mold attack. When left unchecked over time, such a window starts to fall apart. PVC windows also expand and contract under heat causing them to become warped and disfigured. They also tend to lose their color when exposed to the elements for too long. When you start noticing these signs in your wooden or PVC window, it is safe to conclude you need a window replacement.
A family is sitting on a window sill looking out the window.
By Christian Wilkinson October 26, 2019
There are several factors contribute to the cost of window replacement. If you are planning a home renovation, especially window replacement, you should be aware of the factors that determine…
A baby room with a crib , chair , rug and paintings on the wall.
October 14, 2019
Several homeowners wish to replace their windows and doors but are unsure of the value that the project will add to their home. Meanwhile, replacing windows and doors is one of the fastest home improvements you can consider to improve the look of your home and add more value to it. Here are the 5 benefits of replacing your windows and doors: Protection of Your Belongings When you see a particular portion of your carpet, curtain, furniture, etc. becoming more faded than the rest, that shows that the damaging ultraviolet rays have been entering through your windows and patio doors. The effects of UV-rays in your properties indicate that your windows and doors cannot block UV-rays any longer. As a result, replace them as soon as possible to mitigate further damage to your belongings. Protect your property and secure your home interior from intrusion. Enhance Home’s Curb Appeal Windows and doors are more noticeable than other improvement projects. Although they are an essential part of your home’s facade, replacing your windows and doors will boost the curb appeal of your home. You cannot underrate the effects that undertaking this replacement project will add to your home. Boost Architecture Design of a Home Even though you may not alter the architectural design of your home, you can improve its look or create a different look by replacing the windows and doors. You can choose a new theme or style. This improvement will accent the style and uniqueness of your home. It is very beneficial, especially if you want to make an older home look modern. Eliminate the Use of Storm Windows and Doors Storm windows and doors help to increase the energy efficiency of a house due to weak or compromised windows and doors. When you replace the existing windows and doors with new energy-efficient ones, you do not need to continue to maintain the storm windows and doors. The process of installing and removing the storm windows and doors is challenging and time-consuming. Live comfortably without hassles by replacing your windows and doors. Enhanced Safety If the existing windows and doors are difficult to operate for everyone in the house, it is risky. People will be put at risk of an accident when they try to force the windows and doors open or close. Besides, if the existing windows and doors will not operate smoothly, it can be a severe risk in the event of a fire. Therefore, you should replace them as soon as possible because windows are expected to serve as an emergency exit during a need.
A woman is cleaning a window with a spray bottle.
By Christian Wilkinson September 26, 2019
Maintaining your windows should be one of your top priorities due to the indispensability of the windows. Regardless of the materials, your windows are made up of they deserve to…
More Posts
Share by: