Are Wood, Aluminum or Vinyl Blinds Right For You?
The sheer number of choices for blinds can feel overwhelming. At Budget Blinds of Tempe, we wanted to make the choice a little easier for you by offering a comprehensive guide on some of the most popular materials: wood, aluminum, or vinyl blinds.
Let’s get started.
Aluminum Blinds
Aluminum blinds are very versatile: they come in many different styles, colors, and finishes. You can choose from neutral tones with a flat finish to high-gloss bright colors to really make your window pop. The combinations with aluminum blinds are nearly endless and can match any décor .
How Well Do They Block Light?
One of the downsides of aluminum blinds is that they are typically more transparent than other materials. It is common to be able to see shadows or silhouettes through these blinds when they’re closed.
However, they do offer great light-blocking qualities, as many styles of aluminum blinds have their ladder holes at the top of the blind slat, meaning they close seamlessly. This means less light leaks in through the sides, top, and bottom of the blinds.
How Durable Are They?
Aluminum is lightweight, but built to last. It’s resistant to water and moisture, so aluminum blinds are a popular choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.
High-quality aluminum blinds can be very durable, though less expensive models may be more brittle than you are used to. With aluminum, it is worth spending a little more for higher-quality products to ensure they last.
How Much Do They Cost?
Aluminum blinds are some of the most cost-effective window treatments on the market.
Vinyl Blinds
Vinyl blinds, especially vertical vinyl blinds, offer great value, versatility, and control to any room. They are able to withstand harmful UV rays, and you can easily adjust them to let in as little or as much light as you want. As the predecessor to metal blinds, vinyl doesn’t rust, won’t cut fingers, and is easy to maintain.
How Well Do They Block Light?
Vinyl blinds do a good job at blocking light, though they will need drapes if you’re looking to black out a room. They also don’t provide great resistance to passive solar heating — vinyl blinds tend to absorb heat, thus resulting in a warmer room.
How Durable Are They?
Unlike other materials, vinyl blinds are flexible and are resistant to creases and dents. They’re extremely easy to clean and functional, however, they’re not extremely durable. They are prone to cracking or chipping if mishandled.
How Much Do They Cost?
Vinyl blinds traditionally cost less, depending on the product. Some vinyl blinds are textured, which raises the price, but the average vinyl blind is designed to be an affordable window solution.
Wooden Blinds
Almost nothing can beat wood blinds in terms of style. They are the most traditional window treatment and possibly the most pleasing to look at. The natural beauty of wood and the array of colors and tones you can choose from instantly dresses up any window and room. You can also choose a variety of finishes, such as painted or stained.
They also have the distinct ability to tie in with a range of the interior décor themes and colors, whether it’s a minimal and modern space or a traditional space.
How Well Do They Block Light?
Wooden blinds do a fair job at blocking light, but are superior in terms of privacy. They are completely solid, meaning it is impossible to see shadows or silhouettes through them.
Energy efficiency is enhanced when your wooden window blinds are closed, blocking UV rays and reducing solar heat gain.
Lutron automated wood blinds from Budget Blinds of Tempe adjust their tilt position throughout the day to diffuse direct sunlight and protect your home furnishings from harmful UV rays.
How Durable Are They?
Wood is strong and isn’t prone to cracking. However, wood is also heavier than most other blind materials and should not be used to cover larger windows.
Wood also isn’t very water resistant, so excessive moisture can lead to the wood blinds warping. Therefore, wood blinds are more common in living rooms, family rooms,dining rooms, and bedrooms. You should avoid putting them in humid rooms, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.
Thankfully though, wood is extremely easy to clean and usually just requires light dusting from time to time with a microfiber cloth.
How Much Do They Cost?
Wood blinds are more expensive than both aluminum and vinyl. Faux wood options are available, which are most cost effective, however you lose a lot of the charm that comes with real wood.
