Vertical blinds were once popular in many homes, but as the tastes and preferences of people changed over time, they started exploring other options. This preference changed mainly because slats hang straight and don't fit the choice of many people, because straight slats look more like an office from the 90s. Hence, they are opting for energy-saving cellular shade, Roman shades, and many more that suit their interior.
If vertical blinds didn’t work for you or you think it’s too outdated for your home, here are ten alternatives to vertical blinds you can explore and try.
10 Alternatives to Vertical Blinds You Can Opt for
Vertical blinds are hardly seen in homes nowadays. Try these beautiful blinds that look great for modern homes -
Roller Shades
Roller shades are sleek and low-profile, which is best for minimalist homes. These are available in blackout, solar, and light-filtering fabrics that are easy to maintain and operate. They offer a clean appearance when fully rolled up and are a perfect fit for modern and narrow window frames.
Roman Shades
Roman shades are perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, formal spaces, and anywhere you want comfort with a stylish appearance. These blinds are soft and elegant, which suits every interior theme, be it traditional or transitional. They can be lined for blackout or thermal performance, and add texture and depth to the room.
Shutters
Shutters have honeycomb patterns all over them, which capture air in different compartments. Thus, creating an insulation layer by blocking the sun's rays during summer. On the other hand, in winter, these blinds prevent the heat from escaping and make the interior comfortable.
As compared to vertical blinds, shutters have an aesthetic charm that gives a rich and warm feel to the space. Also, they are durable and can even withstand high traffic. They are available in sunburst and horizontal panels and make coordinating with window treatments easy. Thus, making it the best option for any room.
Window Films and Tinting
If you find vertical windows boring, then you can try window films and tintings. They offer reduced glare and prevent harmful UV rays from entering the home, which may damage the flooring and furniture.
These films and tinting are more affordable than other options, such as drapes and shutters. However, there are certain disadvantages, such as they offer minimal privacy, especially during the night, when the lights inside are on. Another limitation is that they offer no control over lights, as cellular shades do.
Panel Track Shades
Panel track shades are the perfect alternative to vertical blinds, as they suit modern and contemporary settings. They can cover large windows and sliding doors easily and are available in various colors and patterns. You can also customize it as per your liking to suit your interior.
Due to a few drawbacks, such as limited light control and difficulty in cleaning, some people may not like it. So, it’s important to understand if these panels will suit your home setting and architecture.
Wooden or Bamboo Blinds
The earthy, natural look of the bamboo blind is the perfect choice for rustic or tropical interior settings. They provide proper lighting control and privacy, which is a great advantage. However, these blinds can be difficult to clean, especially if they have intricate patterns on them. Also, they can be more expensive than other window treatments.
Another disadvantage is that they may not offer the same level of insulation as other blinds. So, if you are looking for something that offers proper insulation, you can opt for other options, such as shutters.
Drapes
Drapes add a touch of luxury to your patio doors, as they are made from fabric and are available in various colours and patterns. There are also different types of drapes, such as cornice, pleat style, and valance, to create various looks as per your taste and decor.
Apart from being beautiful, drapes are functional, as they offer proper privacy and allow the perfect amount of light to enter the home. Depending on the material, you can also opt for fabric that blocks light completely, or one that filters soft light.
Plantation Shutters
Plantation shutters fit the doors perfectly without allowing light to enter from the edges. You can also control the light by tilting and opening the panels or pulling them up. They are energy-efficient, which keeps the indoor area cool in summer and warm in winter. You can opt for solid shutters as they prevent the outside air from coming inside.
Polywood shutters are considered the best because they can reduce window temperature transfer by up to 30 degrees. Thus, keeping your home comfortable and beautiful all year long.
Polywood shutters are considered the best because they can reduce window temperature transfer by up to 30 degrees.
Tech-Powered Blinds
You can consider tech-powered blinds in place of vertical blinds. These blinds are operated using a mobile application or a smart device. You can simply speak or tap to open and close the blinds. The best part is that you can retrofit a smart device to turn your vertical blinds into a smart one.
Having them installed is a great choice, as you can control the amount of light that enters your home throughout the day. It is also good for health reasons, as you can have just the perfect amount of sunlight for your body. This is because sunlight can regulate the body’s internal clock. Thus, leading to more restorative sleep, better alertness, and optimal productivity.
Macrame Curtains
If you want a boho touch to your home interior, consider macrame curtains. If you have vertical blinds with not enough personality, macrame curtains are the best option. Macrame curtains are available in the market, and for a more modern appearance, opt for smoother rope and ensure there's no frayed end. Also, check that the curtain is attached to a metal rod or finished dowel, not some stick or twig.
You can even make your own macrame, as they are easy to DIY. But these projects are time-consuming and may not turn out as you want if you are a new DIYer. So, it is best to buy them and skip the grunt work.
