Blind beauty
Latest Interiors have the best tips for achieving privacy with a selection of sophisticated, classy and affordable blinds
The finishes used to ‘dress’ windows – blinds, curtains or shutters, for example – make all the difference to a home. If you like a clean, modern finish, want to maximise light, or need to make the most of space then blinds are definitely top of the drops. This week, Latest Interiors gives you the low-down on beautiful blinds.
‘Oriental trail’ sheer blinds from £30, www.johnlewis.com
Which blind, where?
Blinds are particularly useful in difficult spaces like bay windows where curtains just won’t work. They give greater control over levels of light; whereas most curtains will cover part of a window even when drawn, blinds can be positioned so that they raise to the very top, making the most of natural light. At the same time, ‘blackout’ blinds can also block light very effectively on their own or paired with curtains, making them ideal for kids’ rooms.
Vertical or Venetian?
Vertical (literally, vertically hung strips of fabric that can be ‘drawn’ like curtains) and Venetian (horizontal slatted) blinds are great if you want a clean, modern line and need to maintain some privacy. Ideal for offices, conservatories or even a cloakroom, the angle of the slats or strips can be adjusted to vary the amount of light and open view.
Romans & rollers
Fabric Roman blinds, that raise in a wide pleat, give a soft look. This makes them well suited to bedrooms and living spaces. Roller blinds (which, as the name suggests, operate on a roller action, either by a central or sidefitted pull) are Latest Interiors’ choice this season, and give a simple, contemporary line.
Assorted roller blinds, from £27, www.johnlewis.com
Colour & texture
For roller and Roman blinds, beautiful semiopaque and textured materials can be used to great effect in rooms such as bathrooms or bedrooms, where some natural light is needed. Natural materials like jute, paper and bamboo are also popular, adding texture and interest.
Rollers work well in plain neutrals, but can also incorporate some of this season’s patterns – where a curtain or fussier blind might be overbearing in bold print, roller blinds are understated enough to carry it off. Venetians come in a variety of materials including metal and plastic, although wood is the best seller. For an individual finish, black or limed (aged offwhite) wood looks fabulous.
Blinds can be the only solution for really tricky areas, like Velux windows or a conservatory roof. They can also conceal storage or recessed work areas, or divide living spaces. You can buy good off-the-peg blinds for standard sized windows in most department and interiors stores, but for anything more complicated it pays to go bespoke: you’ll get a perfect fit, and the price difference can be minimal. Blinding!
December 10th, 2009 at 2:23 pm
Great article and it is worth mentioning that Mini blinds are notorious for collecting dust. Their horizontal position creates a flat surface for dust to land on.