The windows are a crucial element of the home, so it is vital to choose them right and give them the proper maintenance to keep them in good shape and looking great for many years. Blinds and shades are another important part of your interior home décor, and they are also a key element in interior design; they provide the right amount of light or shade desired and give you the required privacy when needed.
If you are trying to decide on which type of windows, blinds and shades are the right choice for your home, check out the following options. It doesn’t matter which home style you prefer; whether you are looking for a boho-chic vibe, a classical look, a luxurious or an elegant touch at home, there is always the perfect style for your taste; keep reading to learn more about the most popular styles you can find in the market and how to take care of them. You can also visit an established supplier of made to measure blinds.
Types of Windows
Single Hung: This window consists of two panes; the upper pane is fixed, and the bottom pane opens up vertically. This is a great choice for narrow hallways or small rooms. You don’t need more than a soft cloth and some liquid glass cleaner to keep it clean.
Double Hung: This is very similar to the single hung type, but both panes can be opened, which provides a fantastic airflow and allows easier maintenance since you can clean both sashes from the inside. This is a very popular option amongst homeowners.
Oriel: An oriel type is a form of bay window, which protrudes from the wall; this style can provide a sense of broadness to small rooms or hallways; it is usually used in upper floors and allows a lot of light in the home. To keep it in good shape make sure to clean and lubricate tracks regularly.
Cottage: These windows are a type of double-hung window, but the upper sash is smaller than the lower one; both sashes can slide up and down in the same frame, one atop the other. The upper sash or both sashes may be divided by muntins sometimes. This type of window is usually found in historic homes and buildings, can be challenging to clean, so it’s best to clean it from the outside.
Two Panel Slider: As its name indicates, this style of window is conformed by two panes horizontally placed, one next to the other that you can slide from side to side to open. These are affordable and perfect when you’re on a budget, but it’s best to use these windows on lower floors since this type doesn’t swing open, so it’s best to clean them from the outside.
Three Panel Slider: Similar to the two-panel slider, the three-panel slider window has two movable panes on the sides and a fixed pane on the center. This is a great option for ventilation and letting the air to flow, and it provides excellent panoramic views. It is recommended to clean from the outside since the panes don’t tilt inward; if placed on upper floors, using a ladder is the best option for cleaning.
Picture: This type of window is a large fixed pane that doesn’t have a way to open it. It is great to let light in and give you a clear view of your surroundings; these types of windows are typically used when you have great scenarios outside, and you want to give an aesthetic touch to the home. These windows can be challenging to clean when placed on high floors, so using a ladder is recommended.
Deadlites: Deadlite windows are similar to picture windows; they are affordable and can be energy efficient for the home. They must be cleaned in the same way you would clean a picture window.
Hopper: This type of window is normally installed in a horizontal way; they can be opened with a crank downward and inward, commonly used in bathrooms and basements. Regular lubrication of hinges is recommended for smooth operation; they are easy to clean with a regular window cleaner and a soft cloth.
Casement: Casement windows are similar to the hopper type, but they are installed vertically in this case. They can open inward or outward with a crank. These windows are commonly used in places where a significant amount of ventilation is required. Easy to clean and maintain, can be cleaned from the inside, just make sure to check the weatherstripping and hinges regularly to make sure they are in good condition.
Awning: Awning windows are pretty much like the hopper type, but in this case, it opens outward. This window style is used to protect the home from rain and snow but to still be able to have an airflow without letting the dirt in. They must be cleaned on a regular basis from the outside since they do not swing inward.
Jalousie: This type of window consists of parallel panes made of glass, wood, or acrylic louvres, set on a frame; they can be tilt opened and closed all at the same time. This style of window allows excellent ventilation into the home. It is important to clean each pane separately and thoroughly to make sure that they stay in good condition.
Popular Types of Blinds and Shades
Vertical Blinds: This type of blinds consist of slats clipped to a sliding track and run from side to side. These are often used on sliding doors or picture windows. Lubricate the track regularly to make sure they operate smoothly and keep them clean by wiping each slat with soap, water, and a microfiber cloth.
Venetian Blinds: The Venetian type is made up of slats placed horizontally, one above the other, they are attached to a string, and when the string is pulled, the bottom slat pushes the rest to the top of the window. They are easy to clean while they are closed; pass a paper towel or a duster over them or a damp cloth if necessary.
Mini Blinds: These are a type of Venetian blinds, but in this case, the slats are smaller in thickness, normally around 1 inch thick. They can be cleaned in the same way as Venetian blinds.
Micro Blinds: Micro blinds are also like the Venetian style, but here, the slats are smaller, merely a ½ inch thick, the operation is the same, and the cleaning process can be the same as the before mentioned Venetian blinds, even though it might take longer to clean these due to amount of slats.
Panel Blinds: Panel blinds are usually made of fabric or plastic and consist of large sections attached to a horizontal track in the upper part, commonly used to cover patio doors. Maintenance includes regularly lubricating the track to ensure they keep sliding smoothly. To clean, it’s enough to use a soft cloth or paper towel and a surface cleaner.
Wooden Blinds: Wooden blinds are a great and durable option; they add some nature textures into your home and enhance your interior design providing a neutral yet elegant look. Keeping them clean will be enough by dusting them weekly or wiping them with a clean, soft cloth.
Pleated Shades: These shades are usually made of paper or fabric; they have an accordion shape and offer excellent filtration of light. Easy to clean by using a duster or clean cloth.
Roman Shades: This type of shades are usually made of fabric, but you can find them made of seagrass or jute. They are made in sections that fold into each other when raised, creating a stack at the top when opened. The cleaning method will depend on the material they are made of, but normally they will stay clean with a regular weekly dusting.
Roller Shades: Roller shades can be found in different materials, commonly vinyl or fabric. They operate by rolling into a cylinder at the top of the window. Vinyl shades can be easily cleaned with soap and water; fabric shades can be kept clean by dusting them regularly.
Solar Shades: Solar shades are a type of roller shades, but these are meant to protect you from the UV rays and the heat of the sun, normally made with a material that blocks light and helps to cool down the room. This type of shades is popular in hot weather regions. You can clean them with a damp cloth or a duster, depending on the need.
Smart and motorized Shades: Smart blinds are operated with an app on a smartphone; you can choose these to add some AI at home, while motorized shades need a remote control to be opened and closed from a distance. These are your go-to option if you have high up windows that cannot be reached easily. The cleaning method will depend on the material they are made of.
Final Words
Depending on your taste and personal needs, use these helpful tips to choose the most suitable type of windows and window coverings to match the décor of every room in your home. Always make sure to give them the proper maintenance to keep your home looking like new for the many years to come.
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