If you are a perfectionist like me, you are definitely going to be torn apart between the choices of blinds available to complete your home. The huge variety of materials and designs can cause you anxiety and confusion. But the first and foremost question you should ask yourself is whether vertical or horizontal blinds are better suited for your home. To help you answer this question, here’s a quick rundown on how they compare according to some key factors.

The Type of Window

Long and wide glass windows look sophisticated and offer a big enough gateway for the sun to completely light up the room. Many modern homes feature this kind of windows or sliding glass doors. If you want to cover them efficiently and stylishly with a window treatment, there aren’t many other options besides vertical blinds. However, if you decide to buy vertical blinds, don’t shy away from creating a unique look by putting them on some narrower windows too like the ones in bathrooms usually are. On the other hand, if you have smaller windows, go with horizontal blinds.

Energy-Efficiency and Sun Protection

For warmer and sunny months, vertical blinds work better in preventing the sun from getting in and filling up the room with unbearable heat. Horizontal blinds also try to block the sun, but don’t manage to do it completely like the vertical ones. This is simply a matter of engineering. You see, the sun shines downward and can easily pass through the cracks between horizontal blinds.

Vertical blinds are also a convenient heat saver in colder months. When you close them, the pans overlap which creates a barrier shielding the heat from the room to escape and at the same time keeping the cold air out. Because of this insulation property of vertical blinds, they are a more energy-efficient solution for a home. Moreover, with vertical blinds you can easily open up the window to let some air in while still blocking out the sun. With the horizontal alternative you can’t because they are directly attached to the window.

Range of Styles

Another important purpose of window treatments is to act as a stylish piece of décor. If that wasn’t important, plain curtains could do. Vertical blinds come in a very wide range of colours and materials making them versatile enough to fit any type of décor. If you look to buy vertical blinds, you can come across either fabric, paper, wooden, vinyl or even aluminium ones. The fabric and paper options are among the most beautiful window treatments adding an airy atmosphere to a place.

Horizontal blinds are usually made from wood or aluminium. These materials restrict them to only a small number of designs and colours available, mostly neutral ones. Aluminium horizontal blinds are usually used in small office spaces, while wooden ones in country cottages or any home that has adopted a more rustic style.

The verdict’s in and it seems like vertical blinds have the upper hand in most cases. However, before you go out and buy vertical blinds, remember that the final decision should be based on your personal tastes, needs, and of course budget.