There may be an obvious aesthetic difference between vertical and horizontal blinds, but there is also the question of whether one option is more practical than the other.
In some situations the choice is obvious. For instance, horizontal blinds for sliding glass doors would be the right choice. Let’s see what vertical and horizontal blinds have to offer and what sorts of practical differences need to be taken into consideration when you are deciding which way to go.
Spot the difference
There are some obvious differences between horizontal and vertical blinds. There are also some similarities that they share. Knowing what these disparities are will help you to decide what type of window treatment would work for you.
First of all, there are some aspects of vertical and horizontal blinds that are both the same
Both types of blinds offer a good level of light protection. It doesn’t really matter whether you choose horizontal or vertical blinds as both are effective in keeping sunlight out.
You can also get both types of blinds made in a similar material. Whether you want PVC, or maybe faux wood, you should be able to get the material finish you want regardless of whether you choose vertical or horizontal blinds.
Why choose vertical blinds?
If you are looking for a suitable covering for your sliding doors or have some particularly wide windows you would normally select vertical blinds.
Although horizontal blinds could, in theory, be made to fit, they really won’t look right and simply won’t be anywhere near as practical as vertical blinds to open and close.
It is also nice and easy to clean vertical blinds. They tend to avoid collecting dust and stay cleaner than their horizontal counterparts.
You should also find that vertical blinds are more effective at blocking out light. The reason for this is due to the larger slats used in their construction.
Why choose horizontal blinds?
It can often be the case that you might enjoy a bit more privacy with horizontal blinds. Vertical blinds have a tendency to move from side to side a bit more. This can leave some subtle gaps in coverage. Horizontal blinds are more adept at staying put and providing the privacy you want.
If you have some windows that are particularly tall or noticeably narrow, you should choose horizontal blinds. They offer the right design and construction to provide a practical solution to these challenging window dimensions whilst looking aesthetically pleasing at the same time.
Another obvious advantage of a horizontal blind over a vertical one is that they don’t touch the floor. This means they are less likely to attract dirt or dust.
You should also find that horizontal blinds are more robust and should last longer than vertical blinds. This is due to vertical blinds using a track and having more moving parts, which require more maintenance and replacement.
As you can see, vertical and horizontal blinds both offer a solution to your window covering requirements. Which one will be the right choice for your needs?