A Comprehensive Guide to Vertical Blinds & Shades

Every home is unique. And because of that, no two homes will have the same window treatment needs.

The variety and style of window treatments that are right for your home comes down to the shape and size of your windows, the position of the sun in the sky at different times of day, and your style. For these reasons, choosing the perfect window treatments for your home is no easy feat and many homeowners struggle to find an ideal blend of style and function.

One option that has been gaining popularity over the past few years is vertical blinds and shades. These window treatments have vertical slats that stretch from the top of your window to the bottom and can fit many different types of window frames and home aesthetics.

In this post, we will go over everything you ever wanted to know about vertical blinds and shades to help you decide if these window coverings are the right fit for your home.

What are Vertical Blinds and Shades?

Vertical blinds and shades are window coverings that feature horizontal slats or vanes that run along a vertical track. They are a popular window treatment choice for larger windows, glass doors, and patio doors, as they offer excellent light control and privacy.

They come in a wide range of materials, including faux wood, cellular shades, solar shades, and sheer fabrics. These blinds are a modern alternative to traditional horizontal blinds and are suitable for a variety of window shapes and sizes. They are easy to clean with a damp cloth and are a perfect window treatment for humid climates and areas where direct sunlight can be an issue.

Let's look at a few of the top vertical blind options from Hunter Douglas® below.

Luminette® Sheer Panels

Luminette® Sheer Panels are a modern alternative to traditional vertical blinds that offer numerous advantages for homeowners. These panels are known for their ability to diffuse natural light while providing privacy, making them perfect for any window size or shape. Luminette® Sheer Panels are made from soft, sheer fabrics that allow sunlight to enter the room while blocking harmful UV rays.

The panels can be easily controlled to regulate the amount of light entering the room and maintain privacy. These panels are a perfect choice for people who want to enjoy the natural light but still keep their rooms private.

The Luminette® Sheer Panels come in an array of colors and fabrics, so homeowners can choose the perfect window treatment to suit their style. These panels are also easy to clean with a damp cloth, making them an excellent choice for humid climates.

Skyline® Panel-Track Blinds

Skyline® Panel-Track Blinds offer a modern and stylish alternative to traditional window treatments. With an array of color options, these blinds are sure to match any décor.

Ideal for larger windows, French doors, and patio doors, Skyline® provides excellent light control and privacy. The panel-track design allows for easy operation and smooth gliding. The Skyline® Panel-Track Blinds also provide a layer of insulation that enhances energy efficiency.

These blinds are available in both light filtering and blackout options, ensuring complete control over light blockage. Maintenance is easy as well; a simple damp cloth will clean the blinds effectively.

Cadence® Vertical Blinds

Cadence® Vertical Blinds offer a beautiful and practical window treatment solution for those seeking style and privacy. With its unique curved vane design, Cadence® Vertical Blinds provide a modern alternative to traditional vertical blinds and shades.

One of the unique selling points of Cadence® Vertical Blinds is their ability to soften outside noises and amplify the sound quality of your music or television. This feature is due to their dual-panel construction which traps air and provides a layer of insulation for excellent energy efficiency.

Unlike other vertical blinds, Cadence® Vertical Blinds come with a wide range of panel sizes for a customizable fit for larger windows. They also come in an array of colors and materials including sheer fabric, faux wood, and real wood, providing homeowners with a vast selection to choose from.

Somner® Vertical Blinds

Somner® Vertical Blinds are a popular and versatile window treatment option for homeowners. These blinds are available in a wide range of colors, textures, and materials, which allows for customization to fit any home décor. The variety of colors and materials also makes it possible to complement any type of window trim or frame.

One of the primary features of Somner® Vertical Blinds is their advanced light control capabilities. These blinds can effectively filter out direct sunlight while still allowing natural light to pass through, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere in your home. They also offer superior privacy options, ensuring that prying eyes are not peering into your living space.

Somner® Vertical Blinds are also easy to clean and maintain, which makes them a great option for busy households. Simply wipe them down with a damp cloth to keep them looking like new.

Vertical Solutions® Vertical Blinds

Vertical Solutions® Vertical Blinds offer a wide range of benefits that make them a great choice for any home. These blinds offer superior light control options, from complete darkness to gentle light filtering, giving you the perfect ambiance for your space.

One of the biggest advantages of these blinds is their ability to be customized to fit any window size. This means that they can be used for both smaller and larger windows, as well as for glass doors. This versatility makes them a great option for any room in your home.

In addition, Vertical Solutions® Vertical Blinds are designed to withstand the wear and tear of everyday use. They are easy to clean and maintain, which makes them a great option for busy households.

Where are Vertical Blinds and Shades best used in my home?

Vertical blinds and shades are a popular choice for many homeowners due to their versatility and practicality. They can be used in a variety of spaces throughout your home, from living rooms and bedrooms to kitchens and offices. They often fit best with tall windows or wide windows, such as patio doors.

Here are some of the best places to use vertical blinds and shades in your home:

1. Living room: Vertical blinds can help control the amount of natural light that enters your living room, allowing you to adjust the atmosphere as desired. They also provide enhanced privacy, which is important if your living room is located on the ground floor or has windows facing a street or a neighbor’s house.
   
   
2. Bedroom: For many people, a good night’s sleep is crucial to their overall well-being. Vertical blinds can help block out unwanted light and create a more relaxing and comfortable sleeping environment. They can also provide increased privacy, essential for those who value their private space.
   
   
3. Kitchen: Kitchens are often areas of the home where light and temperature control are crucial. Vertical blinds can be a practical and stylish choice for your kitchen windows, as they can be easily adjusted to block direct sunlight without sacrificing natural light. They can also be very effective in reducing the heat and glare that can come in through kitchen windows.
   
   
4. Office: Vertical blinds can be very practical for home offices, as they can help reduce glare on computer screens and enhance concentration. They can also provide increased privacy, important for those who work from home and want to keep sensitive information secure.

Materials and Design Options for Vertical Blinds and Shades

When it comes to choosing window treatments, vertical shades are a popular option due to their versatility and ease of use. They are perfect for larger windows, and glass doors, and offer excellent insulation which can help to reduce energy costs. And they can even be connected to remote controls for improved adaptability.

How do you choose the right window coverings for energy efficiency? Learn more here!

Below we will look at some common materials and design options to choose from for your vertical blinds or shades.

Materials:

1. Faux Wood - Faux wood blinds resemble real wood, but they are a more affordable and durable option. They are an excellent choice for kitchens and bathrooms as they can withstand humid climates.

Learn more about faux wood blinds in this blog post!

2. Cellular Shades - Cellular shades come in various cell sizes, and they offer an additional layer of insulation, making them perfect for areas of the home that require extra temperature control.

3. Solar Shades - Solar shades are designed to block UV rays while still allowing natural light to enter the room. They are perfect for rooms with direct sunlight and can help to reduce energy costs by blocking out heat.

4. Sheer Fabric - Sheer fabric is lightweight and can help to filter light while still providing privacy.

Design Options:

1. Slat Sizes - Vertical blinds are available in various slat sizes, allowing you to choose the amount of light you want in the room. Smaller slats allow more light, while larger slats block light.

2. Panel Tracks - Panel tracks are perfect for larger windows, sliding glass doors, or as a room divider. They function similarly to vertical blinds and operate on a track.

3. Blackout Shades - Blackout shades are ideal for bedrooms, media rooms, or any room where you want complete darkness. They block out all light and offer maximum privacy.

4. Colors and Patterns - Vertical blinds are available in an array of colors and patterns, allowing you to choose a design that complements your decor and adds a pop of style to your home.

Choosing the right material and design options for your vertical blinds and shades boils down to your preferences, specific needs, and the overall style of your home. With so many options available, it's best to take your time and explore your choices, allowing you to make an informed decision and achieve the perfect window treatments for your home.

Get Vertical Blinds and Shades from Blinds Plus

Finding the perfect vertical blinds or shades to fit your home's window frames is not an easy choice. You need to find blinds that fit your needs and style, so you never have to compromise on comfort or appeal. 

If you are searching for the widest selection of vertical blinds and shades all in a convenient showroom, then Blinds Plus and More is here for you!

Blinds Plus has five convenient showrooms located in Cincinnati, Mason, Centerville, Eastgate, and Florence. 

Stop by your closest Blinds Plus showroom today to find the perfect vertical blinds or shades for you! Follow Blinds Plus on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram! Happy with the Blinds Plus and More difference? Leave us a five-star review here!