Which blind should you choose? Roman, venetian, vertical or roller?

In some spaces, curtains aren’t the best option, particularly in areas that need a more compact or functional window dressing. In these cases, blinds are a practical, attractive alternative. But with so many styles available, how do you decide which type is right for your space?

 

Roller blinds: simple, smart and budget friendly

If you’re looking for an economical, straightforward window shading solution, a roller blind could well be the answer. With a wide choice of plain and patterned fabrics, it’s easy to find something that will complement your interior scheme, with either plain or patterned fabrics. For bedrooms, choosing a fully blackout option can help to make a very peaceful sleeping environment.

Roller blinds are especially popular in kitchens and bathrooms. They’re easy to operate, wipe-clean, and work well in moist environments. However, if you want to gently filter light or maintain some outward visibility, a vertical or venetian blind might be a better fit.

 

Venetian blinds: flexible light control with a sleek finish

Venetian blinds feature horizontal slats controlled by a tilt wand, giving you flexible control over light levels and privacy. You can angle the slats to let in natural light while preventing a full view inside or close them entirely for complete privacy. When needed, the slats can be fully raised with a cord mechanism.

Available in a wide range of colours and finishes, venetian blinds can either blend into your décor or add a standout design feature. One thing to keep in mind is that horizontal slats can gather dust more easily than other styles, so they may require more maintenance in some environments.

 

Vertical blinds: a reliable solution for privacy and light control

Vertical blinds are also often chosen for the privacy they can provide. Using the tilt control, the blind can be adjusted to diffuse glare and obscure visibility, while still allowing natural light into the space. Using a dimout or screen fabric for the louvres (the strips of fabric that hang vertically), is an effective way of achieving the balance between privacy and light. These blinds are often installed in healthcare settings and offices. One of their advantages is that their vertical alignment minimises dust accumulation. They can also be fully drawn back to allow maximum daylight when privacy is not required.

We usually recommend that vertical blinds are installed with enclosed weights at the bottom of each louvre, and without a linking chain at the base. In our experience, we find that this configuration both reduces the risk of damage, as linking chains are often the first component to break, and improves safety in sites such as schools and care homes, where floor length vertical blinds with a chain can cause a trip hazard.

 

Roman blinds: a sophisticated choice for calmer environments

Roman blinds offer a more luxurious and decorative choice than roller, venetian or vertical blinds. Made from fabric, they bring a soft, warm, sophisticated feel to a room, meaning that they are well suited to relaxation and living spaces. When blackout lined, they are also ideal for bedrooms.

Generally, we recommend only installing Roman blinds in a calm environment. Some contract environments are fast paced and staff are under intense pressure. In these situations, it is possible for the blind’s lift and lower mechanism to become damaged under hasty or heavy-handed use.

Another drawback of roman blinds is that they lack the subtlety of venetian and vertical blinds when it comes to light filtering. A roman blind can be lowered, lifted, or positioned precisely at a height in between, but will not offer a gentle obscuring of either light or view.

 

Safety considerations

Whatever blind type you choose, if it will be installed in a public building – be that care home, hotel, medical establishment, student accommodation, Airbnb, – it must comply with British Standard BS 5867 for fire retardancy of curtains, drapes and window blinds.

In addition, all blinds must meet child safety regulations. Where looped cords are used, they must be secured using a P-clip or similar device, to keep the chain fixed to the adjacent wall or frame. The bottom of the chain must be no lower than 150cm from the floor. If this is not feasible due to window height or the fitting height of the blind, a breakaway chain should be used, with the bottom of the loop positioned no less than 60cm from the floor.

 

Need expert advice on choosing blinds?

If you’re looking for advice on how to choose blinds or other window coverings for your site, getting advice from a specialist is a great start.

At Bridge, we understand the level of decision making when handing a premises refurbishment is extensive and can become tiring. Our team of experts can help you see the light, support you in choosing which blinds are best suited to your windows, and provide you with a fully compliant recommendation. Get in touch today.