What is better blinds or roller blinds: comparison and choice

Blinds and roller blinds are an alternative to traditional fabric curtains on windows. However, each of these stylish interior accessories has advantages and disadvantages. Our experts have analyzed the properties and features of each type, which will help you make a choice that meets your tastes and preferences.

First of all, you need to know that both blinds and roller blinds are divided into several varieties. Blinds — on horizontal and vertical, and roller blinds — on: solid, such as «zebra», «Roman» and «pleated».

Therefore, we immediately give a table in which we indicate the pros and cons for each type.

Vertical blinds

They are a structure of vertical strips — lamellas suspended on a horizontal bar and connected from below by chains. Vertical blinds can be installed in different positions relative to the window: in the opening, on the wall above the opening, on the ceiling, including hanging. The slats are made from different materials: fabric, impregnated and dyed in a special way; plastic; aluminum; perforated thin metal; from thin strips of fabric — filament, in design — curly, with photo printing, in the form of an arch, multi-impressive, etc. Vertical blinds can be operated both manually and by means of a mechanism with a remote control.

Horizontal blinds

A structure made up of horizontal slats — lamellas, connected on both sides with cords, with the help of which the blinds are assembled. In wide blinds, the cord can also be passed in the middle. Lamellas can be made of thin aluminum, plastic, wood, such as bamboo. Horizontal blinds can be installed in different versions: directly on the window frame from the inside, outside the window, between the frames. You can install horizontal blinds in the desired position either manually or using a remote-controlled mechanism.

Roller blinds solid

Solid roller blinds are a kind of window curtains in the form of a woven fabric, wound when assembled on the shaft of the control mechanism, on which it is suspended. In most cases, such curtains are installed on the wall above the window opening or on the ceiling, but there are options when you can mount them directly on the window frame or in the window opening. Positioning can also be done manually or with a motorized mechanism and remote control. Manufacturers offer roller blinds in a huge range of types of fabrics, colors and shades, light transmission, positioning and control types.

One of the features of roller blinds is their versatility. That is, they can be installed in rooms of any functional purpose — living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, etc. If necessary in accordance with interior design solutions, they are easily combined with traditional curtains and drapes.

Zebra curtains

Roller curtains of the «zebra» type differ from solid curtains in that their canvas consists of alternating strips — opaque and transparent. At the same time, fabrics can also differ in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Installation methods and control mechanisms are similar to those of solid roller blinds.

Roman curtains

Roman curtains differ from ordinary solid curtains in that they form even folds when raised, resembling a pelmet. If they are fully expanded, they also do not form a flat surface and consist of a series of small folds following one after another. The design of the rolling mechanism is similar to conventional solid curtains, the control is carried out manually or using an electronic device.

Pleated curtains

Curtains of the «pleated» type in appearance resemble horizontal blinds, but differ from them in that they are made of solid fabric, which is assembled in the form of an «accordion». They can be installed on the window frame or on the wall above the window opening, controlled manually or by means of an electrically driven mechanism.