Window Covering

Aluminum blinds, wood blinds, faux wood blinds, roller shades, or pleated shades?

I just bought my first home, and I have no idea how to pick out window coverings. Every other home I've ever lived in had cheap aluminum blinds, and I really dislike them, but they are cheap. The types of window coverings listed in this question are the ones I like. What are the advantages/disadvantages? Are the worth the added cost over aluminum blinds? Does the type of blind/shade you get affect your choice of curtains? Thanks

Public Comments

1. I also have a hard time as you do and also just bought my first home. I hate those cheap blinds. I bought this house from an old couple and have the ugliest baby blue curtains that look like they are 20+ years old. I have decided to go with the wood blinds....i think so far..... much easier to clean and they look nice. i don't know what faux blinds are. I have the pleated. I think the roller shades look tacky. I think the cost would be worth not sticking with the cheap blinds. Everyone seems to have them. They are cheap and a pain to clean. I was thinking either wood blinds with a valance at the top, or even a rod with the easy to pull open and close curtains with the loops that slip over the rod. Good luck
2. It really matters on your style and the look of your house. Light wood is classy with light carpet , and dark wood looks better with wood flooring. And if you don't like something don't get it , unless you are over your budget , or will go way over with this buy.
3. Hi, It is confusing with all the choice of products out there. You need to take a look at your budget and what your needs are for your window coverings in each room. Privacy and the amount of light control you want for each room. Wood, faux wood and pleated shades provide better insulation for your windows than aluminum blinds. They will cost more but save you money on heating and cooling costs. Wood blinds add the warmth of wood to a room and pleated shades add the beauty of fabric. It is a personal choice as to what you like the best. The type of covering you choose will depend on your decor and the look you are wanting to achieve. Some shades do not require curtains and stand alone on their own. I would recommend that you go to some window covering stores and talk to their consultants so you get a look and feel for each type and see what suits your needs the best. Hope this helps. .