What are Vertical Blinds? - an in Depth Review From Made to Measure Blinds UK

Vertical blinds are manufactured in a variety of colours, patterns, and washable fabrics for use in Kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, patio doors or French windows. The blind louvers hang freely from their track mechanism and hence they can be manufactured using fabrics, screens or rigid PVC. Traditional louvers are interconnected by a clip and chain which in turn is connected to the keyhole punch in the vane. Modern vertical blinds have dispensed with these interconnections.

Since the louvers of vertical blinds hang loosely from the track mechanism, they sway and bang against each other and could cause undesirable noise especially in the case of PVC louvers. Fabric louvers are less noisome and would be an excellent choice for bedrooms and boardrooms where noise can be distracting. Additionally, fabric blinds come in a variety of shades and patterns that can be used creatively to enhance the beauty of the room and match with the general décor. If high quality fabrics are used, the longevity of the blind, the translucency factors and ease of cleaning will be ensured. The way the louver hangs will also be straighter and more graceful.

The louvers of the vertical blind fabric are manufactured by weaving or by stitch bonding. Stitch bonding is a process in which the fibres are compressed and stitched through. The stitch itself is decoratively linear, running the length of the fabric and creates a pattern on the louver. This type of louver is generally favoured by those who do not wish to use liners with their louvers.

These are also cheaper than woven fabric vertical blinds. Woven fabric louvers are manufactured using high end, fast weaving equipment. The initial threads are pressed down while the next thread is inserted with speed and accuracy. This makes for durable fabric that can be decoratively and creatively enhanced in a variety of styles and patterns. These louvers also last much longer and retain their newness for longer periods of time.

Vertical blinds today are made form fabric, vinyl and aluminium. Several other types of fabrics are being used for their flame retardant, light reflective, glare reductive and dim out properties. Anti static finish is used on the fabrics to prevent the fabrics from gathering or attracting dust. A few fabrics are specifically selected as they are water resistant and heat reflective.

The greatest advantage that is derived from vertical blinds is that they do not gather dust. The vertical slat does not allow dust to settle on them. Moreover, they are extremely easy to clean. A light duster will help keep the blinds dust free. Use of dust or enzyme spray on the vertical louvers is also recommended if the louvers have become very dirty. They can also be taken down easily for extensive cleaning. The blinds can also be soaked, scrubbed and rinsed to remove stains using soap and water. Household solutions can also be used to clean the blinds.

Vertical blinds can be mounted inside or outside the window frame. They can be used on awkward windows that are sloped or split. Curved head rails are available for use on bay or bow windows.

The vertical blind louvers can be drawn to the left or right or gathered into the centre of the window to get a clear view of the outside. These options are known as split, stack or draw.

Split option allows the vertical blind to be opened in the centre like a drape with a part of the vertical moving to the right and the other part to the left. The stack option moves the vertical blind to right or left side of the window. The cord controls will have to be selected in accordance with the direction of movement of the vertical blind.

Vertical blinds are available in different price ranges. The style, design, fabric used and the accessories will be determining factors. The accessories can include decorative head rails that are stand alone and do not require to be covered up with matching fabrics. Standard vertical blind sizes are less expensive than the ones that are custom made.