Choosing between different types of blinds can be an extensive process, but were here to help simplify it.

“SpacejoySenior Designer Micaela Farley finds wood blinds to be best for midcentury orboho-stylespaces.

Wood blinds' slatted design also offers benefits.

blinds in bathroom

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“They are excellent at creating privacy and controlling light throughout the day,” Barash adds.

With the rise of technology, wood blinds also come with motorization options.”

The width of the slats may be thin or wide, depending on the style you choose.

wood blinds

Ashley Montgomery Design

However, wood Venetian blinds are often more expensive than aluminum.

And don’t worry about this style appearing too dated.

They look good on narrow windows because the slats are in proportion to the smaller opening.

Window blinds in a kitchen

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Aluminum is affordable and insulates a room by controlling the way heat enters the space.

Light-colored aluminum blinds reflect sunlight away from the windows when closed and reflect sunlight into a room when open.

They are also very durable because they are not porous and typically have a protective coating on each slat.

Window with vertical blinds

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“They filter light and keep inside temperature down,” Conner shares.

She recommends using solar shades on windows orFrench doorsin the kitchen.

“Manufactured materials are heat, water, and mold resistant,” Conner notes.

White wood blinds on a bay window in a kitchen

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“Magnets keep them securely attached to the doors.”

Solar shades prevent deteriorating sunlight from fading your upholstery, carpet, hardwood floors, and artwork.

The typical size of one panel is 24 inches wide but it is often customized.

Top down bottom up blinds in a bathroom

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The panels are made from wood, solar sunshade material, or other fabrics.

This jot down of blind is not appropriate for small windows or doors.

DesignerMary Beth Christopherenjoys using these in many of her projects.

Window blinds

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“They are delicate and airy, and work well with abeach house look,” she states.

The tilt on motorized blinds can also be programmed.

These are a favorite of designerLauren DeBello.

Roller blinds on doors

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“These window treatments can be expensive, but they are the most luxurious aesthetically.”

DeBello recently usedRoman shadeswhen seeking to recreate a luxury hotel feeling in a client’s bedroom.

Cellular shades come in light-filtering, room-darkening, and even motorized styles.

Sliding doors with window panels

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This budget-friendly option is available in a wide variety of colors and materials, designerTracy Morrissays.

“The shade can either allow light through or block it completely.”

That said, roller shades aren’t usually ornate.

woven shades

Desiree Burns

“The main issue with this shade is that it can be pretty plain,” Morris notes.

But it all depends on the color and pattern you choose.

DesignerGray Walkerstates, I like to use matchstick blinds with standing panels if a client wants complete privacy."

female hand holds a remote control to open the window blinds

Iryna Boiko / Getty Images

The fabric or vinyl also insulates a room by blocking drafts.

Blinds and shadesshould be both decorative and functional so how do you get it right whenchoosing window treatments?

It depends on your needs.

roman shades

Amy Leferink atInterior Impressions

If you don’t need privacy but want a purely decorative option, a valance is your best bet.

Side view of honeycomb shades

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Rolled up window shades

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matchstick blinds

Gray Walker

blackout window shades

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Valance over a kitchen window

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