Most of the time, window blinds tend to be left as an afterthought. However, planning your window furnishings early on can take away a lot of stress down the road.

Seeing as how they are a key aspect of your home, if you are thinking of a facelift for your space then window Ziptrak blinds are an excellent starting point.

They allow you to transform your space and create the functionality you are after, in a way that is unique to you. The same applies even if you are building from scratch.

When setting out on the journey, it can be overwhelming. Window blinds have come far over the years, and the options are endless. From colours to patterns, maintenance, design and functionality, there is definitely a lot to think about. 

And then there is the million dollar question, ‘Why do I need blinds?’

Looking for the right information to help can be like going down a rabbit hole. So, to make life easier all around, we have compiled some of the top reasons to opt for blinds. This can be especially useful if you are looking to transition from curtains for instance. You will of course want to know how blinds can serve you better. And that is what we will help you understand here.

Improve Your Energy Efficiency

Allow us to paint you a little picture. 

You come home, after a long hard day at work in the middle of one of Winter’s coldest days. You are dreaming of jumping into your pyjamas and in front of the TV as soon as possible, hot cuppa in hand and of course, Netflix. 

So you get home, and finally settle into a long, lazy night on the couch. Except there is now a new problem. Cold air is curling about, reaching your nose and your toes, and now your hands. Your cuppa is the warmest thing in the room, but it looks like that will have to wait until you can sort out the heater. So you set it aside and fiddle with the regulator, only to find out it is a fruitless attempt. And now your cuppa is cold too.

These types of scenarios are all too common. More often than not, there is one main culprit for too much heat or cold entering your home:

Glass windows.

As beautiful as they are, when the seasons change they can pose a problem. That is, if they are not dressed properly. Blinds can help address this issue, by improving your energy efficiency. Whether they are handmade Roman blinds or double-roller blinds, the right measurements, installation, fabric and fit will make a world of difference in forming a barrier between the window and your home. 

The aim is to limit the amount of air exchange internally and eternally, so temperature is consistent for longer within the space. Blinds are able to achieve this much better than curtains, as curtains simply cannot be exactly fit to a frame.

By doing this, blinds can help you reduce your bills as you do not need to turn on your air-con or heater as often. Happy days.

Straightforward Maintenance

This is music to any parent of babies or fur babies. As you know all too well, keeping things clean and tidy does not always go to plan. Curious toddlers and pets tend to get into the strangest situations, leaving a trail in their path. You will be happy to know that blinds will make your life so much easier, as they are simple to maintain. There are no specific tips to clean vertical blinds for instance, as there really is only a general rule of thumb:

For any blinds that are not made of timber, a cloth/ damp cloth would do for dusting and wiping. For timber blinds, be sure to use only dry cloth so as to not expose them to moisture. In terms of maintenance, that is really about all they need. 

If they stain, you can easily dab the spot with a solution and wipe it out. 

They are also easily fixable. If a slat / panel loosens or breaks, it can be replaced without hassle. 

Excellent Privacy and Light Control

Onto the next order of business. Privacy, and light control. 

Blinds are a winner in both these aspects, when compared to curtains. Whilst blockout curtains do offer privacy thanks to their thick fabric, blinds allow you to customise it better. For instance, double-roller blinds consist of a layer of blockout fabric, combined with either a sunscreen or light fabric. The secondary layer ensures nobody can see right through, while retaining outside views. At night, you only need to roll down the blockout.

Then let us take a look at Venetian blinds. You will recognise them by their signature slats, each of which can be adjusted accordingly. This means that during the day, you need not close it all up; you can simply angle the slats so you can achieve just the right privacy and amount of light. 

Light is a key feature in any space, and is famously used to create ambience. You can set the mood just the way you like it, with the freedom to change it up as you please. Did someone say date night?

Affordable and Easy to Install

Best of all? 

Blinds can be cost-effective. Especially if you are up for a little bit of DIY on your part. Technology has made it easier for us to find more convenient alternatives today, which means that blinds are simple enough to install even by yourself.

In fact, you now have the option of choosing custom-made, luxury blinds that are made to your unique needs, at much less than retail, off-the-shelf prices. All you need is a measuring and installation guide, tape measure, notepad and pen. 

Personally select the style, fabric, pattern and colour, as well as fit, so you can create a space that reflects your personality. You can also choose from fun kids’ prints for your little ones, making the experience all the more special.

If you’re trying your hand at DIY for the first time, you may need to remove any existing blinds. No idea how? We have listed the steps here for you so you can do it like a pro. It is all very straightforward, and we think you will be fine!

How To Take Down Roller Blinds

1. Ensure the blind is completely rolled up. If it is rolled down, it’ll make life much harder for you.

2. Next, detach any child-safety devices attached to the blinds. Trust us, you will not get very far if you do not!

3. Once this is done, look for the side with the mechanism, or the side with the cord/ chain.

4. Follow this side up towards the bracket where the barrel meets the mechanism.

5. Push this end of the barrel upwards. This will release the mechanism from the lock of the bracket.

6. With one end free, you now need to push the barrel towards the other bracket. This will allow you to release the barrel out of the bracket.

7. Once the mechanism end has been released, simply pull out the end with the pin. This should now remove the entire blind.

Overall, blinds are a great addition to your home, especially considering the options available. You have the opportunity to bring out your inner design skills and put them to the test, while creating a space you will love to live in. We encourage you to play around with ideas, you never know what will work.