The market for blinds have expanded past those traditional aluminum mini blinds the bend, break, and warp. Many homeowners are electing to install a 2 inch blind made of either wood or vinyl to add a more sophisticated touch to a room. Much cheaper than wooden shutters and able to allow in more light, these blinds combine function and design to produce a look that is sure to suit everyone’s needs. In years past, the purchase of these two inch blinds would literally break the bank, but fortunately, there are a great many options available for those on all sizes of budgets.
There are pros and cons for choosing either wood or vinyl. The main difference in the material of the blinds is the color and the price. Typically, wooden two inch blinds are a great deal more expensive than vinyl blinds, but are available in more colors. If you have stained wood trim and molding around your windows, consider continuing that color to your window treatments. A rich dark wooden blind or a refreshing honey hue wooden blind can make all the difference in the world when it comes to the look of your home. For a price, you can create a fantastic look that makes the difference between a ho-hum room and a spectacular room.
Keep in mind that wooden blinds tend to be lighter than the vinyl variety, so they may be the best choice for double or even triple windows to prevent bowing in the middle of the blind. Also, wood blinds—just like vinyl—can be custom cut to fit the exact specifications of your window. Vinyl blinds; however, are a great deal less expensive and easily be mistaken for the wooden variety. Especially if you choose a bright white or soft ivory for your shades, vinyl shades are probably your best bet if you are on a budget. Additionally, vinyl blinds tend to be easier to clean, since water can warp wood or cause the finish to bubble or crack.
If you are in the market for wood of vinyl blinds, consider visiting your local home supply warehouse. Quite often, the selection at these stores is surprising and the cost may be a great deal less than those purchased from special blind stores. Another alternative are catalogs and websites that sell blinds direct. Wholesale options are excellent for keeping your price at a minimum, but you must do the measuring and installation once the blinds have been shipped to your home. If budget is not a problem, then look to a special window treatment shop in your area, where professionals will come to your home and will complete the measuring process and the installation.