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Pros and Cons of Aluminum Blinds

Pros and Cons of Aluminum Blinds

Aluminum blinds are some of the most cost-effective window treatments on the market – a definite plus if you need to cover your windows on a budget.  However, their affordable price is not their only advantage.

Aluminum blinds have come a long way in the past few years.  While basic metal blinds are still on the market, new and upgraded versions are making them more fashionable than ever.

Cordless aluminum blind

Photo courtesy Hunter Douglas

These window coverings are available in several different vane sizes including 1/2″, 1″ and 2″ sizes.  While the “mini-blind” size (1/2″) was popular years ago, most folks prefer the larger vane sizes today. This is largely due to the fact that larger vane sizes equal a better view through the blind.  The larger vanes create a larger space between the vanes then they are tilted open, increasing the light and the view through the blind.

A fairly new innovation from Hunter Douglas increases the view-through of some of their aluminum blinds.  Their Reveal product with MagnaView comes in a 1″ or 2″ vane size; when you tilt the vanes open, they magically (or, so it seems) nest together, revealing a double-wide space between the vanes!  This feature helps to maximize light and view through the product.  In the detail photo below, every other vane jumps to meet the vane above it, making the view through these 1″ blinds closer to 2″ wide.

Hunter Douglas Reveal blind

Reveal Blinds with Nesting Vanes by Hunter Douglas

The array of colors available in aluminum blinds is one of their primary assets (aside from their affordability).  They are available in hundreds of colors, from basic white to metallic bronze, allowing you to find one for every decor.  Upgraded options such as the addition of decorative tapes make them fashionable as well as affordable.

Aluminum blinds can be very durable, especially if you purchase blinds of good quality.  In addition, they are resistant to moisture, making them a good choice for areas such as kitchens and bathrooms.  Some manufacturers also make their aluminum slats from up to 95% recycled metal, which is a great use of resources.

Despite their price and trendy upgrades, aluminum blinds do have their drawbacks.  Because they are metal, they can be noisy at the window.  They also offer nothing in the way of “softening” a window the way a fabric shade can.  And, while their “stack” is fairly small (since the vanes are so thin), you do still need to take it into consideration.  While Hunter Douglas treats their blinds to repel dust, not every brand does the same; they do tend to collect dust over time, which is most noticeable on the darker colored vanes.

Reveal blinds

Photo courtesy Hunter Douglas

When shopping for aluminum blinds, look at the gauge of the vanes.  The smaller the gauge number, the thicker the metal.  Thicker vanes tend to resist creasing and bending more than thinner vanes do, allowing them to stand up to more abuse.  Pay attention, also, to the lifting and tilting options available; you often have the option of either a wand or a cord for tilting the vanes.  Either can work well, and it comes down to which option you prefer.  You will also find cordless lifting options, which are safer for pets and children, as well as looking simple and clean at the window.

Aluminum blinds, although they have been around for ages, continue to evolve.  They are appropriate for both traditional and modern spaces, they are affordable and (believe it or not) they can be fashionable.  Take a look at them during your next home decor shopping trip; you may be surprised at what you find.

 

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