Vertical blinds are no longer associated with offices. Now they can be seen not only in public spaces, but also in cozy apartments, and they decorate the house even better than the most beautiful curtains.

Description
Vertical blinds, as the name implies, are a simple and convenient light-shielding structure consisting of longitudinal vertical plates - lamellas. Vertical blinds have moved from office and healthcare settings to ordinary residential buildings due to their practicality and aesthetic properties. With this movement, the same type of curtains made of lamellas began to change to suit different stylistic trends in interior design. Today the variety of materials, colors, textures and configurations is so wide that it will not be difficult to choose vertical blinds for a room of any purpose with any interior.

Characteristics
Main characteristics of vertical blinds:
- Features of the room and colors.
- Mount type.
- Control mechanism.
- Materials.
- Total weight of the structure.

Components
In appearance, vertical blinds look like a series of longitudinal plates of dense fabric or rigid materials, fixed to the cornice. They move sideways, going behind each other and forming a narrow strip that resembles a curtain. From the point of view of construction, the blinds are arranged a little more complicated: a cornice with fastening elements and a control mechanism, plus fittings. They consist of the following elements:
- Bearing cornice, on which the curtain is fixed and a decorative cornice (groover), which plays the role of a facade.
- Runners for attaching lamellas.
- Lamella holder or "shoulders" are devices that connect vertical plates with a bearing cornice.
- Weights that make the canvas heavier.
- A connecting chain running along the bottom edge of the lamellas.
- Control chain for turning the plates to different positions around the axis.
- A control cord with a weight - for the ability to move and open the curtains.
- The lamellas themselves are vertical plates that form a light-shielding sheet on the window.

Fittings and components: ceiling bracket, holder, spare parts, groover bracket, fasteners, corners, clamps, stoppers and c-clips, rod rings, chain locks, replacement parts.
There is a description for the accessories in each instruction, where everything is described step by step. The design may vary slightly depending on the control mechanism.
There are two main control methods: mechanical and electrical. Mechanical is divided into:
- Rope or tape. One part of the mechanism is represented by a “snail” coil, on which the control cord is wound, and the other part is a shaft inside the box. The mechanism is operated with a slight movement of the hand and is suitable for aluminum and fabric cloths that do not have a large dead weight;
- Spring-inertial. It works due to the energy of the spring wound up during installation, placed inside the shaft, which sets the entire structure in motion. Designed for louvers made of heavier materials such as wood;
- Cardan and reed reducer … From the outside, this system looks like a loop and a handle (handle) for rotating the blade. She is responsible for the opening-closing of the canvas and the rotation of the lamellas along the axis. Suitable for structures of different weights.



Electric (motorized control) has no varieties … The closing mechanism is driven by a small electric actuator built into the cornice; control is carried out using the remote control or by pressing a button on the wall switch. The movement of the mechanism is smooth and practically silent. Another key point that you need to think in advance is to choose how the blinds will move. The first and second types imply right-hand or left-hand opening, in which the entire canvas goes to one of the sides of the window. They are suitable for window openings up to 200-250 cm wide.

The third type is the sliding of the slats to both the left and right sides, like ordinary curtains. It is recommended to use it with wide curtain rods from 250 cm for two reasons: for aesthetic purposes and in order to speed up the process of sliding the blinds. The fourth type is not suitable for any windows, but in the case when two window openings up to 250 cm wide are located nearby at a short distance. With this type of control, the lamellas are shifted to the middle from both windows.

The fifth type is designed for very wide window openings. In fact, it is a two-sided version, but the left and right canvases are fixed not on one, but on two separate cornices.

Differences in the type of attachment:
- Ceiling. Classic design, consisting of cornices, controls and fittings.
- No drilling. The blinds are fixed with flip brackets or adhesive materials. A practical option for plastic windows, if later the blinds are planned to be removed - there will be no marks in the frame from the cover brackets.
- Wall mounted. They are fixed with brackets, but not to the ceiling, but to the wall.
- Door. Interior blinds-accordion on the door.




Advantages over horizontal
The question arises, how vertical blinds differ from horizontal ones, except that the lamellas are located vertically, not horizontally. There are several main differences:
- Aesthetic qualities. If horizontal blinds are distinguished by simplicity of design, strength and good opacity, which makes them functional, then vertical blinds are also decorative and you can choose various accessories for them.
- The ability to cover a large area with one cornice. Horizontal blinds, as a rule, consist of narrow slats and are intended for minimalistic decoration of small windows. Vertical models come in different widths and easily cover large windows, arches and doorways.
- Variety of materials of manufacture. Unlike horizontal curtains, which are made mainly of aluminum and plastic, vertical curtains exist in textile, plastic, aluminum, and wooden versions.
- A wide range of colors and textures. Due to the variety of materials, vertical blinds are presented with smooth and embossed coatings of absolutely any color. In addition to the fact that the lamellas have a three-dimensional pattern on the surface, they are variable in shape and can be either with a smooth or wavy edge.


- The original design of the room. Vertical curtains look cozier and more interesting due to their ability to transmit light. The option of an absolutely deaf overlap is also possible.
- Ease of use. Blinds assembled on the side of the window opening, rather than at the top, continue to be a decorative element. In the upper part of the window, they do not play a decorative role, so the window looks “naked”.
- Practicality. Vertical blinds are wider than horizontal blinds and are quicker and easier to remove dust if they are made of aluminum, wood or plastic. Fabric options do not require hygienic procedures at all, since they are already impregnated with a special composition that does not allow dust and dirt to accumulate. And when the need to clean the curtains still arises, the fabric slats can be washed.
- Effective photo printing. Color printing looks more organic on vertical blinds due to the larger area and decorative properties of the fabric.


disadvantages
The main disadvantage of vertical blinds is that they create noise when a large amount of air passes through them. Other disadvantages are noted:
- It is often difficult to install them.
- Plastic vertical slats are not used to decorate oversized windows.
- The material is quite heavy, the cornice may not support their weight. In such cases, experts recommend using lighter types of blinds or breaking down into several sections.

Views
Decorative blinds are divided into:
- Arched. Vertical arched blinds are a canvas made of slats, which, like curtains, covers the entire space from the cornice to the floor, while having different lengths of the plates, or, like a lambrequin, covers only the upper part of the window. A color combination of these options is possible. The design features are the flexibility of the cornice, the profile of which is able to take the desired shape with angles up to 55 degrees relative to the horizontal line. With its flexibility, it has special stiffening ribs that keep its shape and ensure reliable operation. There is no decorative cornice in the structure.
- Inclined … This is a solution to the problem of curtains of windows with unusual shapes. Inclined vertical blinds are made according to individual measurements with different lengths of plastic or fabric plates. Fabrics are more suitable for rooms in which there is no need to completely block out natural light, and plastic ones are useful where complete darkness is desirable.


There are several advantages of this type of blinds:
- The ability to create a unique interior.
- An organic combination of materials of different textures.
- Reliability and durability of the structure.
- Convenience and practicality.
- Easy to operate with chain and cord.

Arched and tilted blinds necessary for installation on non-standard windows: triangular, bay window, trapezoidal, in the form of a beveled quadrangle. Most types are suitable for sliding windows:
Cascading or multi-texture… These are canvases on which intricate patterns, drawings, waves, arches, optical illusions are created by combining various textures and shades. Various options are possible: a solid canvas with a pattern on lamellas, curly lambrequins and blinds on the floor, several layers of lamellas. In this case, the edges of the lamellas can be straight and wavy, and the lower edge is even, rounded, pointed or beveled

Blackout. Blackout is not a type of construction, but a type of fabric from which washable slats for blinds and roller blinds are made. It is a two or three layer material that has the unique property of blocking sunlight and UV rays. It is capable of high quality thermal insulation and sound insulation. At the same time, the fabric is distinguished by high aesthetic qualities and practicality. It does not fade, retains its shape after washing, and is durable. A special impregnation prevents dirt such as street and room dust from accumulating on the surface of the plates. Blackout curtains are available in all types of designs and with all kinds of control mechanisms

With photo printing. Due to the fact that the curtains of this type are wide and dense, they are ideal for drawing. The drawing is applied with paint that is distinguished by color saturation, resistance to fading and fading, and environmental friendliness. Heat treatment of the fabric during the printing process makes the design resistant to wet cleaning and washing. The image can be absolutely anything: a company logo in an office space, a parade of planets in a children's bedroom, a rainforest in a bathroom, and any other story that just pops into your head

"String" (Breeze, Rain). An interesting type of window cloth, which consists of thread (rope) slats. They let in the rays of diffused light and play the role of a decorative element in the interior, but at the same time they are dense enough to cope with the function of curtains. The main difference from thick curtains is that they do not have weights at the bottom. The rope "tassel" falls freely to the floor

Features:
- They give the interior softness and comfort.
- Available in three color options: plain (classic), bicolor with alternating colors in one row and two rows of different colors, multi-color (multi).
- They do an excellent job with the light protection function.
- They are used not only on windows, but also as curtains in doorways or instead of dense partitions for zoning a room.
- Harmonic. Another type of blinds as a division of a room into zones or a doorway for those who do not suit rigid static structures. The main difference from window blinds is that the narrow plates of the door leaf, which fold like an accordion, are a single whole. There are no gaps between them and such doors open only to one side. They are stable, compact, ergonomic and durable, but not suitable for use on windows.

Dimensions (edit)
Vertical blinds are very varied in length and width. The minimum width is 35 cm, maximum - 600 cm, with a lamella width 89 mm … There are also lamellas of a different width - 99, 127 mm and larger and wider plates. It is recommended to make the final indicator of the width of the blinds a multiple of 8 if they move to one side and 16 for a two-sided version. The height of the blade is also variable: minimum - 40 cm, maximum - 500 cm. In office and public spaces, short options are more appropriate, which cover the window only to the level of the window sill.
Experiments are permissible in living space, especially if the windows are low, since vertical blinds visually stretch the space up. Combined options, lambrequins and tulle, long slats to the floor look beautiful.

Color solutions
Designers suggest considering the following color schemes:
- For discreet and minimalistic interiors plain canvases of light, pastel and delicate shades are suitable: cream, beige, powdery, pistachio, pink, blue. Popular modern styles can afford a brighter palette: fuchsia, blue, red, emerald, nut, yellow, lemon.
- Color drawings will help to revive the situation. contrasting color on a plain canvas, two-color combinations with different color ratios: alternation, layers, mix. Classic combinations - black and red, black and white, blue and white.


Looks good peach with white, brown shades with apricot, milky, green, lemon, blue. In youth and children's rooms, multi-colored options and photo printing are appropriate. As for the strict office interiors, transparent tulle blinds, neutral shades, blinds with a discreet pattern or a company logo are relevant in them

Materials (edit)
Curtain rods for blinds are made of aluminum, plastic, metal and wood:
- Aluminum profile - the lightest and most flexible, therefore it is used for windows of non-standard shapes.
- Plastic simple and economical and most suitable for office and municipal premises.
- Metal constructions the most heavy and reliable, but inferior in aesthetic qualities to other types.
- And finally eaves from wood species surpass plastic and metals in beauty, but also at a significantly higher price. They are distinguished by their durability, varied appearance, and the ability to apply thread. They are made of valuable wood species. The basis for the manufacture of blinds is more variable.


Lamellas are: plastic (plastic). Plastic and PVC products have a number of positive performance characteristics:
- Moisture-repellent.
- Do not accumulate dust.
- Easy to disinfect.
- Do not fade.
- Nice to the eye.

Suitable for premises that require special conditions of sterility: medical offices, children's rooms, public places:
Fabric. The textile segments are the most decorative and are close to the traditional window shading method. They protect the room from direct sunlight, but transmit and diffuse light, which looks natural and beautiful. Variations in colors and combinations are very diverse, as are the types of controls. Among the advantages, it is worth noting color fastness, protective impregnation against dusting and pollution, the ability to wash without damaging the shape, a pleasant price




Jacquard. Made of high quality polyester. They are characterized by rigidity, ease of maintenance, durable water-repellent and dirt-repellent impregnation layer, wear resistance. With different brightness and variability of colors, they have a textured surface


Aluminum. Lamellas of various widths are made from perforated aluminum sheets. Almost any color is available. This species has a high degree of rigidity, is not afraid of damage, moisture, temperature extremes. Care and disinfection are rarely required - once a month with a dry cloth, several times a year with a damp sponge. The best option for a study, a strict living room, bedroom, office


Tulle. When all kinds of tulle options have already been tried and you want something classic, but non-trivial, tulle blinds will be an excellent solution. This is an unusual airy construction made of light flying fabric and plastic. At their core, they are thin monochromatic lamellas, on which tulle covers are worn. Visually, this creates the effect of lightness and airiness of the canvas, but at the same time they reliably protect from light, gently diffuse it and decorate the room. The covers are attached to the sliders with special buttons, so it will not be difficult to remove and wash them, and the plastic is resistant to dust and dirt by itself


Bamboo… Bamboo lamellas are oblong wide plates woven from bamboo straw. Their mesh structure is not able to completely shield the room from bright light, so bamboo blinds are more suitable for rooms that need to be well lit. Their natural aesthetics will perfectly complement the interior of the living room with a predominance of natural materials, themed kitchen, office. Among the advantages, first of all, it is worth noting the environmental friendliness of the material. They are also distinguished by their unpretentiousness, convenience, long service life, and affordable prices

Wooden. Canvases made of wood are very rare. They are much heavier than fabric or plastic, they are more difficult to fit into the interior, more demanding to care for, and are much more expensive than any other type. They are distinguished by prestige, elegance and variety in design. Wooden lamellas from different species are easily subjected to fine processing, they can be smooth, carved, interspersed with other colors, with a pattern, combined from several types of wood

- Mirrored. The reflective surface on the window is a bold and unusual solution in the design of the room. This is a powerful technique for visually increasing the space and decorating the window at the same time. At the same time, they perform an additional function in the hot season - they reflect UV rays, preventing the room from heating up. "Mirrored" is a conventional name. In fact, the lamellas are not made of heavy glass, but with the use of plastic and reflective film.
- Combined. This name also unites a variety of blinds, the canvas of which consists of lamellas of different colors and textures, and the method of decorating a window by combining blinds and other types of curtains. You can combine them in a single range, using blinds instead of tulle and curtains, or decorate the window with slats and veils or fabrics.


Popular manufacturers
Equally popular among manufacturers are plastic models for offices, cozy fabric options for living rooms that softly and beautifully scatter light, the most deaf blackout blinds that provide a comfortable darkness and coolness in the bedroom for sleeping. The most demanded companies:
Russian company "Amigo" offers blinds of various types: vertical, horizontal, "mirage", "zebra", "pleated". From vertical, you can choose the following types: fabric, breeze, plastic, aluminum and multi-texture. The company can also disassemble and repair old blinds

Company "LDstyle" independently manufactures and sells various types of blinds. It is she who is engaged in the production of photo blinds. The manufacturer offers to create them yourself, using, for example, a family photo. The company's management values its customers, so you can order the desired option even on the manufacturer's website

Proma offers vertical fabric and rope blinds. The manufacturer produces the most budgetary option for window decorations. If you need to repair old blinds, you can also contact the representative offices of this manufacturer


Operating tips
The rules for using vertical blinds are simple. The lamellas can be opened 180 degrees, tightly closed, or fixed at any angle to gently diffuse light. You can bring them to one or another position, open, close, turn using the control circuit (smoothly lower one of its sides). It is possible to move the blinds apart only when the lamellas are deployed perpendicular to the window, that is, they form a dense canvas. It is not recommended to use the chain and control cord at the same time.

Due to the peculiarities of materials that do not absorb odors, do not accumulate dust and dirt, are easy to clean and repel moisture, you can use blinds in a room of any purpose and plan.

Compact models are suitable for the kitchenthat do not interfere with the ventilation of the room and reduce the risk of curtains igniting from the hob nearby. Accordion blinds can be installed in the pantry; they are also suitable for zoning a room or a partition in a corridor.

In the living room, you should choose one of the fabric variations., and for the bathroom, plastic slats will be more practical. It will be superfluous to install reliable protection from light in the form of blackout curtains in the bedroom, and a mirror structure on the loggia or balcony. Outside the living space, for example, in the office, it is better to give preference to plastic or wood.


Examples in interior design
Office window design options are also applicable in the interior of the living room, especially if the emphasis is on bright design.

You can also choose a bright version of fabric blinds in the kitchen.

You can also replace the balcony door with vertical blinds. They can also be used instead of the door to the closet.

For zoning a room, many designers use vertical blinds.


They are even placed in the doorway.

In the next video, see an overview of the vertical blinds "Breeze".