In order to answer that question, it helps to know more about these two window blinds:

What Are Vertical Blinds?

Vertical blinds are window coverings made with slats of vinyl, wood, aluminum or fabric called “vanes” that hang vertically from a headrail. The vanes can be adjusted to control light and privacy by rotating from an open position to a closed position (which overlaps them for a tight fit).

Vertical blinds are a great choice for families with kids and pets because they are durable and easy-to-clean. They also insulate and darken rooms.

Are Vertical Blinds Best For Certain Windows?

Vertical blinds are more suited to covering larger windows, patio and sliding glass doors than horizontal blinds because they open from side to side, allowing access to the sliding door or for opening a large window.

Verticals also work well when there is little room at the sides of the window. The vanes of verticals “stack,” (or compress) tightly when opened, so they take up much less space than drapes. Pulling the cord stacks the vanes together either to one side or separates them in the center and stacks them on each end.

The Best Things About Vertical Blinds

Vertical blinds are very practical. Unlike horizontal blinds, vertical blinds are less likely to be damaged in strong winds; they catch and hold less dirt, they are easier to clean and are mechanically less likely to break down. They generally require less muscle strength and are faster to operate.

Vertical blinds also offer insulation qualities in cold climates when drawn. When closed, the vanes overlap closely, keeping out the cold in the winter (as well as the heat in the summer). If they are made of thick vinyl, wood, faux wood or heavy fabric, they not only block the loss of heat when in the closed position, but they create an insulating pocket between the window and the room.

In warmer climates, vertical blinds can keep homes cool by shading glaring sunlight. They can also discourage flies and other insects from entering the house.

You can get vertical blinds to match any décor or decorating style. They are available in a large range of materials, colors, finishes and textures – even as sheers. Their vertical shape complements many window shapes and homes and adds height to a room.

You can even get vertical blinds that can be used in bow, bay, angled, arched and Palladian windows, as well as skylights. Valances can hide the track system hardware completely.

With all these great benefits, it makes sense to go vertical!

For more on vertical blinds…Click Here.

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Today, they are not only used for functional purposes, but as key design elements in interior design. They not only must contribute to the visual design of a room, but they also reduce sunlight, deliver light control, insulation or energy efficiency, privacy, open or close views and beauty.

The major categories are covered below. (For more information about each type of blind, see Types of Window Blinds ):

Venetian blinds

Venetian blinds are characterized by horizontal slats, stacked one above another, suspended by strips of cloth called tapes or cords, which can rotate all the slats to just about any angle through nearly 180 degrees.

They can be made of metal or plastic. If made of wood, they are called wood blinds or bamboo blinds.

Mini Blinds
Basically, minis are Venetian blinds with narrow slats. Because they are narrower, there are more slats in mini blinds than Venetian.

Wood blinds
As mentioned above, wood blinds are actually Venetian blinds, but are made from solid wood. They work in the same way that Venetial blinds work – a stack of horizontal wooden slats are joined together by corded pulleys which can either pull all the slats at the top of the window or angle the slats to allowing limited light and/or privacy.

Composite blinds
Composite blinds are made from a combination of wood products and polymers. They are durable and economical, but sometimes have a “plastic” look and feel to them. The slat surface with composite is a smooth poly coating or even a solid composite material.

Faux or Vinyl
Vinyl mini blinds are actually made from PVC (poly vinyl chloride plastic). The slat’s surface can be smooth or embossed with a wood grain. When embossed with a wood grain, they are called faux wood blinds. Today there is a wide color selection as well as different textures to choose from.

Vertical Blinds
Vertical Blinds are hung vertically instead of horizontally. The slats (or vanes) are wider than venetial blinds. Instead of being pulled upwards to open the window, they pull to one side, gathering the vanes to one side.

Cellular Shades
Cellular Shades also know as Honeycomb Blinds get their name from their shape which resembles honeycombs (individual cells glued together). Cellular shades are used when energy efficiency is needed. They get their energy efficiency from the pockets of air that the cells create. They come in light filtering fabrics as well as room darkening fabrics. Read more about shades here:

Other Types
Today, you can get hardware with remote control motorization as well as solar shades that come up with the sun. Super insulated blinds and shades are available for cold climates as well as the lightest of sheers. There is a vast array of colors, fabrics, materials and functions to choose from.

Be sure to take a look at our window blinds web page that shows images and goes into more detail about the different types of window blinds and where to find them.

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