Vertical blinds

Vertical blinds moved from office and medical institutions to ordinary residential buildings due to its practicality and aesthetic properties. With this movement, the same type of curtain of lamellae began to change for different stylistic directions in interior design. Today the variety of materials, colors, textures and configurations is so wide that choose vertical blinds in the room for any purpose with any interior is not difficult.

Vertical blinds, as the name implies, are a simple and convenient light-shielding design, consisting of longitudinal vertical plates - lamellas.

The question arises, how do verticals differ from horizontal ones, besides that they are arranged vertically, rather than horizontally? There are several major differences:

• Aesthetic qualities. If horizontal blinds are characterized by simplicity of design, durability and good opacity, which makes them functional, then the vertical ones are also decorative.

• The ability to cover a large area with one cornice. RHorizontal blinds, as a rule, consist of narrow slats and are designed for minimalistic decoration of small windows. Vertical models have different widths and easily cover the area of ​​large windows, arches and doorways.
• A variety of materials manufacturing. Unlike horizontal curtains, which are made mainly of aluminum and plastic, vertical ones exist in textile, plastic, aluminum, and wooden versions.
• A wide range of colors and textures. Vertical blinds due to the variety of materials are represented by smooth and embossed coatings of absolutely any color. Besides the fact that the lamellas have a volumetric pattern on the surface, they are variable in shape and can be both with a smooth and 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 blind floor is also possible.

• Convenience of operation. Blinds collected at 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 "bare."
• Practicality. Vertical blinds are wider than horizontal ones, they are quicker and easier to remove dust if they are made of aluminum, wood or plastic. Fabric options do not require hygienic procedures, as they are already saturated with a special compound that does not allow to accumulate dust and dirt. And when the need to disinfect the curtains still arise, fabric lamella can be washed.
• Spectacular photo printing. On vertical blinds color printing looks more organic because of the larger area and decorative properties of the fabric.

At a glance, vertical blinds look like a series of longitudinal plates of thick fabric or rigid materials attached to the eaves. They move sideways, going behind each other and forming a narrow strip that resembles a curtain. From the point of view of construction, curtains, blinds are arranged a little more complicated: the eaves with fasteners and a control mechanism plus accessories. They consist of the following elements:

1. The bearing eaves on which the curtain and decorative eaves (gruver) which plays a facade role is fixed.
2. Sliders for mounting slats.
3. The luminaire or “hangers” are devices that connect the vertical plates with the supporting eaves.
4. Weights, weighting the canvas.
5. Connecting chain running along the bottom edge of the slats.
6. Control circuit for turning the plates to different positions around the axis.
7. Control cord with a sinker - for the ability to move and push the curtains.
8. Actually the lamellae are vertical plates that form the light-protective sheet on the window.

Fittings and components: ceiling bracket, bracket for groovers, fasteners, angles, locks, monofilament, stoppers and c-clips, rings on the rod, chain locks, replacement parts. Description to the components is in each instruction. The design may vary slightly depending on the control mechanism.

Mechanical is divided into:

• Rope or ribbon. One part of the mechanism is represented by a coil “cochlea” on which the control cord is wound, and the other part is a shaft inside the box.The mechanism is activated by a slight movement of the hand and is suitable for cloths made of aluminum and fabric that do not have a large dead weight;
• Spring inertia. It works at the expense of the energy of the winding up during the installation of the spring, placed inside the shaft, which sets in motion the entire structure. Designed for blinds from heavier materials such as wood;
• Cardan and reed gear. From the outside, this system looks like a loop and a handle (grip) for rotating the web. She is responsible for the opening and closing of the blade and the rotation of the slats along the axis. Suitable for different weight designs.

Electric (electric control) has no varieties. The closing mechanism is driven by a small electric drive built into the eaves; control is performed using the remote control or pressing a button on the wall switch. The movement of the mechanism is smooth and almost silent.

Third type - it is moving the slats on the left and on the right side as usual curtains. It is recommended to use it with wide eaves of 250 cm for two reasons: for aesthetic purposes and in order to speed up the process of moving the blinds.

Fourth type not suitable for any windows, but in the case when there are two window openings up to 250 cm in width nearby. Lamellae with this type of control are shifted in the middle from both windows.

Type five designed for very wide window openings. In fact, it is a bilateral option, but the left and right canvases are not fixed on one, but on two separate cornices.

Decorative blinds are divided into:

• Arched. Vertical arched blinds is a lamella canvas that, like curtains, covers the entire space from the eaves to the floor, while having different lengths of plates, or lambrequin type covers only the upper part of the window. Possible color combination of these options. Features of the design are in the flexibility of the eaves, 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 stiffeners that keep the shape and ensure reliable operation. Decorative cornice in the design is missing.
• Inclined. This is a solution to shading windows of an unusual shape. Sloping vertical blinds are made according to individual measurements with different lengths of plates made of plastic or fabric. Fabric is more suitable for rooms in which there is no need to completely block the natural light, and plastic will be useful where complete darkness is desired.

The advantages of this type of blinds are several:

1. The ability to create a unique interior.
2. An organic combination of differently textured materials.
3. Reliability and durability of the design.
4. Convenience and practicality.
5. Easy control with chain and cord.

Arched and slanted blinds are required for installation on non-standard windows: triangular, bay, trapezoidal, in the form of a beveled quadrilateral. Most types are suitable for sliding windows:

• Cascading or multi-textured. These are canvases on which, using a combination of different textures and shades, intricate patterns, drawings, waves, arches, and optical illusions are created.There are various options: a solid canvas with a pattern on the lamellae, curly lamella-lambrequins and blinds to the floor, several layers of lamella plates. In this case, the edges of the lamellae can be straight and wavy, and the bottom edge of a smooth, rounded, pointed or beveled.

• Blackout. Blackout is not a type of construction, but a type of fabric from which washable lamellas for blinds and roller blinds are made. This is a material of two or three layers, which has the unique property of blocking sunlight and UV rays, 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, is durable. Special impregnation does not allow dirt to accumulate on the surface of the plates, such as street and room dust. Blackout curtains are performed in all types of structures 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 patterns. The drawing is applied with paint, which is distinguished by color saturation, resistance to fading and fading, environmental friendliness.Heat treatment of the fabric during the printing process makes the pattern resistant to wet cleaning and washing. The image can be absolutely anything: a company logo in the office space, a parade of planets in the children's bedroom, a rainforest in the bathroom, and any other plot that only arises in the head.

• String (Breeze, Rain). An interesting kind of window canvases, which consist of filament (rope) slats. They let the rays of diffused light and play the role of a decorative element in the interior, but at the same time dense enough to cope with the function of curtains. The main difference from thick curtains is that they do not have weighting at the bottom. "Brush" of ropes falls freely to the floor. With the help of this look, you can give the interior softness and comfort. They exist in three colors: monochromatic (classic), in bicolor with alternating colors in one row and two rows of different colors, multicolor (multi). They do well with the function of protection from light and 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 the room into zones or door floors for those who are not suitable rigid static design. The main difference from window blinds is that the narrow plates of the door leaf, which fold up like an accordion, are a single whole. There are no gaps between them, and such doors open only on one side. They are stable, compact, ergonomic and durable, but not suitable for use on windows.

Curtain rods for blinds are made of aluminum, plastic, metal and wood.

Aluminum profile the easiest and flexible therefore it is used for windows of non-standard forms. Plastic is simple and economical, and is most suitable for office and municipal premises. Metal constructions are the most heavy and reliable, but they are inferior in aesthetic qualities to other types. And, finally, the eaves of wood species exceed plastics and metals in beauty, but also at a price much higher. They are distinguished by durability, diverse appearance, and the ability to apply thread. They are made of fine wood.

The basis for the manufacture of blinds more variable. Lamellae are:

• Plastic (plastic). Products from plastic and PVC have a number of positive operational characteristics: they repel moisture, do not accumulate dust, are easily disinfected, do not fade and are pleasing to the eyes.

• Fabric Textile segments are the most decorative and close to the traditional method of curling windows. They protect the room from direct sunlight, but they let in and diffuse light, which looks natural and beautiful. Variations of colors and combinations are very diverse, as are the types of controls. Among the advantages, it is worth noting the color fastness, protective impregnation against spraying and pollution, the ability to erase without damaging the form, a pleasant price.
• Jacquard. Made from high quality polyester. Differ in rigidity, simplicity in leaving, resistant water-repellent and dirt-repellent impregnation layer, wear resistance. With different brightness and color variations have a textured surface.

• Aluminum. Lamellas of various widths are made of 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 required extremely rarely - once a month with a dry cloth, several times a year with a damp sponge. The best option for the office, a simple living room, bedroom, office.
• Tulle. When all the possible options for tulle have already been tried and you want something classic, but not trivial, tulle blinds will be an excellent solution. This is an unusual airy design of light flying fabric and plastic. At their core, they are thin monochromatic slats, which are covered with tulle covers. Visually, this creates the effect of lightness and airiness of the canvas, but at the same time they reliably protect from light, gently disperse it and decorate the room. Covers are attached to the runners with special buttons, so it will not be difficult to remove them and wash them, and the plastic is resistant to dust and dirt on its own.

• Bamboo. Bamboo lamels are oblong wide plates woven from bamboo straw.Their mesh structure is not able to completely protect the room from the bright light, so the bamboo blinds are more suitable for rooms that should be well lit. Their natural aesthetics perfectly complement the interior of the living room with a predominance of natural materials, thematic kitchen, study. Among the advantages in the first place it is worth noting the environmental friendliness of the material. Also, they are distinguished by unpretentiousness, convenience, long service life, democratic price.
• Wood. Wood canvases are a rarity. They have a much greater weight than fabric or plastic, more difficult to fit into the interior, more demanding to care, are much more expensive than any other type. They are distinguished by prestige, elegance and variety in design. Wooden lamellas of different breeds are easily subjected to fine processing, they can be smooth, threaded, interspersed with other colors, drawing patterns, combined from several types of wood.

• Mirror. 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 space and window decoration at the same time.However, they perform an additional function in the hot season - they reflect UV rays, preventing the room from heating up. "Mirror" - conditional name. In fact, the slats are not made of heavy glass, but with the use of plastic and reflective film.
• Combined. This name combines a type of blinds, the canvas of which consists of slats 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 scale, using blinds instead of tulle and curtains or decorate the window with slats and veils or fabrics.

Differences of types according to the type of attachment:

1. Ceiling. The classical execution consisting of eaves, mechanisms of management and accessories.
2. No drilling. Blinds are attached using cap brackets or adhesive materials. A practical option for plastic windows, if later the blinds are planned to be removed - there will be no traces left in the frame from the cap brackets.
3. Wall mounted. They are fixed with brackets, but not to the ceiling, but to the wall.
4. Door. Interroom blinds-accordion at the door.

Vertical blinds are very diverse in length and width.The minimum width is 35 cm, the maximum 600 cm, with a lamella width of 89 mm. There are also slats of a different width - 99, 127 mm, and larger, wider plates. The final indicator of the width of the blinds is recommended to be a multiple of 8, if they are shifted to one side, and 16 with the bilateral option. The height of the canvas is also variable: at least 40 cm, maximum - 500 cm.

In office and public areas, short options are more appropriate. which close the window only to the level of the windowsill. Experiments are allowed in the living space, especially if the windows are not high, as the vertical blinds visually stretch the space upwards. The combined variants, lambrequins and tulle, long lamels up to the floor look beautiful.

Based on the style and direction of the room, you can choose a different color palette:

• For discreet and minimalist interiors monophonic canvases of light, pastel and delicate shades will do: cream, beige, powdery, pistachio, pink, blue.
• Popular modern styles can afford a brighter palette: fuchsia, blue, red, emerald, nut, yellow, lemon.
• Liven up help of color drawings in a contrasting color on a single-color canvas, two-color combinations with different color ratios: alternation, layers, mix.
• Classic combinations: black with red, black and white, white and blue. Looks good peach with a white combination, brown shades with apricot, milk, green, lemon, blue.
• In youth and children's rooms Multi-colored options and photo printing are appropriate.
• As for the strict office interiors, they are relevant transparent tulle blinds, neutral shades, blinds with a subtle pattern or logo of the company.

Due to the peculiarities of materials that do not absorb odors, do not accumulate dust and dirt, they are easy to wash, repel moisture Blinds can be used in any purpose room and plan:

• To the kitchen compact models that do not interfere with the ventilation of the room and reduce the risk of ignition of curtains from the hob near.
• In the pantry can be installed blinds, harmonica; They will also be suitable for zoning a room or partition into the corridor.
• In the living room It is necessary to choose one of the fabric variations, and for the bathroom more plastic slats will be more practical.
• To the bedroom It is useful to install reliable protection from light in the form of blackout curtains, and on the loggia or balcony - a mirror design.
• Outside the dwelling, for example, in the office, it is better to give preference to plastic or wood.

When choosing it is important to consider:

1. Features of the functioning of the room and color range.
2. Type of mount.
3. Control mechanism.
4. Materials
5. The total weight of the structure.

The rules for operating vertical blinds are simple. The slats can be open 180 degrees, tightly closed, or fixed at any angle to gently diffuse light. Bring them to a certain position, open, close, rotate, you can use the control circuit (smoothly lower one of its sides).

Measurements for any type of fastening take place according to the same scheme: the height is measured from the ceiling / cornice / top edge of the opening to the window sill or floor minus 2 cm.The width is measured from edge to edge of the opening plus 7-10 cm so that there are no gaps on the sides. If the wall is narrow and the blinds should cover not only the window, but the entire wall, then measurements from the angle to the angle minus 2 cm on each side.

Build blinds with their own hands involves a step-by-step guide:

1. Preparation of tools: drill, hammer, level, screws, stepladder, meter, pencil.
2. Marking the location of the mount on the internal or external brackets.
3. Brackets fastening with screws or without drilling (for internal type).
4. Fastening cornice.
5. Installing the slats: pull the louvre cord so that the fixings to which the slats will be attached are positioned correctly, insert the edge of the slats into the opening of the first attachment before the nut enters the opening. Thus fix all the slats.

The operating instructions do not recommend performing complex repairs on their own, but some defects are easy to fix:

• Lamella replacement. Removing the lamella is extremely simple: holding it at the very top edge, at the attachment point to the slider, lift it 3-5 mm upwards and with a sharp movement tilt towards the high side of the slider, while lowering the hand down. Insert a new lamella in the same way as when installing the blinds.
• Replacing the chain and cord control, connecting chain and shoulder also simple.

• The most time consuming process - This is a replacement slider. It requires accuracy and work of at least two people to dismantle the entire structure, except for the cornice and brackets. Slats need to be removed, dismantle the control cord, and all the sliders. After this, the broken element is replaced, then the cord is passed through the sliders, inserted into the eaves, strung on the shaft, screwed on the control mechanism, and inserted in the lamellae.
• Lamella shortening. To reduce the length (it is possible only with fabric options), you need to remove the weighting agent from the “pocket”, cut off the excess, bend and stitch a new pocket for the weighting agent.

Features of materials do not require special care for blinds. Once a month you can carry out dry cleaning, several times a year wet. Additionally, process protective sprays from burnout, moisture and dust; if necessary, wash in the mode of careful washing, placing the lamellae in special bags for washing or gently lock it by hand.

Experts in the field of repair and design agree that vertical blinds are a beautiful, original and convenient solution for decorating windows with curtains. Owners note the convenience, aesthetics, practicality of blinds.Plastic models for offices, cozy fabric options for living rooms, which softly and beautifully diffuse light, the most deaf blackout blinds, providing a comfortable darkness for sleeping and coolness in the bedroom, are equally popular.

Designers' favorites in interior design are multi-textured canvas with a pattern and an interesting edge shape, a combination of fabric curtains with a lamella lambrequin or double blinds, models with tulle as covers, various photo blinds.

How to install vertical blinds, see the next video.