Horizontal blinds

Horizontal blinds became popular relatively recently. Only in the 20th century did people fully appreciate all the advantages of this model of curtains. It should be noted that they differ in a number of parameters from ordinary curtains and from their vertical counterpart.

If the door is the first thing a person notices in the interior, then the window is the second. Window systems are different. Today, along with the popular PVC, you can also find Soviet wooden frames, for which it is even easier to pick up horizontal blinds than for plastic ones.

Description of horizontal blinds lead is very simple. They are a construction of thin rails, called lamellae. They are interconnected with a thin strong cord on both sides for narrow windows and on the sides and in the middle for wide ones.

Control over the position of the rails is made using a special mechanism.This mechanism can be actuated either manually, or it can be automatic, controlled using a special control panel.

The horizontal model is distinguished from the vertical analogue by a number of advantages:

• Firstly, the scope of application of horizontal curtains is quite large. Along with the traditional window models, there are mansard windows (installed on the ceiling windows), as well as interframe windows. The latter are fastened mainly on wooden windows between the frames, allowing you to open one window sash, then the other.
• Secondly, materials from which horizontal blinds can be made differ in a big variety. If the vertical ones are made mainly of fabric, then the horizontal ones are made of aluminum, plastic, wood, bamboo, and fabric.

For example, pleated blinds also belong to the type of horizontal due to their lifting mechanism, but they are most often made of woven material and differ from traditional horizontal blinds. Pleated pleats are a solid canvas of rigid fabric, perfectly protecting the room from the sun's rays.Thanks to this matter, this type of horizontal curtains can be inscribed in any room design.

The disadvantages of horizontal structures are not so many:

• The most significant of these is the difficulty of detaching the lamellae from the eaves. In addition to the fact that each model has its own mounting structure and, therefore, requires a different method of disassembly, it is also almost impossible to detach the plates yourself. It takes two: one works with the mechanism, the other holds and unhooks the slats.
• The second drawback is the impossibility of installing such blinds on certain models of window frames.. However, this inconvenience is easily fixed, one has only to order an individual model.
• The third drawback is based on feedback. Some people complain that horizontal blinds are knocking in the wind. But, again, it depends on the place and type of attachment, as well as on the material from which the structure is made.

You can list quite a few types of horizontal blinds:

• Outdoor blinds mounted outside the window. Such street models are installed mainly in private homes and serve as an alternative to shutters.
• Meet and adjustable blinds automatically implemented, for example, mansard blinds.
• Interframe shutters installed between frames. Such internal models are well protected from the sun, they are conveniently controlled using a specially designed system. In addition, she does not knock with gusts of wind.
• Lattice roller blinds have additional holes in the lamellae. They perform a rather decorative function, since they are practically unable to protect from the sun or prying eyes.
• To the decorative can be attributed and perforated blinds, lamellas of which have many holes. They create an extraordinary effect in the room due to the penetrating light.
• Roller blinds - Another type of roller shutter, which are often used as an alternative to conventional curtains. Like the sliding curtains, roller blinds are made of fabric and can be selected for both the kitchen and the bedroom or living room. Outside, as a rule, set the blinds with slats, roller are used only for interior decoration.

As mentioned earlier, the choice of material for the manufacture of horizontal blinds is very diverse:

• Metal roller blinds the most durable. They are not deformed, easy to maintain, but on a sunny day, such models easily heat up. Because of this, they are not recommended to be installed on windows facing the sunny side.
• Plastic cheaper but extremely fragile. They are easily deformed even under their own weight, but they are also easy to maintain, and the choice of various colors is amazing.
• Wood Models are very capricious and require special care. Their bamboo counterpart is less pretentious and looks just as good.
• Metal plastic blinds are supplied immediately complete with PVC windows, which makes them look very harmonious together. Usually they are white, but you can discuss this issue further. There are companies that can apply a coating of any color on such rolling shutters.
• Fabric horizontal pleated blinds and roller blinds look great in the interior of living rooms, protecting the room from the sun and curious glances.

The choice of color depends on fashion trends, the type of blinds, the overall interior design of the room and the color of the window:

• Bathrooms often blinds trim pearls, making them slightly pearlescent. So, glossy tiled surfaces perfectly echo the roller shutters of this color, allowing you to create a thoughtful interesting design.
• Peach is a beautiful shade when choosing curtains in the bedroom. Rolled fabric peach curtains will be a decent frame for the window. On a sunny day, the light passing through these curtains will create a romantic harmonious atmosphere in the room.

• White blinds are classics of the genre. Usually white is chosen for window decoration on the balcony or in the bathroom. Since this tone is rather formal, white roller shutters like to set when styling a room to the Loft style.
• Brown fits perfectly into the Scandinavian interior, especially if wooden roller shutters are selected. They look harmonious, allowing you to emphasize the general theme of ecology.

Horizontal blinds are presented in different size variations, but you can highlight general recommendations regarding the choice of size and material.

If you are planning to choose blinds with thin slats, we advise you to opt for aluminum models. They look very light and airy, visually not making the appearance of the interior heavier.

Options with lamellas 25+ mm wide are usually made of wood, bamboo or plastic. Such models look more cumbersome, but no less stylish. On the contrary, these blinds give a feeling of comfort and security.

Of course, only those who buy blinds can answer this question. Based on the properties of the material, you can answer that metal. Based on the number of colors - plastic. If you think about which ones are the most interesting, the answer is perforated. Wood - the most eco-friendly.

Thus, for a start, you need to decide which room the blinds are for:

• For kitchen It is better to choose models made of plastic, since they are easy to care for, they do not heat up, and due to their low cost, it is possible to part with them relatively painlessly from time to time.
• For the bedroom The best choice would be roller blinds or classic blinds.The choice depends on the overall style decision interior.
• For a small living room Interframe wooden shutters work well. They will add coziness to the room and at the same time will not take up much space.

Using horizontal blinds is no big deal. Depending on which model you purchased, they have either an electric drive or a mechanism on manual control.

Horizontal blinds on the manual control are opened and closed most often with the help of a rope. Before using the rope must be placed in the center. Usually to close them, you need to pull it down; in order to fix the position of the slats, the rope must be moved sideways from the center, thereby activating the lock. To open, you need to move the rope back to the center and gently release.

If any of the slats are bent, you need to disassemble the entire canvas, align the slats, and then assemble the blinds back.Please note that sometimes it is not possible to level the rail. In this case, we advise you to stock up on some additional lamellae, so that in which case you can always replace the damaged bar.

See how to repair horizontal blinds in the next video.

There are several ways to clean the blinds. The most popular today is the use of a special microfiber brush. It allows you to clean the slats simultaneously from two sides.

You can also wipe each strip separately with a soft cloth, but this option is rather long.

Washing plastic or aluminum blinds does not present any particular difficulties:

• To begin to separate the canvas from the eaves, remove all plastic parts.
• Rinse the roller shutter rinse with cool water from the shower under a small pressure. Particularly polluted areas can be rubbed slightly with a soft sponge with a non-abrasive detergent, then rinsed with water.
• Clean the blinds until completely dry naturally on a clean cloth.

When washing the blinds from the kitchen, use dishwashing detergent, it will help you to get rid of greasy deposits easily.

Wooden blinds should be cleaned only with the use of special means for cleaning wood or polish. The use of water in this case is not allowed, since the material may deform and lose shape and appearance.

For how to quickly wash horizontal blinds, see the following video.

In this case, it is better to turn to a milling machine operator who will do everything efficiently and quickly. However, you can trim horizontal shutters in width at home:

• Carefully measure the window and decide how wide the slats should be.
• Unplug the cord and separate the slats from each other.
• Carefully measure the required distance, mark the new width. From the current slat width, subtract the desired width, divide the resulting value by 2. On each side, set aside the final result. This will be the place where you need to cut.
• Now, with a good hacksaw, carefully cut off the excess part.
• Gather the blinds back and hang.

Usually, lamellae break down first, since mechanical effects, as well as negative environmental effects, can badly affect the material.

Another common problem is the breakdown of the lifting mechanism. To prevent it, it is necessary from time to time to lubricate the structure with silicone grease. Ideally, you need to purchase it immediately during the purchase of the blinds themselves.

At home, repairing damage is difficult, but possible.

If the lamella is deformed, you can try to straighten it with your hands. Care should be taken not to aggravate the situation. If it does not give in, simply replace the spoiled lamella with a new one. For example, it is difficult to straighten aluminum lamellas, but it is possible, but they will not return to their original appearance. Plastic cracks immediately, so the only way is to replace.

To fix the breakdowns in the lifting mechanism is somewhat more difficult. There is no way to give a definite scheme of action, since there are a great many constructions.

First of all, use the instructions that came with the set of blinds.Most often, the operation of the whole mechanism is described there in detail, as well as the breakdowns characteristic of this model are described.

For how to fix damage to horizontal blinds, see the video below.

Below are photos showing examples of the use of horizontal blinds in the interior:

• The interior of the living room, made in a classic style. Horizontal blinds perfectly fit into the design, complementing it and at the same time being a semantic accent. The contrasting black color on the background of white walls looks very strict and at the same time modern.

• Living room, furnished in the style of Loft. Horizontal roller blinds are an excellent solution (and, perhaps, the only one) for the decoration of panoramic windows. The bright color refreshes the room, while at the same time letting in a bit of sunshine. Refracted, it becomes bluish and the room plays in new shades.

• This image shows not only an example of horizontal blinds in the kitchen spacebut their functionality.Apparently, they serve not only for a frame of windows, but also an entrance door. Red color stimulates the appetite, while decorating the room. Against the background of white walls, the creation of such a bright accent is simply necessary.

• Pleated blinds look very unusual in the interior. Such a colorful bedroom will not leave anyone indifferent. In this case, the curtains not only protect from sunlight, but also serve to zoning the space, separating the sleeping area from another part of the room.

• In the interior of this bedroom, the designer used white classic plastic roller blinds, highlighting the overall atmosphere of lightness. The room is made in a modern style, in which horizontal blinds fit perfectly well.

• Living room, made in the traditional colonial style and complemented by elegant wooden rolling shutters It looks cozy and elegant due to soft lighting. Such an idea of ​​window design looks very natural in this design, harmoniously complementing it and not drawing attention to itself.

• Arbor - another room that can be decorated with horizontal blinds.Such a place, complemented by a wooden roller shutter model, is excellent for rest and meditation, reading and intimate conversations.