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What Do You Need to Know Before Buying Vertical Blinds?

If you're looking for a modern-style shade for wide windows or patio doors, vertical blinds are a good solution.

Vertical blinds are shades in which the slats, or vanes, run up-and-down instead of left-to-right, like they do in Venetian blinds. This makes them a natural choice for sliding doors or for rooms with a wide window expanse that's difficult to cover with other window treatments. They are also good solution for hard-to-fit bay windows.

Made of fabric, vinyl, aluminum or wood, the vanes come in a variety of widths, from 3-1/2 inches (the most common) to more than 300 inches. Choose the width based on window size – the bigger the window, the wider the width. They can be cut to specific heights and also come in a variety of shapes, from flat to S-curved.

Instead of tracking up and down, like traditional horizontal blinds, they run back and forth, like curtains. Vertical blinds typically hang from a track with a valance covering the tracking mechanism. The movement of the blinds can be controlled by wireless remote, wands or cords.

Vertical blinds are as easy to install as Venetian blinds and can be mounted inside or outside the window frame. The first vertical blinds were not joined at the bottom, and would swing or part in unwanted ways. Over time, designers managed by this problem by stringing them together via a chain or a cord through the bottom of the slats.

Pairing Blinds With Your Decor

Vertical blinds' modern look suits contemporary, modern and transitional spaces. Their vertical structure can add visual height to a room, and it also means you can have the light and privacy control of blinds on hard-to-fit windows and sliding glass doors. For rooms that feel dark, replacing draperies with vertical blinds lets in more light without sacrificing privacy. Bonus: A sunny room feels larger and more open.

Because they hang vertically, vertical blinds collect less dust, making them easier to maintain. But when they do need to be cleaned, start by closing the blinds so you can see each slat.

Dust them with a damp cloth and a little soap or vinegar, or use your vacuum's hose with a brush attachment to remove dust. Be sure to vacuum the track since accumulations of dust can cause it to work less efficiently. When you've done one side, turn the blinds to the other side and repeat the process.

Repairing Vertical Blinds

You can save time and money by repairing your vertical blinds, but repairing them is more difficult than repairing Venetian blinds because of the sophisticated track and swiveling mechanisms. Parts for vertical blinds can include:

· Tilt mechanisms

· Wands and wand tips

· Vanes and vane parts

· Fasteners and more

Sites like fixmyblinds.com not only allow you to identify your vertical blind, but also to source parts and repair instructions.