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The Spruce / Lecia Landis
Gone are the days when blinds were utilitarian, stark-looking window coverings lacking any personality. Today’s blinds come in a wide variety of materials and colors designed to suit any decor. Cindy Tadie, residential designer at Kathy Adams Furniture & Design in Dallas, Texas notes that, “Blinds are not only functional and economical, [but] they are [also] a clean and visually appealing way to add privacy to a room without being overbearing or gaudy.”
We spent hours researching top blind models and designs that utilize the latest technology to control light, add decorative appeal, and maximize privacy in your home. Our top product picks offer a clear view of the outdoors when you want, as well as complete privacy when you need it. We’ve rounded up a selection of well-priced options, too, available in a wide variety of tasteful colors and plenty of custom-fit sizing options to suit practically any space.
Best Overall
Veneta Designer 2 1/2 Inch Faux Wood Blinds
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Home Depot
SmartPrivacy slats eliminate gaps
Highly customizable sizes and color choices
Contoured, durable bottom rail won’t bow
Colorfast to prevent fading
May see some unevenness in cutting of the slats
The Veneta Designer 2 1/2 Inch Faux Wood Blinds are a durable and well-priced blind option that features a cordless lift design option, making them an excellent choice for homes with kids and pets. We love both the durability and all of the handy details built into these blinds, like a decorative SmartRail headrail that gives a sleek look and eliminates the need for a valence of any kind or the structurally strong easy-grip bottom rail designed to prevent bowing.
These blinds are relatively easy to measure and install on your own. They also provide great control over just how much light you’d like to let in, thanks to their specially designed privacy slats free of holes, maxing out privacy and light control while also eliminating light gaps. A patented “Insta-Lock” feature allows you to lock the blind at any position and angle, too.
These blinds come in a vast array of size options and tasteful color choices, although there aren’t many “statement-making” colors to choose from. You can also get a user-friendly side-mount option for any blinds up to 37 inches wide. The extra wide slat design lets you make the most of your outdoor viewpoint. One drawback is some customers mention slats being cut unevenly, but replacements seem to be very easy and painless to come by. We also love the blinds’ low-maintenance material.
Price at time of publish: $80 for 24 x 36 inch size
Type: Venetian | Sizes Available: 10 to 96 inches wide and 24 to 118 inches high | Material: Faux wood | Customizable: Yes
Best Budget
Chicology Mini Blinds
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Amazon
Super affordable price
Ultra-low-maintenance
Lightweight vinyl construction
Easy to install
Limited color options
Can break easily
For the budget-conscious consumer who’s looking for an unobtrusive, straightforward window covering, we like Chicology’s Mini Blinds. These are a lightweight, easy-to-install vinyl mini blind that comes with all necessary mounting hardware. You can easily hang these blinds on your own in minutes with minimal headaches and frustration. They feature a smooth, cordless mechanism that’s easy to use and safe for children and pets.
These blinds are made to resist warping, fading, and chipping, but keep in mind they’re not nearly as tough and durable as some other options. You can easily adjust between room darkening and light filtering with a simple twist of the wand. One drawback to these refreshingly affordable blinds is that they’re only available in three color choices. Additionally, they are a bit flimsier than other options, and they can break easily if adjusted or pulled roughly. They do come backed by a 1-year limited warranty, however, adding to their overall appeal (and providing some peace of mind!)
Price at time of publish: $21 for 24 x 36 inch size
Type: Venetian | Sizes Available: 12 to 84 inches wide and 36 to 84 inches high | Material: Vinyl | Customizable: No
Best Splurge
Yoolax Smart Zebra Motorized Blinds
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Amazon
Polyester and sheer fabric construction
Up to 95 percent light blackout
Compatible with Smart Home hubs
Can also be controlled by remote or app
Expensive
Not water-resistant
If you’re looking for a high-tech, state-of-the-art blind, the Yoolax Smart Zebra Motorized Blinds deserve your attention. These chic and ultra-modern blinds are constructed from alternating blackout polyester and sheer fabric, which allows plenty of light to enter the room when you want it, but is also thick enough to black out up to 95 percent of light when you don’t. We particularly love how “smart” these fabric blinds are. Not only are they compatible with your home’s smart hub, but they can also be controlled by a smartphone app or the included remote, giving you plenty of options for easy operation.
In fact, the 15-channel remote can operate up to 15 power shades separately and simultaneously. These statement-making blinds provide plenty of visual appeal to any room and will be a conversation starter with guests in your home. One drawback is they’re constructed from polyester and aren’t water-resistant, so they’re not the best option for high humidity rooms like the bathroom. The other drawback is they’re considerably more expensive than many other options on our list–but that’s partly due to their impressive smart features list!
Price at time of publish: $186
Type: Zebra | Sizes Available: 22 to 98 inches wide and 22 to 120 inches high | Material: Polyester | Customizable: Yes
Best for Living Room
Custom Home Collection 2" Designer Wood Blind
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Home Depot
Real wood with shiny finish
Highly customizable options
Can be installed in 10 to 15 minutes
In-person color varies from photos
May experience flaws in manufacturing
When it comes to tasteful design and quality, it’s hard to beat the high-end look and feel of real wood blinds like the Custom Home Collection Designer 2 Inch Wood Blinds. They’re the ideal choice to give your living room a warm and welcoming vibe. These elegant blinds can create a seamless complement to your wood furniture. With a number of aesthetic and functional upgrades to choose from, they’re a highly customizable choice. Did we mention they’re available with a motorized lift and tilt option?
You can also choose routeless slats that eliminate the route holes or add in decorative cloth tapes to cover the holes and maximize light control and privacy of your blinds. You can even select between Modern, Traditional, or Cord valance options to give you the ideal finishing touch. Be forewarned, these blinds are definitely ones that you’ll want to see an in-person sample of before you commit, as they look different in photos than in reality. There may also be some inconsistencies or flaws in manufacturing that require replacing.
Price at time of publish: $75 for 24 x 36 inch size
Type: Venetian | Sizes Available: 9 to 102 inches wide and 12 to 120 inches high | Material: Wood | Customizable: Yes
Best for Bedroom
Bali Northern Heights 1 Inch Wood Blinds
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Blinds.com
Lightweight yet durable woo
Variety of wood stains and painted finishes
Ideal for shallower windows
Limited to 1 item remake per item and 4 per household per lifetime
Somewhat limited color options compared to other choices
The warmth and beauty of real wood blinds like the Bali Northern Heights 1 Inch Wood Blinds creates a welcoming feel in any bedroom, and we love these particular blinds because they offer a great combination of style, privacy, and durability. The 1-inch slats are ideal for switching between light blocking to light filtering, while still allowing for privacy in your bedroom windows. Constructed from North American hardwood, these blinds are both light and strong, making them a durable and timeless choice for your home.
The 1-inch depth also makes these blinds an excellent choice for older homes with a shallow window depth. They’re straightforward and easy to operate with the simple and traditional pull-cord and adjusting wand. However, since they do come with a pull-cord, they may not be the best choice for homes with curious younger children. While they have somewhat limited color options compared to some other choices on the list, the ones you can choose from are tasteful and timeless. Just be sure to be accurate in your color selection and measurements, as you are limited in your remake options if something is off.
Price at time of publish: $107 for 24 x 36 inch size
Type: Venetian | Sizes Available: 7 to 96 inches wide and 12 to 120 inches high | Material: Wood | Customizable: Yes
Best Custom
Select Blinds 2 Inch Architect Wood Blinds
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Select Blinds
Highly customizable features
Easy installation
Wide variety of finishes and paint shades
Added customizations increase the overall price
If you have larger windows, you want a window treatment that serves to complement your decor and add visual appeal to the room–and we like the Select Blinds 2 Inch Architect Wood Blinds to do exactly that. These real wood blinds feature clean lines and lend a classic feel to your living room, dining room, sunroom, and more. You can even get them customized with cutouts to surround door handles and hinges, making them the ideal option for sliders and large patio doors. Customization is really the biggest perk of these blinds, and you’ll have plenty of options to add special features, functionality, and more.
We particularly like how every custom detail on these blinds is color-coordinated. The snap-on valance, rails, wand, and even the customized optional accent tape to block the maximum amount of light can all be matched to create a streamlined look. The 2-inch wide slats are ideal for filling large windows when you want privacy, but allowing a decent view outside when you want to let light in. While it’s great to be able to customize so many aspects of these blinds, just keep in mind that adding on extras can quickly inflate the already hefty price tag. However, these blinds are backed by a solid three-year limited warranty to help protect your investment, which is a perk.
Price at time of publish: $135 for 24 x 36 inch size
Type: Venetian | Sizes Available: 13 to 96 inches wide and 12 to 120 inches high | Material: Wood | Customizable: Yes
Best Blackout
LazBlinds Blackout 1" Aluminum Mini Blinds
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Amazon
Affordable price point
No tool, no drill design
Blocks substantial amount of light
Lower quality and durability
Long pull cord not ideal for children and pets
If you’re craving complete darkness and privacy, check out the affordable and understated LazBlinds Blackout 1" Aluminum Mini Blinds. These 1-inch blinds may let in less light when they’re open than other, larger slatted blinds, but when you want total light blocking, these are your pick to click. As an added bonus, these blinds require zero drilling or tools for installation, making them a great choice for people who are leasing or renting and don’t want to have to patch a bunch of holes. The installation itself can be a bit of a pain to get just right, but there are no screws, tools, or brackets to fight with.
Once installed correctly, the blinds top rail tension mechanism is rated to support a maximum weight of 30 kg. These blinds also feature “invisible” holes to counteract any light leaking and improve your privacy protection. While these blinds also require zero maintenance and are super easy to clean, they’re definitely not as upscale as some of the other choices on the list, so they’re probably not your first choice for a focal point window or living room. This particular model is also equipped with the traditional long pull-cord, so they might not be the best option for homes with small children and pets.
Price at time of publish: $56 for 24 x 64 inch size
Type: Venetian | Sizes Available: 18 to 48 inches wide and 64 inches high | Material: Aluminum | Customizable: Yes
Best Motorized
Levolor 2 1/2 Inch Real Wood Blinds
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Blinds.com
Hidden cord system
Compatible with smart hubs
Variety of patterned cloth tapes for additional privacy
Motorized option comes at an additional cost
Slats may have flaws in wood
It’s hard to argue with the convenience and efficiency of motorized blinds like the Levolor 2 1/2 Inch Real Wood Blinds. Not only will these blinds add sophistication and style to any room, their user-friendliness and functionality is unsurpassed. These real wood blinds are available in a variety of tasteful wood grains and painted finishes to match almost any room decor. For improved privacy and light blocking, you can even purchase a handsome cloth tape accent to cover route holes and give a splash of color.
The 2.5-inch slats are great at blocking large amounts of light when closed or letting you see the outdoors easily when the blinds are open. These blinds come standard with a matching valance, but unfortunately, the motorized option does increase the cost. Another drawback is each blind runs on its own remote, which can be confusing, but–for an additional cost–you can upgrade to the Bluetooth-enabled 15-channel remote, which can control multiple blinds simultaneously. Also, keep in mind that since these blinds are constructed from real wood, there may be some flaws from slat to slat. However, if you’re looking for the warmth and durability of wood, we think natural variations are worth the investment.
Price at time of publish: $115 for 24 x 36 inch size
Type: Venetian | Sizes Available: 7 to 144 inches wide and 10 to 120 inches high | Material: Wood | Customizable: Yes
Best for Large Windows
Blinds.com 2 Inch Premium Wood Blinds
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Blinds.com
Customizable yet affordable
Lots of colors and patterns to choose from
Multiple lift options
3-year warranty
Changes restricted to mounting and size
Since larger windows draw the eye more, getting a custom-designed set of blinds like the Blinds.com 2 Inch Premium Wood Blinds is an excellent way to spruce up your space. These well-priced blinds lend a clean, designer look to any room. The blinds are constructed from durable and lightweight basswood, which offers a rich grain and is enhanced with a protective UV-resistant finish for added durability. We particularly like how much personality you can add to these blinds; from the wood finish color to the type (and even pattern!) of the optional cloth tape, you can add a pop of color or keep it simple and sleek.
Other perks also make these blinds a great option for large windows, like the specially-designed trapezoidal bottom rail. This provides a better slat closure than many other blinds, giving you extra privacy. You can also customize them with the lift option of your choice, including motorization. Or, choose a rounded slat end for a softer and smoother feel. Just make sure you’re careful as you measure, however; changes are tough to make once you've placed your order for a custom-measured set.
Price at time of publish: $58 for 24 x 36 inch size
Type: Venetian | Sizes Available: 9 to 102 inches wide and 12 to 120 inches high | Material: Wood | Customizable: Yes
Best Vertical
Chicology Vertical Blinds
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Amazon
Adjustable 4-rail track
99 percent light blocking
Thermal insulation
Improved privacy and light blocking
Limited color and size options
Installation can be frustrating
Vertical blinds like the Chicology Vertical Blinds give your sliding patio doors an up-to-date and sleek look that traditional vertical blinds just can’t manage. You can also use them to make windows appear larger, divide rooms, or act as closet doors, making them a tasteful and versatile choice. Plus, we like that these blinds aren’t just a flimsy plastic; they’re woven for visual interest and more flexibility in their durability. The texture of the blinds adds warmth and appeal and, as an added perk, it’s able to be trimmed to size so you can ensure a perfect fit.
While these blinds are available in limited size and color choices, the 4-rail track is adjustable from 46 to 86 inches wide. The woven panels efficiently block out all view from outside and sit nicely flat and organized when closed. They also serve as a good source of thermal insulation, which can help cut your energy costs over time. One drawback, however, is assembly and installation can take some time–so be prepared to practice patience.
Price at time of publish: $125 for 46 x 96 inch size
Type: Vertical | Sizes Available: 46 to 86 inches wide and up to 96 inches high | Material: Polyester weave | Customizable: No
Best Room Darkening
Symple Stuff Room Darkening Cordless Faux Wood Blind
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Wayfair
Durable PVC
Easy to clean and maintain
Can withstand various humidities
Very limited color options
Somewhat pricey
The Symple Stuff Room Darkening Cordless Faux Wood Blinds are constructed from durable PVC that can withstand a variety of different environmental challenges. However, they offer the tasteful elegance and visual appeal of real wood blinds without the same maintenance issues and expense. And, unlike real wood blinds, the PVC version is easily trimmable. These blinds are also backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
The 2.5-inch slats are a good choice for any room in your home, since they can be open to allow for a good amount of light to show through, or closed to provide maximum privacy and room darkening. One drawback is that these blinds are offered in limited color options. They are, however, available in a good range of sizes to fit a wide variety of window configurations. They’re also a little on the pricey side compared with some other options on our list.
Price at time of publish: $67 for 24 x 48 inch size
Type: Venetian | Sizes Available: 18 to 72 inches wide and 48 to 72 inches high | Material: PVC | Customizable: No
When it comes to the best blinds, our top pick in terms of value, functionality, classic design style, and durability is the Veneta Designer 2 1/2 Inch Faux Wood Blinds. These blinds are a highly customizable, ultra low maintenance choice that are offered at a price point that won’t break the bank. For a budget-friendly, but sleek and stylish pick, consider the Chicology Mini Blinds. They’re lightweight, easy to install, and understated.
What to Look for in Blinds
Not all blinds are created equal. There’s also a difference between blinds and shades, although the terms do get mixed up and used interchangeably quite often. The difference is that window blinds are structured window coverings that feature slats constructed from rigid materials while window shades are one solid piece of material that is constructed from a softer, more pliable fabric.
Type
Venetian: Venetian blinds are the most common type of window blind. They feature horizontal rigid slats located above one another. They’re controlled by cords that allow the blinds to rotate together or tilt up to 180 degrees, allowing you to govern the amount of light let into a room.
Venetian blinds are an excellent choice for almost any room in your home, including livingrooms, bedrooms, offices, kitchens, diningrooms, dens, sunrooms, and more.
Vertical: Vertical blinds are just that. Panels of fabric oriented vertically and clipped into a sliding track at the top of the window. The panels can often be referred to as louvres or slats. The slats are joined together by a chain or cord at the bottom for added stability and uniform movement and placement. Vertical blinds allow maximum control over light and privacy in your room. The slats can be turned up to 180 degrees or drawn back like a curtain to allow an unobstructed view out your window.
Vertical blinds are typically used on larger windows, such as french doors, sliding doors, large patio windows, or office windows.
Material
Venetian blinds are typically constructed from aluminum, wood, vinyl, or PVC plastic. They’re relatively solid and durable, depending on the size of the slats. Slat sizes measure between 1-2.5 inches.
Vertical blinds are often constructed from vinyl, aluminum, wood, plastic, or woven fabrics. They usually flex more than venetian blinds. The material you choose is usually dictated by the feel and functionality you’re going for depending on the space the blinds are in. Cindy advises that, “Vinyl and aluminum are often seen in office settings, while wood and woven fabrics are more favored in rooms at home that are going for a warm, welcoming feel and a complement to your decor.”
Custom Options
When deciding on which blinds will best suit your space, it’s also a good idea to consider what your options are for customization. Some blind manufacturers, like the Select Blinds 2 Inch Architect Wood Blinds allow you to choose a wide variety of features, not just color, width, and height of the blind.
Look for features like matching valances, cordless or motorized operation, inside or outside mounting, different bracket types, cloth tapes colors and patterns, door handle and hinge cutouts, and different warranty options.
Installation Requirements
While some blinds, like the LazBlinds Blackout 1" Aluminum Mini Blinds require no tools, screws, or drilling to install, this is not the norm. Most blinds feature brackets that need to be drilled and screwed into either the window sill or wall to hold the blind and valance securely in place.
If you’re going to DIY your installation and skip having a professional do it, you’ll need to have some tools on hand: a steel measuring tape, a level, a step stool, and a drill or screwdriver. Before beginning your install, doublecheck that all the necessary hardware is there, including all screws, mounts, and blind materials.
Window measurements either allow for an outside mount or an inside mount. Make sure you know which one your blinds are before drilling. Always read your specific installation instructions through prior to mounting to ensure you know what to expect. This is true whether you’re installing curtains, drapes, shades, or blinds.
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What is the best material for window blinds?
The best material for a window blind can vary based on the location and purpose of the blinds.
For cozy living spaces and bedrooms, wood, faux wood, and textiles are top choices, since they’re attractive, durable, and provide excellent light blocking and insulation. They typically come in a variety of colors to match most decors. They are, however, more expensive than other options. You might want to avoid real wood if you’re planning to install your blinds in a humid environment that may make them warp over time.
If you want a more affordable choice or a window blind that suits a kitchen, office, bathroom, basement, or garage, consider installing aluminum or vinyl blinds. Both are lightweight, easy to clean and maintain, and highly affordable.
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Can I install blinds on my own?
If you purchase blinds that don’t come with professional installation, you can install the blinds on your own. Using the tools listed above, here are a few tips for DIY blind installation:
- Measure, measure, measure your window. You’ll need to know the exact height and width of your window before ordering your blinds. Some manufacturers have specific measuring requirements, so be sure to read yours before ordering.
- Mount your brackets onto the window frame or wall using a level to ensure uniform and straight mounting.
- Attach your valance to the headrail.
- Attach your headrail and blinds to the brackets, locking it in place securely.
- Install your wand or cord cleat, and you’re ready to go.
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How long should blinds be?
The length of your blinds depends on the mounting location you choose. If you mount your blinds inside the window frame, they’ll need to be very close to the exact length of the frame in order to avoid being too long and bunching up at the bottom too much.
If you mount the blinds outside your window frame, consider adding 1-3 inches of extra length and width on all sides to maximize window covering and privacy.
For vertical blinds, it’s vitally important to measure exactly how long you want them to be, since the bottom of the blind will be completely exposed and seen by all. Too long, and they’ll drag along the ground. Too short, and they may not provide enough coverage to block the entire window.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Lisa Conant, a freelance writer with over 17 years of experience. For this piece, she relied on her own personal expertise, sought insight from other expert sources, like her friend Cindy Tadie, an interior designer based in Celina, TX, and also poured over dozens of product reviews from online sources and independent consumers, putting high-quality construction, functionality, brand reputation, versatility, and user-friendly features at the top of the list.