A lot has been said about blinds, but there are some window coverings that have been around even longer: curtains. Unless you install true blackout blinds, light will still seep into your rooms even with the blinds closed. To counteract this, you can put up curtains. Curtains are easy to install. Some people even have different curtains for different seasons or to match different rooms. Light curtains will fill the room with whatever color material they are made out of, while darker curtains shut out light all together.
Interior designers don't just think about interiors. They want to match your view with the window curtains as well. No matter how well an interior designer does their job, chances are the natural view will look better. So it is important to match window coverings with what people actually look at when they use windows: the outside. If your view is not that great you can cheat and print a breathtaking scene or pattern on roller shades.
Of course if you have a different objective, like closing out the outside world, window blinds still help. Cellular blinds are a great choice for this. Originally made for their insulating abilities, cellular blinds are made from interlaced materials that make a honeycomb of air pockets when lowered. These air pockets protect you from outside temperatures and do a good job of muffling sound. Double and triple layer honeycomb blinds only compound the effect.
For a simply stylistic look, opt for beaded curtains. These effect light even less than reed blinds, so they are really there for effect. Traditionally used as room dividers, these are more in the mind than providing any real privacy. Be careful with beads around small children and animals though. Although not as dangerous as looped blind cords, beads can still entangle, and broken strings mean hundreds of little beads to eat.
Staying on the natural vein, there are lots of roman type blinds made from reed, rattan, bamboo and similar materials make great mini blinds. Natural earth tones especially compliment breathtaking views. Some of these window coverings are eco-friendly, using sustainable materials and some are not. Just because the blind uses a natural material does not mean that the harvesting and manufacturing process were positive. Ask the manufacturer what natural really means for their products.
For blue ocean views, a white or bamboo accentuates nature, while in colder climates, earth tones warm up snowy vistas.
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