There are many types of window blinds to select from, and selecting the type of blind you want depends on your window frame design and personal preference. Always be sure of what you want and then shop around for the best deal. Shopping with a reputable firm will ensure you get value for money and excellent support as well as quality blinds.

Vertical Blinds

Vertical blinds are easily fitted and effective for small or large windows. Because the fabric louvres can be opened and closed as well as rotated they are incredibly efficient at managing the level of light allowed into your room. Most new vertical blinds come in fabrics that are machine washable and flame retardant.

Venetian Blinds

Venetian blinds are efficient and very elegant looking. They traditionally come with horizontal wooden slats and are opened and closed with a cord. They look ideal in the home and the office.

Whatever style of blind you are looking for you will want to make sure that the blinds match the dcor in the rest of your room. You can get blinds made from aluminium, fabric, wood and even woven woods; these are usually roller blinds and available in different types of wood. They give a beautiful, natural look to a room even when closed.

When measuring your windows to install window blinds it is important that you get the figures as accurate as possible, ensuring they dont catch on the frame and you dont have gaps around the edges.

Hunter Douglas is an excellent producer of cheap blinds. They will do any calculations needed so all you need to provide is accurate measurements of your windows. Another resource you may want to consider is American Blinds.

Inside Mount

When you mount your new window blinds inside a frame, your accurate measurements mean your blinds wont catch against the frame. To ensure accuracy, take measurements from the top, middle and bottom of your window frame and write down the smallest width to the nearest 1/8 inch.

Then, measure the height in three places and record the longest of the three measurements, again rounded down 1/8 inch. You should also measure the depth that you will require.

Dont do deductions or any other measurement yourself; leave this to the manufacturers instead. Simply give them the measurements you have taken and they will provide your window blinds to the correct size.

Outside Mount

For outside mounted window blinds measure the exact width at the top of the frame and round down to the nearest 1/8 inch. Measure the exact height at the outside edge of your frame, and again round this figure down 1/8 inch.

Tim Murray is a freelance author from Pt Orange, Florida. For examples of other articles, see www.decorative-blinds.org