Mini-blinds have replaced the old-fashioned Venetian blinds as more convenient and attractive window treatments. Blinds are window coverings that can have either vertical or horizontal slats, have an accordion or honeycomb construction, or are woven from natural or synthetic reeds. The only disadvantage they have is that they cannot be cleaned easily.

The mechanisms for opening and closing blinds range from simple cords and easy-to-operate continuous chains to remote-controlled electronic devices. Blinds block out sunlight, prevent curious passersby from peeping into your house, and also add to the décor of your house. They come in various styles. You can buy ready-made blinds or make them yourself at home.

Blinds are available in a wide range of sizes and colors, plus unlimited custom sizes and styles. These allow you to control the direction and amount of natural light while providing some small degree of insulation. Some blind styles will adjust to allow a breeze to flow from the window into the room by tilting or raising the slats. Most blinds are available in a variety of slat widths. Popular slat width sizes include 1/2-inch micro, 1-inch mini, 2-inch and 2-1/2 inch.

In one style, slats are sandwiched between two sheer fabric layers that diffuse light when the slats are open; in yet another style, slats are laminated vertically to a single fabric layer for a curtain effect. The mechanisms for opening and closing blinds range from simple cords and easy-to-operate continuous chains to remote-controlled electronic devices.

Blinds come in wood, faux wood, vinyl and aluminum. Wood blinds offer nature's rich, subtle colors and unique textures. Classic mini blinds are elegantly simple and can enhance a contemporary look or add a classic flair to your home décor. Wood blinds are expensive.

A lesser expensive alternative to wood blinds is faux wood, or synthetic wood made from PVC or composite material. Aluminum mini-blinds provide a low cost and durable solution to your window dressing problems. Aluminum blinds are easy to clean and maintain. The least expensive variety is vinyl mini-blinds that come in standard sizes only.

http://www.e-miniblinds.com/ provides detailed information about vinyl, discount, wood, faux wood, custom, and aluminum mini blinds, plus advice on cleaning mini blinds. Mini Blinds Info is the sister site of Wood Blinds Web.

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