15 Types of Blinds Everyone Should Know
If you’re looking for types of blinds, you’re likely looking to understand what all your options are, so you can choose the best one for your home. Blinds, as well as shades, which are often included in the same category, come in many different styles from traditional Wood Blinds to sleek, modern Roller Blinds to natural, boho-inspired Woven Blinds. Finding the right type will depend on your specific needs in terms of functionality as well as your aesthetic preferences.
Learn more about each of the different types of blinds and shades, plus get some guidance on how to choose the right one.
Cover Photo: Inner Layer: Wood Blinds, 2-inch Painted Bamboo in Coal with Decorative Tape in Walnut and Outer Layer: Flat Roman Shades, Martyn Lawrence Bullard, Tangier Weave in Blanco, design by Everick Brown
Blinds vs Shades: What’s the Difference?
Explore the similarities and differences between blinds vs shades to better understand all your options. BLINDS VS SHADES
Types of Blinds
1. Wood Blinds
Wood Blinds are one of the most popular types of blinds as they exude a timeless elegance and warmth with their linear slats. Made of real wood, these blinds feature a range of rich colors and grain patterns. Typically featuring 2-inch slats, Wood Blinds offer excellent durability, but are best suited to drier, less humid environments.
Aesthetics
These types of blinds come in a wide range of natural wood tones from whitewashed looks to deep, rich hues. They are a popular choice for traditional and southern aesthetics, but they’re versatile enough to suit coastal, mid-century modern and transitional styles too. You can also add embellishments like decorative tape but be aware that tape will affect your blinds’ functionality. With tape, you won’t be able to lift and lower your blinds, but you will be able to tilt the slats.
Functionality
With their tiltable slats, Wood Blinds offer easy functionality. You have two control type options:
- Standard cordless control, which allows you to lift and lower the blinds by adjusting the bottom bar. To tilt the slats, just twist the wand.
- Motorization, which allows you to tilt the slats with the press of a button on a remote. You can also pair your motor with an app on your phone or tablet to control your blinds from anywhere in your home, or even when you’re away. If you have a smart home device, pair your motor to control our blinds with the sound of your voice. With motorized tilt, you won’t be able to raise or lower your blinds.
Also keep in mind, as noted above, decorative tape will affect the lift functionality, and you’ll only be able to tilt the blinds.
When to Choose Wood Blinds
In terms of different types of blinds, Wood Blinds are one of the most versatile and suite a wide range of applications, including:
- Any room where you need easy light and privacy control thanks to their easy-to-use tiltable slats.
- Traditional style living rooms with other rich wood tones in the furniture and décor to match your blinds.
- Formal dining rooms where the wood will offer a sophisticated aesthetic as well as excellent privacy and light control.
- Casual coastal-style spaces where the wood will complement other natural tones like jute rugs, woven furniture and driftwood-inspired décor.
Ready to Shop?
Explore your options for Wood Blinds, from simple wood grains in our Basic Collection to exotic wood looks in our Designer Collection.
Basic Wood Blinds
With simple grains, light and dark wood tones, as well as painted wood looks, Basic Wood Blinds give you an understated elegance.
Pictured: Wood Blinds, 2-inch Basic in Ebony
Designer Wood Blinds
Featuring highly varied grains and rich hues that resemble exotic woods, Designer Wood Blinds offer a high-end, sophisticated look.
Pictured: Wood Blinds, 2-inch Exotic in Ebony
2. Faux Wood Blinds
Faux Wood Blinds provide the beauty of wood with added resilience. With 2-inch slats constructed from foamwood, these types of blinds are especially suitable for areas with high moisture, like bathrooms and kitchens, because they resist warping and fading.
Aesthetics
Faux Wood Blinds offer simple wood-inspired aesthetics, from painted wood looks to natural wood tones with a subtle grain pattern. Just like Wood Blinds, they can suit a range of aesthetic styles from traditional to southern to coastal and modern.
Functionality
Just like real Wood Blinds, Faux Wood Blinds offer easy functionality, but they only come with one control type:
- Standard cordless control, which allows you to lift and lower the blinds by adjusting the bottom bar. To tilt the slats, just twist the wand.
When to Choose Faux Wood Blinds
Faux Wood Blinds are versatile and work in many applications, including:
- Any room where you need easy light and privacy control thanks to their easy-to-use tiltable slats.
- Kitchens where the real wood looks will add warmth to your space while the foamwood will stand up to the activity of a kitchen.
- Adding a sophisticated, real wood look to your bathroom or basement, as the foamwood slats are resistant to high humidity and moisture.
Ready to Shop?
Faux Wood Blinds are available in 10 nature-inspired colors from simple painted wood looks to subtle straight grains for a natural aesthetic.
Pictured: Faux Wood Blinds, 2-inch Faux in Blanc, photography by John Bessler
3. Metal Blinds
Metal Blinds, made from aluminum, offer a sleek, modern look. The 2-inch slats are lightweight yet durable and resistant to bending or breaking. Plus, just like Faux Wood Blinds, Metal Blinds are another one of the types of blinds that are a great choice for humid environments.
Aesthetics
These sleek, modern blinds feature a subtle metallic sheen that best suits modern, contemporary and industrial-style homes. Their attractive shiny quality is also ideal for the glam aesthetic which champions bright, sparkling accents. With four color options, from deep Night black with a soft sheen to Champagne with a bright golden hue, these types of blinds offer versatile choices to suit your existing décor.
Functionality
Metal Blinds share the same easy functionality as real Wood and Faux Wood Blinds. They come with two control type options, just like Wood Blinds:
- Standard cordless control, which allows you to lift and lower the blinds by adjusting the bottom bar. To tilt the slats, just twist the wand.
- Motorization, which allows you to tilt the slats with the press of a button on a remote, an app on your phone or tablet or even with the sound of your voice when the motor is paired with a smart home device. With motorized tilt, you won’t be able to raise or lower your blinds.
When to Choose Metal Blinds
Metal Blinds are a versatile, functional choice, and work in a number of applications, including:
- Any room where you need easy light and privacy control thanks to their easy-to-use tiltable slats.
- Living rooms or dining rooms with modern, industrial or even glam-inspired aesthetics as the metallic sheen naturally suits these styles.
- Basements and bathrooms that are prone to humidity, as the metal is naturally resistant to moisture.
Ready to Shop?
Explore your options for Metal blinds including four sleek metallic colors, mount types and more.
Pictured: Metal Blinds, 2-inch Metal in Champagne
4. Mini Blinds
Mini Blinds are made of 1-inch aluminum slats for a neat, tidy look. Their smaller slats are perfect for doors and windows with less mounting depth. These types of blinds are easy to operate with their tiltable slats, but keep in mind mini blinds do not lift or lower.
Aesthetics
Like 2-inch Metal Blinds, Mini Blinds come in versatile colors, but lack some of the metallic sheen of their larger counterpart. Mini Blinds are simple and chic with their narrow linear look and their neutral colors can work in a wide range of aesthetic styles. However, they’re best used for less formal and more functional rooms as they lack some of the sophistication of different types of blinds.
Functionality
Mini Blinds are very easy to use, but they are only available with tilt functionality — they do not lift or lower. Tilting the slats is simply a matter of twisting the want.
When to Choose Mini Blinds
Mini Blinds area a great choice for a number of applications, including:
- Casual rooms where you need easy light and privacy control, thanks to their tiltable slats.
- Ideal for use in small windows, such as those found in bathrooms, laundry rooms and closets.
- Tall, narrow windows like sidelights or those on French doors.
Ready to Shop?
Explore your options for Mini Blinds, or 1-inch Metal Blinds, including five simple metallic colors.
Pictured: Metal Blinds, 1-inch Metal in Silver, photography by Eric Piasecki
5. Vertical Blinds
Vertical Blinds, sometimes called Panel Track Blinds, feature vertical panels of hard textiles that run along a track system. Some types of vertical blinds are tiltable, but the Vertical Blinds from The Shade Store run flat on a track system, overlapping with one another, and do not tilt.
Aesthetics
Vertical Blinds offer clean lines and a modern look thanks to their flat, tall panels. These types of blinds come in hundreds of light-filtering materials in versatile hues for a soft, warm glow in your space. While they tend to deliver a more modern look, their selection of material colors and patterns makes them versatile enough to work in a range of aesthetic styles.
Functionality
Vertical Blinds run on a track system making them very easy to use. They come with two main control types:
- Baton control where you simple pull the baton to move your blinds along the track system.
- Cord loop control where you pull or lift the chain to adjust your blinds. The chain is held taut by a tension device installed on the wall next to your blinds.
When to Choose Vertical Blinds
Vertical Blinds are best applied to the following applications:
- Sliding glass doors or wall-to-wall windows as the panel tracks and tall panels make covering a wide area easily and efficiently.
- Large windows in modern, contemporary or mid-century modern aesthetically styled rooms thanks to the sleek, modern look.
Ready to Shop?
Explore your options for Vertical Blinds, from simple light-filtering materials to highly textured Chilewich designer looks.
Light-Filtering Vertical Blinds
Choose from neutral colors and soft pastels, attractive patterns and textured natural materials to find the right look for your space.
Pictured: Vertical Blinds, Prince in Metal, photography by Paul Haverkort for Coulisse
Designer Vertical Blinds
Featuring highly varied grains and rich hues that resemble exotic woods, Designer Wood Blinds offer a high-end, sophisticated look.
Pictured: Vertical Blinds, Chilewich Bamboo in Chalk
6. Roller Blinds
Roller blinds, also called Roller Shades, offer a minimalist design, rolling up at the top of your window to provide an unobstructed view. The simplicity in operation and clean visual appeal make roller blinds a common choice for modern décor. They come in various opacities, from light-filtering to blackout, catering to different light and privacy preferences.
Aesthetics
With their simple, minimalist design, Roller Shades offer lots of design versatility. Roller Shades are available in a wide variety of colors and patterns from subtle neutral tones to bold, eye-catching looks. You can use Roller Shades in nearly any aesthetic to either blend into your décor or create a dynamic focal point.
Functionality
Roller Blinds are very easy and simple to use, no matter which control type you choose:
- Continuous loop control where you pull or lift the chain to adjust your shades. The chain is held taut by a tension device installed on the wall next to your blinds.
- Cordless control where a tension lock device in the roller tube holds your shades in the desired position. To adjust your shades, pull the bottom bar slightly down and toward you to release the lock. Move the shade to the desired height and push the bottom bar toward the window to lock it in place.
- Motorization where you control the height of your shade with a remote, an app on your smartphone, or your voice when paired with a smart home device.
When to Choose Roller Blinds
Roller Blinds are extremely versatile and are suitable for a wide range of applications.
- Choose light-filtering Roller Shades for living rooms and dining rooms with casual or semi-formal décor where you want softened light and privacy.
- Add blackout Roller Shades to bedrooms for a room darkening effect ideal for sleep.
- Create an eye-catching focal point in any room with a bold Designer pattern.
- Kitchens for softened light, privacy with light-filtering Roller Shades that are also easy-to-clean.
Ready to Shop?
Explore your options for Roller Shades including light-filtering materials for a soft glow, blackout materials for a room darkening effect and Designer patterns for stylish character.
light filtering
Capture a soft glow and gain great privacy with light-filtering materials, available in versatile colors and patterns.
Pictured: Roller Shades, Tea Leaves in Brown
blackout
Enjoy a room darkening effect with blackout materials, available in neutral and bold colors as well as patterns.
Pictured: Roller Shades, Cora Blackout in White and Outer Layer: Ripple Fold Drapery, Canvas in Natural, photography by John Bessler
designer
Add a touch of character to any room with Designer patterns, available in both light-filtering and blackout materials.
Pictured: Roller Shade, Painted Lips in Red Lips, design by The Novogratz
7. Solar Shades
Solar Shades are a type of Roller Blind, or Roller Shade, made with unique material that blocks UV rays while still allowing natural light to fill your home. They also reduce glare, protect your furniture and flooring from fading, all while maintaining your view to the outside. Solar Shades are available in different transparency percentages that indicate how well you can see through them as well as the amount of UV light they block. For instance, a 1% Solar Shade blocks up to 99% of UV rays and gives you good privacy with a clouded view of the outdoors, while a 10% Solar Shade blocks up to 90% of UV rays and gives you a near-clear view of the outdoors.
Aesthetics
Like Roller Shades, Solar Shades offer a simple, minimalist design with lots of versatility. Solar Shades are available in mostly neutral, solid colors, although they vary significantly in terms of texture. You can choose from soft, subtle textures to rugged textures that deliver a tactile experience.
Functionality
Solar Shades are very easy and simple to use, just like Roller Shades, no matter which control type you choose:
- Continuous loop control where you pull or lift the chain to adjust your shades. The chain is held taut by a tension device installed on the wall next to your blinds.
- Cordless control where a tension lock device in the roller tube holds your shades in the desired position. To adjust your shades, pull the bottom bar slightly down and toward you to release the lock. Move the shade to the desired height and push the bottom bar toward the window to lock it in place.
- Motorization where you control the height of your shade with a remote, an app on your smartphone, or your voice when paired with a smart home device.
When to Choose Solar Shades
Solar Shades are an excellent choice for a range of applications:
- Your sunniest rooms, like sunrooms or living rooms with large windows, as Solar Shades will help cut the glare, protect your furnishings and reduce heat build up while still allowing all that bright sunlight to fill your space.
- Any room with a screen, like living rooms, home offices or media rooms with TVs and monitors, as Solar Shades will cut the glare on your devices.
- Bright kitchens where sunlight is desired while you cook and clean, but you still need a bit of privacy and reduced glare as well.
Ready to Shop?
Explore your options for Solar Shades from simple Basic designs with a range of transparencies to unique textured Designer looks from Sunbrella and Chilewich.
Basic Solar Shades
Explore simple colors and textures, all categorized by transparency percentage so you can get the right level of sun protection.
Pictured: Solar Shades, 10% in Black
Designer Solar Shades
Explore unique, eye-catching textures, including designs from Sunbrella and Chilewich, all with varying transparency levels.
Pictured: Solar Shade, Sunbrella 3% Solistico in Ash
8. Venetian Blinds
Featuring two layers of sheer material with S-shaped vanes between them, Venetian Blinds, or Venetian Roller Shades, combine the best aspects of blinds and shades. The vanes can be tilted up or down and you can also fully lift and lower your shade. These types of blinds are available in several neutral tones with an option for light-filtering or room darkening vanes.
Aesthetics
Venetian Blinds are available in beautiful neutral tones including warm whites and black. These types of blinds offer an elegant, soft look with their sheer panels and S-shaped vanes that elevates any space. Thanks to their more classic look, they’re ideal for traditional, southern and transitional spaces, but are subtle enough to work in other aesthetic styles too.
Functionality
Venetian Blinds are very easy to use, with their tiltable slats and their ability to be lifted and lowered:
- Continuous loop control where you pull or lift the chain to adjust your blinds. The chain controls both the tilt of the slats and the height of your blinds. It is held taut by a tension device installed on the wall next to your blinds.
- Motorization where you control your blinds with a remote, an app on your smartphone, or your voice when paired with a smart home device.
When to Choose Venetian Blinds
- Formal living rooms or dining rooms where you want easy light and privacy control with tilted vanes or by lifting and lowering your blinds.
- Home offices or work rooms for softened light during the day and great privacy at night so you can work in peace.
Ready to Shop?
Venetian Blinds are available in neutral colors with light-filtering or blackout vanes so you can get the right level of light and privacy control.
Pictured: Venetian Roller Shade, Seaside in White, design by Sunbrella
9. Zebra Blinds
Also called Double Roller Shades, Zebra Blinds alternate sheer and opaque bands of fabric, providing a modern and striking approach to privacy and light adjustment. You can alternate the bands for light filtration and view outside or overlap the bands for privacy. Materials include both light-filtering and blackout opaque bands so you can get the right level of privacy and light control.
Aesthetics
The clean, crisp lines of alternating bands provide a decidedly modern look for these types of blinds. The color and material you choose will affect how bold the alternating bands are in your design. Darker bands like Catalina in Black or Pacifica in Char will give you a bolder, starker look while lighter colors like Catalina in Ivory or Windansea in Canyon will be more subtle.
Functionality
Zebra blinds are very easy to use, and share the same controls as Venetian Blinds:
- Continuous loop control where you pull or lift the chain to adjust your blinds. The bands adjust as well when you lift or lower your blinds. The chain is held taut by a tension device installed on the wall next to your blinds.
- Motorization where you control your blinds with a remote, an app on your smartphone, or your voice when paired with a smart home device.
When to Choose Zebra Blinds
- Modern spaces where you want a chic linear look for your window treatments.
- Rooms were you spend a lot of time and want to frequently adjust your light and privacy levels.
- Kitchens or casual living rooms with a lot of activity, as zebra blinds are durable and easy to maintain.
Ready to Shop?
Explore your options for Zebra Blinds including beautiful neutral colors and textures, as well as light-filtering and blackout bands.
Pictured: Double Roller Shade, Pacifica in Char, photography by Paul Haverkort for Coulisse
10. Roman Blinds
Roman Blinds, also called Roman Shades, bring a soft, elegant touch to your windows with fabric that folds neatly when raised. These types of blinds come in several styles from modern Flat Roman Shades to elegant Pleated Roman Shades, as well as an array of colors, patterns and textures.
Roman Shades also offer lining options that help protect the fabric from the sun and also give it more body and fullness. The options include privacy lining for privacy as well as soft light filtration, blackout lining for a room darkening effect and interlining which is a cotton flannel insert you can add to either privacy or blackout lining.
Aesthetics
Roman Blinds vary in their aesthetics depending on the style you choose. While Flat Roman Shades and Cascade Roman Shades have a more modern, contemporary look with their clean lines, Tulip Roman Shades and Pleated Roman Shades offer a more classic, elegant look with their swooping designs. Additionally, Roman Blinds come with hundreds of fabric options from sheers to thick wool blinds and soft neutral hues to bold colors and patterns so you can find just the right look.
Functionality
Roman Blinds vary in their ease-of-use based on the style chosen. Flat, Cascade, Aventura and Pleated Roman Shades are all very functional styles that are easy to use. Tulip and Relaxed Roman Shades are more decorative and require dressing (adjusting the folds) each time you lift or lower it.
Control types for Roman Blinds also vary between styles:
- Continuous loop control where you pull or lift the chain to adjust your shades. Available for all styles of Roman Blinds.
- Cordless where a tension lock device in the headrail keeps your blinds in the desired position. To adjust them, you have a metal ring sewn to the back of the shade that you can pull down and toward you to release the lock. Move the blinds to the desired height and push the ring toward the window to lock it in place. Available for Flat and Cascade Roman Shades.
- Motorization where you control your blinds with a remote, an app on your smartphone, or your voice when paired with a smart home device. Available for Flat, Cascade, Aventura and Pleated Roman Shades.
When to Choose Roman Blinds
- Formal to casual living rooms and dining rooms, as the soft folds of fabric add warmth to your space and the different styles for these types of blinds offer a range of looks from formal to casual.
- Bedrooms for a soft, warm look and a room darkening effect when you add blackout lining.
- Kitchens for an inviting, elegant look, but be sure to choose performance fabrics like Sunbrella which will stand up better to the splashes and spills of an active kitchen.
Ready to Shop?
Jump into all your style options or start by exploring the most popular styles below. Choose from 650+ fabric options to find the perfect color, pattern and texture to suit your aesthetic.
flat roman shades
With a clean fold at the bottom and a simple, unadorned face, Flat Roman Shades offer lots of design versatility.
Pictured: Flat Roman Shades, Baldwin in Stone, with Samuel & Sons Flanders trim in Granite, photography by John Bessler
cascade roman shades
Featuring aluminum dowels stitched to the back, Cascade Roman Shades offer clean, crisp folds for a linear, modern look.
Pictured: Cascade Roman Shades, Martyn Lawrence Bullard Nomad Stripe in Graphite, design by Erin Fetherston
relaxed roman shades
With a soft smiling curve at the bottom, Relaxed Roman Shades offer a casual, charming aesthetic.
Pictured: Relaxed Roman Shades, Nomad Windsor Stripe in Sage, design by James Huniford
11. Woven Blinds
Crafted from natural materials like bamboo, reeds, and grasses, Woven Blinds, also known as matchstick blinds, bamboo blinds or Woven Wood Shades create a relaxed and organic ambiance. The open weave of the natural fibers allows natural light to filter through, adding a warm and comforting glow. These types of blinds come in four main styles, so you can get the right look with the right functionality.
Woven Blinds also offer lining options, including privacy lining for a soft glow and great privacy to blackout lining for a room darkening effect. Lining is only available for certain styles.
Aesthetics
Woven Blinds offer an inviting, organic look with their natural colors and textures. The styles all offer a slightly different look and feel, but all bring a casual, carefree look to your space. Styles include three that are similar to Roman Blinds, with material the folds into itself, and one style is just like a Roller Shade. Colors for these types of blinds are natural wood and woven fiber colors from light honey-colored wood tones to richly hued wood tones. Textures range from soft and pliable to rugged with visual and tactile texture.
Functionality
Control types for Woven Blinds are the same for all styles and include:
- Continuous loop control where you pull or lift the chain to adjust your shades.
- Cordless where a tension lock device in the headrail keeps your blinds in the desired position. To adjust them, you have a metal ring sewn for the styles with folding material and a bottom bar for the Roller Shade style.
- Motorization where you control your blinds with a remote, an app on your smartphone, or your voice when paired with a smart home device.
When to Choose Woven Blinds
- Rooms that are free of moisture and splatters, as the natural fibers can be vulnerable to staining and mildew.
- Bedrooms where the shades can create a tranquil, organic look ideal for sleep when you add blackout lining.
- More casual living and dining rooms where your woven blinds can add design dimension with their natural texture and colors.
Ready to Shop?
Select your favorite style and explore the material options available, including a wide range of beautiful organic textures from soft weaves to more rugged, textured designs.
waterfall
Material hangs off the front of the headrail and creates a flat face with crisp folds for a simple, minimalist look.
Pictured: Waterfall Woven Wood Shade, Artisan Weaves Somerset in Cloud, design by Erin Fetherston
cascade
Material hangs off the front of the headrail and has aluminum dowels sewn into the back for a linear look.
Pictured: Cascade Woven Wood Shade, Jackson in Sun
standard
Material hangs off the back of the headrail so your shade sits closer to the window to block more light.
Pictured: Standard Woven Wood Shade, Artisan Weaves Coastline in Muslin
roller
Just like standard Roller Blinds the roller style features material that warps around a tube for a simple look.
Pictured: Roller Shade, Jackson in Sand, photography by John Bessler
12. Cellular Blinds
Known for their honeycomb-shaped cells, Cellular Blinds, or Cellular Shades, are excellent for insulation as the cells trap air to keep your interior more temperate. These types of blinds are available in both light-filtering and blackout materials and come with either a single-cell or double-cell design. You can also choose a Day/Night Cellular Shade which features a light-filtering section at the top and a blackout section on the bottom for the best of both worlds. All styles of Cellular Blinds offer a simple look with easy functionality, making them a practical choice.
Aesthetics
Cellular Blinds come in neutral colors from white to tan to grey and black for lots of design versatility. While they have a linear, modern design thanks to their pleated cells they’re subtle enough to work in a range of aesthetic styles.
Functionality
Cellular Blinds are some of the easiest types of blinds to use. Standard single- and double-cell designs come with three control types:
- Continuous loop control where you pull or lift the chain to adjust your shades.
- Cordless where a tension device in the headrail keeps your blinds in the desired position. To adjust them, simply move the bottom bar up or down.
- Motorization where you control your blinds with a remote, an app on your smartphone, or your voice when paired with a smart home device.
Day/Night Cellular Blinds are only available with cordless control.
When to Choose Cellular Blinds
- Rooms with a draft or very sunny rooms that get too cold or too hot, as these types of blinds will help to insulate your room, keeping it more comfortable.
- Casual living rooms for practical, easy-to-use window treatments you can adjust as needed.
- Bedrooms where the cells will keep your room comfortable all night, and the blackout material will create a room darkening effect ideal for sleep.
Ready to Shop?
Explore your options for Cellular Blinds to discover the right look for your application. These shades are available in versatile neutral hues that will suit your existing décor.
light filtering
Available in double or single-cell designs, light-filtering Cellular Blinds soften the light in your room for excellent privacy and a warm glow.
Pictured: Cellular Shades, ¾” Single Cell Light Filtering in Lace
blackout
Available in double or single-cell designs, blackout Cellular Blinds block up to 99% of the light for a room darkening effect ideal for bedrooms or media rooms.
Pictured: Cellular Shades, ¾” Single Cell Blackout in Midnight
day/night
Get the best of both light filtering and blackout with Day/Night Cellular Blinds that feature a top sheer and bottom blackout section.
Pictured: Day/Night Cellular Shades, ¾” Single Cell Sheer in Frost and Blackout in White
13. Top-Down Bottom-Up Blinds
Top-down bottom-up blinds feature the unique ability to be lifted from the bottom or pulled down from the top. These types of blinds offer excellent privacy and light control, allowing you to enjoy the light from the top while keeping the bottom of your window covered. Top-down bottom-up functionality is only available with single- and double-cell Cellular Blinds. Different types of blinds don’t offer this functionality.
Aesthetics
Top-down bottom-up Cellular Blinds come in the same neutral colors as Cellular Blinds, including white, tans, greys, and black for lots of design versatility.
Functionality
Top-down bottom-up blinds are very easy to use and are only available with cordless control.
When to Choose Top-Down Bottom-Up Blinds
- Rooms where you enjoy sunlight but require privacy, especially places like the bathroom or bedroom.
- Casual living and dining rooms where you want sunlight to filter through or a view of the night sky, but want to maintain privacy.
Ready to Shop?
Explore your options for top-down bottom-up functionality which is exclusively available for Cellular Blinds.
Pictured: Top-Down Bottom-Up Cellular Shade Product Image
14. Cordless Blinds
Cordless Blinds can be adjusted without the use of any cords or strings. Cordless is a control type that is available for most types of blinds and shades. With cordless blinds you have many options in terms of light and privacy control and aesthetics, since so many of the different types of blinds and shades offer cordless as a control type.
Aesthetics
Cordless Blinds and Shades come in a wide array of styles from cordless Wood and Metal Blinds to cordless Roller and Solar Shades to cordless Cellular Shades. Plus, each of the types of blinds and shades also feature their own customizations in terms of material so you can capture just the right look.
Functionality
Cordless control is always a simple, easy way to adjust your window treatments. However, be aware that cordless is best used on windows that you can reach the top. Otherwise, it will be difficult for you to lift your blinds or shades all the way up or get them down from the top of your window.
When to Choose Cordless Blinds
Cordless blinds and shades are a great choice for a range of applications, including:
- Any room with windows you can reach where you want a clean, sophisticated look without any dangling cords or strings.
- Kids rooms, nurseries and family rooms where the whole family spends time, as cordless control is one of the safer options for children.
Ready to Shop?
Explore all your options for cordless blinds and shades, to find the right style to suit your space.
Pictured: Outer Layer: Flat Roman Shade, Linen Sheers in Oatmeal and Inner Layer: Wood Blinds, 2-inch Laminated in Light Walnut
15. Motorized Blinds
Motorized Blinds are the pinnacle of convenience and modern technology. Most types of blinds and shades can be equipped with motorization, offering the ability to adjust window treatments with the push of a button or even via smart home devices.
Aesthetics
Since motorization is available for many different types of blinds and shades, you have a variety of aesthetic styles to choose from. Window treatments compatible with motorization include certain styles of elegant Roman Blinds, sleek Roller Blinds, sophisticated Wood Blinds, natural Woven Blinds and more.
Functionality
Motorization is a breeze to use for any of the different types of blinds. Simply press a button a remote to lift and lower your blinds — or tilt the slats of Wood and 2-inch Metal Blinds. You can also adjust your blinds and shades with a compatible app on your smartphone, whether you’re home or not. Many motors can also be paired with smart home devices so you can control your blinds and shades with the sound of your voice.
For many motorized systems, you may be able to program your blinds or shades to lift and lower or tilt on a timer. This is especially useful for bedrooms where you may want to blackout the space easily at bedtime and wake yourself up gently with the morning light.
When to Choose Motorized Blinds
Motorized Blinds and Shades are a great choice for nearly any application, but they’re especially useful for the following:
- Very wide and/or very tall windows, as motorization will make it a breeze to easily lift and lower these as needed.
- Gathering spaces like living rooms and dining rooms that host lots of people, as you can easily adjust your window treatments from anywhere in the room without having to work your way through the crowd.
- Out-of-reach windows like those in stairwells or transom windows as you can be anywhere in the room and still adjust your shades or blinds.
Ready to Shop?
Explore all your options for motorized blinds and shades, to find the right style to suit your space.
See All Different Types of Blinds for Yourself
With an overview of the different types of blinds available, you likely have an idea of which ones will best suit your needs and aesthetic preferences. To dive deeper into your options, visit a showroom to see product displays of all the different types of blinds, from Wood and Metal Blinds to Roller Blinds, Solar Shades and more. You’ll be able to experience the different control types as well as explore material options with hundreds of swatches available for you to take home to compare. Plus, you’ll connect with one of our talented Design Consultants who can answer all of your questions on types of blinds.
FIND A LOCAL SHOWROOM NEAR YOU
Visit your local showroom for interactive displays of all our products, 1300+ material swatches and helpful Design Consultants ready to assist you.
