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How to Pick Vertical Blinds for Windows

Vertical blinds are always in style, but how can you choose the best ones for your windows?  At Cindy's & Bolliger Window Fashions, our design experts dig right in: We break things down into manageable categories like functional needs, style preferences, and budget. And since our showrooms feature Hunter Douglas custom window treatments, you know you’re getting the very best—that’s something our clients never need to worry about.

Vertical blinds for windows in a living room near Gresham and Portland, OR

Types of Vertical Blinds

Traditional vertical blinds have vertical slats that hang from a headrail. The slats can be rotated to control light and privacy or drawn to one side for an unobstructed view.  Vertical Solutions® Vertical Blinds are available in fabric and vinyl options; Somner® Vertical Blinds offer even more colors, treatments, and textures, including statement fabrics and metal finishes.

  • Fabric Vertical Blinds: Fabric options provide a soft, elegant look that works well in living rooms or bedrooms. These blinds also offer insulation and sound absorption; choose from various textures, colors, and patterns.
  • Vinyl Vertical Blinds: Vinyl is a practical, durable option for high-moisture areas, like kitchens or bathrooms. It’s easy to maintain, making these blinds ideal for spaces exposed to humidity or splashes. Vinyl vertical blinds also come in different colors and finishes.
  • Metal Vertical Blinds: These blinds offer a modern, streamlined aesthetic. Their reflective, metallic finish is suited for contemporary spaces and works well in rooms with large windows, like home offices or dining rooms. Aluminum blinds are highly durable and resistant to fading or warping over time.

Vertical Blinds for Sliding Glass Doors

Sliding glass doors need a specific type of vertical blind or panel that can handle wider openings and provide easy operation. We customize Vertical Solutions® Vertical Blinds and Somner® Vertical Blinds for sliding glass doors, patio doors, and French doors.

These styles also accommodate sliding glass doors:

Luminette® Sheer Panels look like sophisticated vertical blinds for windows but have 180-degree rotating fabric vanes integrated into sheer panels. They diffuse light gently; this is ideal for spaces where privacy and radiant light are desired, like living rooms or dining areas that open to balconies or patios.

If you want to make a truly unique design statement, ask us about  Skyline® Panel-Track Blinds. The bold, 11 ½" or 17" panels stack tightly when closed; keep them open to see their rich textures and fabrics. The panels slide effortlessly along a track, controlled with bottom weights.

Which Vertical Blinds Work Best for Specific Rooms?

This answer depends on the room’s function and window sizes. In living rooms with large windows or doors, fabric or sheer vertical blinds soften the light and create coziness. Vinyl blinds, due to their moisture resistance, are a more practical choice for kitchens or bathrooms.

Aluminum vertical blinds will manage sun exposure while providing a modern, sleek look in a home office, where light blocking is often necessary. For bedrooms, fabric vertical blinds provide insulation from drafts and noise while allowing some natural light to filter through—choose room-darkening materials for more restful sleep.

Pairing Custom Drapery with Vertical Blinds

Pairing vertical blinds with custom drapery can further enhance their aesthetic and functional qualities. Drapery adds an extra layer of insulation and sophistication to window treatments, with greater control over light and airflow.

This combination is especially useful in rooms where varying levels of privacy or sun protection are needed at different times of day. For instance, in a living room with large windows, you can use vertical blinds to block direct sunlight, while the drapery can provide a more refined feel when closed. In bedrooms, custom drapery paired with vertical blinds creates a tranquil retreat conducive to relaxation and deeper sleep.

We Can’t Wait to Show You Custom Vertical Blinds from Hunter Douglas

Bolliger's Window Fashions & Cindy's Window Fashions are owned and operated by the same local family; let our family help yours select the perfect vertical blinds for your home. Contact us for friendly service in Gresham, Portland, Clackamas, Happy Valley, Damascus, Sandy, Oregon City, Milwaukie, Corbett, Hood River, Cascade Locks, Lake Oswego, Beaverton, Hillsboro, Tigard, West Linn, Fairfield, Troutdale, OR, and Vancouver, Camas, Battle Ground, WA.