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Sliding patio doors are a great addition to any home. They brighten up the room and give your home a lot of style. However, they also reduce privacy and may let in more sunlight than desired. Luckily, there is a wide array of sliding door blinds to choose from. Understanding exactly what you need and what options work best for you are key to choosing the best sliding door blinds for your home.

Choosing the Best Blinds for Your Sliding Patio Doors

Before you seek out blinds for your sliding patio doors, there are certain factors to consider to help you make your choice. Are the blinds more for privacy, light control or both? Is energy efficiency important to you? How much money are you willing to spend on your patio door blinds? What styles and colors match the rest of the room?

Cellular Honeycomb Shades

Anyone looking for energy efficiency, privacy, and light reduction would greatly benefit from cellular honeycomb shades on their sliding patio doors. They don’t require cords in order to be operated, making them very convenient and safe around children as well.

The main downside to cellular honeycomb blinds is their lack of versatility. You have very little control over how much light is entering the room. Another disadvantage lies in their aesthetic. Cellular honeycomb shades look and feel more like parchment than fabric, which doesn’t tend to compliment the décor in many houses.

Sliding Panels

Those seeking a sleek and modern look will love sliding panel blinds. They come in a wide variety of materials, they’re easy to use and they can be thick and dark enough to act as blackout blinds or thin and bright enough to see outside.

However, like cellular honeycomb panels, they’re not very versatile in regards to regulating light. The tracks for sliding panel blinds also need to be cleaned and properly maintained to keep the panels from getting stuck.

Horizontal Blinds

The easiest to install, cheapest and one of the most common options for patio door blinds is horizontal blinds. Since horizontal blinds are already commonly used on windows to begin with, they usually match room décor very well.

Horizontal blinds are very tricky to clean, however, and they tend to collect dust more than any other shading option. The operating cords are also a hazard to children.

Vertical Blinds

Just as cost-effective and easy to install as horizontal blinds, vertical blinds are another very common option for patio doors. In addition, their sliding operation and vertical design make them a great match with sliding patio doors. They’re also easy to clean and don’t collect much dust.

On the negative side, vertical patio door blinds can be a nuisance around pets and small children, and it’s slightly difficult to get the slats placed properly.

Drapes

Installing drapes on your sliding patio door is incredibly easy, and they offer the most options in regards to color and style. Drapes are also not as susceptible to damage as blinds, and they can be repaired more easily.

However, drapes are a magnet for dust and fur. They need to be washed or vacuumed fairly regularly to avoid stains and mold.

Conclusion

No matter which kind of sliding patio door blinds you choose, they’ll be sure to add style and privacy to your home. Contact Blinds Brothers today for more help in picking the best patio door blinds for you!

Occasionally, people shopping for window treatments have misconceptions about blinds and plantation shutters. The terms are not interchangeable, and if you want to avoid confusion while you’re shopping around, you should know the difference. Even more confusing is the fact that different cultures use a combination of terms, like “plantation blinds” instead of plantation shutters. The difference between blinds and plantation shutters concerns many different areas such as decor choices, energy efficiency, and cost. Once you know what you’re looking for in these aspects, the choice might become a lot easier for you.

Window Shades and Blinds

Window shades and blinds were originally placed on spring-loaded rollers and mounted on the top frame of windows. As time progressed, materials were updated and pull-strings or motorized lifts were added. Blinds can now be made from synthetic materials that capture the look of wood or fabric. They can also be made of thin-gauge metal, such as aluminum.

Plantation Shutters

Plantation shutters are permanently mounted on the interior side frames of windows. They are almost always made from wood, but there are varieties that use other solid materials. Polymer is a new product that mimics the look of wood and gives many of the same benefits as wood. Opening out from the center, plantation shutters use vertical stiles and horizontal rails to control the amount of light released.

Decorative Uses

Blinds have long been used for privacy in homes. Once hand-painted with scenes, manufacturing and automation replaced this time-consuming measure. Slats, cellular pockets, and fabric-based Roman shades are a few examples of what you can find in today’s window blinds. Colors and patterns can be woven into window shades to match the decor of a room.

Although plantation shutters are classically light in color, they can be stained or painted to match any room. They add a modern look with straight sleek lines and sturdy material. Plantation shutters stay perfectly aligned, never losing their shape. Homes wanting an upscale look will often opt for plantation shutters over blinds.

Energy Efficiency

Blinds come in a variety of shapes and materials, with some being more energy-efficient than others. For instance, honeycomb shades came on the market in the 1970s as an answer to the energy crisis. The fabric design helps to trap cold or hot air inside the spaces and control the interior temperature. Slatted blinds do little to conserve energy except for the fact that they cover the window’s surface.

Plantation shutters are high in energy efficiency. Because they are custom-made to fit snugly against a frame, they have better control over airflow. The vertical stiles allow the user to close the shutters when temperatures are high or low outdoors. Whether you elect for blinds or plantation shutters, both should be installed properly in order to get the best protection possible.

Cost

One significant difference between blinds and plantation shutters is price. Wood plantation blinds can run into the range of hundreds of dollars per window. Blinds, on the other hand, can be found in relatively inexpensive varieties, like vinyl slatted ones. Depending on the number of features you want, window shades can become pricey, but hardly ever as much as wood plantation shutters.

As you can see, the difference between blinds and plantation shutters is a matter that requires careful choices. Think about what matches your home decor and your energy needs. And when you’ve zeroed in your pick, contact Blinds Brothers. We’ll get you started with a free estimate and help you out along every step of the window outfitting process.

Aside from performing the vital tasks of heat and energy management, your window treatments can also perform other vital functions. One such function is providing privacy, acting as the all-important barrier between prying eyes and you. If you’re in the market for privacy shades, you’ve probably been wondering about what kind will work the best in your home. With that in mind, we’ve put together a few of the types of window treatments that have been proven to get the job done in a stylish and efficient manner.

Wooden Shutters

Slatted wood shutters make for a good mix of privacy and light permeation. Plantation-style shutters are attractive window treatments that come in a variety of styles and finishes. When you decide you don’t want anyone looking in, the slats can be adjusted, similar to mini-blinds. Find the right angle, and you may even get a degree of one-way visibility – you’ll be able to see outside, but passersby trying to look inside won’t see anything.

Faux Wood Blinds

Speaking of wood: If you like the look of it, give faux wood blinds a chance. Many faux wood blinds are designed for very tight closure, allowing greater privacy and control over how much light gets through. The synthetic wood can often be cheaper than the genuine article, while also resisting warping. These blinds may seem simple, but they can be a good option for a practical homeowner who isn’t looking to overcomplicate things.

Roller Shades

If you can rely on roller shades to darken a room, chances are you can also rely on them to act as privacy shades. They provide a clean, seamless look that still allows light to filter through. To fully customize the degree of privacy, make sure you’re weighing the options presented by different fabrics, liners, and layers.

Honeycomb Shades

Also known as cellular shades, honeycomb shades are designed to filter and/or completely block light. This effect is obviously negated if you choose a sheer fabric, but with the majority of other fabrics, you can rely on them for privacy. Additionally, using a top-down/bottom-up lift system adds a degree of control. Do you want a bit of light coming in through the top of a window while keeping the bottom secluded? This is the perfect option to make it happen.

Woven Shades

These are the privacy shades to select if you want a more naturalistic look. Woven from organic materials like bamboo, reeds, and grasses, they’re surprisingly durable and can be customized for blocking outside views into your home. Choose a privacy liner, and your windows will be all set. Privacy shades are necessary for any security-focused homeowner. If you’re not satisfied with your windows and the lines of sight they allow into your home, contact Blinds Brothers today. We’ll get you started on the path to safety, security, and stylish window treatments.

Motorized Exterior Shades

TerraVue Outdoor Shades enclose your outdoor area to protect from all sorts of elements, including heat, rain, and wind. Enjoy cooler weather at the press of a button with motorized screens that can start or stop at any height to give you the ultimate control over your outdoor ambiance. These screens also shut out bugs and add privacy with shades you can see out of but can not see through from the outside.

TerraVue Outdoor Shades can do much more than just cutting down on the sunlight and heat. They are weather resistant to reduce incoming rain and snow while staying safe in their sturdy metal housing. The shade also prevents UV rays from damaging porch furniture, decor, and outdoor fixtures that often fade, crack and peel under the harsh Texas sunlight.

Maintaining your exterior shade is as simple as giving it a clean once every other year and following some basic instructions. Your sturdy, quality-designed product can last for years upon years with just a minimal amount of TLC.

The Top Benefits of TerraVue Outdoor Shades:

• Keep out insects and pests
• Enjoy added privacy
• Retractable exterior screens keep the breezes flowing with permeable design
• Protect porch furniture
• Custom installation with every job for a seamless fit
• Design consultation to blend with your home’s style
• Custom shade opacities for different levels of sunlight
• Different color options to give your home the perfect look
• Outdoor Aluminum Shutters

Outdoor Aluminum Shutters

Weatherwell Elite’s cutting edge design is equipped to handle the toughest treatments from the sun. Every aspect of their design has been mastered to create the most efficient aluminum louver. With many installation methods available, it is up to you how open or closed you want the louvers. Control the entry of natural light, heat, and sun from the outside to protect your outdoor living area.

Another great feature of Weatherwell Elite Aluminum Shutters is that they can retract to completely open your outdoor space up to enjoy the views, leave them closed to stay comfortable or adjust to let the right amount of light into your space.

Weatherwell Elite is a versatile product designed to alleviate many problems because of its multi-installation options and its ability to withstand the elements. An outdoor area completed with Weatherwell Elite is both an investment and a solution.

Top Benefits of Weatherwell Elite Aluminum Shutters

• Create an outdoor room with an outdoor kitchen
• Added privacy
• Add shutters for security screens with their safety options
• Give strength and durability in high traffic areas with kids or pets
• Custom installation with every job for a seamless fit
• Design consultation to blend with your home’s style
  • Different shutter color options to give your home the perfect look
  • Powder Coat (White, Pearl, Silver, Black)
  • Wood Grain Powdercoat (Knotty Pine and Walnut)
• Multiple Blade Sizes
• Installation options: Fixed, hinged, multi-fold or sliding

Contact Us Today

For more information on how the Blinds Brothers can help improve your outdoor space contact us today for a free consultation or call us at 682-727-0044.  Click here to discover more about improving your home with our outdoor living options.