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Vertical blinds in a den

Should You Replace Those Outdated Vertical Blinds In Clearwater?

August 13, 2019

In the 1970’s, homeowners in Clearwater needed a window covering that would adequately cover large, picture windows and sliding glass doors. These vertical -- or Venetian -- blinds emerged as a useful window treatment that used long vinyl stats that loosely hung down from a track.

However, now that we are firmly situated in the 21st century, these useful treatments are starting to look like old-fashioned relics that should go back to the past. Now, there are cleaner and more energy-efficient treatments that let you update your rooms and replace those vertical blinds.

The Problems With Vertical Blinds

Vertical blinds may have been far out in the 1970s, but now we see them for their inefficiency rather than their benefits.

Panel track blinds in modern living room Plantation shutters on sliding door
  • They’re noisy. With a modest draft from a vent -- or even when someone wanders by -- they clank together.

  • They are brittle. It’s not unusual to accidentally pull off a slat or turn a vane so they won’t rotate or open correctly.

  • They show fingerprints and dust. Vertical blinds are usually composed of vinyl that yellows, fades, and can easily get stained with dust, dirt, and grime.

  • They do not cover your windows. Because these window coverings swing and tear down so easily, it’s not abnormal to see outside light come in through the sides or the gap from a broken slat.

What Are More Effective Window Treatments Than Vertical Blinds?

To improve your old-fashioned vertical blinds, you have plenty of wonderful options:

Plantation shutters in kitchen 
  • Plantation Shutters: Unlike vertical blinds, plantation shutters never go out of style. With their durable louvers, plantation shutters will easily protect against sun glare and add privacy. They fully encase the window so they won’t swing in the breeze or snap off easily. If you pick a faux wood plantation shutter, like our Polywood® shutters, then you’ll also find an extra layer of energy efficiency.

Window shades in room overlooking ocean
  • Cellular shades: Cell shades can take over for your vertical blinds on large picture windows, as they are utilize a material that updates your window treatments. Available in different colors, these coverings can block light by sliding top-down or bottom-up. Cell shades also are available in sheer material so sunlight light can illuminate the room without the glare. Find more options for window shades in Clearwater.

Panel tracks in sunroom
  • Panel Tracks: Panel tracks act like vertical blinds, as they are attached to a suspended track. These wood or fabric panels don’t experience the same problems as vertical blinds though, and the panels are larger, more current, and are designed to overlap.

Let Sunburst Shutters Help You Replace Your Outdated Vertical Blinds

If you’re thinking of replacing your out-of-date vertical blinds, then it’s time to call your Clearwater Sunburst rep. We’ll show you a variety of samples to see what window treatment is best for your space. Just call 813-580-7288 for your in-home consultation.