| Mini Blinds
Pros Mini blinds are best for dispersing light
across a room and being able to take some control over glare while maintaining
some of the view. Light hits the top of the slat, bounces off the ceiling and
is spread well into the room. The product is relatively inexpensive and has its
own attractive aesthetic.
Cons The problem with mini blinds is in maintenance
and repair. Keeping the blinds dust free is an ongoing battle and they might as
well be replaced once they are really dirty. Once a slat is dog-eared it is a
problem to fix. Minis do not do much for insulating your cold window or
reducing your air conditioning costs.
Usually you activate minis by just tilting the slat, without
raising and lowering the blind. Therefore the blind is usually always in the
window. When you do raise it the stack can be considerable.
Compare Mini-Blinds to Symphony Shades
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Symphony Cellular Shade |
Mini-Blind |
Photos |
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Insulation |
Traps heat or cold between shade and window like a blanket |
Guides cold air into the room or cooled room air towards
the hot window with the tilted slats |
Light Control |
Various fabric options and Top
Down Bottom Up function help you control light and cut glare, allow in or
block all light depending on options chosen. (TDBU shown above) Blocks all UV
Rays, protecting your furniture and antiques. Controls glare well. |
Light can be controlled by tilting the slats to minimize
or maximize light coming into the room. Complete blackout is rarely
possible. Does not always control glare well. |
Clean ability |
Naturally dust resistant; shades can be vacuumed and light
filtering fabrics can be washed. |
Can be washed, many small crevices attract dust, require
regular washing. |
Installation |
Easy
installation. Most
shades only require 2 brackets, minimal bracket positioning |
Side mounted brackets require careful location |
Hardware |
Quality Stainless steel brackets. |
Plastic brackets become brittle over time |
Ideal Use |
All interior and exterior windows. Great for privacy, insulation and light
control. |
Great for interior windows such as office privacy. |
Shade Operation |
Many options including cordless and heavy duty cord
loop shades |
Tilt wand to angle slats and a pull cord to raise and
lower slats. |
Shade Stack |
2”-4” (rails and fabric) |
Depends on material and shade configuration |
Durability |
Our shade fabric is designed to last 15+ years. Fabric,
rails and brackets will not degrade because of UV light and retain their
shape and durability over the lifetime of the shade. Shades are to be
repaired, not replaced. |
Plastic can become brittle over time, slats can crease
when peeked through too many times. Most mini-blinds are designed for
replacement, not repair. |
Warranty |
10
Years Read More |
Working at time of purchase, more expensive brands have a
1-3 year warranty. |
Advantage Symphony: The advantages of Symphony are low
maintenance, insulation, soft filtered light control or black out and when
opened the window is totally uncluttered.
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