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Vertical blinds in a den

Is It Time To Replace Those Outdated Vertical Blinds In Austin?

August 13, 2019

In the seventies, homeowners in Austin needed a window treatment that would adequately cover large, picture windows and sliding glass doors. Hence, vertical -- or Venetian -- blinds emerged as a useful window covering that employed long vinyl stats that were suspended from a track.

However, we left the 70s behind with 8-Tracks and CB radios, and these useful treatments are beginning to look like yellowing relics that should go back to the past. Today, there are cleaner and more energy-efficient treatments that allow you to update your windows and replace those vertical blinds.

The Trouble With Vertical Blinds

Vertical blinds may have seemed groovy 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 clatter together. With a modest airflow from a vent -- or even when someone wanders by -- they bang together.

  • They break easily. You can easily pull down a slat or turn a vane so they won’t rotate or open right.

  • They show wear and tear. Vertical blinds are usually derived of vinyl that yellows, fades, and over time will get stained with fingerprints and water spots.

  • They don’t cover your windows. Because these window coverings sway and snap so easily, it’s not unusual to see light leak through the sides or a missing slat.

What Are More Stylish Coverings Than Vertical Blinds?

To improve your antiquated vertical blinds, you have plenty of great options:

Plantation shutters in kitchen 
  • Plantation Shutters: Unlike vertical blinds, plantation shutters are timeless. With their solid louvers, plantation shutters will block sun glare while adding a layer of privacy. They completely seal off the window so they won’t swing in the breeze or break easily. If you pick a faux wood plantation shutter, like our Polywood® shutters, then you will also get an extra benefit of energy efficiency.

Window shades in room overlooking ocean
  • Cellular shades: Cell shades can replace your vertical blinds on large picture windows, as they are utilize a material that modernizes your windows. Available in many different colors, these coverings can stop outside light by pulling top-down or bottom-up. Cell shades also might use sheer material so outside light can light up the room when closed. Find more options for window shades in Austin.

Panel tracks in sunroom
  • Panel Tracks: Panel tracks work a lot like vertical blinds, as they drape down from a overhead track. These wood or fabric panels don’t have the same headaches as vertical blinds though, with their big, overlapping panels.

Let Sunburst Shutters Help You Replace Your Inefficient Vertical Blinds

If you’re thinking of replacing your out-of-date vertical blinds, then it’s time to call your Austin Sunburst rep. We’ll show you a variety of samples to see what window treatment is best for your windows. The first step is to call 512-549-6077 for your in-home consultation.