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Vertical blinds in a den

Should You Replace Those Outdated Vertical Blinds In Minneapolis?

August 13, 2019

In the seventies, homeowners in Minneapolis were searching for a window covering that would sufficiently cover large, picture windows and sliding glass doors. These vertical -- or Venetian -- blinds became an efficient window treatment that used long vinyl stats that were suspended from a track.

However, that was long ago, and these vinyl treatments are beginning to resemble yellowing relics that should go back to the past. Now, there are beautiful and more energy-efficient window coverings that let you update your windows and replace those vertical blinds.

The Issues With Vertical Blinds

Vertical blinds seemed innovative when they had little competition, but now we know them for their problems rather than their benefits.

Panel track blinds in bright living room Plantation shutters on sliding door
  • They’re noisy. With a small draft from the AC -- or even when someone brushes by -- they clank together.

  • They easily tear down. One small tug or bump and you can pull down a slat or misalign a vane so they won’t rotate or open right.

  • They show dirt and stains. Vertical blinds are usually composed of vinyl that yellows, fades, and can become stained with moisture or dirt.

  • They don’t cover your windows. Because these window coverings sway and snap so easily, you can usually see some outside light, even when they should be shut.

What Are Some Better Treatments Than Vertical Blinds?

To replace your outdated vertical blinds, you have a slew of stylish options:

Plantation shutters in kitchen 
  • Plantation Shutters: Unlike vertical blinds, plantation shutters never go out of style. With their solid louvers, plantation shutters will stop sun glare while adding a layer of privacy. They fully fill the window so they won’t swing in the breeze or tear down easily. If you use a faux wood plantation shutter, like our Polywood® shutters, then you will also experience an extra benefit of energy efficiency.

Window shades in room overlooking ocean
  • Cellular shades: Cell shades can supplant your vertical blinds on full wall windows, as they are made from a fabric material that updates your windows. Available in different colors, these coverings can block light by sliding top-down or bottom-up. Cell shades also might use sheer material so outside light can brighten the room without the glare. Find more options for window shades in Minneapolis.

Panel tracks in sunroom
  • Panel Tracks: Panel tracks act like vertical blinds, as they drape down from a suspended track. These wood or fabric panels aren’t shown to have the same problems as vertical blinds though, and the panels are larger, more contemporary, and are designed to overlap.

Let Sunburst Shutters Help You Modernize Your Inefficient Vertical Blinds

If you’re thinking of replacing your old-fashioned vertical blinds, then you should call your Minneapolis Sunburst rep. We’ll show you different coverings to see what window treatment is best for your home. Just call 952-856-8130 for your free in-home consultation.