S
Schlimmelpilz28 Jan 2010 16:05Hello,
we plan to install white interior blinds on (almost) all the windows in our new house. Since it is a fairly modern build, we unfortunately have to rely exclusively on custom sizes. There are quite a few online shops offering exactly this on the internet. However, both online research and inquiries with the local interior outfitter have revealed huge price differences (we always requested the same dimensions, color, and functions — for example, open/close and tilt operated by chain control; installation on the glass side, etc.).
The price difference for our 19 windows is around 2,000 EUR (about $2,200)! And the interior outfitter was not even the most expensive option.
Where do these differences come from?
And even more importantly: How can I recognize high-quality blinds?
Thank you in advance
Stefan
we plan to install white interior blinds on (almost) all the windows in our new house. Since it is a fairly modern build, we unfortunately have to rely exclusively on custom sizes. There are quite a few online shops offering exactly this on the internet. However, both online research and inquiries with the local interior outfitter have revealed huge price differences (we always requested the same dimensions, color, and functions — for example, open/close and tilt operated by chain control; installation on the glass side, etc.).
The price difference for our 19 windows is around 2,000 EUR (about $2,200)! And the interior outfitter was not even the most expensive option.
Where do these differences come from?
And even more importantly: How can I recognize high-quality blinds?
Thank you in advance
Stefan
R
Romeo Toscani28 Jan 2010 23:57First, a question in return: Is an external sunshade not an option for you due to budget reasons, or is it not possible (visually or technically)?
Because external shading is definitely more effective as sun protection (in summer), thermal insulation (in winter), and noise reduction. For example, in the form of a roller shutter.
Interior blinds primarily serve to reduce glare and provide privacy.
They do cool the room a bit in summer, but nowhere near as effectively as external shading, since the window glass is still exposed to the sun.
The advantages of interior blinds, of course, are the lower initial cost, the possibility of interior design (color options), and that they are not exposed to weather, so they are easier to clean.
Since I live in a rental apartment myself, where no sun protection was installed, and for various reasons I could not have external shading fitted, only interior blinds were an option for me.
For three windows, I bought the blinds from a nearby dealer, manufacturer: KOSMOS.
They offered a huge selection of colors. The price was about 80 euros per blind (with an extra charge for the color I chose). The installation cost me 15 euros.
I am satisfied with the product; the installation was so-so...
I didn’t want to shade other windows at first, but by chance I came across an offer so good in price that I took it.
Same window size, identical blind design, just fewer color options, no dealer network, no installers. A typical online deal...
I paid about 20 euros each (standard color), delivery time was amazing (1 week), and I installed them myself.
It’s nothing fancy; it took me about three times as long as the installer from the first company (since it was my first time), but they hold up just as well, and because I could take more time than the installer, I was able to be more precise.
For me, these cheap blinds are just as good as the much more expensive ones from the specialist dealer.
Unfortunately, I can’t give you any information about that cheap company anymore, as it no longer exists.
For the Velux roof windows, I had to buy the Velux blinds as well.
These were by far the most expensive (even though everything is standardized and I didn’t want a special color), and the first to break.
The slats run in their own guide rails (instead of being tensioned by cords), because of the sloped window, and the bottom rail (which is reinforced and heavier) is attached to a plastic piece that runs along the rails.
Although this was the blind used least frequently, it was the first to fail — more precisely, the plastic part became brittle and destroyed itself. The slats now hang halfway out, and the blind can only be operated by actively helping it.
That means, from my own experience, I can’t say cheaper automatically means bad, because the structure and mechanism of such a blind really aren’t complicated.
Maybe the advice would be to buy a few blinds first, and if you are satisfied, install more on other windows.
And if not, look for alternative suppliers...
Because external shading is definitely more effective as sun protection (in summer), thermal insulation (in winter), and noise reduction. For example, in the form of a roller shutter.
Interior blinds primarily serve to reduce glare and provide privacy.
They do cool the room a bit in summer, but nowhere near as effectively as external shading, since the window glass is still exposed to the sun.
The advantages of interior blinds, of course, are the lower initial cost, the possibility of interior design (color options), and that they are not exposed to weather, so they are easier to clean.
Since I live in a rental apartment myself, where no sun protection was installed, and for various reasons I could not have external shading fitted, only interior blinds were an option for me.
For three windows, I bought the blinds from a nearby dealer, manufacturer: KOSMOS.
They offered a huge selection of colors. The price was about 80 euros per blind (with an extra charge for the color I chose). The installation cost me 15 euros.
I am satisfied with the product; the installation was so-so...
I didn’t want to shade other windows at first, but by chance I came across an offer so good in price that I took it.
Same window size, identical blind design, just fewer color options, no dealer network, no installers. A typical online deal...
I paid about 20 euros each (standard color), delivery time was amazing (1 week), and I installed them myself.
It’s nothing fancy; it took me about three times as long as the installer from the first company (since it was my first time), but they hold up just as well, and because I could take more time than the installer, I was able to be more precise.
For me, these cheap blinds are just as good as the much more expensive ones from the specialist dealer.
Unfortunately, I can’t give you any information about that cheap company anymore, as it no longer exists.
For the Velux roof windows, I had to buy the Velux blinds as well.
These were by far the most expensive (even though everything is standardized and I didn’t want a special color), and the first to break.
The slats run in their own guide rails (instead of being tensioned by cords), because of the sloped window, and the bottom rail (which is reinforced and heavier) is attached to a plastic piece that runs along the rails.
Although this was the blind used least frequently, it was the first to fail — more precisely, the plastic part became brittle and destroyed itself. The slats now hang halfway out, and the blind can only be operated by actively helping it.
That means, from my own experience, I can’t say cheaper automatically means bad, because the structure and mechanism of such a blind really aren’t complicated.
Maybe the advice would be to buy a few blinds first, and if you are satisfied, install more on other windows.
And if not, look for alternative suppliers...
S
Schlimmelpilz29 Jan 2010 10:39Hello and thank you very much for your reply!
The blinds are primarily intended to provide privacy and only secondarily to reduce glare. The house has exterior roller shutters on every window (which is a pity, as I personally find external blinds more visually appealing – but oh well).
I also think it makes sense to start with a "trial order" for one room to test how satisfied I am with the delivered product. I just wondered if there might be criteria that would exclude certain suppliers or their products from the start. It would be unfortunate if I had to install a different manufacturer’s product in every room...
Best regards
Stefan
The blinds are primarily intended to provide privacy and only secondarily to reduce glare. The house has exterior roller shutters on every window (which is a pity, as I personally find external blinds more visually appealing – but oh well).
I also think it makes sense to start with a "trial order" for one room to test how satisfied I am with the delivered product. I just wondered if there might be criteria that would exclude certain suppliers or their products from the start. It would be unfortunate if I had to install a different manufacturer’s product in every room...
Best regards
Stefan
R
Romeo Toscani31 Jan 2010 02:30Hello Stefan,
If you already have blinds on all your windows (which, by the way, are more practical than exterior shutters), then internal blinds mainly serve to look nice and to prevent neighbors from looking inside.
Therefore, I would recommend visiting a specialist dealer who offers a suitable range of colors (which is probably important in your case) and maybe borrowing a color card so you can see how it looks in your rooms.
Decide which windows this is important for—I don’t think you need this kind of privacy protection in every room.
Keep in mind that internal blinds are at least about 10 cm (4 inches) high when fully raised and will protrude into the glass area.
For this reason, it would be better to choose slats that are, for example, 25 mm (1 inch) wide instead of 16 mm (0.6 inches), because fewer slats mean less intrusion into the glass area.
In terms of quality, most suppliers are on a similar level. These are not robust products meant to withstand weather outdoors but rather delicate and simple solutions.
If you already have blinds on all your windows (which, by the way, are more practical than exterior shutters), then internal blinds mainly serve to look nice and to prevent neighbors from looking inside.
Therefore, I would recommend visiting a specialist dealer who offers a suitable range of colors (which is probably important in your case) and maybe borrowing a color card so you can see how it looks in your rooms.
Decide which windows this is important for—I don’t think you need this kind of privacy protection in every room.
Keep in mind that internal blinds are at least about 10 cm (4 inches) high when fully raised and will protrude into the glass area.
For this reason, it would be better to choose slats that are, for example, 25 mm (1 inch) wide instead of 16 mm (0.6 inches), because fewer slats mean less intrusion into the glass area.
In terms of quality, most suppliers are on a similar level. These are not robust products meant to withstand weather outdoors but rather delicate and simple solutions.
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