Hi...

I'm planning on installing mini blinds in my living room, which faces South. Since the blinds will receive full sun, which would be my best pick... wood, vinyl or aluminum? I'd love to get wood, but I'm concerned about them not standing up to the direct sun.

Anyone have any experience with wood blinds in sunlight? How about vinyl or aluminum... what are the best applications for them? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

Hi, SingingForHim!

Just in my own experience with blinds, there are various types of vinyl ones. Some of them that I've seen will tend to develop a sag if exposed to the sun too long. Anything made of wood that is stained and might have another type of finish on it if left in the sun too long, the color will fade and the wood can also develop dry-rot.

Given your situation, my suggestion would be to go with the aluminum ones.

Thanks!

I went through this and ended up buying Faux Wood blinds from Bali (at Home Depot), that was 2 years ago and they still look exactly the same. I ended up putting them in a rental unit too as they were a good price and better quality than aluminum.

Bali -Blinds & Shades | Faux Wood Blinds (http://www.baliblinds.com/ProductLine.do?productLineId=64)

I love my wooden blinds.

They make my rooms feel homely

I got made to measure wooden blinds from here:

Wooden Blinds - made to measure wooden blinds online from 247blinds.co.uk (http://www.247blinds.co.uk/wooden_blinds.asp)

Go with wooden :rolleyes:

I like the wood too, Ive got them in my south facing office, and its like a boiler room in here
Have a look at The Blind Factory (http://www.theblindfactory.co.uk/WoodenBlinds/Page1.aspx) they have some blinds that reflect the heat if that's an issue.

That's interesting and informative information from you to know, Brookfres!

Thanks!

I would say, u go with your choice of material... for sun light... u can manage them with a window film, make sure to have one with a sun screen and UV resistance one.

Hi SingingForHim! I believe that wood blinds are just what you need. Wood blinds provide great insulation and they are usually treated in quality top coats designed to prevent colour fading from occurring. I bought my made to measure wood blinds from here Blindsuk - Website Review of Blindsuk.net - TalkReviews.com (http://www.talkreviews.com/blindsuk.net)

Levolor intentionally make weaker cords than in the past so the cord breaks and you buy new blinds every few months or so. Instead, buy lighter, aluminium blinds or go to Lowe's or HOME DEPOT or where you bought them from and ask for free replacement. Always keep your receipt, but the store should be able and willing to replace the blinds for you for free even if you got no receipt and if they got the same blinds still for sale. For peace of mind buy aluminium blinds of another manufacturer.