Window treatments – every home needs them. If you have young active kids or pets, like I do, there are certain concessions you need to make when it comes to choosing the right blinds or shades. This post will provide a list of durable window treatments. By that I mean, made from durable materials as well as ones that are easy to clean. These window treatments are also a good choice for any “high-traffic” rooms in your home – this may or may not involve the presence of children or pets. This includes kitchens, bathrooms, garages, mud rooms, etc.
Faux Wood Blinds
Made from either PVC vinyl or composite wood, faux wood blinds look like real wood blinds, but with substantially more durability. Because the slats are made from man-made materials, they won’t warp, crack or fade. They are also scratch, and dent, resistant. You can clean them with just about any cleaner too.
Aluminum Mini Blinds
The slats of aluminum blinds are made from durable aluminum. Obviously, right? But there’s more. Many of the better brands of mini blinds offer different gauge sizes, typically from 6-9 gauge. The larger the number, the thicker the slat. For maximum durability choose a larger slat size. While I am on the subject of durability, most of the brand name manufacturers (Bali, Levolor, Graber, etc.) build their window treatments with better components, like steel headrails (the operating mechanism at the top). Many even offer dust and scratch-resistant paints.
Shutters
Shutters made from PVC/vinyl or composite wood are very durable. They are also made from real wood, but that’s not the point of this article. Often called faux wood plantation shutters, these window treatments are very substantial and offer the same durability features as faux wood blinds. The nice thing about plantation shutters, beyond their good looks, is that they are the only window treatment that actually adds value to a home.