Can You Buy Replacement Slats For Blinds?
Any investment in your home should fix a problem or solve an issue for the entire family. This is especially true for window blinds. When you choose a window covering to help you manage light and privacy, you want something that helps you to easily manage excessive light and optimise privacy. If you’ve fallen in love with blinds with slats, such as vertical blinds, Venetian blinds or wooden blinds, the best way to extend their lifespan is always through proper maintenance. In line with this, one of the most commonly asked questions we get is ‘Can You Buy Replacement Slats for Blinds?’. So, let’s look into that here today.
How long should window blinds last?
At Lifestyle Blinds, we know how precious every investment you make into your home can be. Many of us save up to make these big purchases, forgoing activities and luxuries throughout the year to do so. We make our window blinds bespoke to your measurements. Alongside this, we provide full installation instructions with every full set. In doing so, we aim to provide window blinds that can be installed by you without the need for additional labour. And blinds that give a seamless and professional look that can withstand continuous use too.
To make sure your window blinds last for the longest time possible, it’s important to maintain and clean them regularly. We’ll go into this in more detail later on. However, it pays to note that well-maintained and cared-for window blinds can last you upwards of 10+ years. Faux wood slatted blinds offer some of the longest life spans due to their durability and position within the full frame. Rigid PVC vertical blinds are also remarkably hardwearing and can continue working for many years to come - even with minimal maintenance and rigorous use.
We regularly hail window blinds as being a consideration when it comes to interior design. And, if you’re someone whose style changes regularly, there’s no reason why you wouldn’t be able to change your blinds just as frequently as you change your cushion covers. But - as is the case for many of us - window blinds should also offer many years of service so you can focus your investments elsewhere.
Slatted window blinds
Slatted window blinds are one such style available on the market. Chosen widely for their versatility, range of styles, and durability, there are a number of different options available on the market. The most common ones you’ll likely come across are:
- Vertical blinds
- Venetian blinds
- Wooden blinds (including faux wooden blinds)
Vertical blinds
Vertical blinds feature several vertical slats hanging from a top rail. Using either a pull cord or twist wand, these slats can be rotated in unison to cover or expose the window. They can also be pulled over to one side, allowing full access to glass doors or larger windows too.
Venetian blinds
Suitable for use in moisture-rich or humid environments, Venetian blinds are normally manufactured from aluminum. In comparison to vertical blinds, they feature horizontal slats that sit within a knotted frame. They can also be rotated in unison and pulled upwards to expose the entire window.
Wooden blinds
And finally, wooden blinds have a similar structure to Venetian blinds. They too feature horizontal slats - just this time they are either manufactured from real wood or faux wood. Wooden blinds are a popular choice for bringing warmth into rooms - particularly in spaces such as living rooms or bedrooms.
Each of the three options above will have different advantages and disadvantages. But when weighing up both slatted blinds and solid blinds (such as roller blinds), here are some of the pros and cons.
Pros
- Slatted blinds offer two modes of operation, giving you greater control over light management and privacy
- Some styles (particularly vertical blinds) are a practical option for use on conservatory doors and longer windows
- There are several different slat width options available, giving you more personalisation over the final style in your home.
- Some styles are waterproof and easy to wipe clean. They won’t warp when exposed to fluctuating temperatures or lose their dye if they become damp
Cons
- If you’re looking to block out as much light as possible, you may want to look at roller blinds or skylight blinds instead. The individual slats in the three designs above will always allow a sliver of light to pass through. This also means they aren’t the most popular choice for bedrooms or nurseries.
- Some styles, particularly those with horizontal slats, encourage the settling of dust making them harder to maintain
- Care must be taken not to dent, bend, or use excess pressure on those blinds made from aluminium as this damage cannot always be reversed
- Thin slats can make windows look fussy and overcrowded
How to maintain these blinds?
With all of these blinds, the best way to keep them looking and working their best is to maintain them regularly. This is easily done - just like you maintain the rest of your home.
- Dust your slatted blinds once a week.
- For stubborn dirt, use a soft, damp cloth and carefully wipe each slat individually
- If you’re working with fabric slatted blinds (such as vertical blinds), spot clean with care and use a specialist cleaner made for blinds
- Open and close your blinds regularly to shift any settled dust and ensure the mechanisms are working properly
Can you buy replacement slats for these blinds?
There will be times when cleaning and small-time care won’t be enough to keep your window blinds looking their best. Sometimes damage or stains cannot be removed and they can have a significant impact on the aesthetics of the room. In this situation, the good news is yes - you can buy replacement slats for many of these blinds. At Lifestyle Blinds, we sell Replacement Slats For Vertical Blinds that are manufactured from the same fabric as your full sets. We use the same dimensions and measurements for the perfect fit. And, we provide full fitting instructions that make it easy to remove the old slat and clip in the new one.
Equally, because wooden blinds and Venetian blinds are made up of individual slats, there’s no reason why individual slats cannot be manufactured and supplied. Sliding out an old slat or unlooping it from the original frame means you won’t have to fork out for a complete replacement full set. This extends the lifespan of your window blinds, means you can maintain a style you fell in love with, and gives you longer to enjoy your investment. They remain one of the key reasons why many of our customers end up choosing slatted blinds. This versatility is undeniably attractive - especially when you have a bustling house where dirt and soil are commonplace.
The team here at Lifestyle Blinds is here to help you get the most out of your window blinds - both slatted and other styles. If you have any questions about our replacement slats for window blinds or would like to speak to us about anything else, please do get in contact here today.
