White Blinds

These days, it feels like interior design evolves just as quickly as fashion. As swiftly as we fall in love with a new pattern or style, the next ‘big thing’ rolls in and we’re right back on Pinterest, searching for the perfect household accessory. So you might be wondering - are white blinds still in style? Here lies the beauty of white. It is one of those colours that just can’t go out of style, no matter how hard it tries. As the leader of the neutrals, white interior design may have evolved over the years but it has never dropped completely out of style.

White acts as a blank canvas - the base colour from which you can inject personality and add details. It is spacious and wholesome, helping smaller rooms to appear larger and helping to pull together a space seamlessly. In turn, white blinds will always be in style too. Modern technology and a greater understanding of customer demand have meant that many new window blind designs have entered the market. And, even with all of these advances, white remains a consistent colour option across the board. No matter whether you’re looking for a white roller blind to effectively manage light or a white wooden blind that injects contemporary luxury into your home, there will always be a truly beautiful option out there, just for you.

Window blinds are the first barrier against UV rays in your home. This means they are most likely to experience the damage associated with these harmful rays. High exposure to natural sunlight causes a chemical reaction in blind fabric, causing certain elements to break down and a yellow discolouration to occur. This yellowing can also be caused by indoor pollution, such as cigarette smoke exposure which leaves nicotine residue on their surface. It’s harder to prevent the latter cause over the second one. If you’re a smoker, take yourself outside and as far away from your windows as possible. This way, there is no chance of smoke-related discolouration Include your blinds in weekly cleans and schedule a deep clean once a month to remove grime from the surface.

UV exposure is harder to prevent - after all, protecting your home from excessive light exposure is the main role of a window blind. Choose a window blind that has a UV protection coating which features on many white faux wood blinds and invest in quality blinds that will be designed to reduce this discolouration.

They certainly can. White blackout blinds are some of our favourites. The white colour helps to make a room look larger and airier. They are calm and relaxing - perfect for bedrooms and living rooms where you want to be able to fully switch off at the end of the day. Plus, with white being one of the most versatile colours available, they offer both a subtle backdrop and a statement detail, regardless of the room they’re fitted in. White blackout blinds have a unique relationship with light too. They can make a room look bigger while blocking out unwanted light.

Blackout blinds use a multi-layer design. The inner fabric panel is opaque and physically blocks unwanted light from entering through the window. This is then sandwiched between two layers of premium fabric in the perfect crisp white or off-white colour. So while you’re creating a more spacious looking home, you’re also prioritising privacy, light control and even temperature in many situations too.

This isn’t the first time we’ve heard this question and the answer isn’t as simple as you may think. It’s entirely reasonable to assume that darker fabrics will reduce excessive light more. After all, if you hold two pieces of fabric up to a light, the white one will appear less effective at blocking the light. In part, this is true. Darker colours, including black, red and navy blue, absorb more UV rays than lighter colours so if we were just talking about simple fabrics, darker blinds would be more effective.

No matter what style of window blind you choose, regular cleaning and maintenance are the best ways to get the most out of your investment. And, regardless of the colour of the blind, the way you clean a window blind will depend on its type. So here are our top tips for each one:

Cleaning a white roller blind

Roller blinds have few horizontal surfaces where dust can sit, making them impressively easy to clean. If you’ve chosen a 100% waterproof white roller blind, the wipe-clean surface means you simply need to pass a microfibre cloth over the material - ideally, after every shower, wash or moisture-producing activity. With traditional fabrics, a dry microfibre cloth will pick up unwanted dust. You can also use a traditional duster but make sure you avoid applying excessive pressure as this can cause damage to the surface.

If you’re spot cleaning, make sure to only use cleaners designed for your window blind fabric. We recommend testing on an inconspicuous area to make sure it doesn’t stain or cause unsightly discolouration. And, follow the instructions fully to prevent damage.

Cleaning a white vertical blind

Vertical blinds were designed as an easy-clean and versatile solution - originally used extensively in healthcare and office environments. They are similar to roller blinds in that there are few horizontal surfaces where dirt or grime can settle, meaning they are easier to clean than other styles. Follow the same rules as roller blinds - don’t apply too much pressure when dusting and spot-test new cleaning formulas to make sure they don’t cause damage.

Cleaning white wooden blinds

Whether you choose real wood or faux wood blinds, regular cleaning is essential to make sure your new window dressing lasts and continues looking its best. Real wood is a highly porous material, meaning it will absorb excess moisture if it’s not removed quickly. Too much moisture causes wood to warp and increases the risk of splits and irreversible damage. This is one of the main reasons why you don’t hang a white real wood blind in a bathroom or kitchen - it simply cannot stand up to the fluctuating temperatures and high humidity.

Wooden blinds need regular dusting, between the slats and across the surface. Close the slats in one direction and wipe downwards with a microfibre cloth or duster. Twist the slats closed in the other direction and repeat. And then, open the blinds up and wipe down each individual slat, making sure to focus on the areas near the knotted frame. You can also use a vacuum cleaner with a soft upholstery brush to dust quickly

If you notice stubborn marks, dampen the microfibre cloth and rub the area gently. Avoid too much pressure as this can remove varnish or protective coatings. And, as always, be cautious of cleaning chemicals and only use those designed for your specific window blind covering.

Cleaning white Venetian blinds

With white Venetian blinds, the same cleaning rules apply to wooden blinds. However, keep in mind that aluminium is more flexible than wood. It can quickly become bent and misshaped and, in window blinds, this will have a big impact on your blind’s ability to manage light and privacy. When you’re dusting - whether with a cloth or vacuum - avoid pressure and provide support underneath each slat with your hand.

There are few differences between cleaning white blinds as they are when cleaning any window blind. Just make sure you include them in your weekly cleaning schedule and you’ll get many years of service from your stylish white window blinds.