Window Blinds

Best Blinds for Basement Windows

By May 27, 2023 October 5th, 2023 No Comments
best blinds for basement windows

Blinds are essential to any basement, whether for privacy or security, to control light or combat moisture.

And they can be far more challenging to choose than in the rest of the house as basements often have unusual sizes or little space to work with.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn everything about the best blinds for basement windows and how to choose the right blinds, so let’s get into it!

10 Best Blinds for Basement Windows in 2023

1. Blackout Cellular Shades

Cellular, or pleated, shades are an elegant and stylish yet efficient choice for a basement. They comprise numerous fabric cells that expand and contract like an accordion when the shade is raised and lowered and looks like a honeycomb.

While regular cellular shades provide great privacy as they don’t have cracks or gaps to peer through, they also offer added insulation and noise reduction due to their honeycomb design. 

Now when you look at blackout cellular shades, you can add optimal light control by blocking out 99% of the light, making them an excellent choice for a basement. Just be careful if you have a lot of moisture in your basement; there may be better choices than cellular shades.

2. Faux Wood Blinds

Wood blinds with a classic, timeless look can add a lovely aesthetic to your basement. They pair well with any wooden furniture and add a rich, natural look thanks to their versatility of different types and shades of wood. 

They also have natural insulation properties, protecting from UV rays and heat while preventing heat from escaping during winter, making them energy efficient.

Now, basements often are prone to a higher moisture content in the air, which is something that wood is not great with. Enter faux wood blinds for basement windows. Made from a durable polymer blend, faux wood blinds emulate the look of natural wood but are completely moisture resistant. This feature makes them a perfect choice for your basement as they will not warp or fade while maintaining the same other properties as wood.

3. Vinyl Roller Shades

Vinyl roller blinds are an excellent durable, easy-to-use option for any basement. They come in a wide range of colors and patterns, making them a great choice to match any style you are going for.

Another advantage is that they involve no messing around with fabric vanes or slats of wood but give full coverage without cracks and gaps for complete privacy and light control.

They are even better for a basement because their vinyl fabric is 100% moisture resistant, so you’ll never have to worry about warping or chipping.

They also have various flexible operating systems, including chain drive to spring-assisted and fully motorized options.

4. Mini Blinds

Mini blinds are horizontal window blinds of long, narrow slats held together by string. They are often made from coated aluminum, making them moisture-resistant and durable. 

They’re also a great budget option as they are one of the most affordable types of blinds. The main downside is that they don’t give full coverage of the window and are limited in width options.

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5. Roman Shades

Roman shades are another timeless type of blind with plenty of options. With a wide variety of colors, patterns and fabrics, you’re almost guaranteed to find a style that suits you and gives you excellent light control options. You can choose darker colors, but thanks to the sidewinder mechanism, you can directly control if you want the entire window open or block out all light. 

6. Zebra Blinds

If you want to combine the elegance of fabric shades with the convenient light control of horizontal blinds, then zebra blinds are a great choice. With their adjustable panels, you can control your privacy and how much light you want to allow into your basement.

7. Motorized Blinds

Especially if you have small children or pets, motorized blinds are a great option. You can open and close the blinds and adjust slats with a simple touch of a button, allowing you to control how much light you want in your basement. The absence of any cords makes them an excellent secure alternative.

Some models even allow you to program time slots and schedule when they open and close throughout the day.

Also Read: Top 7 Benefits of Motorized Blinds

8. Fabric Blinds

With a great variety of materials, colors and patterns, you can make as much of a design statement as having excellent functionality. If you want a more lush and dramatic look, fabric shades are perfect. Depending on the fabric, you can achieve relatively high light blockage, and as there are no gaps or cracks, fabric blinds also are ideal for privacy.

9. Vertical Blinds

A popular choice for basements is vertical blinds. They give you great light control and privacy because you can adjust the slats to control how much light you want to enter the room. They come in many colors and materials, so you will find something that suits your style.

Another advantage is that they are easy to use and don’t have very long cords, making them safe if you have small children or pets. Their construction makes them very durable, too, so they are not as easy to break as other options.

10. Drapes

While not blinds per se, drapes and curtains are still a good alternative for your basement; with a wide selection of materials and colors, they can be easily customized to the width and height of your windows.

There even is the option of motorizing your curtains to open and close them at the touch of a button.

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Factors to Consider When Choosing Blinds for Basement Windows

Light control and privacy

Importance of controlling natural light in basements

Many basements don’t have abundant natural light, so it is critical to control the light getting into your basement. Different types of blinds can achieve good light control, especially if the window faces south.

Privacy considerations for basement windows

By default, basement windows’ position is always a privacy concern as they are often located at eye level or below. You want to avoid bypassers being able to spy on you or allow potential burglars to scout your basement for potential valuables. 

Moisture resistance

Potential moisture issues in basements

Unfortunately, many basements suffer from moisture, which is something to remember when choosing blinds. Due to their location below level, even in the case of walkout basements, part of it still is below ground; basements often are colder than the rest of the house, which can prevent moisture from evaporating.

Blinds materials suitable for damp environments

Wood and fabrics can be a potential problem if you have a lot of moisture in your basement, as they can attract mould and mildew or warp with humidity. You should look into faux wood, vinyl or coated moisture-resistant materials in these cases.

Insulation and energy efficiency

How blinds can contribute to insulation

Windows are the primary source of energy transfer, both heat coming in during summer and exiting during winter, so blinds can be a very efficient way to create additional insulation by adding another layer between the interior and exterior of your home.

Energy-saving benefits of choosing the right blinds for basements

Several materials can increase your home’s energy efficiency. Wood has natural insulation; the same goes for faux wood, which emulates the properties of wood but without its susceptibility to moisture. If you have a dry basement, cellular blinds are also an excellent choice, as the honeycomb structure adds insulating space.

Style and aesthetics

Considerations for matching blinds with the overall basement decor

Many blinds come in different colours, patterns and materials to allow you to match them to your existing basement decor. If you opt for wood or faux wood, there are different tones, while with vinyl or fabric, you have an even wider variety.

Popular blind styles suitable for basements

Wood and faux wood are trendy blind styles for basements as they add warmth and a natural look while also providing additional insulation. Vinyl roller blinds are also a common choice as they are easy to maintain, moisture resistant, and don’t have any gaps or cracks for prying eyes to peek through.

Conclusion

Many factors influence the choice of the right blinds for basement windows, with light control, privacy and moisture being the three most critical ones to consider. You will want not to worry about water damaging your blinds or not having much control over how much light gets into your basement.

If moisture is not an issue, cellular blinds are a great choice, as they offer additional insulation against noise and heat. Wood and faux wood blinds are among the top picks for their durability, look, and insulation properties.

Consider your basement and unique situation when selecting blinds for your basement windows, whether blinds for small basement windows or short blinds or curtains for basement windows, and schedule a free consultation with Sky Blinds by calling 416-876-4759 or filling out our convenient online form.

Sky Blinds has been a leading supplier of top-quality blinds, shades and shutters in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area since 1996. We aim to provide clients with superior quality, aesthetically pleasing window coverings to complement the most innovative décor ideas and outstanding customer service. Much of our business is based on referrals from our many satisfied clients. Additionally, we offer blind repair services in your vicinity for your convenience.

Sky Blinds has it all, whether you require wooden blinds, Roman blinds, vertical blinds, or Roller Blinds. More importantly, we work closely with you, our valued client, to ensure customer satisfaction, from initial contact to measurements, installation and after-sales service.

William Landry

William Landry

William Landry is an accomplished author hailing from Toronto, Canada. With an exceptional flair for words and a passion for design, he channels his expertise into creating captivating narratives for Sky Blinds, a leading provider of custom window blinds in Toronto. William's deep understanding of motorized and roller blinds enables him to craft engaging content that educates and inspires readers. Whether he's unraveling the latest trends or offering insightful tips, his articles on Sky Blinds' website are a testament to his dedication to providing valuable information and helping readers transform their living spaces.

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