Contemporary Vertical Blinds Everyone's Talking About

Many people grew up in homes with traditional, classic vertical blinds. Invented in the 1950s, those window treatments made of vertical slats weren’t always that stylish—they served a purpose but didn’t serve as focal points.

That’s why some Alexander Blank Fabrics & Design clients don’t ask us about contemporary vertical blinds. They don’t realize how these coverings have evolved over the past decades in terms of aesthetics and functionality.

We feature window treatments from one of the nation’s leading brands, Hunter Douglas, and believe us, their products set the standard for modern design. And to help you narrow down the choices, we’ll first compare the two main categories of blinds that we offer.

Vertical Blinds vs. Horizontal Blinds

Hunter Douglas manufactures custom blinds that are long or wide:

• Vertical blinds have long slats that hang perpendicular to the floor, drawing to one side when opened or closed. The individual slats rotate as a unit for light control; this orientation suits them for large windows and sliding glass doors. These blinds come in vinyl, fabric, or aluminum slats.
• Horizontal blinds feature wide slats that run parallel to the floor. When opened, they stack upward to control light and privacy. When lowered, you can tilt the slats to filter light or close them to block it. Most horizontal blinds come in wood, faux wood, aluminum, or vinyl slats.

Why Contemporary Vertical Blinds Are Trending

Today's vertical blind designs have shed their outdated reputation and are now sophisticated window treatments for modern living spaces. Contemporary vertical blinds have clean lines and minimalist aesthetics that exceed even the most demanding interior designer’s expectations.

One thing hasn’t changed: The vertical orientation creates an illusion of height, making rooms appear taller and more spacious. That’s a valuable benefit for homes with standard or tall ceiling heights. This visual elongation effect works well in living rooms, bedrooms, and offices where maximizing perceived space matters.

One of the best things about custom contemporary vertical blinds is the amazing number of choices. While there are still more traditional profiles, hybrid designs that filter light with a radiant glow are at the opposite end of the spectrum.

Vertical Solutions® Vertical Blinds

Available in fabric and vinyl options, Vertical Solutions® Vertical Blinds will bring streamlined, minimalistic energy into your home. With 3.5” louvers, a patented headrail, and worry-free operation, they're ideal for highlighting furniture and other design elements.

This classic vertical blind style comes in 40 neutral colors and stacks from left, right, split, or center. It also absorbs sound, so homeowners install it in bedrooms and offices.

Somner® Vertical Blinds

This more modern style offers 170+ material/color choices, including vinyl, fabric, and aluminum. Ask about the Softex™ feature, a texturing process that reduces noise levels on some of this style’s louvers.

Depending on the style, Vertical Solutions® Vertical Blinds and Somner® Vertical Blinds have similar control options:

• Cord and wand control.
• Safety wand control has a basic push and pull closure with the PermAssure™ safety wand.
• Cord and chain system.
• Remote or wall-mounted control with Vertical Blinds Motorization as part of the Hunter Douglas Specialty Blinds Track (Somner® shades).

Panel-Track Systems for Architectural Windows

Skyline® Panel-Track Blinds are a beautiful sight to behold. Their 11” or 17” wide, fabric-covered panels are connected to a track and have integrated bottom weights. Rather than hanging loosely, they glide along that track. These blinds stack tightly when closed and remain stationary when open. Perfect for glass doorwalls and oversizewindows, you can also hang them from the ceiling and use them as room dividers.

Depending on the chosen fabric opacity, you’ll have exceptional light filtering or room darkening. And get this: There are over 450 fabric/color combinations. These blinds are perfect for large windows and glass doors; many homeowners use them as room dividers.

Skyline® Panel-Track Blinds offer these control options:

• Cord loop closure with a custom clutch for easy control.
• Wand control is a basic push-and-pull closure with a wand.
• PowerView® Automation is a motorized window system that you operate with a remote control, app, or voice commands.

Hunter Douglas offers more than just those three top-selling styles. Stop in, and we’ll help you compare custom vertical blinds vs. horizontal blinds.

Let’s Talk Custom Contemporary Blinds in Lutherville, MD

Our talented window treatment design team looks forward to talking about Hunter Douglas blinds with you. We’ll discuss your needs, provide expert recommendations, and handle professional installation for a flawless fit.

We serve clients in Lutherville-Timonium and the greater Baltimore Metro area. Contact us today for a consultation.