Whether you’re moving to a new home or you are thinking about giving your current residence an upscale upgrade, you might have found yourself intrigued by the idea of windows that have integrated blinds. Once a high-end purchase that was only seen in penthouse lofts and homes in the Hollywood Hills, these windows are now accessible to more people than ever before, as the technology has become increasingly affordable.
There are a number of benefits that come with choosing windows with integrated blinds. However, this window style is still more costly than traditional window panes and frames. Here, we dive into some of the things you need to take into consideration prior to making your final decision.
Benefits of Integrated, or Integral, Blinds
Low-Maintenance – One of the key perks of choosing built-in window blinds is that they require little, if any, maintenance. Whereas conventional blinds generally require dusting and cleaning on a regular basis, integrated blinds are between at least two panes of glass, protecting them from all manner of dirt and debris. This can greatly reduce your weekly cleaning time around the house, as dusting blinds can be a tedious task!
Not likely to break – Again, this benefit is due to the fact that integrated blinds are protected by glass. Nearly everyone has pulled a blind cord too hard and snapped it or accidentally cracked a louver on a set of blinds at some point in time. Built-in blinds almost never break because nobody has physical contact with them — instead, a remote control or a button is used to raise and lower these blinds as desired.
Young families have peace of mind – One of the biggest fears with traditional blinds is that small children will inadvertently get the cords wrapped around their necks and become gravely injured. This is a valid concern for parents of babies and toddlers, and one that integrated blinds completely eliminates.
The Parents For Window Blind Safety website asserts that nearly 600 incidents have occurred over the last 30 years. However, because integrated blinds don’t have cords — and aren’t even exposed — the odds of anyone getting hurt are essentially zero percent.
Downsides of Integrated, or Integral, Blinds
Cost – Integrated window blinds are markedly more expensive than their non-integrated counterparts. Generally, Carolina homeowners spend between $500 and $600 per built-in blind window and about $1,000 per built-in blind door. If you are looking to save money, however, you can wait for sales or ask your contractor about any available discounts he or she may have to offer.
Not as many styles – Conventional blinds come in hundreds upon hundreds of styles, from classic plantation shutters to lux Roman shades in sumptuous fabrics. Integrated blinds, though, are available in significantly fewer styles. Generally, consumers can choose from white, brown, or black — and perhaps a few more color options depending on brand. Beyond that, however, there are not a lot of choices.
For many, though, the convenience and safety features outweigh these relatively minor downsides.
If you are ready to have integrated blinds installed in your North Carolina or South Carolina home, the Hatch Homes team is here to help! Call us at your earliest convenience with any questions.