Do you want extra privacy in your house? Then blinds are a sure way to get that. But you may notice a neighbor from the next building staring at the window. So, can neighbors see through your blinds?
It’s unlikely that your neighbors will see through your blinds as long as you tilt them up. Blinds usually offer privacy and temperature control. But they may be able to see shadows through blinds if the light is on. This is why you should use the right type of blind. There are about 8 common ones.
However, if you want full privacy with blinds, you may have to get very thick ones or even add light-blocking curtains. Here, we discuss the purposes of window blinds and the various types available.
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Why Use Window Blinds
Window blinds are common ways to cover the windows and prevent anyone from seeing inside your house. Many people even prefer it to curtains, and there are good reasons for this. Blinds can be both functional and aesthetic. They come in different types, making them suitable for all kinds of homes. They’re also cost-effective, and most are quite easy to clean.
How to use Blinds for Privacy
Blinds can offer you complete flexibility when it comes to privacy. By tilting them in various directions, you can determine which part of your room is visible from the outside. If you intend to use them for full privacy, you’ll have to tilt your blinds up; the rounded side is facing out while the convex side faces the window. This creates less space for viewing through the window, and people outside won’t be able to see inside your house. With your blinds in this manner, the concave side will be facing up, which gives you better control over the lighting. When your blinds like this, no one should be able to see inside your house.
But this may still depend on the thickness of the blinds. Generally, people may still detect movement from the window or even see silhouettes through closed blinds if the lights are on. To block their view completely, you may have to choose thicker blinds. The material used for the blinds will determine how thick it is and how well they can provide you with privacy. If you’re still concerned that they might be seeing through your blinds from outside, go outside and look at your windows. Whatever you can see from the outside is what the neighbors see too.
Using Blinds for Temperature Control
The blinds’ position can also determine how much outdoor weather conditions reflect your room. When the blinds are tilted up, the heat concentrates on the ceiling. This is good to keep your house in optimal conditions during the summer. But in the winter, you’ll have to open the blinds so that sunlight can enter the room. That means drawing the blinds down so that the blinds don’t deflect the sunlight and warmth skyward.
The mounting position of the blinds may also affect its temperature control. Blinds inside the window frame will offer more warmth than those on the outside. This is because blinds on the interior mean more insulation between the blinds and the window, and it’ll keep the colder out. But if it’s on the exterior, it’ll reduce sunlight penetration into the home, making the room colder.
Types of Blinds
If you’re planning to use blinds for privacy, you should know they’re of different varieties. Each has its purpose, including how much privacy they offer you. here the common types of blinds
1. Venetian Blinds
This is by far the most popular. Venetians are horizontal slats mostly of wood, plastic, or metal material, but they can also come in faux wood, vinyl, aluminum, bamboo, etc. you can tilt them up to 180 degrees depending on how much light you want inside your house. The old ones usually have cords. But the modern types are cordless or tangle-free, making them appropriate for houses with small kids or pets.
2. Vertical Blinds
These blinds are most suitable for large windows or sliding glass doors. They can be floor to ceiling type and are tiltable vertically come in fabric or vinyl material. With this type, you need to measure the length of your frame to make sure the blinds fit perfectly. They’re more effective for blocking sunlight, offer UV protection, and will prevent heat from escaping during the winter.
3. Panel Blinds
They hang vertically like too and are usually made with fabrics. This kind of blinds doesn’t only work for windows but will also serve a good job as a room divider. However, they may not be tiltable, so you should consider this when getting this kind of blinds if your goal is to use blinds to regulate light entry in your home.
4. Motorized Blinds
These are just regular blinds that can be controlled using a remote, app, or voice control, depending on what they’re connected to. You can easily connect them to a smart home assistant. They’re great for everybody but especially ideal for those with a disability who can’t operate cord blinds.
5. Aluminum Blinds
Best for sunny rooms as they can repel heat. These blinds are also very good for privacy, with each slat being a 6- or 8-gauge aluminum. The width is usually between half and two inches depending on what works for you. They can also come cordless and are usually in white or neutral colors.
6. Rolling Blinds
These blinds don’t have stacked slats. Instead, they’re attached to a spool where you can roll them each time you need to put the blinds down. It’s best for keeping out cold and heat and most suitable for windows facing the sun or exposed to the wind.
7. Outdoor Blinds
Surprised to find out that blinds aren’t only for the interior? You can also use outdoor blinds, which generally have tighter slats and are more durable to withstand the constant exposure to weather elements. You can use these blinds for the porch and another exterior part of the house. They come mostly in reed or woodgrain.
8. Cellular Shades
These blinds are made with spun polyester and can come in single, double, or triple combs. They’re great for temperature control as they trap air indoors. They also keep light out and maintain privacy. Cellular shades can also offer sound insulation. They’re also called honeycomb shades and have pockets that hold cooler or warmer air depending on the season, helping to regulate your house temperature. The larger the cell, the more energy-efficient they’ll be.
In Conclusion
If you keep your blinds up, your neighbor shouldn’t be able to see inside your house. But depending on the material, they might still be able to see your silhouette when the light is on. To eliminate this, you might have to get thicker blinds.
