Unlike many other window treatments, a bay window blind system places a heavy emphasis on accentuating the frame of the bay windows themselves. Therefore, in addition to energy efficiency, light blockage, durability and price, window blinds should also be evaluated for how well they display the bay windows themselves.
Aluminum Bay Window Blinds
Style: Available in a variety of colors, aluminum bay window blinds are great for use with bay windows in a modern home or office setting.
Insulation/ Energy Efficiency: Good, although not the best. While aluminum blinds will certainly retain heat better than pleated shades, they are not nearly as energy efficient as wood blinds.
Light Blockage: Although not as effective as wood blinds, aluminum blinds block light fairly effectively, managing to keep out about between 75% to 90% of UV rays. •Durability: Depending on how carefully they are operated, aluminum blinds can last for years without significant upkeep. If they are harshly operated, the pull cords can break.
Price: Extremely affordable.
Wood Bay Window Blinds
Style: Made from genuine wood, these blinds have a heavy, slat-like appearance that adds warmth and solidity to a bay window.
Insulation/ Energy Efficiency: Excellent, compared to pleated shades. Wood blinds will easily retain heat in the winter and preserve interior coolness during the summer.
Light Blockage: Due to their opaque nature, wood blinds block out light with incredible effectiveness, making them ideal for use in libraries or quiet, secluded areas of the home that feature bay windows. They also will block out almost 100% of all UV rays.
Durability: Wood blinds are perhaps the most durable of all bay window blinds. With strong pulls cords and quality materials, wood blinds can frequently last for the lifetime of a house without incurring the need for repair.
Price: Fairly expensive, compared to pleated shades and aluminum blinds.
Pleated Shades
Style: Pleated shades are translucent and very textured, and accent a window beautifully.
Insulation/ Energy Efficiency: Generally low, relative to other types of shades or blinds. The material used in pleated shades is generally thin and does not retain heat very well.
Light Blockage: Not tremendous for sheer shades, but improves with increased opacity. The translucent quality of sheer shades creates an ambient effect, although direct rays will pierce the thin material of a sheer shade. UV blockage can range from 75% to 95%.
Durability: As long as pleated shades are not exposed to a lot of wind or water, they can last for a few years, although they will need to be replaced relatively frequently.
Price: Very affordable, but not as inexpensive as aluminum blinds.
