Turn window blinds up or down? An industry expert advises! (2024)

pam kueber - April 9, 2014, Updated: October 1, 2021

Turn window blinds up or down? An industry expert advises! (1)

When we asked readers toilet paper over or under? reader Steve was agnostic on the issue. The pressing question in his house: How should blinds be closed? “Believe me, this is a very contentious issue in my household,” he said.

I installed 2″ aluminum blinds from Hunter Douglas in my kitchen (love them), so asked the company if they had a bona fide scientific answer. And yes, now everything is illuminated!

Pros and cons of turning blinds up or down

Bobby Dill, General Manager of the Hunter Douglas Horizontal Blinds Division, provided this assessment of the pros and cons of how to angle the slats on horizontal window blinds:

Reasons to turn your window blinds up:

It really is consumer preference, although we know that turning the slats upward (front edge of the blind upward) usually provides more privacy, less light into the room, and minimizes heat transfer into the room….

Closed in the inside up direction, blinds may not have as soft an appearance, but there is greater control of daylight entering the room. Sunlight and some radiant energy will be deflected upward and away from the room. This benefit is especially relevant in places like offices, where there can be substantial energy savings derived from maximizing that amount of natural lighting in the space.

Reasons to turn your blinds down:

With that said, tilting to the front (front edge of the blind down) provides the most aesthetic benefit, but will admit more light through the small gaps where slats overlap because of the angle of sunlight on the window.

Really, it comes down to personal preferences and the particular situation. Horizontal blinds provide benefits and functionality when tilted in any position. There is no “right” or “wrong ” way go.

Thank you, Mr. Dill, for your guidance. And thank you, Steve, for the question.

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  1. Byd says

    There’s not so much information- opinions- or solutions for horizontal blind and vertical blind direction for those living in a high rise with two floors above and two below- and a building relatively close on one side. LOVE my condo (garages & elevators such a plus!)- but privacy a factor when wanting to take advantage of lovely views without being on display! Which way for in-the-middle folks????

  2. Gail Newman says

    Thank you for this post. I had vintage blinds in my last house and wanted them for the home we recently moved into. I found a Hunter Douglas business and just ordered these for my kitchen and bedroom windows. I turn them up during the summer and during the winter either furn them down or raise them.

  3. Pat says

    I like to turn mine up most of the time, doesn’t make it quite as dark as you don’t have to shut them entirely to get the glare out of the room. I love the 2″ blinds, have the originals in one room in my house, would never switch just so they match all the other rooms. But can’t afford to buy all new blinds either.

  4. Cardboard Shoji sun screens. says

    To cut the heat from my large single pane west facing window, I have cut 3 large panels from a refrigerator box to slide lengthwise along sill against the glass. Imagine sliding Japanese Shoji screens. The light brown non- printed sides of the cardboard, which slightly overlap, face the street and really can’t be seen. When in place, I then close my curtains and because the cardboard is corrugated it is a fantastic heat barrier. At night I slide the two pieces back against the third and can allow the cooler evening light in or allow for an open a window in that section if needed. Very reasonable and very effective!! In the winter I store the 3 panels in the garage. I have labeled and numbered on the inside of the panels as well, so easy for use next year. This can also be done for any window where the sun hits.

Turn window blinds up or down? An industry expert advises! (2024)

FAQs

Should you rotate blinds up or down? ›

Thankfully there's no right or wrong way to turn your blinds. But one way may be more suitable than the other, depending on your needs. The choice really boils down to your lighting and privacy requirements at different times of the day and, of course, personal preference.

Should blinds be up or down for privacy upstairs? ›

If the window is on the ground floor, the blind should be closed slats up. Otherwise, people can see in from the floors above. If, however, you are on an upper floor and the slats are up, anyone can see in from the ground floor. For that reason blinds on an upper floor should close slats down.

What is the correct way to close blinds? ›

The correct way to close blinds is to lower them down to your desired position, then rotate the slats into a downward position. This ensures that they are completely shut and will provide maximum privacy and darkness.

Should blinds be up or down in winter? ›

Should blinds be up or down in winter if your main priority is keeping the house warm, and/or not spending more on your energy bills than you have to? In this situation, your blinds should be closed. Closed blinds, regardless of the blind type, help to insulate the window they're on.

Should you close up or down Venetian blinds? ›

Should Venetian blinds be closed up or down for maximum privacy? In most cases, closing your Venetian blind upwards if you want to use it to filter light rather than block it entirely will actually give you more privacy than turning your blinds downwards.

Why do you raise the blinds up on take off? ›

It's for your own safety. If anything happens during take-off and landing - the most risky stages of every flight - then your eyes will already be used to the dark or the light outside, and you'll be able to react more quickly. That's also the reason why the lights in the cabin are dimmed for take-off and landing.

Which way do blinds turn for most privacy? ›

Adjusting your blinds with the slats facing down provides the maximum privacy. When in this position it offers the most coverage and protection from the outside looking in.

Can Neighbours see through blinds? ›

During the day when outside is brighter than inside or the indoor and outdoor light levels have a reasonable degree of parity, people outside won't be able to see through your blinds on any level, assuming the blinds are closed.

How should blinds sit in a window? ›

The shade should overlap the window opening on the top by at least 1-1/2 inches. Some products may require more than 1-1/2 inches above the window for mounting hardware. If there's no sill, measure to the point you'd like the shade to reach.

When should you close blinds? ›

2. Keep blinds, shutters or curtains closed on particularly cloudy, or cold days, and definitely at night. This is the time when the cold can come through your windows. The earlier you close the blinds in the late afternoon the better.

Should I close blinds when away? ›

Keep curtains and blinds open while you're away – closing them gives the impression that no-one is home. Use a timer to turn lights on and off in the evening. You can buy simple timers that fit into plug sockets that schedule lights to come on for a couple of hours, giving the impression that someone is home at night.

Can you see through blinds at night? ›

When it comes to roller blinds, it is possible to see through them at night, if there is enough light. If you are looking for privacy, however, thicker roller blinds will offer more coverage. The same goes for blackout roller blinds; they will completely block out any light from coming in.

Is it better to keep blinds open or closed in summer? ›

'In the summer, closing blinds or shutters during the day helps prevent solar gains and opening them again in the evening can help keep your home cooler.

Does closing blinds cool down a room? ›

Smart Home Cooling Tips. Close your blinds and curtains. Keeping your blinds closed during the day will reflect a surprising amount of heat radiating in through windows, especially during the time of day when the sun's rays shine directly on your home.

Why you should close blinds at night? ›

It is easy to see outside when you are inside a darker place. This works also at nighttime but the other away around. Being dark outside, it is easy to see the inside of the window when there is light in this setting. Blinds help to a certain extent the amount of privacy the household wishes to control.

Are vertical blinds fashionable? ›

Vertical blinds have have been enhancing interior style since the 1950s and they are still adding elegance to homes today.

Why are Venetian blinds so popular? ›

A big reason for the popularity of Venetian blinds is the control they give you. The blinds can be lifted and the slats twisted via a chord mechanism to give you total control over how much light enters the room, as well as letting you control your privacy.

Should you open blinds before raising them? ›

The slats should be open when raising or lowering the blind. When opening a window behind your blind, always pull the blind up first – do not push your hands through the slats as this will damage the blind.

Why do windows have to be up when plane lands? ›

Answer. Answer: It's a CAA regulation that blinds have to be up during take off and landing, so that if there is an emergency, the Emergency Services can actually see into the aircraft.

Why do armrests have to be down? ›

The reason why flight attendants tell you to put the armrests down during takeoff and landing is because they can cause serious injury if the plane comes to a sudden halt. This was explained in detail by former cabin crew safety trainer, Sebastien Bouevier.

What blinds don't let people see in? ›

Translucent blinds diffuse sunlight which increases your privacy from the watchful eyes of those passing by, as they will only be able to see shadows inside the room. > Opaque blinds offer complete privacy, blackout blinds will not allow light to pass through or nosey neighbours to see in.

What blinds give privacy at night? ›

Blackout Roman blinds and blackout roller blinds. Both of these will achieve total privacy and prevent any light from escaping too.

What are the best blinds to not block the view? ›

Venetian Blinds

Venetian Blind, wood blinds, and faux wood blinds allow to regulate the light and so the privacy.

Can people see through your blinds if they are turned up? ›

More privacy: by turning the blinds up, you limit the amount of visibility space directed towards the room. People won't be able to see inside when passing by.

Do day and night blinds give privacy at night? ›

FAQ's Day & Night blinds

Can you see through Day and Night Blinds? From the outside, Luxaflex® Day & Night blinds do offer privacy as the light outside is brighter than the interior light. And, if you choose room-darkening fabrics, you can enjoy even more privacy especially when the vanes are closed.

How do I stop my Neighbours from looking in my window? ›

A NEUTRAL window film applied to the existing glass of your home that lets you see out, yet prevents others seeing in. Don't hide behind nets, curtains, partially closed blinds or expensive shutters that trap you in a darkened room.

Are blinds supposed to touch the window sill? ›

Yes, for your blinds to work to greatest effect and to achieve the right visual finish, window blinds should rest on the windowsill. The only exception to this is vertical blinds which require a small amount of clearance to prevent the louvres from dragging on the windowsill when operated.

Should you leave blinds open or closed when not home? ›

Leaving them closed during the day makes it look like there's no one at home so best to leave them open and get security lighting. Try not to leave valuable items, such as your TV, stereo or computer, where thieves can see them.

How do you make your house look lived in when you are away? ›

Follow These Tips to Avoid Risk and Make Your Home Look Occupied:
  1. Notify Neighbors and Local Police. Before you move, give others in the community a heads up. ...
  2. Leave a Light On. ...
  3. Forward Your Mail. ...
  4. Keep up With Lawn Care and Snow Removal. ...
  5. Take Care of Repairs. ...
  6. Consider Leaving Window Treatments. ...
  7. Showcase Some Indoor Plants.
Aug 1, 2022

Can my neighbors see through my window? ›

It depends on light both inside the room and outside. On a sunny day, with reflection bouncing off the glass, it's going to be hard for anyone to see inside. But, if the sunlight is not reflecting off the window due to angles and shadows, then anyone outside will be able to see inside.

Can my neighbors see in my windows during the day? ›

It depends on multiple factors, including glare off the windows and lighting inside the building. But in general, there is no reason why it is automatically impossible to see both ways through a window no matter what time of day.

Do blinds make your house cooler? ›

Window blinds—vertical (Venetian blinds) or horizontal slat-type (louvered-type)—are effective at reducing summer heat gain and reducing glare, while providing good daylight indoors.

Should you open blinds everyday? ›

Keep blinds open during the day. Not only will this practice save you some money on energy bills during the winter, but it can also keep you and your family healthier. Read on to find out how sunlight can kill harmful bacteria present in the dust in your rooms.

Does closing blinds at night keep house warmer? ›

In short, the answer is yes. Blinds, draperies, and window treatments are an effective method for cutting heating and cooling bills, regulating the temperature of your home, and enhancing its overall appearance.

How do you keep a room cool with blinds? ›

The closer your blinds are hung to the window itself, the better they will serve as an insulator in both summer and winter. This means that hanging your blinds inside of the window recess will help to keep your room cooler in summer than if you hang your blinds outside of the recess.

Should blinds be open or closed for warmth? ›

In the winter, if you have south-facing windows, let the light shine in. The sun will help heat your home naturally, which takes some pressure off your furnace. For other windows, keep blinds and curtains close during the winter to keep heat inside your home.

How do you keep your house cool with blinds? ›

Light-coloured blinds, particularly white are the best choice for keeping your home cool in summer. Dark coloured blinds, especially black blinds, can have the opposite effect. They'll do their job in terms of privacy and light control, but the dark colour will attract the sun and could potentially add to overheating.

Which way should blinds be on second floor? ›

second floor and above the inside should be facing down. if they're angled up on the inside, anybody on the street can get a clear view of your room. this is mainly for suburban areas.

How do you use vertical blinds for privacy? ›

Vertical blinds

For privacy, angle the vanes of these blinds at about 45 degrees or less, so if you are on one side of the blinds, you won't be seen. But know that when you walk past the window, you are visible to the outside.

Do blinds help with privacy? ›

They can also reduce noise, ensuring both visual and auditory privacy. The right blinds or shades selection can greatly improve privacy. Options like Roman shades or faux wood blinds look gorgeous, block prying eyes, and reveal natural light when wanted.

Is it better to have your blinds turned up or down reddit? ›

If your blinds are pointed down while living on ground level, you can see straight in at night time if someone were to walk by, so point your blinds up. The opposite applies when living above ground level, so point your blinds down if living on the second story or above.

Should blinds match floor or trim? ›

Match Blinds to the Window Trim or Moulding

This is a basic way of matching blinds to a room and it's pretty foolproof. In fact, you can't really go wrong with this. If you have dark mouldings or trim, stick to a dark blind or shade. If your trims are white, keep the window coverings white, as well.

Should blinds match front of house? ›

To keep it short, the answer is no, absolutely not! There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to styling your own home. That being said, however, you can never underestimate the appeal of cohesion!

What are the disadvantages of vertical blinds? ›

Among the few disadvantages cited by homeowners with vertical blinds is the clacking sound the vanes can make when blown about by a breeze or ceiling fan. Some homeowners also dislike the bulky way the vanes stack at the side of a window when the blinds are open, which can interfere with their view of the outdoors.

Should vertical blinds touch the floor? ›

Should vertical blinds touch the floor? Full length Vertical blinds should finish off the floor. Why are vertical blinds so popular? Quite simply because of a combination of cost, privacy and light control that is hard to surpass.

What is the point of vertical blinds? ›

Vertical blinds feature slats that run top to bottom versus left to right like other blinds. They provide maximum control over light and privacy with low maintenance. They operate better on sliding doors and large windows which glide from side to side.

Are there blinds that you can see out of but not in? ›

Solar shades are designed to allow you to see out, but other's not see in, providing daytime privacy. The exact opposite is true at night! When a light is on in the room, people outside will be able to see directly into your home. While a solar shade provides privacy during the day, it will provide no privacy at night.

What are the most privacy blinds? ›

Sheer shades and zebra shades – also called dual shades – are one of the most ideal choices for privacy in any room. This combination of a privacy protector and light filter will allow you to enjoy your surroundings when it's light, but will also block the outside view .

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