Horizontal blinds go straight across a window, while vertical blinds go from top to bottom.
Vertical and horizontal blinds can be used as stand-alone window coverings or accented with drapes, curtains or valances. Price, aesthetics and window size are often considered when decorators choose between vertical and horizontal blinds.
Function
Generally, blinds are used to adjust the amount of sunlight that comes into a room and to adjust the visibility presented from outdoors. Horizontal blinds can be turned upward, downward or at a 90-degree horizontal angle until the desired amount of light and visibility is reached. Vertical blinds can be turned left, right or at a 90-degree vertical angle to control the amount of light and visibility.
Effects
Vertical blinds work best on windows that face east or west, while horizontal blinds work best on north- or south-facing windows, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Additionally, vertical blinds are more commonly used on sliding glass doors than horizontal blinds.
Warning
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that cords on vertical and horizontal blinds remain out of the reach of children and pets. In a 2002 study, the CPSC found that 60 percent of window dressing strangulation cases occurred with horizontal blinds and 40 percent occurred with vertical blinds.
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