1 Inch Blinds vs 2 Inch Blinds

It takes a while for home owners to notice worn out window blinds. I don’t believe anyone would argue that it’s challenging deciding which type of window blinds to purchase, especially if you don’t know much about window treatments. If you’re in the dark when it comes to 1 inch  or 2 inch window blinds, then keep reading. The information that follows will help guide you when choosing your window treatment options.

Window Blind Placement, Clarity, Reliability and Style:

Placement:

placement

One inch blinds are very close to the size of your window frame, so they are ideal for windows with wide frames. Many people think that 1 inch blinds are standard, but there are some types of slat systems that only work with 2 inch blinds. If you need privacy, want more insulation in your home, or don’t want the window covering to take up much space, then you should consider 2 inch blinds.

One inch blinds are standard because they are easier to manufacture and fit in the window frame. Also, there is more variety for 1″ slats than any other size.

Clarity:

clarity

2 inch blinds are ideal for heavy duty applications such as patio or French doors. If you want your window coverings to sit deep within the window frame, then 2″ blinds are ideal. One inch blinds can be used for these applications but the slats may not sit as close to each other and will likely bow outwards instead of straight up and down.

Reliability:

reliability

2 inch blinds are more durable and can handle heavier weights. This is because the thicker slats will not easily warp or bend, even under high temperatures.

Style:

style

2 inch blinds have a larger variety of styles to choose from, giving you choices in color and material. They also tend to be more modern looking than 1 inch blinds.

One inch blinds are easier to handle and adjust, so they are ideal for people with limited dexterity. One inch blinds come in a larger range of colors and patterns than thicker slat systems for 2″ blinds. One inch slats also tend to be wider than two inches.

 

Window Blind Dimensions, Function and Aesthetics

Dimensions

1. Headrail Width:

The width of the headrail is always the same for both 1″ and 2″ blinds, which means that if you purchase a 24″ or 30″ wide window blind, then select 2″ blinds, the headrail will be 5/8” in thickness. This would result in the blinds looking thicker than what you might want.

If you’re wanting your window blinds to appear thinner, make sure to select 1″ headrails for any size 24″ or 30″ wide window blinds. And if you choose 2″ blinds, the headrail will be 3/4” in thickness.

2. Headrail Height:

Standard headrail height for 1″ blinds is 4 3/4”, while the standard headrail height on 2″ blinds is 6 1/4”. This means that if you have a window with an existing top valance, then select smaller 1″ blinds to make sure the headrail won’t interfere with your existing top valance.

On a standard sized window, 4 3/4” blinds will be too low for an existing top valance, while 6 1/4” blinds would probably cover up your existing top valance.

3. Cord Length:

Blinds with longer cords provide more flexibility and control over your blinds than those with shorter cords. Longer cord lengths offer the ability to lower and raise your window shades, give you an even more custom look, and allow for easier installation.

1″ blinds come standard with 1/8” diameter cords measuring between 39” up to a maximum of 72” long, while 2″ blinds have 1/8” diameter cords measuring between 39” to a maximum of 60”.

4. Decorative Tape:

Decorative tape is the strip of fabric that covers up part of your headrail and cord cleat hardware on your window blinds.

Options are single plys, double plys, or triple plys.

Single ply decorative tape covers the headrail hardware on your window blinds while only one piece of fabric is visible on each side of the headrail.

Double ply decorative tape covers up the headrail hardware on your window blinds while two pieces of fabric are visible on each side of the headrail.

Triple ply decorative tape covers up the most hardware on your window blinds while three pieces of fabric are visible on each side of the headrail.

*As a general rule, more is better with cosmetic appeal when it comes to triple ply decorative tape.  1″ blinds come standard with single ply decorative tape, but if you need double ply or triple ply, there is a charge for this upgrade.

When it comes to 2″ blinds, the only difference between single and double ply is that there are two pieces of fabric visible on each side of the headrail. The look from the outside is still the same with either one. You have the option of single or double ply on 2″ blinds but not triple ply.

2″ blinds also come with a valance clip, which is a metal clip on each side of the headrail that secures your top valance in place. The clips are legal by themselves without having to purchase any hardware for decorative tape.

*Decorative tape is not available on top valances or panels. If you need decorative tape for your top valance, please purchase it separately.

1″ blinds come standard without any hardware supporting the headrail (for example, no cleat). You can choose to purchase 1 “blinds with cord cleats, where a small metal hook slides in and out to hold your cord.

2″ blinds come standard with a cord cleat that has been built into the headrail hardware.

5. Light control:

When you have the blinds all the way down and the slats tilted open, you can see out easier with a 2″ blind then you can with a 1″ blind. Thus, you maintain more of your view and you get more light coming into a room with a 2″ blind tilted open than a 1″ blind.

6. Ease of cleaning:

Generally speaking 2″ blinds are easier to clean as well. Especially if you are comparing a wood or faux wood blind to an aluminum mini blind.

7. Weight:

The 1″ mini blind weighs less than faux or wood blinds. This is especially important for windows over 6′ long. The slats of a window blind that large may bow with the weight.

8. Price:

When comparing price 1″ mini blinds can be less than half the cost of 2″ blinds. This price gap grows the larger the blind gets.

1 INCH BLINDS VS 2 INCH BLINDS

Remember these simple pointers

As you can see from this guide, what it comes down to for most people is the placement, pricing and functionality differences between the blind types. In this guide, you’ve learned the following:

  • Window blind placement, clarity, reliability and style differences.
  • Window Blind dimensions, function and aesthetics differences.

Armed with this new knowledge, you’re ready to begin making your 1″ or 2″ inch blind selections.