Today's window blinds are more than just a way to keep sunlight out of a room or to add a privacy screen. Window blinds can actually add personality to your room or help to set the tone of the room as traditional, country, modern or contemporary. Yesterday's window blinds were clunky wooden affairs, slats that were strung together and simply controlled by a pull cord or a twirling wand. The window blinds available on the market today provide an interesting assortment of styles and colors to choose from so that you can match an interesting and decorative window treatment to the fashion statement of your room.

Finding a style that matches your room's personality is not difficult. Blinds are usually manufactured, but could be custom-made or homemade. They provide practical shading and privacy while making either a demure or loud statement about your design taste. These treatments are affordable for the average budget and can last a good amount of time. The better quality lines, however, can be a big investment but will also last a long time. Many lines such as Levelor and Hunter Douglas stock a wide variety of choices at chain home stores or your favorite window treatment retailer. Often a trip to the store isn't necessary; many experts sell their products online or will come into your home to help you select the right design. Also, many stores will fit blinds to your window size for no extra cost and install them.

When you select the right blinds for your house, you need to match your room, the style and your budget. Even so, you will find that there are lots of blinds to choose from:

* A traditional wooden blind may be made from wood or a synthetic material made to look like wood. These horizontal blinds typically feature two-inch wide slats. Narrower slats will allow more light to enter the room. You can select blinds with a pull cord or a newer "soft touch" lifting mechanism. Horizontal blinds look better if the top is hidden by a cornice or curtain valance.

* Vertical blinds add a nice touch to a room that has a sliding door. A large patio or sliding door provides a great view outdoors but needs to be covered for privacy. The vertical blinds are a perfect way to cover the space and yet let light come into the room. Vertical blinds tend to be textured to feel somewhat like large drapes.

* Aluminum blinds are the most inexpensive way to put up blinds in your home or apartment. These are frequently called mini blinds because the slats are so narrow. Mini blinds are perfect if you are on a budget and need privacy. However, treat these blinds with care as they bend easily and are not particularly durable.

* Most window blinds hang from the top of a window and glide from the top to the window sill. However, there are bottom hanging blinds that move upward. This type of window blind is an excellent choice when you want to maintain the privacy of your windows and still let outside light into the room.

For more information about brands of window blinds, visit your local home store or check for online web sites.