What Are People Replacing Vertical Blinds With?

TLDR;

People are replacing vertical blinds with modern alternatives like roller shades, cellular shades, and panel track blinds due to their improved aesthetics, energy efficiency, and functionality. These replacements offer a sleek, contemporary look while solving common issues associated with vertical blinds.

Why Are Vertical Blinds Going Out of Style?

While vertical blinds in modern homes were once a go-to solution for sliding glass doors and large windows, changing tastes and evolving interior trends have made them feel outdated.

Outdated Aesthetic Appeal

• Vertical blinds now feel dated in most modern interiors
  
• They can drag down the look of a renovated or newly designed space
  
• Homes staged with outdated window treatments may lose value or take longer to sell
  
  

Practical Limitations

• Slats often tangle or fall out of alignment
  
• They can be noisy, especially with airflow from open windows or HVAC systems
  
• Limited control over light direction and privacy
  
  

Common complaints:

• "They flap around too much"
  
• "One tug and they misalign"
  
• "They always look dusty, no matter what"
  
  

Poor Energy Efficiency

• Vertical blinds don’t provide much insulation
  
• Heat and cold easily pass through, making them inefficient for temperature control
  
  

Key reasons to replace:

• Low insulation value
  
• Poor UV blocking
  
• No barrier for outside noise
  

Top Alternatives to Vertical Blinds [Compared by Function and Style]

Looking for a modern upgrade? These alternatives combine style and functionality far better than traditional vertical blinds.

Roller Shades

• Sleek and low-profile — great for minimalist decor
  
• Available in blackout, solar, and light-filtering fabrics
  
• Easy to maintain and operate
  
  

Why people love them:

• Clean look when fully rolled up
  
• Perfect fit for narrow or modern window frames
  

Roman Shades

• Soft, elegant folds — ideal for traditional or transitional interiors
  
• Can be lined for blackout or thermal performance
  
• Adds texture and dimension to any room
  
  

Best for: Living rooms, formal spaces, or bedrooms where comfort meets style

Panel Track Blinds

• Wide sliding panels ideal for patio doors and oversized windows
  
• Comes in solar, woven wood, and fabric options
  
• Modern alternative that mimics vertical blinds but better in form and function
  
  

Pros:



• Glide smoothly
  
• Provide better coverage with fewer moving parts
  

Cellular Shades

• Honeycomb design traps air for superior insulation
  
• Great at blocking light, retaining heat in winter, and keeping rooms cool in summer
  
• Available in top-down/bottom-up styles for flexible light control
  
  

Best energy-saving replacement for vertical blinds

Sheer Curtains and Drapes

• Soften a room and create an airy aesthetic
  
• Great light diffusion with options for layering
  
• Ideal for rentals or rooms where natural light is desired
  
  

Added benefit: Easy to remove, wash, or replace

Smart Blinds

• Can be controlled via remote, smartphone app, or voice assistant (Alexa, Google, Siri)
  
• Schedule open/close times or automate based on sunlight
  
• Integrate with smart home systems for ultimate convenience
  
  

Top pick for modern, tech-savvy homes

Comparison Table: Which Vertical Blind Alternative Is Best for You?

Choosing the Right Replacement Based on Your Needs

Your lifestyle and home environment matter. Here’s how to decide what’s best for you:

For Renters

• Choose non-permanent, damage-free options
  
• Best picks:
  
  
• Sheer curtains
  
• Roller shades with tension rods
  
• Stick-on cellular blinds
  
  

Easy to install and remove at move-out

For Pet Owners

• Prioritize cordless, durable options
  
• Best picks:
  
  
• Cordless roller shades
  
• Motorized smart blinds
  
• Tough woven wood shades
  
  

Avoid dangling cords and fragile slats

For Energy Efficiency

• Focus on insulating window treatments
  
• Best picks:
  
  
• Cellular shades (double or triple-cell)
  
• Solar shades
  
• Thermal-lined Roman shades
  
  

Long-term savings on energy bills

For Smart Homes

• Look for automation and compatibility with home systems
  
• Best picks:
  
  
• Smart roller or cellular shades
  
• Blinds that integrate with Alexa, Google, or HomeKit
  
  

Control light and privacy with your voice

Installation & Maintenance Tips for Vertical Blind Alternatives

DIY vs. Professional Installation

DIY Benefits:

• Saves money
  
• Ideal for simpler setups like roller or tension rod shades
  
  

Professional Benefits:

• Better for large or complex window areas
  
• Perfect fit and finish
  
• Access to custom features
  
  

Maintenance Tips

Roller & Roman Shades:

• Light vacuuming or spot cleaning
  
  

Cellular Shades:

• Use a hairdryer to blow out dust
  
• Avoid moisture buildup
  
  

Sheer Curtains & Drapes:

• Machine washable or dry cleanable depending on fabric
  
  

Smart Blinds:

• Wipe with microfiber cloth
  
• Use app updates to improve performance

Budget Breakdown: Affordable Alternatives to Vertical Blinds

You don’t have to spend a fortune to upgrade — but if you're weighing price differences specifically, check out our breakdown of Roller Shades vs Vertical Blinds Cost for a more detailed comparison.

Budget-Friendly Options (Under $100/window)

• Sheer curtains
  
• Basic roller shades
  
• Stick-on or temporary blinds
  
  

Mid-Range Options ($100–$300/window)

• Custom-fit roller shades
  
• Panel track blinds
  
• Entry-level cellular shades
  
  

Premium Options ($300+/window)

• Smart blinds
  
• High-end Roman shades
  
• Custom draperies with layered fabrics
  
  

Do modern window treatments increase home value?

Yes. Clean, updated window coverings add appeal, especially when staging a home for sale.

Vertical Blinds vs. Modern Alternatives: Side-by-Side Verdict

When might vertical blinds still work?

• Short-term rentals or temporary housing
  
• Tight budget scenarios
  
• Non-renovated properties with consistent 80s/90s styling

Modern Window Treatments with Love Is Blinds GA

At Love Is Blinds GA, we help homeowners and renters throughout Georgia find the best modern window treatments for their needs.

We offer:

• Free consultations
  
• Custom sizing and installation
  
• Roller shades, Roman shades, smart blinds, and more
  
  

Not sure where to start?

Let us help you transform your space.

Whether you need style, efficiency, or tech — there’s a better way to cover your windows than vertical blinds.