{"id":6720,"date":"2019-11-20T11:10:13","date_gmt":"2019-11-20T10:10:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.neva.eu\/uncategorized\/complete-instructions-how-to-select-external-blinds\/"},"modified":"2025-07-15T09:08:14","modified_gmt":"2025-07-15T07:08:14","slug":"complete-instructions-how-to-select-external-blinds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.neva.eu\/en\/advice-and-instructions\/complete-instructions-how-to-select-external-blinds\/","title":{"rendered":"Complete instructions: how to select external blinds"},"content":{"rendered":"

The first step is to select the type of blinds. Manufacturers often use an upper-case letter and a number (such as Z90) as a type designation<\/strong>, which designates the type and shape of slats used (Z), followed by their width in mm<\/strong> (90 mm in this case).<\/p>\n

1. Selection of slat type and width<\/h2>\n

External blinds are typically of the C, Z or S type; some marked F can be encountered occasionally. There are several general rules for them.<\/p>\n

Blinds with C-shaped slats<\/strong> (such as C80<\/a> or C65<\/a>) were among the first to the market. They are very affordable and their great advantage is the ability to tilt their slats both ways and reflect the light towards the ceiling or floor \u2013 whatever is more pleasing for you. However, C-shaped slats aren\u2019t lockable, which means they do not create such darkness comparable to Z or S blinds when closed. These properties make them suitable for rooms in which less shading is sufficient.<\/p>\n

Blinds with Z or S-shaped slats <\/strong>(such as S90<\/a>, Z90<\/a> or Z70<\/a>) are more modern. Thanks to their shape, the slats fit into each other perfectly, creating greater darkness than C-type blinds. They also have pieces of rubber pressed onto their edges so they are pleasantly quiet even when it\u2019s windy outside.<\/p>\n

While F-<\/strong>type blinds (such as F80<\/a>) are not as prevalent in manufacturers\u2019 assortments, they boast several advantages. The most significant one is a very low packet profile<\/strong> \u2013 the slats are flatter, meaning the blind does not take up as much space when pulled up. This comes in handy on smaller windows, where it\u2019s important for the packet not to reduce the effective window height too much. The slats can also be tilted both ways<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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Z90 blinds in detail<\/em><\/p>\n

Once the slat type has been selected, it is necessary to select the width. Narrower slats (e.g. 65 or 70 mm) are recommended for protection of smaller windows or windows with not as much brickwork as they don\u2019t take up as much space and can be installed even in places where wider slats would reach over the fa\u00e7ade. Narrow slats are more subtle and elegant, which is why an architect may suggest them when designing a house.<\/p>\n

In contrast, wider slats (80 or 90 mm) are suitable for sun protection of large windows and glass surfaces, such as conservatories. Wider slats are typically more robust and stronger.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re still not sure which type to choose, you might get inspired by other customers. Most clients tend to choose wider slats. As mentioned in our earlier article, Z90 are the best-selling blinds in our assortment<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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\nSlat width differences. The narrowest C65 on the left, C80 in the middle, the widest Z90 on the right.<\/em><\/p>\n

2. Colour selection<\/h2>\n

After selecting the blind type, it is time to select a colour. Exterior blinds are usually available in several basic colours, most often some cooler tones of white, grey or anthracite. If the basic selection does not attract you, some manufacturers offer the option to select additional colours beyond the standard ones.<\/p>\n

For example, we at NEVA offer most products in 22 basic colours. Based on the customer\u2019s requests, we can get slat material in any RAL or IGP-friendly colour from our Swiss supplier. You yourself can select the structure of the slat surface, either smooth or structured paint.<\/p>\n

Keep in mind that blind colour selection does not involve just the colour of the slats, but also the guiding profiles, guard plates and lower profiles.<\/p>\n

If you need some inspiration, the most popular colours for external blinds are as follows:<\/p>\n