Motorized vinyl blinds and aluminum blinds are two trendy window coverings lots of new homeowners and home décor fans are clamouring for.

They both offer similar advantages, especially when used as motorized blackout blinds. They provide lots of privacy. They block out light. Both aluminum and vinyl blinds are energy-efficient, durable when made with the right materials, and can be custom-cut to match a window. They’re also very affordable window blinds to buy online, however, the differences between them are important to be aware of.

Aluminum Blinds, Vinyl Blinds, & Motorized Blinds: What’s The Difference?

Aluminum Blinds

• Aluminum blinds are made from eco-friendly materials.
• They are moisture-resistant, and ideal for kitchens and bathrooms.
• Aluminum blinds have a high-tech look to them.
• They are stronger than vinyl blinds making them less likely to break, however, are easily dented.

Vinyl Blinds

• Vinyl blinds are one of the most durable blinds you can buy, lasting years.
• How to clean vinyl blinds is very easy and simple. They are very low-maintenance.
• They are moisture-resistant, perfect for homes and rooms with high humidity.
• Vinyl blinds can be custom-ordered from Go Smart Blinds to match your window’s exact dimensions.

Motorized Blinds

• Motorized blinds operate with a motor and have a remote control.
• You will never have to open or close your blinds manually again.
• Connect your motorized blinds to a smart home hub and you can use smart home automation to set an open/close blinds schedule.
• Enjoy more light control and privacy.

Aluminum vs Vinyl Blinds: Which Is More Durable?

Aluminum and vinyl blinds are highly durable, moisture-resistant materials. Both would work in a kitchen or bathroom. Aluminum blinds are sturdier in their design which may be preferable to some, though for smaller rooms, thicker window treatments are not recommended.

Why we pick vinyl over aluminum for durability is because it does not dent and crease like aluminum.

Aluminum V. Vinyl Blinds: Which Has Better Light Filtering Or Blackout Features? 

How well do your window blinds block light? There are a lot of reasons you may want blackout blinds. To sleep during the day. In a media room to watch your favorite movies. In a nursery. These are just a few examples. Without a doubt, motorized vinyl blinds are better than aluminum at blocking out light. A set of aluminum blinds can be transparent. More light will enter. Comparatively, vinyl blinds are more opaque.

Do keep in mind that if the purpose of your window blinds is to block out light, you’ll want to specifically search out blackout blinds. Blackout roller shades are most popular as there aren’t slats so no light can sneak through.

Aluminum V. Vinyl Blinds: Which Is Easier To Clean?

Looking at how to clean aluminum and vinyl blinds, they’re both very similar processes. Both types of window blinds receive more or less get equal marks. Neither is susceptible to rust or water damage. However, a lot of homeowners new to aluminum blinds find them harder to clean. Aluminum blinds have sharp edges. They also bend and crease very easily. If you aren’t being careful while wiping them, you can very quickly damage them.

With that in consideration, this is another category where we think vinyl blinds are better.

Aluminum V. Vinyl Blinds: Which Is More Affordable?

Aluminum blinds are less affordable than vinyl blinds. Plain and simple, you’re going to pay more for aluminum.

If you’re buying smart home motorized blinds, of course, those are also going to be at a higher cost than a standard set of blinds.

If you’re on a budget though, we think motorized vinyl blinds offer the most value for your money. From premium blinds sources, such as Go Smart Blinds, you can also buy motorized blinds made from vinyl to resemble a range of aesthetics and styles. Aluminum doesn’t offer that same diversity and is difficult to texturize.

Aluminum V. Vinyl Blinds: Which Is More Energy-Efficient?

Done right, motorized blackout blinds and window blinds in general are an eco-friendly way to maintain temperature in the room and keep whatever’s going on outside outside, be it hot summer temperatures or cold air during winter. Aluminum reflects heat whereas vinyl absorbs heat. That’s the primary difference in energy efficiency.

There’s not necessarily a big difference here, however, aluminum blinds tend to win out by a little bit.

Aluminum V. Vinyl Blinds: Which Is More Protective With Sun Damage? 

Sun exposure can damage window blinds as well as fade furniture, wall paint, flooring, and more. Direct sunlight will not damage aluminum blinds and as they are reflective, you can save your furniture from any fading as well. If you buy vinyl blinds online specifically to protect against sun damage, they will still do the trick but it’s best to look for motorized solar shades. Solar shades’ material is made specifically to block against sun and UV rays, offering full protection and customized to your room.

Smart Home Features For Blinds: Voice Control, Automation, And More 

Are you considering smart home motorized blinds? Here are a few of the big features to consider.

• Use a motorized lift system and motor to never manually open/close your blinds again.
• Smart home automation allows you to schedule open/close times.
• With a smart home hub, you can also pair all motorized blinds in the home to the same schedule.
• Override a schedule with voice control, smartphone app, or remote control.
• Control your smart blinds remotely. Don’t have to get up from your cozy bed or couch to adjust them.
• Install blinds in difficult-to-reach locations, such as if you have high ceilings or mobility issues that would prevent you from reaching up to open/close your blinds.
• No cords involved with smart blinds. They’re safe for young children, pets, and all households.

Motorized Blinds That Filter Light Or Automated Blackout Blinds: Which Would You Pick?

Comparing aluminum and vinyl blinds, you also face the choice of whether to filter light to automate blackout blinds. Light-filtering can cast a tone of color across the room. Blackout roller blinds eliminate the light altogether, allowing you to focus on what you’re doing without interference from glare, direct sunlight, or outside distractions.

A lot of homeowners love going the extra mile with blackout blinds but that doesn’t mean light-filtering blinds aren’t worth a look. They both have their pros and cons, as do aluminum blinds and vinyl blinds. It all depends on what meets your needs, complements your décor, and what fits within your budget.

Why Buy Your Next Blackout Shades From Go Smart Blinds

Your next blackout shades should be quality-made, motorized, and come with all the features you deserve. At Go Smart Blinds, we specialize in smart blinds and motorized blinds. They’re more durable, energy-efficient, better at blocking light, and are easy to clean and simple to install. Provide your home with a whole new dynamic as you automate your open/close and add premium window blinds to your best windows.