Considering Vertical or Horizontal Blinds

Albert Mastrando • June 21, 2018

Blinds are an amazing, versatile window treatment, but there are so many different styles out there, it can be hard to find the right one for your home. First, you need to decide if your home needs vertical or horizontal blinds. Now, you may be wondering why it matters, but we are here to help you work through this process and find exactly what you need. First off, what is the real difference between the two?

Vertical Blinds are made from long vertical slats that are connected to a track at the top of the window or door. You can choose from tons of colors, styles, and materials, including fabric and vinyl. You even get to customize the operating system for your blinds, so you get the one that works best for you.

Horizontal Blinds feature horizontal slats, hence the name. Not only can you open or close them completely, you can also rotate the slats to adjust the amount of light and privacy in your home. These blinds come with the option of wood, metal, or alternative wood. You can also choose from a variety of operating systems, including a cord and pulley system, retractable cords, or a motorized system.

Once you are clear on the difference between these two products, you must decide which is best for you home.

First, the size of the window is one of the most important things to consider. Vertical blinds are best for wide windows, as well as sliding doors. When it comes to glass doors, having vertical blinds makes it much more convenient to open the door. You don’t have to open them all the way just to walk through. Taller and narrower windows are better for horizontal blinds because they are sturdier and easier to open and close.

Next, you should consider what direction your window is facing. For north and south facing windows, horizontal blinds are better, because of how the sun will hit them. Vertical blinds are best for windows that face east and west. By considering this factor when choosing between horizontal and vertical blinds, you will influence the angle that light filters into your home.

You should also take into consideration how much privacy you need in the room where you are installing your new blinds. If they are going into a bathroom or bedroom, you will likely consider privacy to be very important. Horizontal blinds tend to be much better for privacy, unlike vertical blinds. Vertical blinds can be easily bumped open, which would allow for peering eyes to see into your home. Horizontal blinds don’t do this.

If you still aren’t completely sure which blinds are best for your home, give us a call or stop by our Haddon Heights showroom. For sixty-five years, Albert’s South Jersey Wallpaper has provided high quality window and wall coverings to Haddon Heights and the surrounding area, including Sewell and Mullica Hill, New Jersey. We are family owned and operated, so you can expect to get personal, professional service from our incredible team of experts.

Retractable Awning Use & Care Guide: How to Keep Your Awning Performing Like New

By Albert Mastrando • March 6, 2026
Like any outdoor product, proper care and operation are essential for protecting your investment and ensuring long-term performance.

How to Design a Luxury Backyard in South Jersey

By Albert Mastrando • February 25, 2026
A luxury backyard isn’t about adding random features. It’s about designing intentional outdoor living space — where shade, structure, comfort, and function work together. In South Jersey, where summers are humid, sunlight is strong, and entertaining season matters, the right outdoor design can transform how often you use your property. At Albert's Wallpaper , we help homeowners integrate: Motorized retractable awnings Architectural pergolas Exterior solar and motorized screens Not as standalone products — but as part of a complete outdoor lifestyle plan. Here’s how to think about it. Step 1: Define Zones — Not Just Shade Luxury outdoor spaces are divided into purpose-driven zones : Poolside lounge area Outdoor kitchen & grilling space Dining area Conversation seating Hot tub or spa area Each zone needs a different type of protection and structure. That’s where combining products becomes powerful. Pergolas: Create the Architectural Anchor Pergolas are ideal for: Framing outdoor kitchens Creating poolside lounge areas Defining dining spaces Establishing a visual focal point They introduce structure and permanence. In a luxury backyard, a pergola often becomes the centerpiece — the element that makes the space feel curated rather than improvised. Around a pool, a pergola can create a resort-style retreat. Over a dining area, it forms a defined outdoor room. It doesn’t just block sun — it shapes the space. Retractable Awnings: Add Flexible Comfort Motorized retractable awnings are perfect for: Patios directly off the home Grill stations exposed to harsh sun Transitional indoor-outdoor spaces They allow you to: Extend shade during peak sun Retract in the evening Adjust instantly during gatherings For entertaining, this flexibility is key. Hosting a daytime party? Extend the awning. Evening cocktails? Open it up and let the sky in. It’s comfort on demand. Exterior Solar & Motorized Screens: Control the Environment This is where luxury meets practicality. Exterior solar shades and motorized screens — like those offered by Graber and SunPro Products — allow you to control: Glare Heat Insects Privacy Wind These are ideal for: Pergola enclosures Covered patios Outdoor kitchens Hot tub areas Instead of building permanent walls, screens create a dynamic barrier you can raise or lower as needed. That’s how you turn an outdoor space into a true four-season extension of the home. Designing Around the Pool Pool areas benefit from layered shade. A strong design might include: A pergola over a lounge zone Exterior screens for afternoon glare A retractable awning near the house This creates: A sun area A filtered light area A fully shaded retreat Guests move naturally between zones. It feels intentional — like a boutique hotel, not just a backyard. Outdoor Kitchens & Grilling Areas Grilling under direct sun in July isn’t enjoyable. Strategic coverage over outdoor kitchens: Reduces heat exposure Protects cabinetry and appliances Keeps guests comfortable while dining A pergola can create structure. An awning can provide flexibility. Exterior screens can block wind or glare. It’s about designing comfort into the cooking experience. Entertaining & Evening Use Luxury outdoor spaces don’t shut down at 5 p.m. With the right design: Afternoon heat becomes manageable Evening gatherings feel elevated Lighting integrates seamlessly with structure Guests stay outside longer A pergola defines the ambiance. An awning adapts to conditions. Exterior screens refine the environment. Together, they extend both time and usability. Think Long-Term, Not Temporary Luxury outdoor design isn’t about the lowest-cost solution. It’s about: Structural integration Professional installation Clean architectural lines Durable materials A cohesive layout Temporary fixes fade. Integrated design lasts. The Real Goal: Outdoor Living Without Compromise When properly combined, awnings, pergolas, and exterior screens create: Climate control Defined space Visual sophistication Increased property appeal A true extension of the home That’s what separates a premium backyard from a basic one. Designing Your Backyard in South Jersey Sun direction, wind exposure, pool placement, and home architecture all matter. We work with homeowners to evaluate: Layout Usage habits Entertaining style Long-term plans So your outdoor investment feels intentional — not pieced together. 👉 Schedule a private outdoor design consultation at albertwallpaper.com/contact

Pergola vs Retractable Awning: Which Is More Architectural?

By Albert Mastrando • February 25, 2026
When homeowners start upgrading their outdoor space, the conversation often comes down to two options: A retractable awning A pergola Both provide shade. Both improve comfort. But architecturally? They live in very different categories. If you're trying to decide which one makes a stronger design statement — especially for a premium backyard setting — here’s how they truly compare. At Albert's Wallpaper , we help homeowners evaluate not just shade, but structure, aesthetics, and long-term impact. What Does “More Architectural” Really Mean? Architectural elements: Define space Add structure Create visual weight Integrate with the home’s design They don’t just serve a function — they change how the property feels. So the real question isn’t just “Which gives shade?” It’s “Which changes the identity of the space?” Retractable Awnings: Functional & Flexible Retractable awnings are excellent for: Patio shade Deck coverage Poolside sun control Extending usable outdoor hours They’re flexible, motorized, and disappear when retracted. Architectural Presence When extended, they provide coverage. When retracted, they nearly vanish. They: Attach directly to the home Require no vertical posts Maintain open sight lines For homeowners who want shade without altering the structure of their backyard, awnings are ideal. Architecturally, they are subtle. Pergolas: Structure With Intention Pergolas are different. They introduce: Vertical supports Overhead framing Defined perimeter Physical presence They don’t disappear. They anchor the space. A pergola becomes: An outdoor room A design focal point A poolside statement A structural extension of the home Architecturally, pergolas carry weight. Visual Impact: Subtle vs Structural Retractable Awning Clean Minimal Functional Best for maintaining simplicity Pergola Bold Structured Intentional Best for creating a destination space If your goal is to preserve a clean facade, an awning does that beautifully. If your goal is to elevate the backyard into a defined architectural environment, a pergola wins. Poolside & Premium Settings Around pools or luxury outdoor layouts, pergolas often feel more integrated. They can: Frame lounge areas Define outdoor dining spaces Add lighting and structural detail Create a resort-like atmosphere A retractable awning enhances comfort. A pergola reshapes the environment. Flexibility vs Permanence Retractable awnings offer: On-demand shade Minimal footprint Storm protection when retracted Seasonal adaptability Pergolas offer: Permanent presence Structural impact Defined boundaries Strong design integration The difference is flexibility versus architectural permanence. Which Is More Architectural? If we’re speaking purely from a structural and visual standpoint: A pergola is more architectural. It introduces framing, depth, and dimension that physically changes the layout of your outdoor space. An awning enhances usability. A pergola transforms identity. Which Is Right for You? Choose a retractable awning if you: Want adaptable shade Prefer a minimal exterior look Don’t want vertical posts Value subtle enhancement Choose a pergola if you: Want a defined outdoor room Are investing in a premium backyard Prefer structural presence See your outdoor space as a long-term design feature Designing the Right Outdoor Upgrade in South Jersey Sun direction, yard layout, pool placement, and home architecture all influence the right choice. At Albert’s Wallpaper, we evaluate: Orientation Usage goals Design preference Long-term plans So the solution fits your space — not just your budget. 👉 Schedule a private consultation at albertwallpaper.com/contact