Standard ladders are thin cords that are threaded through each slat. In some cases, you may be able to substitute a cloth tape for a ladder. Tapes are strips of fabric, usually one or two inches wide, and are available in a wide variety of colors. Tapes are very popular on wood blinds and two inch aluminum blinds. The bottom rail is a heavier horizontal piece of hardware that anchors your blinds on the bottom.
Bottom rails are usually color-coordinated to match the rest of the blind.
The bottom rail weighs the blind down and keeps it hanging straight. That's it for the basics. If you run into any other confusing terms, check out our Blinds Glossary below. Horizontal aluminum blinds are made out of .6 to .9 gauge aluminum, with .9 being the sturdiest and most expensive. These blinds are especially complementary to modern rooms, although their clean good looks can go anywhere.