How to choose roller blinds

Introduction: How to choose roller blinds

The trend for minimalism and practicality has taken a strong position in interior design and, of course, has affected the design of window openings. Roller blinds have become a successful alternative to heavy curtains and boring blinds. What makes roller blinds so attractive and which ones are better to choose – we will tell you in the article.

What are roller blinds 

Roller blinds (also known as fabric blinds or roller shades) combine the advantages of long-familiar types of window decoration – classic curtains and blinds.

From the former they got the soft material and variety of colors, from the latter – the method of fastening and ease of use.’

The name itself reflects the meaning of roller blinds – they are a roll of fabric or similar material wound on a tube-shaft. The curtains can be opened and closed both mechanically, using a special cord or chain, and with an electric drive. Less popular is the spring mechanism: it is easy to adjust the curtains by simply pulling them from below, but the springs quickly become loose and stop working properly.

Types of roller blinds

There are two main types of roller blinds – open and closed.

Open roller blinds:

• They consist of two parts – a solid fabric sheet and a shaft;
• They are attached to the window frame, to the wall above it or to the ceiling;
• The bottom of the roll is decorated with a metal weight, which not only decorates the edge of the fabric, but also stretches it evenly (magnets are also attached to the bottom of the frame);
• They do not adhere completely to the window, allowing sunlight to pass through at the edges;
• They are a more economical and simple option.

Closed roller blinds:

• They have a cassette system – the shaft is covered with a special box fixed to the frame
• They fit tightly across the entire width of the window, thanks to the guides on the side parts of the frame.
• They provide better protection against light penetration as they have no gaps
• Require more complex installation than open roller blinds
• They cost more because of their improved design.

Both types have their pros and cons, and the choice between open and closed roller blind systems depends on your needs.

Mounting methods

In addition to the type, fabric roller blinds are differentiated by the installation method.

• Across the entire width of the window opening: this method resembles the fastening of ordinary curtains on a cornice, but in the case of roller blinds, it is replaced by a shaft. It is important to measure correctly: the width of the roller blinds should be at least 5 cm larger than the window on each side. The disadvantage of this method is that the window can only be fully opened with the curtain raised.
• On the window frame: this method of fastening is convenient for plastic windows. The structure is installed on each sash, adjacent to the glass, and allows them to be opened independently of each other. Using this installation, you can ventilate the room with the curtains closed. Access to the window sill is also always open, which will appeal to lovers of indoor plants or a recreation area on the window sill .
• In the opening: sometimes, if the two previous mounting methods are not possible, roller blinds are mounted directly in the window opening. This method is less successful, as gaps arise that let light into the room. It is also necessary not to forget about protruding fittings.

Materials for roller blinds

When choosing material for roller blinds, you should focus on the purpose of the room and the need for protection from sunlight.

It is worth noting that most fabrics for roller blinds have good wear resistance, are treated against fading, repel dust and are easy to clean with a vacuum cleaner or damp cloth. These properties are another undoubted plus in the piggy bank of roller blinds functionality.

5 types of material for rolls

1. Transparent and translucent fabrics: can be made on the basis of cotton, linen, nylon, polyester. They diffuse light well. Suitable for a room where complete darkening is not required, for example, in a dining room.

2. Natural materials: most often, the canvases are made of bamboo. Such roller blinds are environmentally friendly and pleasant to the touch, but they let in light. It is important to consider the interior design: bamboo curtains will fit into the country or eco style.

3. Dimout: a fairly dense fabric that provides a high, but not complete degree of darkening in the room – about 80%.

4. Blackout: a dense multilayer material with the lowest light transmittance. When installed using the closed method, blackout curtains protect from the sun by almost 100%, which makes them an ideal solution for the bedroom.

Roller blinds in the interior – design ideas

Depending on the room, the question inevitably arises: which roller blinds are better to choose and not to miscalculate. The main selection criteria are the need for isolation from light and interior design. Like any other curtains, roller blinds should be in harmony with the space in style and perform their immediate functions.

Bedroom

When choosing roller blinds for the bedroom, it is important to remember that the main purpose of this room is rest and sleep. Residents of such megacities as Moscow are familiar with the problem of bright light from the street even at night.

Roller blinds of a closed type made of blackout or dimout fabric will help to cope with it. If you are sure that the light of city lights will not bother you, the “day-night” format will also suit.

A combined format will look good: roller blinds can be combined with light tulle or airy curtains. This will allow you to decorate the window more decoratively and add coziness to the room.

Children’s

In the nursery, as in the bedroom, it is necessary to create a suitable atmosphere for a quiet rest. The cassette system of roller blinds will ensure their tight fit to the glass, and the blackout material will protect from unnecessary light from the street not only at night, but also during the child’s daytime sleep.

Kitchen

For a kitchen, especially a small area, it is worth choosing roller blinds made of translucent or transparent fabric. They will create soft lighting, diffusing bright sunlight. And at the same time, they will protect the walls, furniture and indoor plants from fading. Make sure that the material is easy to wash – for this, it must be impregnated with a special composition.

Depending on the style, both calm, single-color and bright curtains will suit the kitchen; you can add a print or texture. Dark roller blinds are unlikely to decorate the interior of a small kitchen .

Living room

A large window in the living room area can be decorated by combining roller blinds with curtains. In this case, roller blinds are attached to the opening or to the frames. The density of the fabric for them should be selected depending on the illumination and the importance of darkening the room.

If you do not plan to add classic curtains, then the roller blinds can be mounted above the window, not forgetting about the allowances along the edges. For wide window sills that are decorated with flowers, this method will be less successful – the curtains will not protect the plants from the scorching sun, and they will also have to be raised to admire the greenery.

Offices and public spaces

Roller blinds are a great solution for public spaces, be it an office, a salon or a medical center. They will be a great alternative to the familiar plastic blinds, but will add aesthetics to the room.

High wear resistance, ease of maintenance and a wide range of colours make roller blinds the first choice when choosing window decoration.

The light transmittance of the material depends on the functions of the space. In most cases, dimout, zebra or even translucent roller blinds will be sufficient.

Roller blinds design

Color

As with any other type of curtains, the color of the roller blinds does not affect the ability to transmit light. Therefore, when choosing the color of roller blinds, you should pay attention to the following points:

• interior design and overall color scheme – color of walls, furniture and other textiles
• room size: light shades are more appropriate for a small room, while dark and saturated shades will decorate a spacious hall
• window arrangement: on the north side, roller blinds in cool colors will add warmth and coziness, on the south side, warm tones will bring coolness and freshness to the interior
• print: if the walls in the room already have a pattern, choose plain curtains, and vice versa
• the color of the walls and curtains should not match perfectly, it is better if they differ by several tones
• purpose of the room: in the kitchen or children’s room, roller blinds of a bright color or with a pattern will delight and lift the mood, while in an office or public place, too colorful or motley fabrics may be inappropriate
• psychological aspect: it is known that colors affect a person’s condition differently, they can both calm and irritate. The closer the shade is to the natural, organic, the more harmoniously a person perceives it.

Interior style

Thanks to a huge selection of colors and materials, there are roller blinds suitable for almost any interior.

The design of the blinds, the color scheme and the material are important.

For modern high-tech style rooms, choose smooth, single-color roller blinds; the “day-night” option is also suitable.

Such curtains will become one of the key elements if you decide to tastefully decorate your living room in a modern style .

A classic style interior will be decorated with a combination of roller blinds with curtains, draped tulle or organza.

Roller blinds in light shades, cotton or linen, with a natural texture will fit perfectly into a minimalist Scandinavian interior. They will be complemented by airy curtains.

Bamboo roller blinds will complement a country style interior and are also perfect for a summer house.

Combination with other curtains

Roller blinds are incredibly versatile because they can be combined with a wide range of other materials.

If their appearance seems too boring or modest to you, feel free to complement the roller blinds with curtains or tulle. This solution is also successful because it gives scope for imagination. While roller blinds are maximally functional, all other window textiles can be purely decorative.

You can go the opposite way: for example, install translucent roller blinds in the bedroom to diffuse bright light during the day and complement them with thick dimout curtains for a peaceful sleep.

At the same time, roller blinds are self-sufficient and can be used on their own if there is no place for classic curtains in your room or your heart.

Advantages and disadvantages of roller blinds

Having considered all the types of roller blinds and their qualities, we can conclude: it is not without reason that this type of window decoration has gained great popularity all over the world!

What are the main advantages of roller blinds and are there any disadvantages?