A Complete Guide to Getting Roller Blinds

25 Apr A Complete Guide to Getting Roller Blinds

Ditch the unsightly, hard-to-clean vertical shutters in favour of some practical, modern roller blinds for your home – the minimalist solution to your window-covering needs.

They typically consist of a single sheet which can be pulled up or down using a cord. They may have a different fabric on each side of the sheet to create a unique look which appears different when viewed from inside and outside the home.

Their benefits

Roller blinds come with a range of benefits that other styles may not provide, including:

Selection

You can select from a range of makes including blackouts, light-filtering, sunscreen and bonded options. This gives you greater choice when deciding on a make that best suits your needs. Sunscreen makes, for example, are suitable for properties with a view, as they allow you to look outside.

Affordability

Roller blinds are some of the cheapest styles on the market, typically costing around $30 to $200 depending on the size and quality of the make. This makes it a great option for those on a budget.

Minimalist aesthetic

Their sleek, modern, simple appearance makes them a great choice for those looking to cultivate a minimalist atmosphere in their home.

Easy to fit

Unlike other styles such as shutters, roller blinds can be easily cut to fit a range of window sizes, making them highly versatile.

Convenience

Regardless of the type of operating system you choose – spring assisted or fully motorised, for instance – these shades are exceptionally easy to operate. Motorised and chain drive systems can be linked together so that you can adjust multiple shades at the same time.

How to install them

The first step to installing them is to determine whether you want to install them inside or outside the window recess. Inside is ideal for small windows with little surrounding wall space, whereas outside is better for bigger rooms and when wanting to block out more light.

If installing them inside the recess, you should measure the recess’ height and width at the narrowest point to determine the dimensions of your roller blinds. If installing them outside the recess, you should add 4cm of width to each side and 15cm of height. Also determine which side to place the pulley on to avoid any potential access issues.

How to keep them clean

When cleaning the home, sunshades are usually forgotten about – yet it only takes a few minutes to get them looking great! Make sure you give them some love and attention next time you’re tidying up, and be sure to do it the right way. Things to avoid:

• Putting them in the washer: Washing your sunshades in a machine can cause wear-and-tear and fading to occur.
• Soaking in a bath: While this may seem an easy or convenient option, soaking your sunshades can potentially result in rust issues.
• Vacuuming without the right attachment: Ensure you use an upholstery attachment when vacuuming to avoid causing damage to your roller blinds.

Instead (assuming your shades aren’t made of delicate materials like silk, in which case you should take them to a quality dry cleaner), get out a cloth or sponge and dip it in some gentle detergent and lukewarm water. Starting at the bottom and working upwards, gently wipe the shade, rinsing the cloth as you do so. Once the shade is clean, keep it fully extended until it’s completely dry.

Conclusion

Roller blinds are a great option for people looking for a simple, modern sunshade solution for their home. They are available in a range of different makes and styles in order to give you greater customisability.