Roller Blind Types, Fabrics, Finishes + Automation.

Roller Blinds are one of the most popular Window Blinds on the market. They are incredibly versatile and functional. They allow you to block out light, heat and glare, and come in countless fabric colours, textures and transparencies. In this guide, we’ll run through all of the main Roller Blind options and what types of homes they suit best.

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Roller Blind Fittings.

The first decision most people make is where to mount their Roller Blinds, either from inside the window frame (called a recess fit) or to sit on the window frame (called an arc fit).

Recess Fit.

In modern homes, it’s typical for windows to be square set, meaning they do not have an architrave. So, in this case, generally Roller Blinds can be set within the frame, provided there are no obstructions like window winders or door handles.

The benefits of recess fit Roller Blinds are they:

achieve a seamless, modern look
are an ideal choice if you want to install a Double Roller Blind or layer a Curtain over the top
do not protrude into a space

However, one downside of recess fit Roller Blinds is that they do create small light gaps between the Blind and the window frame. In bedrooms, where you want total darkness, it may be better to use a face fit Roller Blind or to layer an additional covering, such as a Curtain.

Arc Fit.

In traditional homes, it’s more common for Roller Blinds to be mounted onto the arc or wall. This is because these windows can often have a winder or other obstruction that prevents Roller Blinds from opening smoothly when set inside the frame.

The main benefits of arc fit Roller Blinds are they:

offer a complete blockout solution as there are no light gaps between the Blind and the window frame
increase privacy
allow maximum views when opened

To achieve a tailored look, it’s a good idea to consider a Pelmet for arc fit Roller Blinds – you can find more information about this below.

Roller Blind Fabrics.

The next step in choosing a Roller Blind to suit your home is deciding on a fabric.

Translucent or Sheer.

Popular in main living areas, Translucent and Sheer Roller Blinds are ideal for:

diffusing natural daylight
achieving daytime privacy
hiding unsightly views

Both offer similar benefits, however the range of fabrics for Sheer Roller Blinds is from a decorative fabric range, allowing you to achieve a more designer finish.

Sunscreen.

Also letting plenty of natural light into your space, Sunscreen Roller Blinds have the added benefit of UV protection and glare reduction to save on energy bills. Sunscreen Rollers use an open mesh weave, allowing you to enjoy a view to the outside while offering daytime privacy.

Blockout.

Blockout Roller Blinds are ideal for bedrooms or media rooms where you want to block out light.

The main benefits of Blockout Roller Blinds are they:

offer room darkness
are best for privacy
offer UV protection
add insulation
save on energy bills

With a huge range of fabrics, colours, and textures to choose from, you don’t have to compromise on style when selecting a Blockout Roller.

Bonded.

In rooms where you want to achieve a decorative look, a Bonded Roller Blind may be the solution. This is where soft furnishings or drapery fabric is bonded to a Blockout Roller Blind.

Bonded Rollers offer the same benefits as Blockout Rollers, but with the option to choose a print to suit your interior design style and coordinate your Blind fabric with your Curtains and Cushions. From stripe to floral, jacquard or moquette, there are hundreds of fabrics to choose from in our stores.

Double Roller.

Another benefit of Roller Blinds is the ability to design a Double or Dual Roller. This is where a sunscreen or translucent fabric and a blockout fabric are combined on the one window. Controlled separately, a Double Roller Blind offers you diffused light during the day and total blockout and privacy at night.

Depending on your window:

both Rollers could be recessed within the window frame on a double bracket
both Rollers could be arc fit to sit outside the window on a double bracket
one Roller could be recess fit (such as the sheer), and the other Roller could be arc fit (such as the blockout)

Any of these options creates a highly functional window treatment solution with a slimline profile. A Double Roller Blind also has double the insulation benefits, and yes, they can be motorised!

Other Roller Blind Options.

Finishes.

The customisation of Roller Blinds goes even further at dollar curtains + blinds with the ability to design the bottom of your Roller to have the right finish.

The four main types of Roller Blind finishes are:

Plain finish: A fabric wrap base rail, exposed powder coated aluminium base rail, or stitched pocket
Fancy finish: A double lath, Georgian scallop + braid, U scallop + braid, or wave scallop + braid
Special finish: A contrast lath, Georgian scallop + fringe, U scallop + fringe, or wave scallop + fringe
Decorator finish: A bonded flat insert, or a contrast lath using drapery fabric

In modern homes, it’s common to use one of the plain finishes or a decorator finish with a contrast band that complements your other soft furnishings. However, in traditional or period style homes like Federation homes, it’s common to see more fancy and special finishes used to reference the ornate style.

Finishing Details.

You also have the option to add extras, such as a metal bolt on a ring.

These rings and tassels can transform a plain Roller into one that’s more sophisticated by offering a designer touch.

Pelmets.

Roller Blind Pelmets are making a return in interiors. Traditionally used in more classic style homes, we’re also seeing slimline Pelmets used in modern interiors.

The benefits of Pelmets are they:

conceal the top hardware of the Roller Blind
minimise light gaps
improve insulation

Pelmets are custom made from either a Blind fabric or drapery fabric to perfectly complement your soft furnishing scheme.

Cassettes and Side Channels are also available, which encase the Blind for further light control and insulation – perfect for shift workers and theatre rooms.

Automation.

Roller Blind Automation allows you to effortlessly control your Blind from the touch of a button, through a remote, using voice control, or using our mobile + tablet app. Motorisation is a modern-day luxury that’s worth the investment. It also eliminates the need for unsightly cords or chains, creating a safer home environment for children and pets.

The two main types of motorisation available for Roller Blinds are battery motors or hard wired motors. Both are robust and have quiet operation.

Layering.

Roller Blinds and Curtains are the perfect match to achieve a designer finish.

You get the functionality of both, and the softness, texture and movement of Curtains.

You could layer:

a Sheer Roller and a Blockout Curtain
a Blockout Roller and a Sheer Curtain

Either option provides diffused light and daytime privacy, as well as darkness at night.

Browse All Types of Roller Blinds at dc+b.

dollar curtains + blinds has specialised in crafting custom Blinds in Australia for over 50 years, and as you can see, there’s a world of choice when it comes to finding the best Roller Blinds.

Contact us today to book a free design, measure and quote. Our Interior Consultants can help you to make the perfect choice.

You can also drop into your nearest showroom to see our wide range of Roller Blind styles in person. We have stores right across Melbourne and Canberra, as well as locations in New South Wales and South Australia.

FAQs.

How Do I Choose Between Blockout and Sunscreen Roller Blinds?

Blockout Rollers are best for bedrooms or TV/media rooms that need privacy and darkness. Sunscreen Rollers are great for living rooms where you want to reduce glare and UV rays while retaining a view to the outside.

What’s the Best Roller Blind Option for Large Windows or Sliding Doors?

Linked Rollers are often the best option, as they provide a seamless look across wide openings while maintaining control over each section. Alternatively, extra-wide single Rollers can also be good, with motorisation highly recommended for ease of use.

Which Roller Blind Fabric Is Best for Bedrooms?

For bedrooms, the best Blind fabric is Blockout (or Blackout) because it provides 100% light blockage and total privacy.

What’s the Difference Between Battery and Hard-Wired Motorised Blinds?

Battery-powered Roller Blinds use rechargeable or replaceable batteries stored in a battery pack attached to the Blind mechanism. Hardwired Rollers connect directly to your home’s mains power, providing a constant and uninterrupted power supply.