Different Roller Blind options + finishes.
Let’s roll. Selecting a Roller Blind to suit your interior: Different Roller Blind options + finishes.
| Topic | Designer Tips |
| Photography | DC+B |
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Roller Blinds are one of the most popular window coverings and for plenty of reasons. They are incredibly functional – allowing you to block out light, heat and glare – and are a minimalist window treatment that will drop away in a space. Pair this with the countless fabric colours, textures and transparencies available, and you’ll find yourself one of the most versatile window covering solutions on the market.
Let’s run through the main Roller Blind options and finishes, and what type of home they suit best.
Roller Blind fit.
The first decision most people make is where to mount the Roller Blinds. Either from inside the window frame (called recess fit) or to sit on the window frame (called 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 window frame, pending 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, and
- 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 window covering solution, 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 block out solution as there are no light gaps between the Blind and 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 fabric options.
The next step in choosing a Roller Blind to suit your home is deciding on a fabric. Colour and pattern aside, the main choice with Roller Blind fabrics is whether to choose a translucent, sunscreen or blockout fabric.
Translucent or Sheer Roller Blinds.
Popular in main living areas, Translucent and Sheer Roller Blinds are ideal for:
- diffusing natural daylight
- achieving daytime privacy, and
- hiding unsightly views
Both offer similar benefits, however the range of fabrics for Sheer Roller Blinds are from a decorative fabric range, allowing you to achieve a more designer finish.
Sunscreen Roller Blinds.
Also allowing plenty of natural light into your space, Sunscreen Roller Blinds have the added benefit of UV protection. Sunscreen Rollers use an open mesh weave, allowing you to enjoy a view to the outside while offering daytime privacy. The main benefit of Sunscreen Roller Blinds is their glare reduction and UV protection to save on energy bills.
Blockout Roller Blinds.
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, and
- save on energy bills
With a huge range of fabrics to choose from, you don’t have to compromise on style when selecting a Blockout Roller Blind. You can find blockout fabrics in a wide range of colours and textures.
Bonded Roller Blinds.
In rooms where you want to achieve a decorative look, a Bonded Roller Blind may be the solution. This is where a soft furnishings or drapery fabric is bonded to a Blockout Roller Blind.
Bonded Roller Blinds offer the same benefits as Blockout Roller Blinds – but with the option to choose a print to suit your interior style and co-ordinate your Roller Blind fabric with your Curtains, Roman Blinds and Cushions. From stripe to floral, jacquard or moquette, there are hundreds of fabrics to choose from in our stores.
Double Roller Blinds.
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, or
- 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 covering solution with a slimline profile. A Double Roller Blind also has double the insulation benefits. And yes – they can still be motorised!
Roller Blind finishes.
The customisation of Roller Blinds goes even further at dollar curtains + blinds with the ability to design the bottom of your Roller Blind to have the right finish.
The four main types of finishes are:
- Plain finish: with either a fabric wrap base rail, exposed powder coated aluminium base roll, or stitched pocket.
- Fancy finish: with a double lath, Georgian scallop + braid, U scallop + braid, or wave scallop + braid.
- Special finish: with a contrast lath, Georgian scallop + fringe, U scallop + fringe, or wave scallop + fringe.
- Decorator finish: with a bonded flat insert, or a contrast lath using drapery fabric.
In modern homes, it’s most common to use one of the plain finishes or a decorator finish with a contrast band that complements your other soft furnishings. Whereas in traditional or period style homes, such as Federation homes, it’s common to see more fancy and special finishes used to reference the ornate style.
Roller Blind finishing details + extras.
On the topic of 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 Blind into one that’s more sophisticated by offering a designer touch.
Roller Blind Pelmets.
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, and
- 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 Roller Blind for further light control and insulation – perfect for shift workers and theatre rooms.
Roller Blind Automation.
Motorisation is always a good idea. It allows you to effortlessly control your Roller Blind from the touch of a button, through a remote, using voice control, or using our mobile and 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 a quiet operation.
Head to our Automation hub for further information on automated control, motor and product options, or take advantage of our free design, measure and quote service where an Interior Consultant can advise on the best options for your home.
Layering Roller Blinds with Curtains.
Roller Blinds and Curtains are the perfect match to achieve a designer finish.
It provides you with the functionality of both, and the softness, texture and movement of Curtains.
You could layer:
- a Sheer Roller Blind and a Blockout Curtain, or
- a Blockout Roller Blind and a Sheer Curtain
Either option provides diffused light and daytime privacy, and darkness at night.
As you can see, there’s a world of choice when it comes to Roller Blinds. dollar curtains + blinds has specialised in crafting custom made Blinds in Melbourne for over 50 years. Contact us today, visit a store or book a free design, measure and quote. Our Interior Consultants can help you to make the perfect choice.
