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Custom curtains with free making or free make services allow you to have a home decor solution to perfectly frame your windows and show off your unique style. Store bought, readymade, curtains limit your curtain fabric options and styles, but Dollar Curtains + Blinds curtains + complimentary making range allows you to buy curtains that match your style and are made to your exact window size requirements. And with our complimentary making full length curtain samples to borrow, you can plan and design your complete interior look at a fraction of the cost when compared to other options.

Curtain Samples

At Dollar Curtains + Blinds, we know homeowners are concerned about the amount of privacy and light control their window curtains allow - in addition to creating a beautiful interior. With our curtains+ range you can borrow full length curtain samples from our stores in your fabric choice, take them home and hang them up to try. As purchasing window coverings is a long term investment we value you making the right decision. Colours can vary in different lights so with our curtain samples you can be sure to see how it looks in your home, during the day and in the evening.

Complimentary Curtain Making Services

After you borrow a curtain sample and make a style decision, we don't charge you for the making costs of your full length curtains. Simply choose from our wide range of fabrics that include the most popular colours and patterns for all interior styles from Australia's leading fabric suppliers. Our fabrics are quality brands and we lead the market in competitive pricing. And if you need your new curtains in a hurry, we provide priority services through our curtains+ range.

A Range of Quality Curtain Fabric

Unlike off-the-shelf curtain selections, Dollar Curtains + Blinds allow you to choose from a wide range of both traditional plain, drapery fabrics with a textured surface or stylish prints or woven patterns that deliver a fresh, one-of-a-kind decorating style. Top off your new window coverings with a great selection of high-quality, transparent fabrics in sheer curtains that can be layered behind your blockout curtains to diffuse light and open your home to the great outdoors without sacrificing privacy.

Another benefit of our borrow before you buy services account for the fact that many homeowners say curtain colours or patterns may look different once placed in the home. In-store lighting and online images really don't do fabric curtains justice - and a pattern you thought would be perfect, may actually clash with other patterned decor. Our goal is to provide a wide range of quality curtain fabrics at a great price, and with free curtain making services - so you are fully satisfied with your new window treatments.

Easy and Simple Curtains Online

Finally, we make buying curtains online, easy and simple. Just visit us online to find all the product information you need before organising your free in-home measure and quote, where we make it easy by coming to you. We even stock coated curtain fabrics to blockout sunlight and create a high level of privacy and curtains for winter insulation to lower your heating bills.

If you desire to add years to the life of your curtains, consider adding a lined backing that also traps cold air and provides another layer of insulation for cold winter months. We make it simple for homeowners who desire to add an illusion of height into a room. Consider installing floor to ceiling curtains to accomplish this interior design trick and add a creative air to your decor.

Simply contact us to begin your journey to affordable and stylish curtains with free making services through our curtains+ complimentary making range.

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Sheer curtains, also known as sheers are lightweight fabrics that cover over your windows, soften your home's lighting, and add an instant infusion of style into your interior decor. Sheer curtains give you a measure of privacy, but are also well-matched for a layered window treatment.

You may wonder about the different types of sheer curtains, or how to hang sheer curtains. Since window coverings are a significant investment, it's good to know some basic information about the uses and benefits of sheer curtains. The following 5 points will help you understand more about these stylish window coverings.

1. They Perfectly Diffuse Window Sunlight

Sheer curtains are made from transparent, lightweight material that acts as a wonderful light filter. That means that sheers still allow sunlight to enter into your room, but their fabric acts as a light diffuser, which softens the natural light.

There are two benefits that come from this:

• The sheers can help to hide unsightly views
• They can also provide a measure of protection for your home's furniture, fixtures, and flooring by shielding them from the full force of direct sunlight

2. They Add Daytime Privacy to Your Room(s)

One nice feature of sheer curtains is the additional privacy they afford. While they don't shut out daylight from your residence, they do add a layer of insulation from outside observation. In a layered window solution, use of sheers will provide you with more options on your desired level of privacy at any given time.

3. They Provide Softness, Texture, and Movement

Sheer curtains are wonderful transition pieces between indoor and outdoor living spaces. They can enhance a room's ambience through the softening of incoming light, the framing of your windows, and the creating of an impression that your rooms have more height. When windows are open and a gentle breeze is blowing through, the movement of the sheers can also provide a nice stylistic touch.

4. They Often Come in Waves

One popular type of sheer curtain is wave fold sheer curtains, also known as s fold sheer curtains or ripple fold sheer curtains. These sheers use a special track and tape heading that gives the impression of a smooth, continuous wave from one end of the window to the other. In contrast to a flat look, the wave fold provides texture and "pop" to a room. It is easy to operate, can create the illusion of size, and has a slim track that can fit in narrow spaces between the window and ceiling.

5. They Work Well with Layers

Using sheer curtains in combination with block out curtains, block out roller blinds or roman blinds is a wonderful way to allow for a high level of control over lighting and privacy levels. For instance, this layered solution allows for total nighttime privacy that can easily switch to letting sunlight in through transparent sheers during the day. Moreover, the extra layer of curtains increases the insulation benefits.

You can use block out roller blinds, roman blinds or block out curtains or lining behind sheers to obtain this layered and functional look.

Whether you decide to use sheer curtains on undercover outdoor patio areas, or as screens or bed canopies, there are wonderful stylistic and practical benefits that come along with them. However, maybe you are wondering exactly what the best way to use them in your home would be. If so, reach out to us at Dollar Curtains + Blinds for a completely free, in-home measure and quote. Our interior consultants can help you make window treatment decisions that you'll be happy with for years to come.

If you'd like to learn more about the services we offer, and how we can help you with all of your window treatment needs, reach out to us today at Dollar Curtains + Blinds.

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Do you find yourself opening and closing heavy curtains throughout the day, to try and get an appropriate amount of light? Do you wake earlier than necessary because sunlight is streaming in through your sheer bedroom window coverings? Are you concerned about the effect the sun's rays having in fading your furnishings and overheating your home, leading to increased air conditioning costs? 

If you're struggling with your current window coverings, or you want to cover new windows with easy-to-operate shades that come in a variety of fabrics to allow in just the perfect amount of light as well as match your home's decor, then roller blinds may be your ideal solution. These thin shades are available in options that block out light or allow you access to light and views from your windows. Or, you can choose two layers of fabric that accomplish multiple goals for letting natural light into your living areas.

What is the Difference Between Single and Double Roller Blinds?

As their names suggest, single roller blinds utilise one layer of fabric, while double roller blinds use two independent layers and can be more versatile. Typically, a double roller blind is used to incorporate both a blackout shade and a more translucent shade that lets some light in. 

With a double roller blind, you can raise one layer and close the other to allow the amount of light you desire. Perfect for day and night use, double roller blinds maintain a slim profile while giving you maximum flexibility. Other uses for double roller blinds include using different patterns or colors to match the look of your room.

What Are the Benefits of Roller Blinds?

Roller blinds are easy to raise and lower, as well as extremely versatile for nearly any room. The use of double roller blinds enables you to choose multiple functions or looks for your window coverings.

Blockout Roller Blinds

Blockout or blackout shades eliminate almost all incoming light. Darkening your room on demand can help improve your sleep, especially if your schedule is untraditional. Blockout blinds are also an excellent choice where you need more privacy.

An additional benefit of blockout blinds is that they can add insulation and block out harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, keeping your room warmer in cold weather and cooler in the hotter months. This helps you save on energy costs. Blocking UV rays can also prevent your furnishings from fading.

Some types of blockout fabrics can be bonded to a more attractive or textured material to give you all the benefits of reduced light and great privacy as well as a look that matches your interior decor.

Sunscreen Roller Blinds

Keep some light and retain your views with filtered sunscreen fabric in your roller blinds. Sunscreen blinds can also permit you some privacy without eliminating all light, like a blockout shade will do.

Sunscreen blinds are an excellent solution to letting in some light but still providing some insulation and blocking between 80 and 97 percent of UV rays. In addition, some types of sunscreen fabric are treated with antimicrobials to prevent growth of unwanted molds or mildews in damp locations.

Translucent Roller Blinds

Retain some privacy while letting in plenty of daytime light with translucent blinds. Translucent fabrics are a good balance of complete blockout blinds and using a sheer fabric. You can also choose from a huge variety of fabric textures and colors that lend a beautiful look to your room while providing sufficient light.

Sheer Roller Blinds

Don't miss out on the views from your window with sheer roller blinds. These sheer fabrics let in plenty of natural light filtered through decorative or textured materials that give a softer and more decorative look to your room. While sheer blinds don't provide absolute privacy, they do give you some protection against curious passersby. +

No matter which type of roller blinds you choose, you can combine the look you want with the functionality you need for your specific environment.

What Fabrics Can Roller Blinds Be Made of?

You'll enjoy your roller blinds most when you can customize them with the fabrics that both perform and look great with your décor. Most blinds are available in a variety of colour and pattern options. Patterns can most noticeably work to give your room an added dimension; for example, you can use vertical stripes to make a room look higher. You can even choose textured materials that incorporate contrasting fibres to give a subtle boost to your decorating scheme. Coordinate roller blinds on different windows or in different rooms to all work with the overall look of your home. In addition to appearance, you'll want to consider fabrics that will add functionality to your window coverings. Do you want a translucent look that lets in plenty of light with a bit of privacy? Or are you seeking to block light or darken a room? Some fabrics provide extensive UV protection to protect your furnishings from fading. With double roller blinds, you can even choose two functions in the same window space.

Once you've selected blind fabrics that coordinate with your home and work to filter light as you wish, make sure that they also will stand up to the climate in your area and last for many years. Blinds will be most durable when they are:

• Fire retardant and non flammable
• Resistant to dust, mould and bacteria growth
• Resistant to staining and easy to clean
• Resistant to fading due to UV rays

High-quality roller blinds will be available in a range of fabrics that give you the ultimate flexibility in how you want your window coverings to look, perform and last. Dollar Curtains + Blinds offers a huge selection of trendy and classic blind fabrics that are of the highest quality to last in challenging Australian climates. Because we buy in bulk, we get the best prices that we pass on to our customers, letting you get a great value on quality materials. Many of our material options are made exclusively in Australia.

How Are Roller Blinds Measured?

Before you determine the size of roller blind you need, decide whether you want an inside mount -- on the interior of the window frame, called a recess fit -- or an outside mount that fits over the window frame, called an arc fit. Your decision will be based on how you want the window covering to look and whether you need the functionality of a blackout shade. The latter is best mounted on the outside to fully cover the window and prevent light from entering the room.

But even after you've determined where you'll need to measure, you may still be worried about making a mistake. Dollar Curtains + Blinds provides a measurement service staffed by expert installers so you don't need to make vital measurements yourself. Avoid errors and have a professional make sure that your blinds fit perfectly.

Where Can Roller Blinds Be Installed?

Roller blinds are slim enough to be installed on nearly any window. Install the fittings on the window frame or inside the window frame depending on your needs. Most people with the aim of blocking out light and increasing privacy choose an outside recess -- what we call the arc fit. An added benefit to an outside recess installation is that the rolled-up blind permits the most natural light to enter.

In other cases, you may decide to install two blinds using an inside recess. Because an inside recess fit does leave a light gap, it may not be the optimum choice for blockout shades.

What Brackets Are Used?

All brackets are not alike. To get the most out of your roller blinds, you must have the right brackets that hold your blinds securely, reduce gaps that let in unfiltered light and blend in with the window frame as much as possible.

At Dollar Curtains + Blinds, making sure you have the right brackets is just as important as helping you select the right fabrics and functionality for your roller blinds. Our double brackets use a slim profile that doesn't stick out from the window or let in unwanted light. The brackets incorporate chain winder guides that keep chains from interfering with blind operation.

Attractive pelmets are the finishing touch; these concealing covers go over the bracket to make your windows look nice. Pelmets can also assist with insulation as they can help trap air that enters through the top of your window. Coordinate your pelmets with the fabrics used in your blinds, and choose either a bonded pelmet for a sleeker appearance or a padded pelmet for a softer look.

What Types of Controls Are Available?

Raising and lowering your roller blinds is easier when you've selected the best option for controls.

Spring Operated

Roller blinds with an easy-to-lift snap lock spring system will raise and lower with a small tug on the base of the blind. Positional bearings make manual operation quiet and smooth. With no cord to tangle or get in your way, spring operated blinds may be the best choice for a home with small children or pets.

Chain Operated

Pre-looped, stainless steel chains allow ease in operating your roller blinds. A chain works well for especially large or heavy blinds. Don't like stainless? Plastic options are available and can also be customized for length, which also makes them safer for use with children and pets. Thin chain modules reduce gaps that can let light through. As well, many chains are available without unsightly joiners.

Motorised

For blinds that are located on harder-to-reach windows or for use with home automation systems, motorised rollers let you raise and lower your shades via the touch of a button (or a smartphone). You don't need any chains, so the overall appearance is sleeker and safer for children and animals. Plus, motorised options are best for larger or heavier blinds.

No matter which control you choose, Dollar Curtains + Blinds' options are safe for use around young children and pets. They can be customised to meet your family's needs.

What Types of Other Design Options are Possible?

You can further customise your roller blinds by choosing special finishes and fittings. The bottom of your blind can be fit with a bottom rail that fits into a stitched pocket, or you can elect to have a scallop or fringe at the bottom of the blind fabric. You can even create a special bonded insert in a coordinating fabric at the bottom of each blind panel. With spring operated blinds, or for a unique look, you can also add metal ring pulls or tassels.

Base rails are often added to provide a bit of extra weight that keeps the blind from moving as much during a breeze. These aluminum base rails can be oval or D-shaped or wrapped in fabric depending on your preference

Cassettes and side channels can be added to any blind to help conceal hardware and brackets or to close any light gaps. These are especially nice in bedrooms, children's rooms or on other windows where you want to minimize light, such as in a home theater.

How Do You Choose the Best Roller Blinds?

The key to getting window coverings that will last in Australia's climate and perform as you expect is to invest in high-quality blinds. At Dollar Curtains + Blinds, we've invested many years in researching and making available the best fabrics, mounting hardware and other options to provide functionality and a well-designed finish. To learn more about the available fabrics, finishes and controls for our roller blinds, see our online roller blinds brochure.

When you purchase through us, your roller blinds will be durable, coordinated to your decor and easy to operate no matter where your window is located. We offer the most innovative roller blind systems on the market with the widest variety of available fabrics to meet all your requirements. We offer a 3-year warranty on our blinds to guarantee that they'll last. Contact us today to learn more about our single and double roller blinds and how they can be perfectly customised to your home or business.

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In 2017 to 2018, residential electricity bills in Australia averaged $1,522 with tax. Victoria is averaging at $1,602.32 this 2019.

Regardless of where you live though, electricity rates continue to rise, so much so it's now "the new normal." That doesn't mean you should just endure it. Something as simple as installing window plantation shutters can bring your bills down.

But what are plantation shutters exactly? How can they help cut energy consumption at home? All these and more we'll answer in this post, so be sure to keep reading!

What Are Plantation Shutters?

Also often called plantation blinds, plantation shutters are popular window treatments. They got their name from the grand houses built on South America's cotton plantations.

The main distinguishing characteristic of plantation shutters is their wide louvres. A louvre is a form of construction involving a horizontal arrangement of materials.

In plantation shutters, these materials are often blades or slats of wood, glass, or metal. Each blade or slat varies in width depending on the blade size you choose.

Before, people installed plantation shutter blinds outside their windows (external shutters). But today, you can install these as inside window shutters (internal shutters). They can also either be movable (adjustable) or fixed window treatments.

The Primary Use of Plantation Shutters

The louvred construction of plantation shutters helps with light control and ventilation. Their openings allow some sunlight to get in while letting air move in and out of the building. This also aids in keeping indoor moisture at optimal levels.

Movable plantation shutters provide even greater light control and ventilation. You can adjust the openings of the panel depending on how much light or air you want to let into your home. You can even pair them up with stylish and energy-efficient curtains!

Increasing Comfort while Reducing Energy Consumption

Did you know that you can lose up to 40% of your heating energy through your windows? That up to 87% of heat inside your home comes from outside, through your windows?

Now, consider that heating and cooling make up 20% to 50% of energy bills in Australian homes. That's a lot of energy lost and wasted.

Plantation shutters can help keep that heat inside or outside, as needed. How much depends on the thickness of the shutters themselves. But rest assure that quality plantation blinds help lessen these heat loss and gains.

In summer, these window treatments act as a barrier so that heat outside won't get into your home. Their openings still let some amount of air move in and out for proper ventilation.

During the winter season, plantation shutters help keep cold air out. Adjust their panels so you can take advantage of the sun's light and heat.

Increased Privacy without Compromising Beauty

Internal and external plantation shutters cover most of a window's surface area. That makes them a great choice for boosting window privacy.

At the same time, their large louvres give them an elegant, sophisticated look. That's why they're great for living rooms, dining rooms, and even bedrooms. This also makes them a perfect choice on windows that the front of your house as the louvres look beautiful to transform a home’s facade.

Plus, they're available in various stains and finishes, from white to darker neutrals. This makes it easy to work in traditional or modern home designs.

Upgrade Your Windows with Plantation Shutters Now

Now that you know what are plantation shutters, consider investing in them ASAP. Especially with the rising costs of electricity and the harsher weathers, we're experiencing. With these window covers, you can beautify your home and make it even more comfortable.

Ready to transform your windows? Then please feel free to request a free measure and quote from us! We can help you get started with your window and home improvement project.

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Are you blinded by the light?

Well, you may need to buy some blinds. No one ever said buying blinds was the most exciting purchase you'll make, but having high-quality curtains and blinds is a real game changer.

Deciding between Venetian blinds and roller blinds can be difficult, trust us. There are many factors to take into consideration; cost, cleaning, privacy, everything matters. Both have their perks and their deficiencies.

Let us give you some information that might help make this decision a little easier. Here's our rundown of Venetians blind and roller blinds.

Let's Talk Light

Let's get right to the nitty-gritty. How much or little light do you want coming through the blind?

If you want to control the amount of light coming in through your windows throughout the day, Venetian blinds will allow you to do so. You can adjust the amount of light by opening and closing the slats. Rays of light may still slip through the cracks, however.

If you are an all-or-nothing kind of person, then you'd choose roller blinds. With these, you can shut the light out completely during the day and night, if you choose. Or, you can leave them wide open and let the whole world into your room.

It's worth noting that you should consider your privacy when having the "light" conversation. Both blind options will offer complete privacy, but with Venetians, you can be semi-private and still get some light into your room.

Let's Talk Decor

Which of the blind options is better for decor? Both can be lovely. It depends on what you're going for in the room.

Venetian blinds bring a certain amount of decadence to your room. They're a more classic style of blind and there are some gorgeous models that will enhance any room.

Roller blinds, on the other hand, come in many different patterns. They can even become the focal point of your room, depending on the pattern you've chosen. You can make a much stronger statement with roller blinds.

Practicality

Aside from the amount of light that you want to let into your room, Venetian and roller blinds each have a unique "user experience".

Venetian blinds are a bit bulkier than roller blinds, so you need to consider space. While you can order both for any window size, roller blinds tend to be tighter fitting, taking up less space, than Venetians as well.

Roller blinds are the perfect option if you don’t want your window views obstructed. You can roll them up and have a no obstruction to your outside views which makes them very practical.

Both types can be easily cleaned. With Venetians, you'll have to dust every slat, which can be more time-consuming. Rollers consist of fabric so they will have a different cleaning process altogether.

If you give your blinds the proper care, both Venetian and roller blinds will last a long time.

Venetian Blinds or Roller Blinds?

As we've laid out in this article, there is no right answer to this question. Both are a great choice. In fact, why choose?

Get a set of Venetian blinds for your kitchen and a set of roller blinds for your living room. Having the best of both worlds is possible in this scenario.

Whatever you decide to do, you should feel lucky to be getting some great new blinds.

To shop for your new blinds, check out our products page.

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Are you looking to take your space from drab to fab? Curtains are an easy and affordable way to give your room a new look. But with so many forms and fabrics, it can be hard to know how to choose the best fabric for your curtains. 

How to Choose the Best Fabric for Curtains

Need some advice on choosing the best fabric for your curtains? Here are some tips and things to consider as you shop for new curtains.

Know the Different Fabric Types

When it comes to curtains, there are many kinds of fabrics to choose from. The fabric you pick will affect how your curtains hang and drape, as well as how durable and easy to clean they are. That’s why it’s important to evaluate the different fabric types before you start looking at designs.

Polyester is a common fabric for curtains. They’re popular because they’re affordable, easy to clean, and durable. If you’re looking for an easy, low-maintenance option, they may be your best bet.

Linen curtains are great if you want a sheer fabric option for your space. They’re billowy but provide a tailored look, so they make any space seem more elegant. 

Sheer, voile or lace curtains offer a light and airy feel to any space. Like linen, they’re super sheer and provide some privacy without blocking out any light. Other popular curtain fabric options include cotton, silk, and velvet.

Consider Your Needs

Are you interested in curtains for functional reasons, aesthetic reasons, or both? Your answer to this question can help you narrow your fabric options down to the ones that would work best for you.

If you’re looking for aesthetic options, sheer curtains are great. If you want curtains to actually block out the sun and provide privacy, you may want to go with a polyester blend.

Do you live in a chillier climate? If so, you may want thermal curtains. These thick curtains can help better insulate your home and reduce drafts.

If you’re someone who needs to sleep during the day, you may want blackout curtains. These curtains, made out of an opaque fabric backed by foam, are effective at stopping any light from entering your room. They can also increase the privacy of your space.

Think About Your Space

When it comes to curtains, some fabric options are better suited for certain rooms than others. For example, polyester curtains are great for bedrooms to control light and sheer curtains add a lovely ambience of diffused light in living spaces.

The tailored look of linen makes it a perfect addition to a casual dining space or chic living room. Silk or velvet curtains are well suited for more traditional spaces like formal dining rooms.

Before you buy, think about where you want to put your curtains, and whether the fabric you choose will enhance the space.

Final Thoughts on the Best Fabric for Curtains

When it comes to curtains, the options are endless, but some fabric styles are better suited for certain spaces than others. By studying up on the best fabric for curtains, you can find a stylish option that enhances your space!

Ready to start your curtain search? Check out our quality selection of curtains and more!

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Decorating a room comes with many decisions. It's not only about the wall colour and furnishings. The beauty of the decor is often in the details.

There are many things to consider in the design including artwork, pillows, flooring, and what window treatments will work for you.

If you're stuck on how to choose curtains for your rooms, you've come to the right place. Curtains come in many designs and textures. They also make a great accent statement.

Choosing the right colour, size, and style can change the entire look of a room. Changing your curtains isn't limited to when you decide to redesign a room. You can change a room by changing the window dressing.

Keep reading for three tips on how to coordinate curtains with a room's decor.

How to Choose Curtains with the Right Color and Fabric

Choosing the right curtains is about more than selecting the right colour. The colour of the curtains you choose is important, but so is the type of fabric and the length. You will also need to decide on colour, texture, and pattern.

You may also want your curtains to add height to the room. Understand that colours set the tone of a room. If you want a bright airy room, go with light colours in a lightweight fabric. For a more dramatic effect choose heavier fabrics in darker colours.

If colour isn't your thing, look at earth tones in linen fabrics. Curtains do not have to be the same colour as your furniture or bedding.

Will You Need Sheers or Blinds?

Knowing how to pick curtains will also dictate whether you want sheers or blinds behind them. It is not uncommon to have both.

A popular trend is to have two slim curtain panels with sheers visible in the middle. People that love a lot of sunlight choose this option.

Often times when a window has blinds of any size the option may be to go with a valance of side panels. This will help dress-up the walls surrounding the window especially if there is no wood trim.

What Type of Rod should You Use?

Once you know what colour curtains you want and the style you'll have, it's time to consider hardware. There was a time when curtains hung on a curtain rod hidden from view. Today, options include decorative poles, rings and stylish tieback handles.

These items come in an array of finishes and designs. Think about the curtain fabric and the overall theme of the room. Next, decide if you want wood, metal, or something else.

Cap it off with your choice of artsy finials.

Do You Need New Curtains?

Now that you know how to choose curtains it's time to go shopping. Use these tips to add an eye-catching effect to your favourite room.

If you are in the market for new curtains check out our how you can shop for energy-efficient curtains that can save you money.

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Outdoor aluminium shutters allow you to take control of your privacy, security, ventilation, light and views.

Similar to indoor timber plantation shutters, outdoor shutters are made from high quality aluminium they are specially engineered for the outdoors to withstand the harshest of Australian coastal conditions, extremely durable to protect your home from the heat, rain and wind. They are wind rated to 180km/h offering strength and protection for your home.

DC+B’s outdoor shutters provide stylish, affordable and practical solutions for patios, decks, balconies, verandahs and windows. They are ideal to use to create an extra room in an outdoor living area and suitable for any size height or width area as they are custom made shutters, made to measure for a perfect fit to any size window, door, alcove or open space.

Outdoor shutters are perfect for outdoor entertaining to easily close off the area from the sun, wind, rain and also insects. They are also ideal for closing off areas for privacy from neighbours or if you want to hide unsightly views or block off an area of your backyard, garden or driveway.

As they block out the weather this results in increased insulation for your outdoor area and home which in turn means you’ll get energy savings and you may find reductions in your power bills.

They are also easy to operate, as all you need to do is tilt the blades, which takes minimal user effort. This makes them a preferred option for many homeowners.

Our outdoor shutter range can be fitted internally or externally and adapted to any form of installation, whether it is hinged, sliding, bi fold, French doors or simply fixed in place.

Outdoor shutters can also be fitted with a security locking system so you can fully secure outdoor areas.

Choose from a large colour range from modern whites through to wood grain colours, which offer the warmth of timber. Custom powder coating is also available to match back with Dulux colour ranges.

A summary of the many benefits of outdoor aluminium shutters:

• Control privacy, light + views
  
• Increase security with locking systems
  
• Protection from heat, wind + rain
  
• Increase insulation + energy savings
• Create an enclosed outdoor living area
  
• Fixed, hinged, sliding + bi-fold styles
  
• 90mm + 114mm blade sizes

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Did you know your curtains could be saving you money year-round? Far from just an attractive way to improve the atmosphere of your home, window treatments could save you big on the warmest and coldest days of the year.

Are you using curtains in the most energy efficient way possible? With many Australian households seeing a utility bill increase of up to 20%, you can't afford not to. Read on to find out how to save!

The Right Curtain

Selecting the correct style of curtain and method of hanging is essential. Energy-efficient curtains often have a core of dense material designed to insulate. You can buy curtains that have a energy-saving lining which has been coated onto the back of the fabric, or buy lining fabric that is attached behind your drapes.

To save the most on energy, curtains must be mounted as close to the walls as possible. Reducing the amount of air between the window and curtain helps prevent air from escaping from around the edges.

Reduce the Draft

If your windows are old or lack a proper seal, temperature fluctuations can be a problem. Even moderate climates can see a loss of heat with drafty windows.

Heavy, thick, or insulated curtains can help reduce heat loss by 15-17% when drawn closed at night. Energy-efficient curtains create a draft barrier and prevent temperature transference from the cold of the window glass.

Choose the Correct Time of Day

When the sun is out, open curtains to allow natural heat to penetrate through your windows. Solar energy can be a powerful heater, but leaving the curtains closed can prevent that heat from getting through.

To maintain privacy in your home while still seeing heating benefits from the sun, consider hanging a sheer second panel behind the first. Pulling back the heavy protective drapery while leaving a sheer panel will maintain a privacy barrier without compromising sunshine. This combination is what we call Double Curtains and having two layers of fabric also doubles the insulation benefits.

Keep it Cool

In the hot days of summer, using curtains can prevent the sun from overheating the inside of your home. Curtains have thick layers of woven fabric which are one of the best window covering solutions to insulate your home throughout the year.

Keeping the interior from heating up during the warmest part of the day means your air conditioner or fans don't have to work as hard to cool your home. Try leaving curtains open on the shaded sides of the house, while drawing them closed over windows in direct sunlight.

Use Less Artificial Light

In warm seasons, longer days allows you to take advantage of natural light in the evening. Ambient natural light uses no electricity, unlike lamps and light fixtures. Try to use natural light during the day to cut electricity costs, only drawing curtains closed when direct sunlight threatens to warm the interior of the house.

Sheer curtains are perfect for summer, too. They allow you to enjoy the use of natural light without compromising your privacy. Sheers allow breezes to pass through, which can help to move stagnant air and keep the house comfortable.

Time For New Curtains?

Do your curtains pass the energy test? If not, don't fear. A simple update of the draperies in your home could mean big savings on your next utility bill.

Looking for an affordable window treatment upgrade? Visit our guide on how to chose the right curtains for your home.

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There's a trend in curtains right now that leans toward the simple, yet elegant look. The curtain of choice looks to be the wave fold. Also known as ripple fold or S fold curtains, they provide a very contemporary look without being too outrageous or flashy.

Curious? We'll cover a little bit about what these curtains are and how they work, then dig into where they fit and how you should use them.

What are S Fold Curtains?

S fold curtains are unique in the sense that they open and close smoothly. As the name implies, the curtains look just like a wave or long "S" pattern that continues as long as the length of the window it's covering.

This soft flowing wave effect allows the fabric to drape beautifully and the overall look creates a very contemporary and on-trend finish. Wall to wall and ceiling to floor s fold curtains can truly transform a space, adding softness to a room with the fabrics movement and texture.

The track that the curtain uses is slim, meaning that it can fit into small spaces between windows and the ceiling. This is what makes the S fold so great for taller windows or any window that is situated without much space for a curtain rod.

Additionally, if your windows are generally small, S folds can help you create the illusion of size. Hanging your curtain rod closer to the ceiling and letting the curtain drape down past the window will give the impression that your windows are larger than they are.

Things to Consider

There are a couple of things to keep in mind when you're choosing your S fold curtains. The first thing is the fabric.

Try to find a fabric that's light, airy, and soft. Stiff fabrics can be clunky and take up a lot more space. A softer material, however, will fold up nicely and hang beautifully.

Beyond that, you have the freedom to choose any fabric, design, or placement that you want. These curtains are timeless and go will with modern interiors just as well as traditional ones, so there's nothing holding you back.

Need More Advice?

Curtains are a huge element in the feel of any room. S fold curtains or otherwise, we have the knowledge and information needed to help you make your next decision.

There's no harm in getting a little advice about how to make your home as beautiful as possible. See what we have to offer.