News

...

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

...

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.

...

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.

...

When you're looking to make some home upgrades, it's crucial that you put thought into each purchase.

There's a lot to be gained even when you purchase something as simple as a set of blinds. Double roller blinds, also called Day/Night blinds, provide a lot of value for your household.

If you'd like to learn more about these window coverings and how they can help you out, read on.

Double Roller Blinds Let You Control Your Home Lighting

Double roller blinds are your best option when you'd like to control light. They have two different options so that you can make your room dark or let in varying degrees of light.

When you switch to the blockout blinds, you're able to get excellent privacy and darkness in your room. As a result, you'll also optimize your sleep cycles, so you can wake up each day with more vitality and energy.

Your body produces melatonin at night, so light seeping into your room in the morning could diminish the quality of sleep you receive. Switching to these blinds can help your body produce more melatonin, which will not only make your brain work better, but also help with everything from depression to heartburn.

At the same time, who wants their room to be dark all the time? By switching to the other sunscreen or sheer rollers, you can let in more sunlight so that you have more visibility and don't have to keep your lights on all the time. At the same time, the sunscreen or sheer roller blinds provide daytime privacy and filter or soften the light.

These Blinds are Excellent For Room Decoration

Installing these blinds will help you out when you want to decorate as well.

They'll add warmth to your home, there are a variety of colour and style options that you can choose between. Dollar Curtains + Blinds Interior Consultants will also help you to customize your blinds so that they suit any decorative setup that you are going for.

Our highly qualified team will easily install them, so you don't have to worry about a complex setup or DIY and making mistakes.

You'll Make Your Home Cost-Effective and Eco-Friendly

The true benefit of these blinds is that they're great at preserving home energy.

By controlling your lighting and temperatures in your home, you'll be better able to give your lights and air conditioner a break. As a result, you'll see that your energy bills start to plummet, letting you keep more money in your pocket.

Our extensive and exclusive range of fabrics is available for you to choose from which include Block Out, Sunscreen, Translucent or Sheer fabrics. Fabrics are designed to withstand Australia’s harsh climate and are available as non-flammable and fade bacteria and mold resistant.

Find the Help of a Window Covering Pro

When you're ready to shop for double roller blinds, look no further than Dollar Curtains + Blinds. We have the best product range that you'll find and can happily help you with whatever purchase you're looking to make.

If you're ready to learn more about these blinds and how to order, stop by one of our stores and speak to our consultants today!

...

Big, bright windows are a major selling point for all homes. Once you move in, those beautiful windows can run up your utility bills and leave you wanting for privacy.

Window treatments are a great way to protect your privacy and save energy. The best window privacy options reflect your style and allow natural light in.

Not sure what window treatments will work for you? Don't worry, we've got you covered. Dollar Curtains + Blinds has all the window privacy options to suit your tastes and needs.

Read on for a list of options that will work well for your home.

Roller Blinds

Roller blinds are made of panels of fabric that cover the width and length of your windows. They are ideal for people with specific tastes because they are highly customisable.

Choose from sheer or opaque fabrics, all of which are able to maintain their original quality after exposure to the bright Australian sun. Roller blinds can be opened and closed through chain control, spring-loaded operation, or motorisation.

If you're looking for versatility and easy customisation, these blinds will work for you.

Roman Blinds

Roman blinds are traditionally an opaque window covering made from blockout fabrics. They are designed to be raised to let light in during the day and lowered at night to protect your privacy.

Roman blinds have beautiful fabric folds when drawn open and create a more decorative look. Depending on the fabric you choose, roman blinds can have a modern or traditional appearance.

Venetian blinds are the most traditional of all the window treatments. This is a window treatment to go for when you're working with a tight budget.

Venetian blinds consist of slatted blinds that can be opened or closed through the use of a cord. They can be the sole window treatment, or complemented with the use of curtain panels.

Sheer Curtains

Sheer curtains allow light in during the day while allowing for daytime privacy. They also allow you to look out and take in surrounding views. These curtains are made of very sheer fabric that is opened or closed through a pulley system that pinches or pleats the fabric together. This sheer fabric acts to diffuse and soften the natural light.

Sheer curtains are great for adding height to rooms with low ceilings, and for softening up the look of bare walls and windows. They are ideal to layer with blockout curtains or blinds so you can achieve day and night time privacy as well as light control at night time with the blockout fabric.

Interior Plantation Shutters

There are many different types of shutters available for the interior of your home, but plantation shutters are one of the best. These shutters are hinged to the window and consist of slatted blinds inside a frame.

Plantation shutters are super versatile. You can open the blinds within the shutters, or pull or fold the shutters away from the window to allow lots of light to come in. Close them at night for privacy.

Use Any of These Window Privacy Options

Protecting the privacy of your home doesn't mean you have to sacrifice natural light and style. Window privacy options make the most of natural light, style, and privacy so you'll have a home that is both beautiful and secure.

They also have the added benefit of energy savings during those sweltering Australian summers. Want to learn more about window privacy options that are perfect for your home? Contact us today for your free in-home measure and quote.

...

Outdoor living in Australia is a serious business. Half of all Aussies use their outdoor spaces for entertaining. The bulk of outdoor renovations are focused on making decks and verandahs more hospitable for relaxation.

At the same time, protection from the sun is vital in Australia, as the sun shines year-round. As lovely as that sounds, sometimes you need to take cover.

Would your backyard be more usable with extra shade? Consider alfresco awnings for an attractive, versatile solution. Here's everything you need to know.

Expanded Living Area

Whether you entertain regularly or need a place for your kids to play, everyone can use some extra square footage. The addition of awnings can transform your backyard from an underused plot of grass into a shady oasis. Plus, they keep your decking cool, so you can go out in your bare feet.

Awnings are available in a variety of fabrics and applications. Straight drop awnings boast sophisticated utility. Pivot arm awnings let in the breeze while reducing the sun's glare.

You can install awnings on every open side of your patio, fully enclosing the space. It's like adding an entire room to your house and can actually increase your home's value.

Set up a bar and host a cocktail hour. Drink your morning tea outside, even when it's raining. Toast some marshmallows over an evening fire and keep the mosquitoes at bay.

Patio awnings give you options for enhancing your lifestyle, whatever it may be.

Added Protection

Not only do awnings provide more room to spread out, but they also provide another layer of protection to your home. Alfresco awnings are made out of weatherproof materials that can withstand harsh climates with wind and rain.

You don't have to sacrifice ventilation for UV protection. Awnings will extend the life of your patio furniture while allowing you to enjoy an afternoon breeze. When installed over interior windows, they can also protect indoor furnishings from UV fading.

If you live close to the ocean, awnings have an added benefit. They keep salt from accumulating on your furniture and causing rust or discolouration.

Energy Savings

Backyard awnings save you money! They can reduce cooling costs, sometimes by up to 60%.

Keeping the sun from blazing through your windows keeps your house from heating up. As the sun's rays are tempered and conditions inside your house stay more consistent, you reduce your use of fans and air con.

In the winter, when you want the extra warmth, simply raise your awnings and let the sunshine in.

Are Alfresco Awnings Right for You?

If you want to get the most out of your outdoor living spaces, alfresco awnings are the right choice. With the added comfort and control on your deck or patio, you'll find excuses to stay outside longer every day. Get some fresh air, no matter the weather.

For more ways to customise your terrace, deck, patio or outdoor room, check out our outdoor solutions. We've got everything from blinds to canopies to folding arm awnings.

...

Australia is one of the sunniest places in the world. As much as we enjoy those warm rays, sometimes we like to close off our home from the bright daylight.

Regular curtains don't make the cut. They block some of the light streaming in, but there's still a lot getting through.

If you're serious about controlling the light level in your home, window blockout curtains are the best option available.

What Are Window Blockout Curtains?

These curtains don't look all that different from your regular curtains. The main differences are that light blocking curtains tend to be of a thicker fabric.

This is because the fabric itself has a special lining that blocks out the light from getting past. If you've used regular curtains in the past, you know that even if you close all of those small spaces, a warm glow of light still gets into the room.

Blockout curtains, on the other hand, keep any light at all from getting through.

Benefits of a Blockout Curtain

These curtains are excellent at blocking out light from coming into your home's interior. Not only that, they also help out your home in a lot of other different ways as well.

Protect Furniture and Flooring

Sunlight is great, but it's dangerous as well. This is true for both you and your family, as well as your belongings.

After extended exposure to sunlight, some flooring types and furniture will start to fade in colour. They'll lose their vibrancy and look a lot older. With the help of these curtains, however, you won't have to worry as much about the state of the interior of your home.

Colourful Options Available

The name "blockout curtain" makes it seem as though these curtains would only be available in the darkest of colours. If you're a fan of bright colours, you're in luck.

These special curtains come in all kinds of different colours and patterns. You won't need to sacrifice your interior decorating when using these curtains.

Helps in Heat Regulation + Energy Efficiency

These curtains do more than controlling the amount of light coming into your home. They also help in blocking or keeping in heating or cooling.

Windows influence the temperature of your house in a passive but significant way. But the curtains regulate this passive change in temperature.

During the summer months, these curtains will keep the intense heat from seeping into your home and warming it up along with keeping in the cool temperature. But during the winter, the heat you warm your house with won't escape into the cold surrounding your home.

These benefits also ensure you can reduce your energy bills and ultimately reduce your carbon footprint. It's a win win!

Blockout Curtains Are the Bedroom's Best Friend

There are a great many uses for these special window blockout curtains. Things like afternoon TV show binging and playing video games during the day all benefit. But by far the most popular is using them in a bedroom.

Blockout or lined curtains often referred to as drapes, are Ideal for bedrooms when you want to obtain complete darkness for a good night's sleep. You really can’t go past blockout curtains with the addition of pelmets for complete light control and darkness for a bedroom.

Napping children (and adults!) and late shift workers alike will be thankful for these curtains in their room.

Not To Forget Theatre Rooms

There are many window coverings to choose from for theatre rooms but time and time again interior designers always opt for custom made blockout curtains with the addition of custom-made pelmets for theatre or TV rooms.

They are the ultimate choice to create complete darkness in a room to allow you to create a real theatre ambiance. You can also ensure the curtains are made slightly longer in length so they sit on the floor to ensure light doesn’t enter underneath.

Want to learn more? Contact us at any time!

...

It’s been 50 years since Dollar Curtains + Blinds first opened its doors and in celebration, we are embracing a makeover and a new look store.

Dollar Curtains + Blinds has always focused on creating a quality product, inspiring the aspirations of their customers and enabling their creativity. Their focus on craftsmanship and customer service continues to this day.

Stepping confidently into their next fifty years they have introduced a dynamic new concept store. With its smart black and white fit-out and pops of cheery yellow throughout, the store is welcoming and the products, creatively displayed, command your attention.

If you’ve ever been overwhelmed by the whole window covering thing or been dreading where to start, then you’re going to love Dollar Curtains + Blinds’ new store at Kingston Central Plaza near Moorabbin Airport.

The store is so easy to navigate and with an expert team to help guide you on suitability, colour and design you will find exactly what you need. Sitting in the warm hub of the store it’s easy to lose track (excuse the pun) of time as you look through the well-curated range of fabrics on offer. This store has been created with you in mind, making the selection process simple, easy and comfortable.

As the market leader familiar and trusted by generations of families, Dollar Curtains + Blinds continues to offer quality service and quality products at great value. If you’re thinking of curtains, blinds, shutters or outdoor window coverings, discover and explore their new store today. You’ll be glad you did.

The Moorabbin team service curtains, blinds, shutters and all indoor and outdoor window coverings in many suburbs across Melbourne including: Cheltenham, Heatherton, Clarinda, Clayton South, Bentleigh East, Bentleigh, Brighton, Brighton East, Hampton, Sandringham, Black Rock, Beaumaris, Mentone, Parkdale, Mordialloc, Aspendale, Edithvale, Bonbeach, Carrum, Patterson Lakes, Chelsea Heights, Waterways, Braeside, Waterways, Dingley Village and all other surrounding areas.

Make your way to Dollar Curtains + Blinds at Store 15, Kingston Central Plaza 288 Centre Dandenong Road, Moorabbin Airport. Call the team on 9566 8200 for your free in-home measure and quote or to arrange a complimentary in-store consultation.

...

Windows tend to act as focal points when it comes to interior design. Because of this, it's important to tie them in with the rest of your decor, and the best way to do that is by adding curtains.

Curtains carry a surprising amount of weight in interior design. They can serve to highlight accent colours, add depth, and even control the amount and shade of natural light in the room.

But, due to the sheer number of colours and styles curtains come in, choosing the best kind for your living room can be a daunting task.

Whether you're getting ready to redecorate, or you're looking to swap out your current set and are feeling a bit overwhelmed, we're here to help.

Here are four elegant curtain ideas that are sure to look fantastic in any space to help you get started.

Calming Sheer

There's something about the image of delicate, light sheer curtains swaying in the breeze that is undeniably calming.

Sheer curtains offer the natural light lover a way to accent your windows or add a little colour, all while keeping that calming soft sunlit glow.

If you lean more toward a lighter, cleaner feel in your decorating, then sheer curtains are the best choice for you.

Custom Pelmets

If you want to accent a window without covering it up, a pelmet could be the perfect middle ground solution. They are the preferred accessory by interior designers to layer above curtains.

A patterned pelmet can add a touch of vibrant, even tropical, elegance to a room. You can use a pelmet to emphasise a specific accent colour or tie everything together with a vibrant print.

Pelmets also aid in framing your windows and framing the view outside. Not to mention the benefits they offer in energy efficiency as they trap the warm or cool air from leaving or entering your home to ensure that you can keep your home at the right temperature and save on your energy costs.

Detailed Prints

Prints have recently made a triumphant comeback in the world of interior design, and it doesn't look like they're going anywhere soon.

Whether you favour a striking geometric pattern or a detailed toile, print curtains allow you to express your style in a bold yet elegant way.

Prints can be as loud or as subtle as you like, depending on your style preference. So, if you'd like the texture and depth of a print, you can get that without having to go overboard on colour.

Rich Minimalism

There's a reason minimalism has become trendy in recent years. But, just because you want to keep things simple, that doesn't mean you can't indulge in a little decadence.

If you favour light, minimalistic style, try adding a mono-coloured curtain in your decor to create a simple but highly elegant look.

Swag your curtains over the curtain rod, without rings or hooks, for an extra chic but simple design.

Elegant Curtain Ideas

Curtains can be an attractive and practical way to tie a room together once you know which kind you'd like to get.

Now that you have a few new curtain ideas in mind, it's time to start decorating.

Whether you decide to go with a bright and breezy sheer or a rich and vivid print, we can help.

We have hundreds of different patterns, styles, and designs available, so you're sure to find exactly what you're looking for.

Visit us online or in store today to find the perfect curtains for your home, or simply fill out our online form to Request a Free In-Home Measurement and Quote.

...

Having an issue with your windows and how much light comes in? At the end of the day, it's a tightrope decision between vertical and horizontal blinds.

Although it may not seem like a big deal, there is a reason why people buy different window treatments for their home. Whether it is for energy efficiency, design, or for privacy, blinds make a big difference.

How do you choose which kinds of blinds are best suited for you and your home? Read what's below to find out.

When to Choose Horizontal Blinds

Horizontal blinds are the more popular choice between the two, and for good reasons as well. Horizontal blinds are referred to as roller blinds or roman blinds and are very flexible for different window and door sizes.

Design and aesthetics aside, you should consider horizontal blinds especially if your windows are narrow and tall. Vertical blinds will take up much of the space when you open them.

You should also consider the layout of your home. If the windows where you want to place them on are facing the north or south, then they are the better choice for that area.

Doing this gives you more control over the light that enters your house, as having a horizontal blind will avert much of the sun's glare. This also has the indirect effect of controlling the temperature of your home to a degree. This makes blinds effective tools to lower your bills.

Other than those, these blinds also offer more privacy. When closed, these tend to not move around as much as vertical blinds do, and they are easier to manipulate when you want to sneak a peek at what is going on the other side without giving much away from your position.

Plus, if you have pets, these blinds allow them to see what's outside while maintaining your privacy especially if you choose sunscreen roller blinds for example.

When are Vertical Blinds the Better Choice? 

The design of vertical blinds or panel blinds, the same concept as vertical blinds but with our wider more modern panels, leans them towards a more cost effective option for big, broad windows, as well as ones that slide to the side to open. This makes sure that you will not be handling your windows and blinds in an awkward manner when trying to open both of them. 

Vertical and more modern panel blinds are also preferred when you have a big glass wall or sliding doors that lead to the backyard. They make sure that the entire length of the glass will get covered and that you will have no problem when you are to open them.

You can also have a combination of both roller and roman blinds along with vertical or panel blinds on different windows in your house.

Know the Best Choice Between Vertical and Horizontal Blinds

Choosing between vertical and horizontal blinds will never be difficult again now that you know which one is best suited for your home. Follow these steps and you'll get the right set for both function and beauty.

But don't stop there! If you have any questions about blinds or home furnishings, don't hesitate to contact us here.