A Complete Guide to Roller Blinds

Are you woken up far earlier than you’d like thanks to sunlight streaming in through subpar window coverings? Do you find yourself opening and closing heavy curtains all day as your privacy and light concerns change? Are you worried about the affect the sun’s rays are having on your furniture or on the amount of money you’re spending on heating/cooling? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, you’ve come to the right place.

Roller blinds are just the solution you’ve been looking for, and we’ve put together this complete guide to help you make your selections.

What’s the difference between single and double rollers?
As their name suggests, single rollers utilise only a single layer of fabric whilst double utilise two independent layers. Typically, one layer of a double blind is blockout and the other is more translucent for light filtering purposes. One layer can be raised whilst the other is left closed, providing you with optimal control over your home’s privacy and light.

What fabrics can they be made of?
Generally, there is a variety of colour and pattern options available. Patterns can give your space an added dimension, whereas textured materials can give your décor a subtle boost. On top of aesthetics, you also want to consider fabrics that will add functionality. Translucent blinds, for example, will let in plenty of light without sacrificing on privacy and some fabrics will provide UV protection.

Where can they be installed?
Roller blinds are slim enough to be installed on pretty much any window around the home. They are perfectly suited to any room, from the living and dining rooms through to bedrooms and home offices. They’re also suitable for those spaces that see excessive moisture and dirt – such as bathrooms, laundries and kitchens. Just choose your materials carefully.

What types of controls are available?
Raising and lowering your blinds is made easy when you’ve made the right choice in controls. Spring operated sees an easy-to-lift snap lock spring system installed (so all you need to do is tub on the base to open and close the shade). Chain systems (which you pull to open and close) are pre-looped to ensure that they’re safe for use around children and pets.

Motorisation is a relatively new method of control, but it’s one that is fast growing in popularity alongside home automation systems. It’s the ideal choice for harder-to-reach windows, as the shades are lowered or raised at the push of a button. The lack of chains and guide systems results in an overall sleeker appearance, and motorisation is uber safe for children and pets.

What other design options are available?
The addition of special finishes and fittings can help you to customise your blinds even further. A bottom rail, scallop or fringe can give the bottom of each slat some added interest. A base rail can make the slats a bit heavier, preventing them from moving around in the breeze. Cassettes and side channels can conceal hardware or brackets, as well as close up light gaps.

How are they measured?
Before your window can be measured, you need to decide whether you want the roller blinds to be mounted inside the window frame (known as recess fitted) or outside of it (known as arc fitted). We don’t expect customers to take their own measurements; our fully qualified installers will undertake the measurements for you to ensure that they’re spot on.

The key to investing in roller blinds that will withstand the Australian climate and perform exactly as you expect is to only choose high-quality ones. Amaru has invested many years in researching and creating the best window shades and mounting hardware, ensuring that they provide the best functionality and a well-designed finish. Rest assured that your blinds will be durable, coordinated with your décor and easy to operate – get in touch with our team today.