Everything You Need To Know About Roller Blinds

Roller blinds are an extremely popular window treatment in Australia. They offer privacy and attractive looks, and they are available in a wide variety of styles and designs to suit all tastes. We’ve put together this guide to showcase everything you need to know about roller blinds, so you can make the best possible choice for your home or business.

The different types of roller blinds

Roller blinds all follow the same basic design principle. They are made from a sheet of fabric wrapped around a casing. This casing is installed at the top of your window frame, so the blind can be pulled down as and when you need it. The main differences between the types of roller blinds are related to how they are operated. There are various options to choose from:

• Pull-cord blinds — These are blinds operated by a cord at the bottom of the fabric sheet, which you simply pull to get the blind to achieve your desired window coverage.
• Chain-operated blinds — These have a chain mechanism located at the side of the blind. You pull the chain one way to lower the blind and the other way to raise it.
• Spring-operated blinds — These blinds operate via a spring-loaded mechanism, which works by pulling on the bar located at the bottom of the blind fabric. As there are no cords or chains involved, this type of roller blind is considered particularly safe for homes where there are children or pets.
• Electric blinds — As their name suggests, electric blinds operate electrically, usually via remote control. Many are also compatible with today’s smart technology, such as Alexa, enabling you to operate your blinds from your smartphone even when you’re not at home.

The other main difference between types of roller blinds is the fabric used. Roller blinds come in a huge variety of different fabric weights, from translucent fabric through to full blackout blinds. Your choice will depend on the amount of light you want to let in and the privacy you desire.

With endless options of colours, patterns and designs to choose from, roller blinds are an extremely versatile choice. It’s easy to find the right roller blind solutions for your home or office. That’s why we’ve assembled this guide to some of the top questions around roller blinds — you’ll be able to make an informed decision around what’s right for your home, your best options for installation and how you can maintain them once they’re installed.

How much does a roller blind cost?

The cost of your roller blind will depend on a number of factors. Firstly, and most importantly, the size of your window will be a major factor. As you might expect, the bigger the blind, the more it will cost.

The cost will also be impacted by the type of fabric you choose. A sheer, lightweight blind will usually cost less than a full blackout fabric. Many blackout roller blinds come with a double layer of fabric, so you can choose a more lightweight option when you don’t need to block out all the daylight.

Thirdly, the type of mechanism you choose will also have an impact on the price. Electric blinds will cost more than manually operated styles, particularly if they are compatible with the latest smart home technology.

Is it easy to install roller blinds?

One of the best things about roller blinds is their versatility. They can be installed on a huge variety of windows, from patio doors to bay windows and even Velux windows. It’s also possible to install roller blinds yourself, as long as you have the right equipment.

Firstly, you need to decide where you want the roller blinds positioned. This could be inside your window frame or above it if there is not sufficient room. When you have decided on the right position for your blinds, you need to mark out where you want the brackets to go on either side and insert the screws using a drill.

Once the brackets are in place, you can install your blind by following the instructions that came with your purchase. These will depend on what type of roller blind you have — electric roller blinds are often harder to install than manually operated versions.

Alternatively, you can find a reputable company to install your blinds for you. Many of these companies offer roller blind cleaning services, so they are accustomed to removing and replacing roller blinds quickly and safely.

What are the best-quality roller blinds?

The best-quality roller blinds are made to measure. This means the company has made them specifically to fit the size and shape of your window, rather than the blind being a generic one that you have to cut to size yourself.

You also need to consider the quality of the material. Blinds are a significant investment, so they need to be designed to last a long time without breaking or fading.

Which is better — Roman blinds or roller blinds?

This depends entirely on your personal preference. Roman blinds are similar to roller blinds, except they are designed to fold up rather than rolling up when not in use. The fabric is pleated, so you can still see more of the colour and pattern even when the blinds are raised. Due to their appearance, Roman blinds are more often used in settings that suit a more traditional aesthetic, whereas roller blinds provide a more contemporary look.

Roman blinds cover more of the window when they are folded up than roller blinds. If you want to allow more daylight into your room, roller blinds tend to be the better choice.

Do roller blinds look cheap?

Roller blinds do not look cheap as long as they are made to measure and properly cared for. Equally, any blinds that are not cleaned and maintained regularly will have a negative impact on the appearance of your home.

And like all blinds, roller blinds are best maintained by an expert roller blind cleaning company. A reputable company will have all the right equipment and trusted techniques to keep your blinds looking their best. They will also have insurance and usually offer a guarantee to give you complete protection.

Are roller blinds cheaper than curtains?

This depends on the blinds and curtains you choose. However, as a general rule, roller blinds do work out cheaper than curtains for the same window. This is because significantly more fabric is needed to make a pair of curtains than a single roller blind, particularly if you choose curtains with pencil pleats.

Curtains can easily become more expensive once you take into account the cost of curtain rods and rings. A roller blind comes with everything you need to install it, so you don’t need to buy anything extra.

Find out more about roller blinds

If you are interested in learning more about the types of roller blinds, or you already have roller blinds that need cleaning, Jim’s Cleaning is here to help. With over 20 years of experience providing roller blind cleaning services, we are fully trained and insured and have all the latest equipment. Contact us today for a conversation and to obtain a free quote.