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Roller blinds have become so popular that they have even replaced blinds. What is their advantage and how to choose the right roller blinds? Read on and find out everything!
What are roller blinds
Roller blinds got their name because of their unusual rolling mechanism. It helps them turn into a roll in which they take up minimal space.
You can determine the required size of the canvas yourself; to do this, you just need to increase the width of the glass unit by three centimeters.
Fabric blinds or roller blinds are a structure consisting of a single piece of fabric and a shaft on which it is wound.
The mechanism of roller blinds allows you to stop the movement of the fabric at any height and fix the roller blind at one of the levels.
There are two types of roller blind systems: closed (box) and open.
The open system of roller blinds is a lightweight design consisting of a fabric sheet that is wound onto a shaft having different diameters - from 19 mm to 45 mm, depending on the dimensions of the product.
A closed (box) system is a cassette system that allows maximum protection of the room from sunlight thanks to guides that are attached to the sides of the product with glazing beads.
Fabric roller blind systems do not allow you to regulate the flow of sunlight in the same way as traditional types do, but they provide the opportunity for maximum darkening, which is especially important in children's rooms, rooms for viewing slides or movies, as well as in rooms facing the sunny side.
The main advantages of roller blinds
The main advantages of roller blinds include:
- Unlike blinds, roller blinds have a huge range of different textures and fabrics with patterns.
- Roller blinds can be selected to suit almost any interior; they allow you to make your window design more complete.
- Owners of roller blinds have no problems maintaining or managing them. Using a regular chain, the curtain can be easily lifted and fixed at any height.
- Roller blinds go well with curtains, which allow you not only to adjust the light, but also to create additional color schemes. In this case, they are an excellent alternative to conventional curtains that require additional care - as a rule, they collect dust and are difficult to iron after washing.
- Roller shutters with a colored frame look great - when using a closed system against sunlight, the window looks quite solid. For example, to make a window with stained glass, you need to match the fabric roller shutter to a translucent material with a pattern.
- Roller blinds are usually made from special fabrics treated with a dust-repellent composition. It helps preserve the color or design from fading in the sun. Therefore, if you don’t have time for cleaning, we advise you to buy fabric roller shutters and forget about ironing and washing curtains for a long time.
Roller blinds for different rooms
Curtains for office
For this room, closed roller blinds are best suited; their color scheme goes well with the shade of the walls, and the fabric should be painted in calm, non-irritating shades.
By choosing a natural green shade or pattern that imitates foliage, you can give your colleagues the opportunity to relieve eye fatigue while looking at beautiful roller blinds.
Curtains for the conference room
Roller blinds can be used to cover a window opening in a production room or conference room. The latter are in greater need of fabric roller blinds, the so-called blackout, made of completely opaque material.
Curtains for home cinema
Blackout fabric roller blinds are ideal for a home cinema. And this is no coincidence - to watch a film comfortably you need absolute darkness.
A children's room or loggia, made in ethno style, needs fabric roller blinds made of jute fabric. Jute roller blinds help add softness and coziness to any interior.
How to choose the color of roller blinds
Choosing a shade
When choosing the color of roller blinds, be sure to consider the shade that predominates in the room.
In a room with a bright, contrasting interior, use roller blinds of various shades. With this approach, the interior can become more playful and rosy.
Alternatively, you can choose two-color roller blinds, placing one color in the center and another along the edges.
You can buy three different roller blinds, and hang them at different levels, which will create an extraordinary lighting solution.
If you need an accent on the windows, choose a shade that can cover the entire color scheme in the room. If you want to relax in this room, do not use bright colors, rather choose pastel shades.
And vice versa, if one color predominates in the color of the room, it is best to choose roller blinds with a pattern. Such models allow you to give the room the necessary charm and attract admiring glances.
Recently, in interior design, you can most often find a white shade. In this case, we recommend choosing rich, contrasting colors of roller blinds and decorative items that can add a fresh touch to the design of the room and give it a finished look.
We do not recommend using fabrics for curtains whose colors match the wallpaper. We recommend combining the color of dark chocolate with cream and beige shades. The burgundy shade looks good with white and gold, and blue with yellowish.
If you want to make the room a little wider, we recommend choosing a translucent fabric. We also recommend taking into account that material with a pattern of longitudinal stripes can visually expand the room, and with a vertical stripe it can make it taller.
You can give a room a cool effect using blue, purple, or gray shades, while beige, yellow and terracotta can give warmth. Therefore, to make the room warmer, we recommend choosing roller blinds in a soft, warming color.
In a room designed in a classic style, curtains made of thick material with a classic pattern or stripes will fit perfectly. Country lovers are advised to choose curtains made of light translucent material. They add lightness to the design.
We take into account the side of the windows
To choose the right roller blinds for your window, we advise you to consider which side the windows of your home are on. For example, on the north side it is worth using gold, cream, yellow, fawn and melange tones.
We recommend decorating a room that is well lit throughout the day with roller blinds in cool shades - blue-green, gray or blue. You can also choose the color of the curtains depending on the time of day (here you should take into account when the room is most illuminated by the sun).
If the sun illuminates the room most in the morning, we recommend choosing a cool color for the curtains; if in the evening, we recommend choosing warm shades.
We also advise you to take into account the texture of the material: we recommend paying close attention to the characteristics of the fabrics used; be sure to choose a texture that will go well with the covers for pillows and bedspreads or contrast with them.
In rooms decorated with wood and stone, preference should be given to roller blinds made from materials in natural colors.
If you wish and use your imagination, you can order roller blinds with photo printing - a design that will mean something to you and please the eye, and will also emphasize the individual style of the room.
We bring to your attention some more interesting facts about the influence of the right shade.
Red
The color red is a symbol of fire, fertility and strength. There are two meanings of this word - “beautiful” and “rich”.
This shade gives purposefulness, joy, excites and activates the main resources in the body. This color also effectively relieves fatigue, improves mood and strengthens the will.
Pink
This color is a symbol of femininity, love and romance. Unlike red, on the contrary, it relaxes and reduces excitement. A room in pink tones gives a feeling of security.
Yellow
Gold and wealth are associated with this sunlight. It symbolizes eternity, grandeur, warmth and nobility.
The yellow tint invigorates well, charges with positive energy, promotes good assimilation of the necessary educational material, gives eloquence, and improves communication skills. Yellow helps make life more orderly and goes well with other colors in the room.
Orange
Orange is the color of sunny fruits, gold and warm sunset. This shade makes a person purposeful, gives enthusiasm, energizes and strengthens the will.
The orange hue can give you good health and restore interest in life. So, if you suffer from depression, we recommend using this color to improve your mood. It helps you see the world as kind and beautiful and gives you strength to fight life’s difficulties.
Green
This is the color of awakening nature, spring, renewal, determination and wisdom, stability and practicality. It can give clarity and get rid of bad memories.
Blue
Blue is the color of the sky, youth, hope, depth and harmony. It is able to calm, put thoughts in order, and also helps to cope with stress.
Blue
This is the color of leadership and the sea, perfection and infinity. Perfectly removes negative thoughts, enhances intuition and insight.
Violet
This is a shade of joy, genius, youth and peacefulness. Perfectly strengthens the nerves, fills a person with strength and calm.
White
White is the color of purity, softness and lightness. It is a good container for all other shades. This color is an excellent source of energy. It is quite versatile and helps to decorate any room.
Beige
Associated with peace and comfort. Of all the colors, it is the most versatile and goes well with yellow, red and green shades.
Grey
This color is associated with stability, realism and elegance. Gives you the opportunity to feel calm and tranquility. This shade gives a noble look to the room and creates a great mood for work.
Black
Everyone associates this shade with rigor, sophistication and formality. This color is a symbol of power and gives a sense of self-esteem. This shade looks great in any interior.
The use of black allows you to emphasize and highlight other colors, make them bright and rich, as a result of which the room becomes graphic, stylish and clear.
Color of roller blinds for different rooms
Curtains for the kitchen and bedroom
Since green is a shade of peace and tranquility, curtains of this color will look best in the bedroom or kitchen. By choosing an overly strict background (in dark colors), you have every chance of making the kitchen dreary and apathetic, looking like an office.
Since this place in the house is the most popular, it needs light and playful color schemes that improve appetite and mood. For example, an interior with leaves, flowers and light abstract designs looks good. In such a room, the color and pattern of roller blinds will fit well into the overall interior decor.
Curtains for children's and living rooms
We recommend choosing bright yellow curtains for the nursery or living room; they will make the room more joyful and warm. Turquoise and red curtains also look good in these rooms, especially those that are combined with furniture made from natural materials.
Impregnation with a special agent allows you to give the curtains antibacterial, dust-repellent and antistatic properties, which makes it possible to use them in a children's room.
Fastening roller blinds
Roller blinds are usually attached to the ceiling, on walls or in a window opening, sometimes on a plastic window. It is the latter option that allows you to free up window space.
The use of cassette systems makes it possible to easily install curtains on the window sash, which allows you to safely open the window opening. The cassette system makes it possible to better hide the room from the penetration of the sun, and also allows you to protect yourself from prying eyes and relax peacefully.
Curtain impregnation and fabric thickness
Different thicknesses of the canvas and degrees of impregnation provide different protection from sunlight. This criterion allows us to divide roller blinds into reflective and light-diffusing ones, which do not transmit light and day-night.
Roller blinds can be used together with curtains, which makes it possible to effectively darken and complement the interior design.
Impregnation of roller blinds allows you to protect them and interior items from fading in the sun, which is especially important for rooms located in the southern part of the house.
You can collapse the system either manually or using the control panel.
Advantages of using roller blinds for plastic windows
Roller blinds for plastic windows have a number of advantages:
- They have a beautiful appearance - they look great in any interior, and the variety of shades helps you make the right choice.
- Multifunctional - it is possible to choose curtains that can effectively protect the room from the sun, without it being too dark. In this case, the material determines everything.
- If you need to insulate a room from sunlight, we recommend purchasing thicker fabric, well rubberized on the window side. You'll pay a little more for it.
- The room is conveniently ventilated in winter. Thanks to metal plates connected to magnets, the fabric does not flutter.
- It is possible to carry out quick installation.
Fabric density for roller blinds
When choosing fabric density, be sure to take into account the lighting used in the room and what kind of darkening effect you want to achieve.
For the kitchen, it is best to choose less dense roller blinds that can let in a large amount of light. A good kitchen must be bright.
When choosing roller blinds for the bedroom, keep in mind that early in the morning you may be disturbed by the bright rays of the sun shining directly into your eyes, so we advise you to choose denser fabrics.
For a room with a home theater, choose curtains made of thick fabric or Black-Out, they can provide 100% darkening in the room.
For a child's room, we recommend choosing curtains made from medium-weight fabric, since good light is very important for a schoolchild in order to do his homework well. When choosing bright and eye-catching curtains for the nursery, don’t be afraid to experiment.
In a room whose windows face north and are poorly lit, we recommend using Burn-out curtains. Burn-out - thin stylish curtains made of translucent material on which a pattern is burned, usually transparent in the burnt part.
A distinctive feature of these curtains is that they are not needed for darkening, but rather for decorating your window. We also recommend that you take into account that in the dark when the lamp is on, these curtains turn into transparent.
In the design of rooms in the style of minimalism and hi-tech, day-night curtains look good. A distinctive feature of these roller blinds is that due to the displacement and mismatch of transparent and fabric stripes, the level of lighting in the room is poorly regulated. Such curtains look most impressive in windows with large openings.
Rules for using roller blinds
Careful adherence to certain rules makes it easy to extend the service life of roller blinds.
- There is no need to pull the metal plate to release the curtains. Because of this, the plate can easily come off and damage the system. When you lower the curtain in this way, you disrupt its direction, after which it will no longer be able to fall parallel to the floor; it will only be able to close diagonally. The bottom of the canvas may get dirty and even come off in some places. The spectacle is quite unpleasant and besides, you will waste your money. Therefore, for these purposes it is better to use special devices (cord or remote control).
- Cleaning curtains is very easy and quick. For example, they can simply be wiped with a damp sponge without using cleaning agents.
Now you know everything about how to choose and apply curtains correctly. We wish you happy shopping!
Updated: 02/14/2018 10:56:15
Recently popular curtains, tulles and drapes, as it turns out, are not at all as good as originally thought. For all their advantages, they have a huge number of disadvantages - they are finicky to use and maintain and actively collect dust. Insulation of sunlight is also mediocre: thin tulles let the sun's rays through, and thick curtains are not only heavy and bulky, but also create twilight in the room even on a clear and fine day. Blinds are an excellent alternative in this situation. This compact and easy-to-use tool provides excellent protection from sunlight if necessary, allows for precise dosing of light into the room, and is also unpretentious in maintenance and easy to use.
Advantages and disadvantages of vertical blinds
Vertical blinds are very popular due to their simplicity of design, low cost and ease of maintenance and operation. The main operating elements are slats mounted on the cornice, which are controlled using a chain system. Additional elements are weights that ensure the immobility of the lamellas, as well as runners and connecting elements that ensure the synchronous movement of the lamellas along the cornice. The slats used also differ in width: on sale you can find models with a width of 87 mm, which are the American standard, as well as slats with a width of 127 cm - typically American blinds.
Depending on the material from which the slats are made, the following types of vertical blinds are distinguished:
Fabric blinds. The simplest, easiest to use and popular option. They are distinguished by their unpretentiousness, excellent performance properties and an abundance of color and shade options. Blinds whose slats are made of jacquard or fiberglass have gained popularity. Disadvantages include a tendency to burn out fairly quickly in the sun, as well as a fear of high temperatures and open fire;
Plastic blinds. Such models were originally intended for office use, however, due to a number of features, they found application in everyday life, primarily in the kitchen and on the balcony. They perfectly isolate sunlight and are not afraid of it, they are quite sterile and are not prone to dust accumulation. The main disadvantage is increased fragility and fear of temperature changes. If we are talking about inexpensive models, it should be noted that the plastic is prone to deformation under the influence of the sun, as well as its fading;
Wooden blinds are an excellent alternative to curtains and tulle. An exceptionally stylish and impressive appearance is ensured by the use of the lightest types of wood. Such blinds are absolutely not afraid of direct sunlight, do not fade or deform, and are also not demanding in cleaning and maintenance. The use of wood also made it possible to achieve high environmental friendliness. Such blinds also have disadvantages: they are afraid of temperature changes and high humidity, and therefore are not suitable for loggias and balconies. Another disadvantage is the high price: not everyone can afford such models;
Vertical metal blinds are a heavy and bulky option that is not in demand in everyday life. Most common in industrial and warehouse areas. They are not subject to deformation and fading, and are not afraid of temperature changes. The disadvantages of such models include high noise in drafts, as well as a tendency to corrosion if the processing is insufficiently high-quality and used in wet conditions.
Advantages and disadvantages of horizontal blinds
This option is almost always associated with the general class of this type of window covering. Compact, miniature and unpretentious in operation. A huge variety of models, simplicity of design and low cost have ensured horizontal blinds exceptional popularity in domestic and office spaces all over the world. They are based on lamellas 25 millimeters wide, which are fixed on a special frame made of durable twine or wire. Control is carried out using a rotary mechanism, raising or lowering - using a system of laces. The material used to make slats is identical to that used in vertical blinds - plastic, fabric, wood, metal. Unlike vertical blinds, metal horizontal blinds are the most popular and in demand due to their combination of characteristics, unpretentiousness and low cost.
Advantages
Easy to care for;
Low cost;
A huge variety of color options, materials and colors;
Ideal performance properties;
Compact dimensions;
Flaws
Depending on the material used to make the lamellas, they may be afraid of temperature changes, prolonged exposure to high humidity, burn out in the sun and become deformed when exposed to high temperatures;
Low environmental friendliness of cheap plastic models;
Advantages and disadvantages of roller blinds
In their concept, roller blinds are radically different from their vertical and horizontal counterparts. They are based on a special shaft on which a solid fabric is wound. The most popular are fabric roller blinds or their fiberglass equivalents. Roller blinds do not completely isolate sunlight, and therefore are perfect for creating soft, eye-pleasing twilight in a bedroom or living room. The width of roller blinds can be any and depends entirely on the width of the window opening. In everyday life, roller blinds are also known as roller blinds.
Advantages
Easy to use;
Silent;
Inexpensive;
A huge variety of color options, material texture and width;
Capable of providing “soft” twilight;
Flaws
Easy to care for and clean;
Unable to provide complete darkness if necessary;
Collect dust;
Advantages and disadvantages of pleated
Pleated blinds are a very interesting type of blinds that are becoming increasingly popular every day. They are a soft fabric base that folds like an accordion during use. A distinctive feature of pleated blinds is their shape: such blinds are not only rectangular in shape, but can follow the contours of almost any window, and also have not only vertical and horizontal, but also diagonal installation.
Advantages
Great appearance. Pleats not only block the flow of sunlight into the room, but are also an excellent element of room decor;
Do not fade or deform when exposed to sunlight;
They allow installation not only on plastic and wooden windows, but also on an aluminum frame;
Possibility of installation on windows of absolutely any shape;
A huge variety of textures and colors;
Flaws
Easy to care for and clean. The pleated fabric cannot be washed in a machine; cleaning must be done exclusively by hand;
High cost due to non-standard design, form factors and dimensions
How to choose blinds for windows on the loggia, kitchen and balcony?
First of all, you need to measure the length of the window opening. Regardless of what type of blinds is preferred, they should only cover the window opening. When installing inside the opening, it is necessary to retreat 1-2 centimeters from the edge on the sides so that the blinds do not touch the wall, and also 1-2 centimeters from the bottom so that the lower part does not lie on the window sill;
If blinds are installed outside the window opening, they should protrude 2-4 centimeters on the sides and 10-15 centimeters from the bottom of the window opening.
If the room has windows of a non-standard size or shape other than rectangular, the best option would be custom-made pleated blinds;
When choosing blinds for a balcony, you should remember that windows are often opened for micro-ventilation, as a result of which the blinds are exposed not only to temperature changes and direct sunlight, but also to moisture and dirt. It is for this reason that you should choose models that are easy to maintain and are not afraid of dirt and moisture;
The best manufacturers
Currently, the market offers products not only from well-known manufacturers with a worldwide reputation, but also inexpensive models of blinds that are affordable for almost everyone. In order for the blinds to serve faithfully for many years, before purchasing you should study the characteristics of specific models, as well as read customer reviews. The products of the following manufacturers are considered the best:
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"Katrice";
In European countries, the most popular manufacturers of blinds are those companies that produce PVC windows.
Video on choosing blinds
Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a guide to purchase.
Blinds have a rather long history. Translated from French, “jalousie” means “jealousy.” This is due to the fact that the East was characterized by windows covered with wooden planks, which let in enough light, but hid from prying eyes women who walked around without a burqa at home.Blinds allow you to perfectly regulate the intensity of light, sunlight and air flow into the room. This interior detail plays a serious role in the design of the room. It is important that the integrity and harmony of the color and stylistic composition under artificial lighting depends on it. In order not to bring disharmony into the comfort of your room, you need to know which blinds are best to buy.
Article outline:
Types of blinds
Based on their design features, blinds are divided into:- vertical;
- horizontal;
- pleated;
- roller blinds;
- cassette.
They can be interframe (mounted between the window frames) and internal (attached to the inner surface of the windows).
Opening and closing control is very simple and convenient. Horizontal blinds do not create obstacles to the circulation of air from the street in the room, facilitating ventilation. This type of blinds can be used as room dividers into separate zones in offices and apartments. Thanks to the choice of material and colors, such blinds can decorate any interior.
They are a more modern trend and bear a clear imprint of classic curtains. They go well with large windows, bay windows, arches and sliding doors. In this type of blinds, the slats are positioned perpendicular to the floor surface. They are equipped with a comfortable control mechanism that rotates the slats at any angle around their axis. This makes it possible to create varying degrees of illumination in the room. Vertical blinds are pulled apart using a cord, like curtains. Materials for vertical blinds are in most cases impregnated with antistatic and dust-repellent solutions. This prevents dust from accumulating on them. Rolled into a roll, the slats of vertical blinds are very convenient to wash in the washing machine.
is a curtain made from a single piece of pleated fabric, which, if necessary, is folded. The system is installed directly on the window and allows you to close an opening of any size and form factor. Closing and opening is accomplished using a cord and a weight that weighs down the lower part of the curtain. This type of blinds protects the room well from sunlight. The abundance of colors and textures allows these curtains to fit into any interior.
– are a sheet of perforated fabric that blocks sunlight, wound on a special roller. This type of blind can be lowered to any level, similar to a horizontal type device. Roller blind fabric creates a light diffusion effect, in which you see what is happening outside the window, while remaining out of sight for observers outside. These curtains do not create obstacles for opening the window and help save space. They can be free-hanging or located in a box. If the roller blind is equipped with guides, this allows it to fit tightly to the window, providing more effective protection. Depending on the material of this type of blinds, you can achieve complete darkness in the room. This is useful, for example, for realizing the intention of watching movies at home on a home theater with a projector.
There are also metal roller shutters. However, they provide the function of preventing intruders from entering and are installed outside the windows.
They have a mechanism similar to roller blinds. The difference is that the curtains are enclosed in a kind of “cassette” - a box with guides. The box is mounted directly on the sash, so the curtain does not interfere with the movement of the window, providing good protection from ultraviolet radiation.
Depending on the level of light protection, blinds can be:
- reflective;
- light-scattering;
- light-absorbing.
- Aluminum - metal ensures strength and reliability of the structure, has reflective properties, reflects thermal radiation, and is easy to maintain and clean.
- Wooden is an environmentally friendly material combined with excellent thermal and light insulation; various color options make this type of blinds an excellent option for any interior. Bamboo blinds look especially exotic.
- Made from Faux wood - the material consists of synthetic elements interspersed with natural wood, has moisture resistance and high sun protection properties. More affordable than wood
- Fabric ones have a good antistatic effect, are easy to wash and, thanks to the rich range of colors and the possibility of photo decoration, they look stylish and fit into the framework of any room design.
- Plastic - their advantage is, however, the sun protection properties of this type of blinds leave much to be desired.
- Multi-textured - are a combination of different materials, which gives them a very stylish look that can decorate any room.
Choosing blinds for plastic windows
differ from other types of windows by their tilt-and-turn mechanism. Therefore, so that the blinds do not dangle awkwardly and do not interfere, it is necessary to choose their appropriate design.
For this type of window, roller blinds with guides and cassette blinds are best suited. The advantage of these types of blinds is the fact that they are mounted directly on the window sash. This allows you to visually increase the volume of the room, while simultaneously providing effective protection from sunlight. The window sill also remains free, which is undoubtedly very convenient in places with limited space: in the bathroom, on the balcony, kitchen and others.
Another advantage of these types of blinds on plastic windows is the ability to carry out various manipulations with the window without removing the curtains.
If you are not satisfied with the minimalism of this type of blinds, you can always use them simultaneously with classic curtains and tulles.
The choice between roller blinds and cassette blinds in most cases is determined by the design of the premises, the ultimate goals of arranging the premises, and the level of dirtiness. An important factor will be the floor on which the room is located, since dust and car exhaust do not reach the height of the 5th - 7th floor. It is also important to take into account the proximity of the windows of neighboring houses in order to calculate the density of the fabric in order to protect your privacy from the indiscreet glances of strangers.
Horizontal cassettes are more resistant to dirt, high humidity and temperature changes. They are easy to clean from dirt, and they are extremely durable and resistant to fading in the sun.
Due to the beauty of roller blinds and the delicacy of the fabrics, they are preferably installed in bedrooms and living rooms. The intensity of the light flux can be adjusted by selecting suitable fabrics.
Choosing blinds for wooden windows
There are no fundamental differences when choosing blinds for windows with wooden sashes. It is possible to use all types of blinds, focusing solely on the interior design of the room and your taste preferences.
However, a few aesthetic recommendations would be useful.
Blinds made from natural materials will look more organic on wooden frames. A wooden window frame with wooden or bamboo horizontal blinds will be especially interesting and unusual in combination. In combination with simple furniture in eco-style, this will give the room a certain flavor of naturalness and originality.
If the ceiling height in the room is high, it is advisable to purchase horizontal blinds. This will visually increase the volume of the room. Well, if the ceilings are low, the situation will be corrected by vertical blinds. They will give the ceilings the illusion of height.
The optimal choice of blinds for a balcony or loggia
First of all, it is necessary to mention that sash-mounted blinds are not suitable for aluminum balcony glazing frames. Firstly, this type of metal can be mounted at the cost of great effort. Secondly, the design features of the frame sashes will prevent normal opening and closing if they have blinds of this type on them.It should also be taken into account that we often leave balconies open for ventilation purposes. Therefore, the blinds on the balcony will be subject to frequent and intense polluting influences.
Vertical blinds should not be installed on the balcony for several reasons. Often the ceilings on the balcony are made of plastic, which makes it impossible to attach vertical blinds to them. Also, vertical blinds will hide the tiny area of the balcony. The presence of several leaves of the balcony frame makes it difficult to install the blinds control unit.
The best option, it seems to us, would be to choose roller blinds, cassette blinds and regular horizontal types. Their use will save space and provide comfort when operating with balcony glazing sashes.
Blinds or curtains – making a difficult choice
First of all, this is of course a matter of taste and aesthetic preferences. Let's look at the pros and cons of both curtains and blinds.They have advantages in the field of decoration. They create an atmosphere of coziness and comfort in the room. You can choose colors and fabric textures that will create the desired mood and style of the room. The disadvantages include:
- fairly relative protection from sunlight;
- difficult .
- weak variability in regulating the degree of illumination of the room;
- obstruction of normal air circulation when ventilating in a curtained state;
- the ability of curtain fabric to accumulate dust, which can provoke allergic reactions in the body;
- hiding the volume of the room and limiting the possibility of using the window sill.
Blinds have great potential for realizing design ideas. They effectively perform the function of light regulation and heat reflection, and prevent the penetration of sunlight into the room. They also visually expand the space of the room, freeing up the window sill, providing freedom of operation with window sashes.
The disadvantages include:
- higher difficulty in maintenance compared to conventional curtains;
- a tendency to evoke associations with an office or other official institution, which not everyone will like;
- Blinds made of artificial materials can emit a not very pleasant “chemical” smell when heated.
2. Installation of blinds on the window opening. The width of the blinds in this case should be equal to the width of the window plus three centimeters. If, due to the presence of heating pipes, the blinds will be mounted with some distance from the wall, about fifteen to twenty centimeters should be added to the width. The height of the lamellas is calculated by adding another ten centimeters to the height of the window opening. If it is necessary to hide the window sill, the length of the slats can reach the floor. It is best to attach the cornice of vertical blinds to the ceiling. This will ensure reliable fixation of the structure.
3. Video instruction:
Blinds are installed to protect from sunlight and prying eyes. Such products must meet certain requirements so that their use brings comfort and does not create problems. The first and important factor is environmental friendliness. The second is ease of use; the slats should be easy to open and close and easy to clean.
What types of blinds are there?
The most common options for rigid blinds are aluminum, plastic and wood. The latter are preferable to others, but their high price is not affordable for everyone. Therefore, owners of apartments facing the sunny side are asking the question “Which blinds are better, plastic or aluminum?”
First, let's choose the type of product - they can be vertical and horizontal. If you need a budget option, it’s better to go with the latter. Vertical models are more suitable for large windows and rooms, horizontal ones will look better on standard or narrow windows, in a room with a small area. As for the material, each has its own characteristics.
Aluminum blinds
Metal products will cost more than plastic ones and weigh more. Other qualities are advantages:
- High strength, durability;
- Fire resistance;
- Can be washed with any detergent.
Such models should be chosen for installation in offices, public organizations, as well as for installation on those windows or shop windows that are exposed to direct sunlight for most of the daylight hours.
Aluminum horizontal blinds Plastic blinds
Polymer materials have a number of advantages that can radically change the interior of a room:
- A huge selection of colors, including patterns and ornaments;
- Possibility of applying photographs or drawings on them;
- You can choose products with different levels of light transmission - from complete darkness when closed to diffused light.
When deciding which blinds to buy - aluminum or plastic, you should take into account the cost of the latter. Polymer ones will allow you to save a significant amount, but purchase a practical product. The light weight of blinds with polymer slats allows them to be attached to any base. The slats of such products are highly flexible, which will preserve their integrity under heavy load.
The main disadvantage of such products is their flammability, so when using them you will have to comply with strict fire safety measures. In addition, when heated strongly, some polymers can release toxic substances. Considering that they will be located under the sun's rays, this may be unsafe.
Plastic horizontal blinds We draw conclusions which is better: plastic or aluminum
If the task is to close the window from prying eyes or install them on the dimly lit side of the house, then, in general, there is no difference whether the blinds are plastic or aluminum. The whole issue is priced, and each owner is free to decide at his own discretion.
In cases where the sun protection structure will be subject to strong heat, frequent washing, or there is a risk of mechanical damage, the answer is clear: it is better to buy aluminum blinds. In addition, it is better not to hang polymer products in a children's room, because they can release toxins that are hazardous to health. Some plastics degrade quickly when exposed to UV rays, so this option may not last long.
Both types of products have their negative and positive qualities, but the final choice can only be made if you know all the nuances of their use. In different rooms, under different conditions, an advantage will turn into a disadvantage, and what seemed like a disadvantage will become a significant advantage.
HideBlinds - this element of the interior has long gone beyond office premises. Thanks to the huge selection of designs and materials for making blinds, they fit perfectly into any interior, adding the necessary notes to the textures of the room. Modern blinds can become a key element that sets the desired style for the interior. But to create the desired effect, you will have to go through a difficult path.
Step one: blinds or curtains
Advice: before you start selecting the ideal blinds, you need to determine exactly what they are needed.
For example, a classic pompous interior will clash with modern decorative elements. In this case, traditional curtains would be more appropriate.
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Curtains have a number of advantages in terms of design variability, but we must not forget about such disadvantages as:
- the difficulty of choosing fabric and selecting drapery options;
- limited options for regulating the flow of daylight and fresh air into the room;
- curtains are one of the main dust collectors;
- the window sill turns out to be hidden and unused;
- curtains are easily damaged by pets;
- Keeping curtains clean is a labor-intensive process.
On the other hand, the advantages of blinds are obvious:
- There is a wide range of ready-made blinds solutions on the market; you can choose the right one without the help of a decorative designer;
- blind designs are functional and cope with complex light and heat-reflecting tasks;
- do not clutter up the space near the window, leaving the window sill open to access;
- easy to care for.
A video about choosing curtains or blinds will help you decide what is best for you.
If the shortcomings of curtains cause a persistent reluctance to see them in the interior, if the blinds do not contradict the discerning taste, then you can safely move on to the second stage.
Step two: choosing blinds
A video on how to choose blinds for plastic windows shows the main stages of the process of choosing this decorative element specifically for plastic windows.
There are a huge number of options for blinds on the modern market, so as not to get confused, it is necessary to highlight their main types.
Types of blinds
- Classification by type of construction
Vertical - the option most familiar to the eye accustomed to ordinary curtains. The main elements of blinds - the slats - are located perpendicular to the floor; accordingly, the blinds move like curtains: left and right. Well suited for panoramic windows and sliding doors leading, for example, to a terrace or loggia.
Horizontal blinds consist of slats parallel to the floor. This type of blinds is the most common, found both in office premises and in apartments. It offers several installation options, so it can be used in different conditions.
Pleated blinds are a non-standard option, suitable for those who do not like hackneyed solutions. In essence, it is a curtain made of pleated material installed directly into the window. Accordion pleated blinds are assembled using a cord.
Blinds in the form of roller blinds (roller blinds) are the basis of the design: a roller on which fabric is wound, allowing you to see the street, but keeping secret what is happening inside the room.
Roller blinds can provide varying degrees of sun protection. They are mounted in the window opening and can fit tightly to the glass. If there is a need for protection from burglars, metal roller shutters installed outside are used.
Cassette blinds are similar in operating principle to roller blinds, the difference is that they are a one-piece structure - a cassette. This frame with a roller is mounted on the window sash and does not restrict its movement.
- Classification according to light protection intensity
Blinds are divided into: light-absorbing, light-reflecting and light-diffusing.
- Classification by materials
Plastic blinds are the most common option. They are easy to care for, but provide little protection from the sun, and when heated, they are often accompanied by an unpleasant chemical odor. - this is a more aesthetic option for plastic windows, because it saves space and does not weigh anything anywhere.
Fabric blinds have great potential for inclusion in interior design. The color range is wide, it is possible to use photo printing on slats, so fabric blinds fit into any room.
Wooden, including bamboo. These blinds are environmentally friendly with excellent light insulation properties. The disadvantage is the high cost. An alternative would be faux wood blinds. This is a complex material made of plastic and wood particles, combining their advantages.
Aluminum blinds are primarily strong and durable, easy to maintain and impress with their heat and light reflective properties.
Multi-texture blinds are a sophisticated option for discerning tastes. The combination of textures and materials is designed to create a unique look for any interior.
Advice: Do not choose blinds without the recommendations of specialists with extensive experience in installing them.
In order not to regret choosing blinds in the future, you need to accurately determine the following positions:
- type of construction, direction of the lamellas and sides in which they will move;
- option for controlling blinds, it is important to consider the availability of the control mechanism.
- material and texture;
- mounting option and corresponding dimensions;
- color and design;
- compliance with the overall interior of the room
Depending on the initial data, the approach to choosing blinds also varies.
Not all designs and mounting options for blinds are suitable for plastic windows. For example, the option with vertical blinds installed close to the glass is not possible.
We invite you to read the article about installing vertical blinds on a plastic window; it describes installation methods and provides a video -
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The most popular option for plastic windows would be horizontal blinds located inside the glass unit. The second place in popularity is occupied by roller blinds, especially with special guides that guarantee the proximity of the fabric to the glass, and therefore good protection from the sun. Cassette blinds are a universal option for windows with non-standard opening methods or, for example, attics. Pleated blinds are also suitable for plastic structures. Their main advantage in this case is lightness.
Choosing blinds for wooden windows
Aesthetics are more important here. Owners of wooden windows should think about maintaining environmental themes in the interior and choose wooden or bamboo blinds. If you follow the general principles of decor, then in rooms with high ceilings you can hang horizontal blinds, but in order to visually raise the ceiling, it is better to resort to vertical structures.
Obviously, you will have to abandon blinds mounted on the window sash if the balcony is glazed using aluminum frames.
They are also of little use for loggias - the design of the ceiling on the balcony rarely allows you to attach anything to it, and the space is not large, why hide it with bulky blinds.
The material of the blinds must be weather-resistant and easy to clean.
Accordingly, compact roller blinds and cassette blinds mounted directly on the shutters will be optimal. If the selection process is successfully completed, the most critical stage begins. Mistakes at this stage most often lead to disastrous results.
Step three: measurements
How to measure horizontal blinds for plastic windows
- When attaching to the sash, two measurements are taken: the width of the blinds is the distance between the window glazing beads plus 30 mm, the height of the blinds is the length of the window sash.
- If the blinds will be installed in the opening, then it is necessary to measure the height and width of the glass at three points, since the geometry of the window can vary. From each series of three measurements, take the smallest one.
- To install blinds on a wall, you need to add 10 cm to the width of the window opening; the height is determined by the wishes of the customer, depending on the position relative to the window sill. The main thing is that there is a margin of 5 cm in height - for attaching the cornice above the window.
To help you see a video on how to install blinds on a plastic window, now you can easily install blinds with your own hands.
How to measure vertical blinds
- Fastening in the opening: the width of the blinds is the width of the window at the top minus 2 cm, the length is the smallest value of the height of the opening in the left and right corners of the window minus 1 cm.
- To install blinds on the wall, you need to measure the width and height of the window. Then the width of the blinds will be at least 10 cm larger than the window size, and the height of the blinds will be equal to the height of the window plus 5 cm - for blinds reaching the window sill. If the window sill needs to be closed, add the necessary cm.
- When installing blinds to the ceiling, you need to measure the distance from the ceiling to the window sill minus 2 cm - this is the height of the blinds, the width of the blinds is equal to the size of the window opening plus 10 cm.
In any case, it is better to entrust this matter to specialists, but in general the installation scheme is as follows:
- unpacking;
- removing the decorative trim on the cornice;
- the blinds are applied to the planned installation location;
- fixed with self-tapping screws;
- the decorative strip returns to its place.
Step five: operation
If the long path from selection to installation has been successfully completed, it is worth taking careful care of the blinds to extend their service life.
Plastic slats should be regularly wiped with a soft cloth and soapy water. Wooden blinds require dry cleaning. Fabric slats are removed and washed delicately: rolled into a roll, soaked in soapy water, they straighten out due to their own weight while still wet and set in place.
Blinds are a wonderful decorative element with a lot of advantages, but they require a competent approach to selection and installation.