5 ways to use roller blinds

Double Rollers

Get the best of both worlds and team a sunscreen with a blockout roller blind. Typically placed closest to the window, the sunscreen roller blind will provide daytime privacy and allows the natural light to come in whilst still retaining the view from your window. A blockout roller blind (usually placed in front of the other blind) gives night time privacy and blocks out most of the light from the street lights, cars or the moon. The Russells double bracket system is second to none allowing two blinds to fit into smaller window reveals that others cannot.

Hidden art

Because it sits flat with no creases when lowered, a roller blind can act like a bonus piece of artwork. It could be a striking pattern or a single image, but if this idea tickles your fancy, be prepared to shop around or even commission a blind to get just the right look.

Motorise them

First of all, eliminating the chain or cord operating mechanism is a safety no-brainer in a home with young kids. But motorisation also makes roller blinds the ideal choice for hard to reach windows. Motorised roller blinds can be controlled by wall switches or remotes so if you’ve left them uncovered because they’re too high up, this is the answer. They can also be hooked up to timers and home automation systems – a big plus for the security conscious

Pair them with curtains

A light-diffusing fabric, such as our sunscreen rollers, is made of a very fine mesh-like material that allows light through without letting people see in. These can be lowered all the time with a curtain pulled across the front at night for total light blocking and privacy. If you have a window that overlooks a footpath or neighbour’s house, this is a great option.

Which rooms?

As we said before, we think the right roller blind can work in almost any room of the home. It just depends what you’re trying to achieve and choosing the right fabric for it. For example, the blind in the bathroom doesn’t need to block out light but it does need to give you privacy and be moisture-resistant. In a bedroom it’s the opposite, the blind needs to make the room dark so a total blockout fabric or lining is required.

Where roller blinds work well:

• Conservatory/sunroom
• Home study
• Bedrooms
• Living areas
• Tall, thin windows
• High up windows

Where they’re less likely to work:

• French doors – the handles can get in the way.
• Bathrooms and laundries – we’re not saying they can’t go here, but you do need to ensure you choose a fabric that has been treated to prevent mould and mildew growing.
• Kitchens – as above, consider a flame retardant fabric also. Windows in an open plan kitchen/dining that are not close to the cooking and food prep area could handle a roller blind however.

Considerations when choosing roller blinds

• Select the right transparency for what you need, eg. light blocking or diffusing
• Will you have it mounted inside or outside the frame?
• Choosing an over or under roll will determine whether the blind sits flush or juts out from the wall.