Roller blinds are a sun protection system with the ability to decorate a room. Like classic blinders, roller systems are in no way inferior to, and in many ways superior to, curtains. To produce roller blinds, a special fabric is used that softly diffuses sunlight; experts call such fabric light filters.
The fabric absorbs hot sun rays and protects furniture from fading. At the same time, the room remains illuminated and comfortable. In addition to classic translucent fabrics, roller blinds use functional fabrics with specific features. Roller blinds are mounted on windows of the correct geometric shape.
Systems are conventionally divided into two main types - open and closed. In an open system, the fabric is wound on an aluminum shaft, which is fixed with plastic brackets; the system is also equipped with special self-locking mechanisms that smoothly adjust the fabric using a chain, and also fix it at the required height. At the bottom of the fabric there is a weighting agent that evenly tensions the fabric so that the curtain evenly covers the light opening. If necessary, open systems are additionally fixed with a “string” or “magnets” system. A string is a special fishing line that is located parallel to the fabric and fixed on the window frame, while special clamps are installed in the lower weighting material through which the fishing line passes. Weights allow you to keep the fabric in the plane of the window in strong winds or if the sash is at an angle. The “magnet” fixation also holds the curtain, but only in the fully closed position, the magnets are attached at the lowest point on the window and when the curtain is completely lowered, it is magnetized to the window frame, which allows it to be fixed; this system is less noticeable visually, but does not allow the fabric to be fixed in other positions except fully closed.
Closed systems consist of an aluminum box with guides. The box hides the shaft with fabric and all the mechanisms, making the system look laconic without unnecessary elements. In addition to its external beauty, the box also performs a protective function; it protects the fabric from dust and mechanisms from damage; this system is well suited for rooms with a high level of pollution, for example, in the kitchen. Do not forget that the fabric is protected only while it is rolled up in the box. Also, the closed system is equipped by default with two aluminum guides, which are located on the side of the fabric and are located from the box to the lower extreme point of the curtain. The guides act as a fixation system that holds the fabric in the plane of the window, and also hides the side gaps between the fabric and the window frame, thanks to which the curtain works as efficiently as possible when closed. Also, the closed system increases the effectiveness of blackout fabrics and allows you to completely block out the sun without additional gaps.
Fabrics for roller blinds are in most cases made of polyester, or PVC + polyester. Synthetic materials are more durable and retain their appearance longer when exposed to strong heat, so the curtain will retain its appearance longer compared to natural fabrics. During production, synthetic fabrics are also coated with dust-repellent impregnations, which in turn protect the fabric from contamination. Therefore, roller blinds are easy to care for and even if dirt appears, just wipe the fabric with a damp sponge and it will be as good as new.
Roller blinds also act as a visual barrier; thanks to the special screen fabric, the curtain allows you to close yourself off from outside views, but everything is clearly visible from the inside. Such fabrics are often used at gas stations and in stores with large façade glazing.
Let's look at the pros and cons of roller blinds
Fabric roller shutters in themselves are a very compact and useful product. They have a number of advantages and minimal disadvantages compared to classic curtains.
Wide variety of systems. In addition to open and closed systems, there are also many curtain rods that differ in control, spring, as well as curtains with electric motors or classic ones with chain control. For especially large windows, special systems are available with reinforced brackets and a large shaft that can support fabrics up to 2 meters wide.
Special fabric impregnations simplify the care of curtains and also protect them from fading.
Roller blinds use different types of functional fabrics for different situations, water-repellent, 100% blackout, reflective, etc.
The curtain is easy to use; a special chain is used to control the fabric; just pull it in the desired direction and the curtain will lock in the required position.
Combination with other types of curtains. Thanks to more than 1000 fabric options, you can always choose curtains in combination with walls or other types of classic curtains, complementing and thereby increasing the functionality of the product.
Considering all the advantages, roller blinds are not without several disadvantages.
The system was originally designed for installation on plastic windows. Although curtains can also be easily mounted on wooden doors, as well as on walls and ceilings.
The strict straight lines of roller blinds may not be combined with some classic types of interiors that require large curtains and similar solutions. Skilled designers can easily combine different types of curtains even in such interiors, but sometimes it is quite difficult to do this on their own.
How to choose roller blinds
Before installing roller blinds, you need to decide what functionality the curtain will perform. For example, fabrics with protection from moisture are well suited for the kitchen; they can be washed without fear of damaging the fabric, but there are nuances here; protection from moisture is achieved by covering the fabric with a special rubberized layer, and rubber, in turn, does not allow sunlight to pass through, so fabrics with protection against moisture automatically become blackouts with 100% blackout, which is not very good for the kitchen. In turn, all standard fabrics are made of 100% polyester, which is also not particularly susceptible to moisture, so such curtains can easily be wiped with a damp sponge without harming the fabric.
For the bedroom there can be two options for curtains, light ones made of white or beige fabric to lighten the interior, or blackout ones with 100% blackout, which will ensure a restful sleep during the daytime.
Colorful prints are often used in a nursery to enhance the mood. Fabrics with patterns and bright colors can be used. Also, when applying photo printing, you can place your favorite cartoon or TV series characters on the curtains.
The living room is one of the rooms in which there are no clear boundaries; here everything depends on the overall interior of the room and a curtain can either diversify it or become an addition without overloading the main style.
Installation of roller blinds
Installing curtains does not require special skills or special equipment. A screwdriver or screwdriver and a few self-tapping screws are enough. During installation, the brackets are fixed with self-tapping screws to the window frame, and a shaft with fabric is installed on them; this will be enough for the curtains to be fully operational. The products come already assembled, so no additional assembly is required.
