Remember the times when they hung newspapers on the windows to protect themselves from the sun or covered the glass with foil for the same purpose? So now there is an alternative to such methods. This alternative is roller blinds. Practical, neat design, unlike newspapers, does not spoil the appearance of the interior and does not fade. It can be installed above the window opening as a classic decor, inside the opening or on the sash.
Cassette curtains can be of various colors, with a pattern or photo print
Roller blinds differ in the following parameters:
- Lifting mechanism. There are electromechanical, chain, spring.
Curtains on a chain are the most common and affordable - Degrees of light closure - translucent, transparent, zebra with the ability to adjust the clearance, blackout with a degree of light opacity above 90%.
Particularly dense blackout canvases would be appropriate for decorating windows in a home theater - The width of the window opening on which they are installed is standard and luxury, the width of the first is less than 2 meters, the second is up to 4.5 meters.
- The method of fixing and moving the canvas - open and closed (cassette).
The materials used for curtains vary in their ability to transmit light into the room
Note! To avoid confusion, keep in mind that roller blinds and blinds are the same thing.
Cassette roll systems are suitable for residential and office premises, for various windows and rooms
Types of cassette curtains by fabric type
Cassette curtains, based on the type of fabric used in them, are divided into the following types:
- transparent / translucent (very reminiscent of classic tulle - curtains allow a lot of sunlight from the street into the room, often used together with classic curtains);
- cassette roller blind Zebra (it is a canvas made of a special fabric with alternating transparent and dense stripes, this original solution allows you to regulate the power of light flow into the room - from strong illumination to complete isolation from the sun, their functionality resembles blinds);
- cassette blackout curtains (they are absolutely light-proof curtains that fit tightly to the window, block any flow of light, usually on the outside the fabric is covered with a special reflective layer, which does not allow the room to heat up too much in the summer heat);
- cassette-roller blinds DAY/NIGHT (two different fabrics are used here - transparent and light-proof, with insulated lifting mechanisms; during the day they act as tulle, at night - blackout curtains).
On the website you can look at photos of cassette curtains and choose the look you like.
What is common in the design of Uni 1 and Uni 2
These types are united by a mechanism of action: a canvas is wound onto a shaft, covering the double-glazed window in the unfolded position; this unit is protected by a box and is located in the upper part of the window block. On the sides the fabric is protected by strips that ensure its tight fit to the plastic profile. There are 2 options for control: side chain and spring mechanism or electric drive. At the bottom, the curtains are held in place by a weighting material.
Thanks to this similarity in designs, you can easily confuse these models if you quickly compare them from the photo. In addition, in both cases it is permissible to use the same canvas. The color of the body is determined arbitrarily; it is recommended to choose a frame structure that matches the color of the plastic profile, then the guides will be invisible against the background of the window.
Mini
The most inexpensive option. Mini curtains It is quite possible to install cassette curtains without drilling holes in the windows. Mini curtains are controlled using a closed plastic chain.
The main advantage of this design is that installation and operation of roller blinds is possible on almost all types of small window openings.
Open and closed curtains
In the closed type, the canvas is closed on four sides, with a cassette on top, guides on the sides, and a strip on the bottom. Cassette roller blinds are a closed type of curtain fixation; when open, the curtain is not secured on the sides, otherwise the designs are identical.
An open curtain has no side support
Closed curtains have a curtain that is secured on all four sides.
Differences between open roll filters and closed ones:
- differ in simpler installation, since only the shaft needs to be secured;
- have side gaps, so they provide less protection from the sun;
- are not installed on the opening sash;
- cheapness;
- can be used for non-standard windows.
There is also a “middle” option, when the sides of the canvas are fixed with fishing line or strings
Cassette curtain design is roller blinds with guides. Side guides keep the fabric from sagging, help guide it strictly along the trajectory and eliminate gaps between the fabric and the window, thus achieving maximum darkness. The cassette device also ensures smooth movement of textiles up and down.
Uni
The most common type of cassette roller blinds today. The peculiarity of Uni curtains is that the fabric is not simply wound on a roller, but is tightly placed in a cassette and moves along guides. This not only protects the fabric from external contamination, but also prevents the fabric from sagging if the windows are open.
There are two types: UNI 1 and UNI 2. They differ from each other in the configuration of the guides and the method of installing boxes with fabric. According to its characteristics, UNI 2 is the ideal curtain for plastic windows.
Curtains with spring mechanism
The most popular systems are those with a spring lifting method. Its main advantage is its ease of use - control is carried out in one movement using a handle located on the bottom bar.
Roller blinds with a spring mechanism
A spring-inertia mechanism is built into the spring curtain bracket. In order to set them in motion, you need to pull the lace on the bottom bar down a couple of centimeters, then bring it to the desired level and the canvas will be fixed at this height with a stopper. This is how movement occurs on an open-view model. But the peculiarity of the closed one is that the design with a spring mechanism can be installed in any position, so the cassette can be placed not only on top of the sash, but below or on the side for movement to the left and right.
Installation options for curtains with a spring mechanism
In order to set the bottom bar and the blade in motion, you need to slightly lift and turn the handle on it. After this, the brake in the guides will be released, and the spring, under the influence of inertia, will try to compress and twist the fabric into a roll, so the curtain can be moved in the desired direction.
Design possibilities for cassette curtains
Do not assume that cassette curtains are just a piece of fabric that blocks sunlight. The design solutions of cassette curtains presented on the market today can please even consumers with refined taste and high requirements for interior style.
In addition to a wide range of colors, cassette curtains are made from various types of fabric:
- linen
- jacquard
- imitation of natural lace
For lovers of exclusive, original solutions, curtains with photo printing are suitable. Photo printing looks especially impressive on blackout cassette curtains.
The possibilities of 3D printing are amazing - a panorama of Los Angeles, a tropical landscape or mountain peaks. With the help of photo printing on curtains, you can realize all the owner’s imaginable fantasies, create a mood and amaze guests.
Note!
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Cassette roller blinds for plastic windows - mini or uni?
Roller blind systems, which are mounted directly on plastic windows and doors, are perhaps the most loved and popular. After all, they are the most compact: they close the glass, but leave the window sill open. You can safely use it as a table or grow flowers there; curtains will not interfere with easy access.
A separate system is attached to each sash. This allows you to open the window conveniently and without obstacles even with the curtains drawn.
On small and standard-sized windows, installation is possible without drilling the glass unit. Double-sided tape can securely hold a lightweight structure.
Let's consider the main types of such models.
Mini roller blinds
Mini is the most economical option for roller blinds. They do without a cassette box and without guides. For a tighter fit to the window, especially when opening, the bottom of the curtain can be fixed with a magnet. The same principle of fixing mini-curtains is used for inclined plastic windows.
Cassette roller blinds UNI
UNI is a recognized favorite among cassette roll systems. The box and guides are required here. A wide range of colors allows you to choose them to match the color of the window frame, so that it all looks like one. A spring mechanism, the advantages of which we discussed above, can also be installed in the system.
They are produced in modifications UNI-1 and UNI-2, which have a number of important differences.
- In both cases, the curtain is hidden in a cassette, but in UNI-1 it is more compact. The base of the UNI-2 cassette has a 10 mm wide backing. Accordingly, the profile of the guides has a different shape: flat in the first case and convex in the second.
- The UNI-1 system is mounted on the window beads: the cassette is on the top bead, the guides are on the side ones. Therefore, it is demanding on the size and shape of the glazing bead. It must be rectangular, at least 10 mm wide. It is physically impossible to install the Uni-1 system on glazing beads of a different size and shape (curly, rounded, inclined, etc.)! UNI-2 is attached to the frame of a plastic window, so the width and shape of the glazing beads do not matter; they cannot interfere with the installation of the system. Uni-2 can be installed on any plastic window.
- UNI-1 reduces the size of the light opening: the cassette by approximately 45 mm, and the side guides by 20 mm on each side. For small windows this can be a significant loss. UNI-2 is located outside the glass, so it does not affect the size of the light opening.
- In UNI-1, due to the place of its attachment and the flat shape of the guides, the fabric sheet moves next to the glass. If condensation forms, it may become wet and stick to the glass. This threatens to damage the lifting mechanism. In UNI-2, the fabric panel is protected from direct contact with glass.
- When closed, the bottom strip of the UNI-1 system fits closely to the bottom bead. If the window has problems with geometry, a gap is formed through which light penetrates. For blackout curtains this is an extremely undesirable flaw. The lower strip UNI-2 overlaps the lower glazing bead, providing reliable light insulation even for a window that is not too smooth.
- But the volumetric cassette of the Uni-2 system to a greater extent prevents the opening of the window, resting against the slope. This difference is 11 degrees.
To summarize: UNI-1 is primarily about compactness, and UNI-2 is about versatility. We hope our comparative review will help you make the right choice!
Advice: let a specialist take all the measurements for installing the uni-system, who will then carry out its installation. This is especially important for non-standard size windows. This way you will insure yourself against annoying mistakes and get a high-quality result.
Scope of application of cassette curtains
For a long time it was generally accepted that this type of curtains is most suitable for office premises. In reality, this is not true at all. Thanks to a huge selection of design and execution options, they look great in any room.
Kitchen, dining room, terrace, children's room, living room, balcony, loggia, any shopping pavilion - this is not a complete list of places where you can use this element of window decor.
Cassette roller blinds with side rails
Guides are special profiles that are attached to the sides of the window frame with double-sided tape. They allow you to fix the curtain fabric close to the glass. Track systems are especially useful for sloping windows. They also help to achieve complete light insulation of the room in combination with blackout fabric.
Advantages of cassette curtains
Almost all buyers of cassette curtains are satisfied with their choice, since the list of advantages from their use is quite wide.
The main advantages of choosing cassette curtains:
- compactness of the product;
- Possibility of installation on all types of window frames;
- a huge selection of design solutions, which makes it possible to choose suitable window design options for any room;
- the design of the box and guides allows you to protect the canvas from dirt and moisture;
- reliable blocking from the sun and human attention.
Cassette curtains are distinguished by their compact size, original design, are also easy to use and fit organically into any interior.
The difference between roller blinds and cassette curtains - let's understand the mechanics
Roller blinds
The standard and simplest roller blind is a panel of fabric that is wound onto a roller. It can be easily mounted not only on the window, but also on the wall, doors and even on the ceiling. The weighting agent at the bottom of the canvas provides good tension. The roller blind is the basic model, it is the basis for other options.
Cassette type roller blinds
More advanced models are supplemented with a so-called cassette. This is a special box made of aluminum or plastic that covers both the curtain roll and the mechanism that drives it. This system looks very neat and protects the rolled fabric from dust.
Photos of cassette curtains
Options
The use of such models in the interior has no restrictions. Numerous photos of cassette curtains on windows prove the possibility of decorating any room with their help.
The wide range of colors presented by manufacturers guarantees compatibility with the general background and allows you to choose the right shade. Minimum maintenance requirements and ergonomics are especially in demand in offices.
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Rolled structures look unusual in combination with ordinary textiles, especially if you pay attention to the selection of fabric material.
Installation Features
Cassette systems of roller blinds are mounted on window structures of any size, including showcase and panoramic glazing.
There are 2 installation methods:
- No drilling - the system is securely attached using double-sided construction tape (window warranty is maintained).
- Self-tapping screws. The fastening elements are not visible to the naked eye and do not interfere with the free opening/closing of the doors.
The canvas is lowered and raised without unnecessary noise using a chain.
