Curtains are increasingly being chosen to frame windows. Recently, blinds have been considered fashionable, but roller blinds look much more attractive. With their help you can adjust the lighting in the room. Windows are not only the eyes of apartments, but also a connection with the outside world. Stylish curtains are often called light filters.
Roller blinds protect the room from the sun and give an original and attractive look to any room
For the kitchen, housewives usually purchase things that are easy to clean. More dense ones are suitable for the bedroom, colorful and bright ones for the nursery, and transparent ones for the dressing room. So, a product made of non-toxic, natural material is selected for the bedroom. This should be noted. Today there are products with the following systems:
- Open type, when the curtain is wound directly onto an open roller.
Open type roller blinds are the most inexpensive - Closed sample, when the fabric is wound onto a roller. The directional line is located on both sides. The weighting makes the fabric fit very tightly.
In closed curtains, the shaft with the fabric is hidden inside the body
Components of roller blinds
In order to prepare the box, light wood species are used. The fabric must be environmentally friendly and non-toxic. The components of the cornice include:
- canvas;
- plugs on the sides;
- inside – control mechanism;
- on the side is the control chain.
Main parts of roller blinds
An example of an open type roller blind configuration
Thus, the package includes the required components, fasteners and instructions with pictures. Let us add that installation can be in the window opening, on the frame or simply on the sash. The last method is most often chosen. They can even be installed on a glass door. It's comfortable!
How to care for a roll structure
An unusual curtain requires special care, different from the care of a standard curtain.
Cleaning. It is better to clean curtains frequently using a dry method, namely with a vacuum cleaner. Wet cleaning of dust is carried out as it gets dirty (usually once a month) and for this use a standard sponge slightly moistened. Do not wash or soak the fabric in water, as this procedure will lead to damage. If there is a stain on the curtain, it should be treated with a stain remover spray and only then carefully remove the remaining spray using a damp sponge.
Drying. After wet processing, the curtain fabric does not need to be rolled onto a roller, but wait until it dries completely unrolled.
Exploitation. The process of folding the panel must be done slowly to avoid the formation of folds and creases. When preparing food, it is advisable to raise the curtains so that they do not absorb fat and food aromas.
Even such dense fabric as polyester with cotton can wrinkle somewhere when rolled up. Rolling must be done carefully and carefully
Roller blinds will help bring the spirit of modernity. They are varied in color, print, structure and method of fastening, so you can definitely choose a roller blind to suit your taste.
An incomparable solution for anchor windows is to decorate them with roller blinds. They perfectly take their place clearly on the window, do not hang loosely on the eaves, and most importantly fulfill their purpose - they darken the room
Here is a popular type of roller curtains called “day-night” or in common parlance – zebra. By adjusting the dark and light stripes, you can direct the flow of light in the desired direction
Here is another example when a solid sheet of fabric blinds is wide in size and can outshine three functioning doors at once. The appearance is attractive and does not interfere with the passage
An extravagant combination of open-type roller curtains with screws and regular curtains with grommets. This mix can fit into any room
Multifunctionality
When assembled, the canvas is rolled into a roll. The material used ranges from completely transparent to dense. The basic one has dust-repellent and antistatic qualities.
In the open position, the curtain fabric is wound onto the shaft; when closed, the curtain falls down thanks to the weight strip
Important! Housewives purchase stain removers for cleaning based on the type of fabric.
The advantage of mini-roll is that the frame remains free. If you want the curtain to have a long service life, it must be dense and moisture resistant. When choosing, it is advised not to settle on the cheapest options. There are currently such types of roller blinds as:
- cassette;
- open;
- large rolls;
- mini.
Cassette roller blind with guides Open roller blind in the window opening
Large roller blind on a panoramic window Mini roller blind on the window sash
Please note that assembly requires some skill and sleight of hand. Each method has its own advantages. The installation process may vary depending on the model. Experts call fixing with glue the fastest method of fastening. But this method is quite controversial.
Lightweight devices can also be attached with Velcro. The cheapest installation method is installation using liquid nails. So, self-tapping screws will hold a heavy structure perfectly. It's comfortable! Many models are designed so that installation is not too difficult.
Fixing directly on the window is widespread. Experts advise using removable latches. Devices that are installed without a drill look very neat. You can find out how to assemble a roller blind on a plastic profile here.
Mini-curtains are usually installed directly on the window sash using double-sided tape
Important! Before starting work, the surface must be degreased with alcohol. Also, before installation, you need to measure the width and height of the roller blinds.
If necessary, the curtain can be cut to the desired width
Day-night curtains: features, types, installation procedure without drilling
One of the most popular models of roller blinds is “day-night”. Some . The curtains acquired these names because of their original design. It is based on fabric with horizontal stripes. The fabric wraps the lower and upper strips. When the lifting mechanism is activated, the strips begin to move and align. As a result of such movements, it is possible to create completely different levels of lighting. During the day, owners need to leave transparent areas at the same level, and dark ones at night. If desired, you can set the “intermediate” mode. With its help, a light twilight is created in the room.
Thanks to their two-layer structure, day-night curtains make it easy to adjust the level of illumination in the room
Day-night can be called a universal option for the home. Such curtains are used in children's rooms, kitchens, bedrooms, and offices. The model fits perfectly into any style and is unpretentious in the process of care. To clean it, just use a light soap solution and a soft cloth.
Good to know! Of the entire range of roller blinds, the day-night model stands out due to its composition. The fabric of the product is treated with special impregnations. Impregnations make it possible to achieve a dust-repellent, antistatic effect.
The day-night model is produced in several versions:
- mini;
- uni;
- standard.
Mini roller blinds are equipped with an open mechanism. At the bottom, the canvas is supplemented with a tubular weighting agent. They are purchased for small window openings, sometimes for doors. The uni look is complemented by special guides and a protective box. Standard roller blinds are distinguished by a design with reinforced elements. They are usually purchased for window structures and large doors.
The fabric of the day-night system consists of two layers in which alternating strips of fabric with different opacity
How to install roller blinds on window frames without drilling? For home use, open-type minirolls are often purchased.
First the curtain needs to be assembled
To attach them you need to take several steps:
- Step one is to attach the tape to the hanging bracket. The tape is applied to the flat side facing the windows. Next, the fixing clip is inserted. You can't lock it all the way yet. Fastening elements, a chain mechanism, and a plug are inserted into the hanging brackets.
- The second step is marking the installation site and degreasing the surfaces. We try the assembled system on plastic windows, mark the places, and degrease them.
- The third step is fixing the holders. We attach the holder brackets to the plastic, press them, and snap the latches.
- The last step is to install the roller blinds and check the mechanism.
Installing day-night curtains on a movable sash
Installing day-night curtains on a blind sash
Detailed assembly sequence
- First, assemble the bracket and fix the parts until they click.
- Then double-sided tape is glued to the platform (if the installation takes place on it).
- The brackets are connected to the platform until there is a characteristic click.
- The structure is assembled on the windowsill first.
- Place it on the window sash and mark with a pencil the placement of the left and right landings. Then glue the pad into place under the markings.
- The right bracket is installed, and a shaft with fabric is put on it. Next, add the left one, make a note regarding the location of the left site. Then the left one is disconnected from the platform. The empty part must be glued to the marked place on the profile.
- You need to place the shaft in the right one and fix the left one.
- Then release the curtain and mark the position of the latch.
The process of assembling and installing curtains is quite simple, but requires precision and accuracy
Note! It is recommended to attach the curtain to the sash based on the width of the material. Double-sided tape can only be applied once. Although they are installed quickly in this way - in 10 minutes.
If you are not confident in your own abilities, it is advised to turn to specialists. It is recommended to call a surveyor by leaving a request on the appropriate website.
Another roller blind assembly is proposed, step by step instructions below. There are the following stages of installation on a “blind sash” using adhesive tape:
- Use fastenings without self-tapping screws. The window profile must be degreased in advance, markings must be made and the installation locations must be marked with a pencil.
- Then remove the protective layer of double-sided tape and attach the brackets. First, they are mounted where the manual or automatic control element will be placed.
Installation on hanging brackets is only possible on movable window sashes - Next, the shaft with the blade is placed in the cavity of the bracket. When clicked, the other side of the shaft is attached. Free movement of the part that rotates will help to do this without problems.
- It is believed that to secure curtains with a width of up to approximately 75 cm, tape fasteners are sufficient.
But they recommend drilling holes in the profile and tightening the screws. When installing curtains on glazing beads, the length of the screw should not exceed the depth of the glazing bead, otherwise the glass unit may be damaged - The final stage is the installation of device covers.
Possible installation errors
Problems that are often encountered:
- Incorrect location of brackets.
- Violation of the geometry of the structure: distortions and waves appear when the canvas moves.
- Damage to the plastic profile when installing curtains with screws.
- The roll structure has been assembled incorrectly, causing the fabric to move with difficulty.
Roller blinds can be glued or attached with self-tapping screws. Each method is selected under certain conditions. For example, self-tapping screws are used inside the opening, on the wall and ceiling. To fix the structure on the frame or sash, choose the mounting option using adhesive tape.
After installation is completed, it is allowed to attach plugs. It is possible to attach such curtains using clips. They are hung through the doors from above.
Aesthetic and practical
The use of plastic profiles has led to changes in the design of houses. Heavy curtains have been replaced by functional devices. They are easy to maintain. This should be taken into account.
Roller blinds, often used in modern interior design, are easy to care for and use.
The only disadvantages are that they cannot adjust the direction of light and look a little “laconic”. Although the entire space of the room is used as rationally as possible.
Let us add that plastic windows differ from their wooden counterparts. Ordinary curtains do not look very aesthetically pleasing with such glazing.
How are roller blinds attached to wooden windows?
Roll curtains are installed on wooden windows using an electric drill and screws. The brackets are screwed to the window frame, wall or ceiling with self-tapping screws. To properly install roller blinds on windows, perform the following steps:
- the assembled structure is pressed against the ceiling or wall;
- Use a pencil to mark the locations for drilling holes;
- using a drill, drill holes for mounting the brackets;
- screw fasteners with screws;
- the lifting mechanism is put on the gear;
- testing the operation of the product.
The canvas is attached to the window frame with screws without the use of brackets. The shaft holders are fixed with mounting screws in holes pre-drilled with a drill.
How to take apart curtains
It will be easier to disassemble the curtain if you understand its structure. The diagram shows a typical open type roller blind design
- If the material is attached to adhesive tape, you will need to peel it off.
- If the product is attached to self-tapping screws, they should be unscrewed, then the base should be removed.
- If the curtains are mounted on a spring bracket, you need to pry up one of the fasteners and remove the roll.
Necessary tools and materials for work
To install roller blinds, you should stock up on: a level, a screwdriver, a screwdriver, a pencil, self-tapping screws, and double-sided tape. If the mounting will be done on the wall, then you need to prepare a drill.
The photo shows the work with a screwdriver. A fragment of mounting the holder to the wall is captured. The equipment is positioned strictly parallel to the floor, in order to avoid crooked screwing in of the self-tapping screw.
Additional Information
Such devices must be kept clean. The housewife's dust is removed with a vacuum cleaner at low power or with a steam generator. To wash, it is recommended to rinse in the shower, unfolding the fabric in a horizontal position, or clean with a natural-based stain remover. As a last resort, there is also dry cleaning.
When cleaning the fabric, try not to rub or press too hard on the fabric.
Frequently asked questions and their answers
Installing roller blinds is not particularly difficult, but inexperienced people always have a lot of questions. Some of them should be answered in advance:
How reliable is the installation method using double-sided tape?
One cannot expect any particular reliability from this method. The service life of such fastening is sometimes limited to a few days, although in other cases the structure lasts about a year.
If the curtain is mistakenly too narrow, is there any way to widen it?
It is already possible to make a structure, but it will not be possible to expand it. You can only try to find a suitable sash for it, but for this window you will have to buy a new, wider model.
Is it possible to change the fabric on roller blinds?
Replacing the canvas is a simple procedure that many users perform when switching from winter to summer season and vice versa. You will have to remove the roll from the brackets, replace it and install the structure back.
How to ventilate a room if you had to install a curtain on the ceiling?
In this case, there is only one option left - roll up the curtain and ventilate the room, and then unfold it back.
Is it possible to use an adhesive connection instead of self-tapping screws?
There are no fundamental contraindications. However, we must remember that one day the curtain will have to be dismantled. If the glue is of high quality, it will be very difficult to detach the brackets without destroying the plastic profile.
Tips for use
If you need to wash them, you should:
- roll them up;
- disconnect the fishing line;
- unhook the weight plug;
- remove the protective capsule;
- remove the tube with tissue using a screwdriver.
To pull out a roll of fabric, you need to press on the latches located in the side brackets
Important! This item cannot be wrung out. You can iron the curtain with a slightly hot iron.
The advantages of such curtains include:
- variety of control systems;
- the ability to fix the material at almost any height;
- cleaning with a damp cloth;
- technology of impregnation of the product with a special composition;
- combination with traditional curtains;
- Possibility of placement in doorways;
- large selection of textures and shades.
The only disadvantage is that the working mechanism sometimes quickly fails.
Lubricating the rubbing parts of curtains increases the service life of plastic parts
Installation of roller curtains using special clips
You can hang the canvas on the opening sash without using an electric drill using special clamps made of plastic or metal. To install roller blinds with your own hands, you need to:
- Install clips on both sides at the top of the frame.
- Secure the parts with tape.
- Install the curtain roll.
- Check the functionality of the mechanism.
Before starting installation work, it is advisable to degrease the areas where the fasteners will be installed using a cloth moistened with alcohol.
User manual
- Movements are made without jerking, smoothly.
- Do not touch the fabric with wet hands.
- Do not hang products near radiators or stoves.
- If the mechanism jams, experts advise lubricating it thoroughly.
You need to use roller blinds carefully, as they have plastic fasteners
A variety of colors will help you choose a product for almost any room. The window will look unusual. It's economical and practical! With their help, it is quite possible to create a unique apartment design.
Mix system
A newcomer to the market is the Mix system (sometimes called “bottom-up”). This version of roller blinds is significantly different from its predecessors and, thanks to its original approach, has already gained many fans. The key difference is that, unlike others, the Mix system is installed in any part of the window (most often at the bottom), and not just at the top. In fact, the design rotates 180 degrees, and the result looks stylish and functional. The dimensions of the canvas in this case are the distance between the glazing beads. No additional allowances are required.
The design of roller blinds allows you to close the window from both the top and bottom
Installation is carried out as follows:
- the fishing line is cut into equal parts;
- all parts are first threaded through the upper limiter, after which they are tied with several knots;
- limiters are mounted on glazing beads;
- the free parts are threaded through the holes of the protective box, after which they are pulled to the bottom bar, simultaneously securing the top bar;
- After the latches on the roller blind are released, all that remains is to lift the curtain.
Whatever type of roller blinds you choose, we can say with confidence that it will look great on the window. Of course, installation of Roman blinds on plastic windows is most often carried out by a specialist, but independent installation is a task quite feasible even for a non-professional.
Photo ideas for decorating windows with roller blinds
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Advantages and disadvantages
Roller blinds have many advantages:
- attractive appearance;
- compatibility with different stylistic trends in interior design;
- wide choice of design, control method and type of canvas;
- compact design. When the curtains are rolled up, they are difficult to see;
- low maintenance requirements - just periodically wipe with a damp cloth;
- ease of installation. The procedure is described in detail in the instructions and can be performed independently;
- If there are no curtains with the required parameters on sale, you can buy a wider model and cut the shaft with the fabric to get the correct size.
- drawback can be called the demandingness in choosing the size of the model - you cannot buy roller blinds without knowing the exact dimensions of the windows.
Neutral reviews
- Inna : Mixed feelings: how can plain paper decorate windows?
In general, the windows look neat and fresh. I have white ones hanging. even if the blinds are completely closed, the room is bright.
It was very easy to glue, it even seemed like they were firmly attached to the windows. For my windows, length 182 was not enough, I had to stretch them, I had to order 240 so that the “accordion” would be stronger.
I think that over time I will buy full-fledged blinds or a Roman shade.
- Anastasia :Have you ever seen blinds that cost about 150-250 rubles apiece? Yes, I didn’t see it either until I started looking on the Ikea website for something inexpensive for the window. Moreover, I liked the price so much that I went and bought them!
But upon closer examination of these “blinds,” the reason for such a low price immediately became clear to me - these blinds are made of cheap non-woven fabric, trivially folded like an accordion. It turns out that this is just a disposable thing that cannot be washed or thoroughly cleaned like regular blinds. Well, since these “blinds” are white, you have to think that replacement, especially if you hang them in the kitchen, will be needed very soon.
This curtain is attached to the window or wall with Velcro. It really can be easily cut at home if you need to attach it to a window of non-standard sizes.
It fulfills its function - it protects from sunlight, but remember that this fabric is translucent, that is, if you have windows facing south and the sun is too bright, then such blinds may not save you. In my opinion, it is better to say that this curtain scatters the sun's rays and softens them.
The default dimensions are 190 by 90 cm, so for a wide window you may need 2 or 3 pieces, and this is the price of an inexpensive curtain made of ordinary fabric that can be washed and ironed.
- Olga P: No wonder they say that there is nothing more permanent than temporary! Self-adhesive paper blinds are a good option for temporarily covering windows during renovation, construction, or simply until full curtains or blinds are purchased. Shottis blinds from Ikea are also a good budget way to protect a room from the hot rays of the sun and prying eyes. They are inexpensive and look much better than newspapers and sheets on the windows.
I first saw them on my sister’s windows - very neatly, and most importantly, they actually protect from the sun and views from the neighboring house opposite. I decided to order one for myself too. Our house is located in the letter L and when the neighbors go out onto the balcony, they can watch everything that happens in our kitchen. And opposite the bedroom windows there is also a high-rise building. There I have transparent Japanese panels, and the fabric curtain only covers half the window, or rather, it only falls on the window, then it rests on the crossbar on the curtain. The width of the pleated Schottis is 90 cm, so one set is enough for one sash.
Advantages
The biggest plus is compactness. They cover only the glass, leaving the window opening completely open, so they are ideal for small spaces: kitchen, small bedroom, children's room. They are especially often used to decorate the kitchen, when the work surface of the tables, stove or sink is located in close proximity to the window, since ordinary curtains quickly get dirty and there is a danger of the fabric catching fire.
The next advantage is that the curtains are hung on each sash and do not interfere with the opening of the frame. The window can be opened even with the curtain down. It is also not necessary to lower the fabric all the way to the windowsill - by unrolling the roll only partially, you can limit the access to sunlight. This is convenient, for example, when you need to get rid of glare on the monitor.
How to take measurements
You can measure the window yourself, but for open and cassette models they are performed differently. For closed roller blinds, measurements are made depending on the configuration of the glazing beads. If they are straight on a plastic window, only the glass should be measured: the width is equal to the distance between the side beads, and the height is between the upper and lower beads. If the glazing beads have a beveled edge, the distance is taken taking into account their width, that is, the width of the glass + 2 widths of the glazing bead. The height of the curtain is measured in the same way - the height of the glass + 2 widths of the glazing bead. Measurements should be taken with an accuracy of 1 mm.
Since open curtains do not require such precision, taking measurements for them is much easier. First, the width of the glass is measured and 30 mm is added to the result. Then the height of the glass is measured and added 120 mm. Additional millimeters can be increased depending on the size of the plastic window, but it is important that the additions are made equally on all sashes.
If something is not clear, watch this visual video:
Review: IKEA Schottis blinds - Budget blinds!
Not long ago we moved into a new apartment.
Of course, we had to invest a lot of money in renovations and furniture. Therefore, we decided to purchase some necessary, but less important things as funds became available. The plan was to buy blinds, but 2 all-glass balconies and 2 doors would have cost a lot of money. And one friend suggested to us a cheap and practical option - to purchase Ikea Schottis blinds. There are no Ikea stores in Crimea, but there are many intermediaries who are ready to deliver the necessary goods to order. The blinds are packed in a regular transparent thick bag.
Of course, it was interesting to look at the miracle blinds. Initially, they reminded me of thick paper, crumpled into an accordion.
“Schottis” is made of polyester. It is one of the most popular synthetic fabrics used for clothing, upholstery, etc.
The size of the Schottis blinds is 90*190 centimeters. The length is good for us, because the windows are large. But the width is large. Our windows range from 40 to 60 centimeters. You can’t really combine the remaining stripes with each other.
Shottis blinds
You can immediately see care recommendations. There are absolute nos here: do not wash, do not bleach, do not iron, do not take to dry cleaning) Such products are cleaned with a brush or vacuum cleaner with a soft attachment.
Inside the package, in addition to the blinds, there are instructions for “installation” in the form of a strip of paper with text, 2 polypropylene clips and a strip of Velcro on double-sided tape.
Schottis blinds are manufactured in Taiwan.
The most exciting moment is the “installation” of the blinds. For those who have encountered such a product, detailed instructions are attached. You definitely can't go wrong using it.
Initially, you need to measure the window on which the blinds will be attached. We measured clearly on glass. Perhaps someone will want the fabric to cover part of the frame as well.
I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to cut the required piece of blinds straight. But everything turned out to be simple. When folded, the blinds can be cut perfectly with a knife in one movement.
There is tape glued to one of the edges of the blinds. The protective strip is removed and the product is attached. We attached the blinds to the glass itself. Because the material is light, the blinds hang like an accordion. Their bottom is attached with Velcro in the selected location, or remains in that position.
The only thing I didn't like was the label that was firmly sewn to the blinds. I had to work hard to get it off on the first product. By cutting the rest of the blinds, we were smarter. They just cut a strip without a label)
Now I’ll show you everything in practice. Our windows are mostly narrow and long. They all face the sunny side, so the sun wakes us up at 5-6 in the morning. After we attached the Shottis, sleep became more comfortable. Polyester does not protect 100% from bright light, but it diffuses it well. At the same time, the balcony began to look stylish!
Shottis blinds
We fixed the blinds with Velcro on the balcony and balcony door. I was worried that they wouldn't last long in the sun, but I was wrong. They have been reliably “holding” polyester for several months now.
And on the second balcony we fix the bottom of the blinds with plastic clips. This way you can adjust the length by pinching more or less fabric.
With the help of clips you can create an oriental flavor in the room. To do this, you need to secure the edges with a clamp. In general, there is room for creativity)