Traditional curtains and blinds had to make room, giving way to a new type of window design - roller blinds, which are also called fabric roller blinds. They successfully fit into different interiors, are laconic, attractive and functional. To choose roller blinds for plastic windows for each room in the apartment, you need to take a closer look at their types, types of fastening and the properties of the materials from which they are made.
Roller products originated from the famous Roman blinds, but made of modern materials, with an improved mechanism, they have become a new phenomenon in the design of window openings. Built-in devices raise and lower the roller blinds to any position, allowing you to adjust the light intensity.
Roller blinds, placed strictly according to the dimensions of a window opening or a separate double-glazed window, as in the photo, evoke associations with colored inserts.
Mounting methods
The size of the curtain is directly related to the parameters of the window opening and the configuration of the double-glazed window, so before going to the store you need to measure the window. The length is universal, usually does not exceed 1.8 m and is suitable for any configuration of PVC windows.
Curtains can be attached to the entire window at once - above the window opening or inside it. This is done when the sash does not open or is rarely used. But more often they are connected to each window sash autonomously, and this is one of the main features of such curtains. Let's look at several options for installing fabric roller blinds.
Control mechanisms
The mechanism of roller blinds is quite simple.
There are three control systems for roller blinds:
- Chain option. A cord or chain is attached to the canvas on either side of the lifting mechanism. The lifting height of the canvas is manually adjustable, and it is possible to lock it in the position you need.
- Spring mechanism. The system is mounted on the canvas from the bottom up and allows you to automatically fix the height of the canvas. The main disadvantage of this system is the fairly rapid wear of the spring. It has to be changed.
- Electric drive system. An ideal solution for windows located high up or for window openings in attic spaces. Although, in fairness, it is worth noting that such control also applies in the case of standard windows. Such roller blinds cost an order of magnitude higher, but provide maximum ease of control of the curtains.
"Open" mount
Everything is simple here:
- a shaft with fabric wound around it;
- mechanism that drives the shaft;
- bottom bar that performs the leveling function.
The size of the curtain, the diameter of the shaft, the shape and thickness of the strip may vary, but the principle of operation is the same. In this case, the fabric does not adhere tightly to the window glass, but the weighting material at the bottom of the curtain does not allow the fabric to sag.
Note! If the roller blind is attached over the window opening to avoid side gaps, it should be at least 10 cm wider than it.
The cost of such curtains in comparison with other varieties is relatively low.
Materials used for blinds
We have looked at all the options that blinds come in, now let’s talk about the materials from which these structures are made.
First of all, it is worth noting the main advantage: they are all impregnated with antistatic dust-repellent and water-repellent agents.
Thanks to this, caring for blinds is much easier - they do not deteriorate from heat and dampness, stains can be easily cleaned with a sponge and a vacuum cleaner.
- Plastic . Such curtains are universal - the slats close tightly, preventing light from entering, the material does not heat up and is easy to wash, and the blinds themselves look great with tulle and curtains. The color of the design can be different, and choosing a model that suits your interior will not be difficult. But there is also a minus - plastic is subject to fragility and deformation, so the cost of such blinds is relatively low.
- Aluminum . These blinds are good because they do not corrode, are quite durable, can be easily cleaned from stains and dust, are resistant to moisture and temperature changes, and look great in any interior. Among the disadvantages, it can be noted that the slats heat up in very hot weather, which is why the room becomes stuffy. Aluminum structures are often used in clinics, schools and kindergartens.
- Fabric blinds . As for these blinds, their main advantage is that they are not afraid of sunlight and do not fade. They are easy to clean (although caring for them takes a lot of time), fabric blinds are practical and decorate the room very beautifully. Thanks to this, as well as the variety of colors, fabric window structures are in high demand. But there is one drawback: they are expensive.
- Tree . This is a very impressive material, durable and lightweight, coated with a protective layer of varnish. Wooden blinds create a homely atmosphere in any room, bringing coziness and comfort. But, before purchasing wooden window structures, it is important to consider that such curtains are not recommended for use in the kitchen, especially close to the stove, since they do not tolerate moisture and quickly absorb grease and food aromas.
- Jacquard . We are talking about polyester fabric - a very dense and high-quality material. If we talk about appearance, jacquard blinds are multi-colored threads woven into a fabric fabric. Such structures are quite durable, ideal for plastic windows, and repel moisture and dust. Due to the fact that blinds are made from environmentally friendly materials, they are often purchased for children's rooms.
- Bamboo . This is a very light and at the same time durable material, resistant to moisture. Bamboo blinds are easy to clean, bring an atmosphere of comfort to the room, look very impressive in the interior and even, as they believe in eastern countries, absorb all the negative energy. The models can be anything, each of them will decorate the room. Of the minuses: bamboo blinds are not cheap.
Mini system
This is an improved and cheaper version of traditional roller blinds. Due to the compactness of the control unit and fixing components, such roller blinds are suitable for small windows. Controlled using a chain. Installation and dismantling takes literally a few minutes.
Which is cheaper?
It’s up to you to decide which is more convenient to use – classic blinds or roller blinds. Choose based on your financial capabilities, interior aesthetics, and personal taste. Roll structures are cheaper than, for example, their horizontal counterparts. If you plan to install blinds for a long time, without the desire to replace them, choose metal blinds - horizontal or vertical. If the appearance of spring is important to you, buy roller blinds.
We also recommend: What types of balcony blinds are there and which ones are best to choose?
The price for horizontal aluminum blinds with a width of 50 cm starts, on average, from 750 rubles, plastic blinds with a width of 80 cm - from 500 rubles. Plain roller blinds with a height of 160 cm cost from 350 rubles. Reviews on the Internet unanimously speak in favor of roller blinds - they are cheaper and more economical.
Cassette roller blinds
Cassette curtains are equipped with a decorative box, masking the shaft. The kit contains side rails that act as guides for the canvas. They help the curtain fit tightly to the window and prevent light from entering from the side cracks.
The main advantage: the window opens unhindered. An additional plus is the free surface of the window sill.
Some cassette roller blinds have a spring device that regulates the length of the panel. They are usually installed on roof windows to keep the canvas taut. The mechanism can be controlled either manually or using a remote control. This is especially convenient when the windows are located high.
Such a system is in many ways superior to an open one; it is more beautiful, more practical, but costs more.
Helpful advice. When buying cassette curtains, they look not only at the color of the curtains, but also at the color of the box. It’s good when it matches the tone of the window frame.
Advantages and disadvantages
Let's take a closer look at the strengths of roller blinds.
- Unlike the beloved blinds, thanks to the range of colors and textures of roller blinds, you can effectively decorate a window opening in any design project.
- The window takes on a finished look, roller blinds look very impressive.
- They take up minimal space, which means that even in small rooms there is room for such a stylish window opening design.
- Simple and convenient controls allow you to “open” the windows as much as you need. A regular chain or an electric drive does not matter.
- Thanks to the excellent combination with curtains, you can not only regulate the flow of light, but also create interesting color schemes.
- An excellent option for roller blinds is roller blinds with a colored frame.
- The canvas is treated with a special compound, thanks to which dust and dirt do not accumulate on the surface. This means that if you don’t want to spend a lot of time on washing and ironing, it is better to give preference to roll options. Many manufacturers today even offer fire-resistant roll sheets.
- Easy to install. Often, roller blinds can be attached without even using a drill and screws.
- Long period of operation.
Roller blinds are compact, efficient and convenient.
Of course, there are some shortcomings, and although they are very conditional, they still exist. First of all, this is the failure of the mechanism in cheap models. And, as a result, the second “minus” is the high cost of roller blinds from trusted brands.
Lovolight system
Louvolite roller blinds are designed for large windows. They are fixed under the ceiling and unfolded to the floor. Reliable components allow you to decorate panoramic windows with such curtains up to 7 m wide and 6 m high. Lovolight roller blinds are sold with both an open shaft and one hidden in a box. Remote control option available. They are most often installed in offices and store windows.
Typical mistakes when ordering blinds
Deputy General Director Alexander Kalashnikov:
– The most common mistake, or more precisely negligence, is when people confuse width with height. This happens if a person takes measurements independently.
And although our order form says in black and white: width___, length___, customers still manage to enter width instead of length and vice versa.
Only after coming home and placing the finished blinds on the window does the buyer realize that he made a mistake and comes back to us. If we can fix something, of course we do it. For example, we add several slats, and the client pays extra for them. If nothing can be fixed, you have to complete the order again and, of course, pay again. So be extremely careful when filling out the documents.
Another rather “popular” mistake: a person wants to hang blinds inside a window opening, but forgets to subtract 1.5 - 2 cm from the height of the opening. As a result, the cornice simply does not fit there, and the alteration entails additional difficulties and costs.
Therefore, we advise you not to refuse to have a specialist visit your home. A professional will competently take measurements, tell you which blinds are best to choose, and then install them. In this case, he is fully responsible for his work during the entire warranty period, and you only accept it.
Source: proma.ru
"Day Night"
Among the latest successful developments in the field of sun protection systems is a double roller blind, which harmoniously combines the advantages of roller blinds and blinds. It consists of 2 parallel canvases, in which transparent and opaque stripes of equal width alternate in succession.
Lightproof elements consist of dense natural and synthetic materials. Light-transmitting areas are made of tulle, organza, fine mesh or veil. The strips are connected to each other thermally and treated with Teflon impregnation, which provides dust-repellent and antistatic properties. Such curtains can have both open and cassette roller systems.
When the control chain moves, the transparent and opaque strips change their position relative to each other:
- when transparent areas coincide, the room is illuminated as much as possible;
- if the coincidence is not complete, a pleasant twilight appears;
- when covered with dense strips of transparent, the window ceases to be a source of street light.
Description
These curtains got their name because of their unusual twisting mechanism. In the “folded” state, the curtains are a roll and occupy a minimum of space. By the way, determining the width of the canvas needed for your windows is not difficult at all: you need to add three centimeters to the width of the glass unit.
Each curtain has a different rolling mechanism.
The design consists of a piece of fabric (bamboo or paper) and a shaft on which the fabric is wound. The mechanism allows you to lower or raise the curtain to any height and fix the selected position. There are two types of roller curtains: open and closed.
Roller blinds can be matched to almost any interior.
Open ones are cheaper and are considered a lightweight design. For a budget price, you get a shaft with a diameter of 19 to 45 mm, on which the fabric is wound during operation.
Closed models (also called box models) are a cassette system that guarantees maximum protection from sunlight thanks to guides that are attached to the sides with glazing beads.
The winding/unwinding mechanism is the main element in the design of roller blinds.
The variety of designs and different fabrics used for roller blinds makes curtains a very functional element of the interior. This window design allows you to provide light twilight, complete darkness or an unlimited flow of sunlight.
How to hang: video
Hanging roller blinds is easy if you familiarize yourself with the simple technology. Before installation, the kit is pre-assembled and fasteners are prepared. The device is mounted with self-tapping screws or PVC brackets. Places for drilling are chosen carefully so as not to touch the important structures of the glass unit with the drill.
Or you can do without a drill: there are roller blinds that are secured with double-sided tape or special brackets. For the latter, you need to choose a model with corner hooks that are hung from above on the opening sash. The swing-out part is equipped with a magnetic system that ensures guaranteed fixation of the device.
But installation using self-tapping screws is, of course, more reliable. Usually, the purchase comes with instructions that will help you assemble and install a new roller blind without calling a technician. The following video will clearly introduce you to the process.
Tips for choosing the right light control blinds
After familiarizing yourself with the main types and descriptions of blinds, you need to determine the following nuances:
- Window type and fastening method. It is better to attach roller blinds or cassette systems to the sash for plastic windows. The optimal method of fixation is the method without drilling, using double-sided tape or brackets. Roll, cassette or horizontal structures can be installed on a loggia or balcony. This will save usable space and ensure comfortable operation.
- Control type. Easy access to the sash should be provided for manual control. If the frames are placed high, it is better to choose electronic control.
- Appearance. The color of the blinds is selected in accordance with the decor of the room. Don’t forget about the differences in window design for offices, kitchens and living spaces.
- Price. You should determine in advance the allocated budget for purchasing curtains.
Care
Although roller blinds are impregnated with a solution that maintains its original shape and protects from dirt, they also require care. It can’t be called complicated, but there are certain rules:
- Regular washing is contraindicated, especially if the fabric is 100% natural. To avoid damaging the special impregnation, use soft sponges and neutral detergents.
- A washing machine is categorically not acceptable.
- Wet cleaning or washing should be the last resort when dry treatment does not help. Often, a regular eraser can remove stains.
- Products must not be folded or bent.
- Curtains are not hung to dry; this is the cause of creases.
- Solvents, bleaches and other aggressive agents are prohibited.
When preparing food or doing any other work where there is a risk of contamination, it is preferable to roll up the curtain.
The best manufacturers
The list of the best, according to buyers, manufacturers of roller blinds includes the following companies:
- Cosiness. A large Russian company producing curtains, blinds and cornices, operating on the market for more than 30 years. Users note the regular updating of the assortment, the variety of materials used, and the versatility of the products.
- A domestic company whose history began more than 25 years ago. PRiS roller blinds occupy a special place in the products offered to customers.
- ISOTRA. A Czech company founded in 1992. The use of modern technologies, innovative solutions, as well as the high quality of manufactured products contributed to the development of the company and the growing popularity of its products.
- This Russian manufacturer offers customers a wide range of window decorations with various fastening mechanisms and low light transmission.
- DELFA. A joint Belarusian-German enterprise specializing in window decoration products, the high quality of which has been repeatedly confirmed.
- The company is a manufacturer of various types of curtains and has a rich assortment, which allows almost everyone to find what they need.
- Escar. The company specializes in the manufacture of window decoration products. Constant updating of the material for canvases, a wide selection of product sizes, contributes to the growing popularity of this brand’s products on the market.
Living room
Such curtains are popular with people who prefer simplicity in their design. However, they find application in any style:
- a high-tech room looks organic with roller blinds the color of wet asphalt, as well as white and black;
- minimalism will require only a hint of color;
- Japanese style in the living room assumes natural tones of green and brown; bamboo roller blinds are organic here;
- modern and pop art require bright roller blinds;
- In a classic or English style interior, roller blinds alone are not enough; they are supplemented with tulle or traditional thick curtains.
When the window is oriented to the north, curtains in warm pastel colors would be a suitable option. Northern windows are well decorated with golden, fawn, and yellow colors. For a brightly lit room, curtains in cool shades are suitable.
A few more tips:
- The size of the room influences the choice of curtain color. Roller blinds, the color of which matches the color of the walls, will help to visually expand the space of the living room.
- Bright drawings can revive a dull interior. Products with photo printing are in demand.
- A memorable design effect is achieved by matching patterns on curtains and sofa cushions.
According to light transmission criteria, day-night curtains that regulate the natural light of the room are considered optimal in the living room.
Location options
It's always good to have more than one option. In the case of the arrangement of roller blinds, there can be at least four such options. The choice of location of curtains is influenced by several criteria: the design of the curtain itself, the size of the window, design features, and simply personal preferences.
Roller blinds and Roman blinds are very similar in appearance, but differ in the opening mechanism.
So, options for placing roller blinds:
- Wall above the window. This is an ideal way to place curtains for small windows and when there is no window sill. It is better to give preference to a long cornice, and then visually the window will appear larger.
- Ceiling. This is also an option for small window openings.
- Window hole. If you are looking for an option for office windows, or for sliding structures, then take a closer look at this particular option for placing roller blinds. You will have the opportunity to completely close the window opening; you will not have to use additional tulle. The result is a stylish and functional window design.
- Frame. A window that is too wide or a window opening that is too deep are “indications” for installing roller blinds on the frame. As a result, you get a free window sill and a harmoniously designed window. By the way, fastening to the frame is also ideal when the sashes are solid and you don’t have to open and close the window or window.
- Casement windows. In this case, roller shutters are attached to the opening windows. Most often, such fasteners are used when the window is additionally decorated with tulle, although this is not necessary. These “mini” models are very similar to regular blinds, but are much more practical in operation.
Bedroom
In a place where everything is set up for productive relaxation, thick reflective curtains that can completely or partially shade the room will be suitable. Light-proof blackout curtains are indispensable in the bedrooms of people who, due to working at night, have to shift sleep to daytime.
Flashy colors are not desirable in the bedroom. Here it is better to choose a calm palette: pearl, sand, peach, golden tones.
When choosing a tone, you should pay attention to the shades of grass and summer foliage. Green is the color of peace; curtains of this color in the bedroom will be the right solution.
Types of curtains depending on the type of pattern
According to this characteristic, curtains are divided into 2 types:
- plain
- with drawings
As the names suggest, plain curtains have one color or shade, while the second type is presented in a huge variety, from children's cartoon characters to ornate patterns and exquisite weaves. Plain fabrics are most often combined with tulles, and fabrics with patterns are chosen to highlight them, without other curtains, tulles, etc.
Children's room
The disadvantage of traditional fabric curtains in the nursery is the long ends, which, with restless inhabitants, sometimes even lead to the breakage of the cornice and other unpleasant consequences. They also collect dust.
Roller curtains do not have such disadvantages. Dirt-repellent impregnation reliably guards cleanliness. In addition, antistatic and even antibacterial impregnations are used for roller blinds. They also make it easy to adjust the light mode.
One more nuance: from an early age, a little person gets acquainted with the advantages of technological solutions, and by independently controlling the degree of opening of the blinds, he becomes familiar with the basics of choosing the right options.
For the nursery they choose a bright, positive palette that lifts the mood. It is recommended to avoid color dissonance: excessive diversity is tiring. It is better to choose a curtain color that matches the shade of the wallpaper.
You shouldn’t settle for blue or red: the first can cause a depressive mood, the second – aggression. Green, yellow, pink, blue tones, geometric or floral patterns are desirable. Children like curtains with cartoon characters, pets, and their own photographs. Now it is possible to order a roll of canvas with a self-selected image that will please the child.
Roller blinds in the kitchen
Housewives who have already tried similar curtains on their kitchen windows unanimously note that they are much less dirty and dusty. They are convenient to use, easy to care for, and at the same time, they are not inferior to traditional curtains in their ability to create a cozy environment.
The most suitable fabrics here are synthetic fabrics, which are easier to maintain attractiveness in kitchen conditions, although cotton, linen and even silk are appropriate. The main thing is that the material has a special impregnation that repels dust and prevents fading.
Plus, fabrics for roller blinds are also treated with fire-resistant compounds, and this is a serious advantage over flammable curtains. They are compact, so in small kitchen spaces such a curtain is a real treasure.
The kitchen requires light and optimistic color solutions. When choosing, you must take into account the size of the room and the style in which the furniture is made. This is not difficult to do, since the range of roller blinds is designed for all occasions.
Models for different rooms
No one will argue with the fact that interior design largely depends on the purpose of the room.
Office. The best option is closed roller blinds, the color scheme of which will match (or harmonize) with the decoration of the walls and pieces of furniture. Give preference to calm, discreet shades. Well, green color in all its forms is not only pleasing to the eye, but also helps relieve fatigue.
For the office, choose standard curtain colors.
Conference hall. Another specific room that requires special design of window openings. Typically, models are selected that can provide complete protection from light, the so-called “black-out” curtains. The main feature of such roller shutters is their opaque fabric.
Living room with home cinema. Black-out canvases will provide an invaluable service in this case as well. Since complete darkness is required for comfortable watching movies, roller blinds with opaque fabrics and a convenient location on the window itself will come in handy.
Dark curtains are often chosen for a bright living room.
Children's room. If the interior is decorated in ethno style, choose bamboo roller blinds. In addition to the fact that the model will ideally complement the decoration of the room, its main advantage is environmental friendliness, which is especially important for rooms where children spend a lot of time.
