Roller Blinds: 2020 Guide

Finding the perfect roller blind for your home can be a mission in itself without the proper knowledge to support the quest. Armed with knowledge about blinds and Melbourne, this article will make this task easier.

Melbourne, situated on the east coast of Australia, is a bustling city. This city is subject to varied weather patterns, including hot, humid, cold, and wet. In order to maximise the benefits of the weather to a Melbournian home, roller blinds can be included in a home. Here is some critical information to get you started. 

Roller Blind Options

Sunscreen Roller Blinds 

Sunscreen roller blinds are designed to maximise light whilst reducing the number of harmful UV rays that enter a window. In addition to this, they are great for reducing glare. Due to these features, Sunscreen Roller Blinds do well in rooms where glare and protection are factors, such as theatre rooms and studies. 

photo fo sunscreen roller blinds

Blockout Roller Blinds

Following their namesake, blockout blinds do just that – block out. When installed correctly, blockout blinds have the potential to almost completely eliminate the light entering a room via a window. This means blockout blinds are great for rooms where you want to be able to exert 99% control over the amount of light entering. This could be rooms such as bedrooms or theatre rooms. 

photo of blockout blinds

Translucent Roller Blinds

Translucent roller blinds, unlike many other blinds, are not really designed to let light in, but more control privacy. These types of blinds are also called privacy blinds. Translucent roller blinds do well in rooms where privacy from the outside of the room (such as a front room with a street view) may be compromised. 

image of transulcent roller blinds in Melbourne

Dual Roller Blinds

Dual roller blinds as their name would suggest, comprise of a double-blind system, allowing them to perform more than one function. These blinds have both a translucent layer to allow light and privacy, as well as the blockout layer for when darkness is required. These blinds can be used in any room. 

photo of dual roller blinds example

Roller Blind Operation Choice

Roller blinds are operated by a pulley system that raises and lowers the blinds. These can be both manual and automatic. The manual pulley system uses cords to roll the blinds up and down and is required to be operated by pulling the cord one way or another. The manual method of operation is a much more cost-effective option, however, can pose a safety risk of entanglement and strangulation, particularly with children and pets. 

The more expensive yet safer option is that of automatic roller blinds. Blinds can be automated by installing a motor that mechanises the pulley system. This will enable blinds to be raised and lowered at the push of a button.  

What Are Pelmets? 

Pelmets are a window trimming that is installed to hide the window fitting. Traditionally, these can be in the form of a drape or box that is mounted onto a wooden board secured to the wall. Although they are not an essential item, they can provide a more sophisticated finish to window trimmings as they would hide the roll of the blind at the top of the window. Additionally, pelmets are highly customisable and can provide added flair to any window. 

photo of pelmets

Conclusion

There are varying types of roller blinds available, each suited to a different function and therefore, room. These were discussed as Sunscreen, Translucent and Blockout. Fitted with the appropriate mode of operation, these can either be tailored for cost-effectiveness or ease of use. 

As was further demonstrated these can be further customised through the stylisation of the window treatment using pelmets. Armed with this knowledge, you are now well-positioned in finding and buying the perfect blinds for your Melbourne Oasis.