All about fabric roller blinds on internal and external windows

Fabric roller blinds are window protection from the sun. They are a fabric sheet wound onto a tubular shaft located at the top of the window. Today, this is the simplest, cheapest and most effective way to decorate windows and protect your home from the scorching sun.

Advantages of roller blinds on windows

Why do roller blinds, having appeared in Ancient Greece, remain popular in our time? The demand is explained by a number of advantages:

• High level of sound insulation, noise level is reduced by 20% or even 30%.
• Reliable protection against burglary. Solid roller shutters cannot be burglarized without a metal-cutting tool that creates a lot of noise. If desired, you can install an alarm.
• Aesthetic, attractive design. Manufacturers offer a wide range of solutions with a variety of colors and imitation structures.
• The ability to regulate the level of illumination by partially opening the roller shutters.

• Ease of use. You don't have to suffer for a long time to open fabric roller blinds. There are remote control options that can be controlled using a remote control.

How do roller blinds work?

Despite the fact that roller blinds have long been common in Russia, many do not know what they are and how they work. In fact, this device does not have a stable Russian name. They are called roller blinds, roller shutters, roller shutters, protective blinds, roller shutters, because they came to us from Germany.

The roller blind fabric consists of durable and flexible slats. You can unlock the shutter fabric with a cord and tape wire manually using a tape and cord. To lower the shutters, pull the tape (cord) down until the shutters are completely closed.

There are roller shutters with a crank drive. They are controlled by a plastic drive handle. Before work, it is necessary to unlock the protective blinds, the lock must be open.

Types of roller blinds

Today, there are different types of roller blinds on the market depending on their purpose and control method. But most of the varieties are distinguished based on the material used.

Based on the material they are made from, modern roller shutters are divided into 5 types.

Rolled fabric

They are a single piece of fabric twisted onto a shaft.

This version combines horizontal blinds and classic curtains. The mechanism can be cord, chain, or automatic. Special impregnation prevents the curtains from crumbling for many years.

Blackout

Blackout roller blinds are made of a special non-woven material that does not transmit light 100%. To create the appearance of the curtains, a material of white or as close to it as possible is used. The middle layer diffuses light, and 3 serves as a decorative finish. Blackout rollers on windows do not fade and do not tear.

Flax

Curtains made of natural linen are inexpensive, very wear-resistant, and do not require special care. This option lets in daylight well. They do not fade in the sun. The fabric of the curtains belongs to the budget category. Manufacturers promise exactly 50% darkening.

Polyester and viscose

This is a unique combination for creating protective blinds. The structure of the mix resembles rice parchment. ¾ of sunlight may not penetrate through such fabric. Protects the room from drafts.

Translucent roller blind

Today, a modern analogue of tulle. It holds no more than 25% of sunlight, leaving the ability to see the street. Consumers prefer to use it together with regular night curtains.

Types of fabric blinds by roller mechanism type

An important criterion when choosing an internal fabric roller shutter for windows is the roller mechanism. It most often determines the place of application of the fabric roller shutter.

Open design models

The first type does not have a box. At the base there is a roller on which the fabric is wound, as well as lower bars and guide mechanisms. All curtains of this type work the same way. Neither the shape of the bracket, nor the size of the roller or lower bar affect the operation.

The type of curtains is used more often in the house. It can advantageously emphasize the decor. It is especially liked to be used in kitchens or bedrooms to create a homey, cozy design.

Closed options

The closed type system has the same components, only a box is added to them, in which a roll of fabric is located. The advantage of the box is that it fixes the material and does not allow it to sag. This is especially true for use in an inclined window, when the fabric fits as closely as possible to it and does not deform.

Consumers prefer to use closed options on the outside of a house or apartment. They look good indoors in combination with modern styles and black shades.

Using roller blinds in the interior

More and more people today are abandoning classic curtains in favor of roller blinds. Such attention is due to the versatility of interior design.

In the living room, use fabric roller shutters on interior windows with caution. The main criterion for choosing is the combination with the main wall decoration. If the room is large enough, you can use protective curtains that contrast with the walls.

Day-night roller blinds are ideal for the living room. The alternation of contrasting stripes will be a winning accent in the living room interior.

If you still want to emphasize the windows, it is better to use natural and organic shades that will not irritate - cornflower blue, brown, green.

When choosing roller blinds for decorating a child’s room, follow 3 principles:

• practicality;
• aesthetics;
• safety and environmental friendliness.

Models impregnated with a special dust- and dirt-repellent composition meet these criteria. Children love to draw on all accessible and inaccessible surfaces. Roller blinds will not be an exception. It is the impregnation that will reduce their maintenance to a maximum.

As for the color, the principle of a regular bedroom remains the same. You should not choose irritating shades. It is better to choose a pastel color to match the tone of the wallpaper, or take a closer look at natural options.

Fabric curtains on the windows in the kitchen are a winning and practical option. Here you can go wild with color and experiment - choose shades to match the interior color, use more than 1 color. The structures in this part of the house are usually attached to the window frame to create additional space for equipment and household appliances.

If the owner or owner of the house cannot find the perfect woven roller shutters in the store, they can always be made according to an individual design. It will be a little more expensive, but the result will definitely please.

Installation of roller shutters

The services of a roller shutter installation specialist will not be cheap - from 2,000 rubles *prices are valid as of August 2019. It is much more profitable to mount the structure yourself. But is it possible to do it well? Experts say yes. The main thing is to follow the installation sequence and be careful.

Step-by-step plan for installing roller blinds:

1. Using a marker, mark the locations of future holes by hand. The distance between them should be no less than 40 centimeters. The first point is located 10 centimeters from the edge.
2. The marked places are drilled with a drill with a diameter of 8 millimeters.
3. The lid is attached to the main structure.
4. Make 2 holes on each side.
5. Create markings of the places where the box is fixed to the wall. In case of external installation, markings are placed on the side, in case of built-in installation - at the top.
6. They look at the frame against the wall and check the vertical and diagonal guides.
7. Using a marker, transfer the markings to the frame on the wall and drill holes in them.
8. Fasten the dowels. If necessary, make recesses at the bottom to secure the supporting elements.

Advantages and disadvantages of roller blinds

Fabric roller blinds on windows are just one of the ways to protect from the sun and prying eyes. There are other options on the market. In order for the consumer to choose the best method of protection, it is necessary to study all the advantages and disadvantages.

The pros and cons of roller blinds are as follows:

Roller shutters are a convenient and reliable protection of the house from the scorching sun. The structures are distinguished by high stability indicators and versatility in the interior. With the help of roller shutters, you can create a unique and harmonious design in any part of the house. The main thing is to follow the recommendations of specialists.