Description of roller blinds
Cassette roller blinds successfully replace ordinary heavy curtains. They fit into any interior, bring lightness, light and a sense of freedom to the room. Such window design options are suitable for a living room, kitchen or bedroom.
They will find their rightful place both in the office space and in the home office.
Advantages and disadvantages of cassette roller blinds
Cassette curtains differ significantly from traditional window decoration methods. Such curtains do not move apart, but are retracted into a special plastic box, where they curl up. Because of this box, cassette curtains differ from Roman ones.
The box is lightweight and fixed to the surface with double-sided tape. The fabric is lifted and lowered using a special mechanism. This design offers many advantages over conventional curtains.
Advantages of this type of curtain:
- Don't make the window heavy.
- They can be attached to any surface, including the frame and glass unit.
- Will not damage the surface of walls or ceilings
- Suitable for any size room.
- Visually increase the space in the room.
- They do not require special care, they can do without washing for a long time.
- Will not fade over time.
- With their help, you can adjust the shading of each opening separately.
- They transmit light well and scatter it.
- The fabric can be attached not only to a window, but also to a door with double-glazed windows.
- When air moves in the room, the canvas does not rise and does not interfere
- Products can even be installed on sloped windows.
Electric remote control can be provided in the design of the curtains. Thanks to this, you can raise and lower the curtain directly from the sofa or bed. Some models are even equipped with light sensors that adjust the automatic release of the shade depending on the intensity of the sun's rays.
However, these curtains are not suitable for windows with vents, since it will not be possible to open it after installing the box. Another disadvantage is that these curtains are difficult to wash. To do this, you need to completely disassemble the cassette and the closed mechanism.
Therefore, these curtains are not suitable for a small kitchen where the owners prepare fragrant food. Since the material will absorb odors, and then it will be difficult to remove them.
Varieties of cassette curtains
Cassette curtains consist of a box, a curtain that can be removed into it and a pull-out mechanism. Usually the mechanism is equipped with a chain that must be pulled to raise or lower the curtain. More advanced models are equipped with an electric drive and remote control.
Additional elements are also provided in the curtains - side rails, which guide and hold the fabric on the frame. This construction is called Uni.It is ideal for sloped windows or windows that need to be opened periodically.
There is a simpler option for hanging curtains - without guides. In this case, the fabric descends freely from the box. This model is called Mini. The curtains do not have any restrictions on the use of material. But traditionally light, delicate fabrics are chosen for them. Heavy panne velvet will look strange in this design.
Common material options for cassette curtains:
- Cotton.
- Linen cambric.
- Organza.
- Thin viscose.
- Silk.
At the same time, the fabric can only slightly shade the glass, letting in a large amount of sunlight, or it can be dense and completely hide the light. The choice of fabric depends on the direction of the window:
- For the east side, medium density material is suitable.
- For the southern one, it is better to choose a dense, light material with a special, reflective coating.
- For the north side, it is better to use light transparent options.
- For a western one, a light fabric is suitable.
Mini
The mini model is a simplified version of the roller blind. It can be equipped with a mini-cassette box, or it can be designed without it. If there is no box, then the shaft is open and the fabric is visible in a twisted state. Such a product does not have side guides.
It is easier to install, has a lower cost and weighs less than Uni curtains. This model has no width restrictions. It can be installed over the entire opening in several glasses, or it can be fixed separately on each frame.
With a wider model, you can visually enlarge the window and expand the room.
Uni 1
This is the most advanced version of cassette roller blinds with guides for plastic windows. It is equipped with side rails and is firmly attached to the frame. Compared to the Uni 2, this model has a flatter box and rails, which makes it better hidden in the window.
The parts of the mechanism are mounted directly to the glass unit between the glazing beads. In this case, it is important that the depth of the glazing beads is at least 10 mm so that the guides can fit into the glass unit. Uni 1 provides the best fabric-to-glass adhesion. That is, the curtain is completely hidden on the window and merges with it.
Because of this feature, the Uni 1 is not suitable for rooms with high humidity. Since the fabric will constantly stick to the glass and remain damp. Because of this, the fabric may deteriorate over time, and the structure may also become unusable.
Since the guides are mounted inside the frame, this option visually reduces the glass. But at the same time, when using this model, the frame has no restrictions on opening. It can be opened and closed freely.
Uni 2
The Uni 2 has a liner and a wider spring cassette and larger rails. It is installed not close to the glass, but on top of the glass unit. In this case, the depth of the glazing beads no longer matters. You can install such a model anywhere: on a window frame, in a window opening, on a ceiling or walls.
Because of this, the Uni 2 has a greater distance between the fabric and the glass. This can be useful if condensation often forms on the windows. Due to the large distance between the fabric and the glass, the material will be ventilated and dry.This will protect it from the appearance of fungus, and also preserve the lifting mechanism.
The springs in the cassette allow the curtains to rise faster. The lower strip of the curtain, which is a weighting agent, for the Uni 2 extends beyond the glass unit. And in case the lower part of the frame is not perfect, then the fabric will hide this flaw.
Since the guides extend beyond the glass unit, this type of curtain can be used to visually enlarge the window. However, this model reduces the amplitude of the window opening, since the upper box will abut against the window slope.
How to properly attach cassette roller blinds to plastic windows
Installing cassette blinds is much easier than a conventional curtain rod. They can be attached completely to double-sided tape, or fixed with self-tapping screws.
The Uni 1 model is mounted only on scotch tape, otherwise the fastening will break the tightness of the glass unit. If the Mini and Uni 2 designs are installed on a double-glazed unit, double-sided tape is also used. However, in this case, the weight of the curtains should be quite light, otherwise the fasteners may not be able to withstand.
Important! After installing the box and guides, it is necessary to carefully check the tightness of the parts to the window frame. If gaps appear, then over time, the part will move away from the glass unit.
Wider and heavier options are wall or ceiling mounted. In this case, the mechanism is fixed with self-tapping screws. The installation site is hidden by a box and special plugs. The side rails fit on double-sided tape and are securely fixed to a window or wall.
Advice. First, the product must be attached to the window, its exact location must be determined. In this case, it is necessary to use a level. Then, with a pencil, you need to mark the location of the object and the place for the screws. After that, holes are drilled and the mechanism is installed.
How to care for these curtains
Cassette curtains are easy to maintain. However, certain rules should be followed, which will allow the product to last longer.
These items are usually not washed. Otherwise, you will have to disassemble the cassette for this. The fabric is cleaned from dust and light dirt using a vacuum cleaner with a special small furniture brush. Stubborn dirt can be removed with an eraser, wet cloth or sponge.
If the dirt has to be washed away, then it is better to use a washing powder or dish detergent. First you need to wash the stain, and then walk all over the curtain. This will remove streaks from the fabric.
The box and guides also require maintenance. They, like the window frames, must be periodically cleaned with a detergent and a damp cloth. This will keep the curtains beautiful and stylish for a long time.
Video: installation of roller blinds