Detailed description of roller blinds
Beauty and comfort, style and functionality are all about them, about roller blinds. There is hardly any other model of curtains that could combine all these qualities.
What types of roller blinds are there? Which model is right for your space?
Description
These curtains got their name because of the unusual twisting mechanism. When folded, the curtains are a roll and take up a minimum of space. By the way, it is not difficult to determine the width of the canvas required for your windows: you need to add three centimeters to the width of the glass unit.
The structure consists of a piece of fabric (bamboo or paper) and a shaft on which the web 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 curtains: open and closed.
Open ones are cheaper and are considered lightweight construction. For a budgetary cost, you get a shaft with a diameter of 19 to 45 mm, on which the web 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 on the glazing beads.
The variety of designs and different fabrics used for the fabric of roller blinds make the curtains a very functional element of the interior. Such a design of windows allows you to provide light twilight, complete blackout or an unlimited flow of sunlight.
Control mechanisms
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 curtain is manually adjusted, it is possible to fix it in the position you need.
- Spring mechanism. The system is mounted on the curtain from the bottom up and allows you to automatically fix the height of the curtain lifting. The main disadvantage of this system is the rather quick wear of the spring. It has to be changed.
- Electric drive system. Ideal for high-rise windows or for window openings in roof spaces. Although, in fairness, it should be noted that this control is also applied in the case of standard windows. Such roller blinds are an order of magnitude higher, but provide maximum ease of control of the canvases.
Fabric for roller blinds
Curtain models also differ depending on the fabric used for the curtains.
- Transparent. Suitable option for interior decoration. They go well with curtains or tulle.
- Dimaut. An unusual fabric that results from a complex weave on two sides. Thanks to such canvases, you can create a pleasant twilight, as the fabric beautifully diffuses light.
- "Black - out".This fabric has a characteristic feature - acrylic impregnation, as a result, the canvas becomes as if rubberized. Thanks to this, roller blinds reliably protect from light and provide complete darkness in the room.
- "Day Night". A very versatile model, transparent and matte stripes alternate on the canvas. Depending on the degree of displacement, there is either a lot of light in the room, or a slight twilight, or complete darkness.
Location options
It's always good to have more than one option. In the case of the location of roller blinds, there can be at least four such options. Several criteria affect the choice of the location of the curtains: the design of the curtain itself, the size of the window, design features, and just personal preferences.
So, the options for the location of the roller blind:
- Wall above the window. This is an ideal way of placing 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. It 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 option for the location of the roller blind. 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. Too wide a window, or too deep a window opening are "indications" for mounting a roller blind 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 in the case when the sashes are deaf, and you do not have to open and close a window or window.
- Window sashes. 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. Such models "mini" are very reminiscent of ordinary blinds, but in operation they are much more practical.
Mounting methods
In order to do the installation yourself, you will not need extra knowledge and super skills. The process is simple, it just has a number of nuances that are worth paying attention to.
Installation of closed-type roller blinds
The fastening of closed-type roller blinds has a number of features. You will have to fasten not only the brackets, but also the box and the guides. It is worth resorting to using scotch tape.
The process consists of the following steps:
- Checking the roll curtains serviceability, availability of all components of the kit. If the curtains are sunscreens, they are usually sold pre-assembled.
- Degreasing surfaces. This ensures a good hold. Alcohol is used for degreasing.
- "Fitting" of the structure, marking. First of all, check that the length of the guides is sufficient for you. If necessary, the guides can be reduced with an ordinary breadboard knife. Mark the location of the guides with a pencil.
- "Fitting" the box. We install it according to the standards of the guides. After that, be sure to check the correctness of the mechanism. Finally, we make marks for the fasteners.
- We fix the box and guides. To do this, we make holes for self-tapping screws with a drill and fasten the structure. Stick the tape on the guides, remove the protective film on the other side and reinstall it. Finally, cover the sides of the box with protective covers.
Spring bracket mounting
If you do not want to "perforate" a double-glazed window, then you can attach roller blinds to a spring bracket.It is ideal for opening sashes.
First, unpack the curtain and fully assemble it following the manufacturer's instructions. Now you should "try on" the structure on the window. The canvas must be placed exactly in the middle. Use a building level for maximum accuracy. Mark the installation locations of the brackets with a pencil.
We hang the brackets on the sash. Now we put the side covers on them and install the shaft with the cloth.
Fastening to a blind sash with tape
This method is a lot like mounting on a spring bracket. The main difference is in the use of double-sided tape. Thanks to it, a more reliable fixation of the structure to the frame is provided.
And again, first of all, we assemble the structure and outline the place for installing the brackets. Now we degrease the surfaces and attach the Velcro to the brackets. We remove the protective film and attach the brackets to the sash, slightly pressing down to ensure a secure fit. Finally, we put on the protective covers and insert the curtains.
How to choose mounts
Three criteria influence the choice:
- Dimensions of the room, curtains, window openings. If the room is small, then it is better to mount it to the wall above the window or to the ceiling.
- If you have just installed plastic bags, you should not make a sieve out of them using self-tapping screws. It is better to give preference to mini-models that adhere perfectly to the window due to adhesive tape.
- If we are talking about fastening large structures with considerable weight, then you will have to forget about spring brackets and scotch tape. Such models should be fixed on self-tapping screws, and, unfortunately, holes in plastic windows cannot be avoided.
Advantages and disadvantages
Let's dwell on the strengths of roller blinds.
- Unlike the blinds loved by many, thanks to the assortment of colors and textures of rolled canvases, 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 a minimum of space, which means that even in small rooms there is a place for such a stylish design of a window opening.
- Simple and convenient control allows you to "open" the windows as much as you need. Regular chain or electric drive - it does not matter.
- Thanks to the perfect combination with curtains, you can not only regulate the flow of light, but also create interesting color schemes.
- A great option for roller blinds is roller shutters with a colored frame.
- The canvas is treated with a special compound, due to which dust and dirt do not accumulate on the surface. This means that if you do not want to spend a lot of time washing and ironing, it is better to give preference to the roll options. Many manufacturers today even offer refractory roll cloths.
- Ease of installation. Often, roller blinds can be attached without even using a drill and self-tapping screws.
- Long period of operation.
Of course, there were some drawbacks, and although they are very conditional, they still have a place to be. First of all, this is the failure of the mechanism of cheap models. And, as a result, the second "minus" is the high cost of roller blinds from trusted brands.
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 wall decoration and furniture. Give preference to calm, discreet shades. Well, green in all its forms is not only pleasing to the eye, but also helps to relieve fatigue.
Conference hall.Another specific room that needs a special design for window openings. Usually, models are chosen that can provide complete protection from light, the so-called black-out curtains. The main feature of these roller shutters is the opaque fabric.
Living room with home theater. In this case, black-out canvases will provide invaluable service. Since complete darkness is required for comfortable viewing of films, roller blinds with opaque canvases and a convenient location on the window itself will come in handy.
Children's room. If the interior is decorated in ethnic style, choose bamboo roller blinds. In addition to the fact that the model ideally complements the decoration of the room, its main advantage is environmental friendliness, which is especially important for rooms in which children spend a lot of time.
Choosing a color
When choosing the color of roller blinds, be sure to take into account the shade of the wall decoration and, in general, the color scheme that prevails in the room. If you want to make the curtains accent, it is not at all necessary to choose the color "pluck out your eyes", it is enough to take a slightly lighter or darker shade in comparison with the general color scheme.
If the walls are patterned, then let the curtains be monochromatic, this will also become a kind of accent in the interior. Another way to draw attention to window openings is to choose different canvases for the sashes, especially if the window is large and has three sashes: one color in the center and another on the sides. It is the roller blinds that allow you to beat the window opening in this way.
When it comes to decorating a bedroom or study, give preference to calm pastel colors. For a nursery or living room, more active color solutions are also quite suitable. To create a harmonious interior, there is an unspoken rule: if the walls are decorated with a pattern, then it is better to use plain roller blinds for window openings, and vice versa, with plain walls, it is better to choose canvases with a pattern.
Recently, more and more designers are choosing white for interior decoration. In this case, the curtains must be colored, otherwise it will create the feeling of a hospital room or office. And colored (or patterned) rolled canvases will give the room a finished look, refresh it.
It is better to refuse curtains, the pattern of which duplicates your wallpaper. Believe me, no interior has ever been decorated with such “oil-oil”.
To make the room appear wider, choose translucent fabrics, or canvases with a longitudinal pattern. And to visually add height - vertical ornaments or stripes.
For windows on the north side, tones of gold, cream and yellow are preferred. And for the southern windows, blue-green, gray and blue canvases will be a worthy addition. Thanks to them, on a hot day, you can feel freshness and coolness.
Roller blinds have appeared in our everyday life relatively recently, but have already become universal "favorites". What else does a modern housewife need: ease of use, minimal time and effort required for maintenance, as well as functionality and a stylish look. The abundance of color solutions and ease of installation are a couple more "pluses" for roller blinds.
Video: UNI-1 roller blind review