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Author: anam

A Complete Buyer’s Guide to Roller Blinds

Posted on by anam
roller blinds

Roller blinds, or as some folks call them, Holland blinds, are super popular in Australia for a bunch of reasons. They’re easy to use, stylish, and fit almost any budget. Plus, they’re sleek, only need one piece of fabric to cover your window, and come with neat options like motor-free or kid-friendly controls.

Picking the perfect roller blinds is well worth investing time in. You’ve got to think about what works best for your space. The colour and how much light you want filtering through are big decisions. They set the stage for customising your blinds to fit your home just right. Before you dive in, here are a few things to consider.

Types of Roller Blinds

Chain

Chain-operated roller blinds offer a blend of traditional functionality and modern elegance, making them a perfect choice for those who appreciate a hands-on approach to home décor. 

These blinds provide precise control over light and privacy with just a simple pull of the chain, allowing for easy adjustments to create the perfect ambience in any room.

Ideal for those who value both simplicity and reliability, chain-operated blinds stand out with their user-friendly design and durable construction. 

Whether you’re updating your living space or completing a room’s look, these blinds add a timeless touch to your windows, combining convenience with style.

Cordless

Cordless roller blinds are the epitome of modern simplicity and safety, making them an excellent choice for families and minimalist enthusiasts alike.

With a clean, streamlined appearance, these blinds eliminate the need for chains or cords, offering a clutter-free look and reducing hazards in homes with children and pets. 

The innovative, user-friendly design allows for effortless operation with just a gentle push or pull on the bottom of the blind, making adjusting light and privacy levels a breeze. 

Perfect for adding a contemporary touch to any space, cordless roller blinds provide a practical, stylish, and safe window covering solution that effortlessly complements your home’s design.

Motorised

Motorised roller blinds represent the pinnacle of comfort and technological advancement in window furnishings.

Perfect for the tech-savvy homeowner or anyone looking to add a touch of luxury and convenience to their living space, these blinds can be adjusted with the simple click of a button. 

Whether it’s through a remote control, a smartphone app, or even voice commands with smart home systems, controlling the light and privacy in your home has never been easier.

Motorised blinds eliminate the need for manual adjustments, making them ideal for hard-to-reach windows or for adding that modern, sophisticated edge to your home décor. 

Embrace the future of home comfort with motorised holland blinds, where elegance meets effortless control.

Roller Blind Options

Blockout

Blockout roller blinds are commonly installed in rooms that require total blackout such as the bedrooms. This type of holland blind guarantees your privacy in addition to blocking out any sunlight or streetlight that may attempt to filter through the window fabric.

Light Filter

These allow filtered sunlight into the room. They are best described as a middle-ground between a sunscreen fabric and a blackout fabric. They are commonly installed in dining rooms, kitchens and living rooms.  Some don’t mind installing them in the bathrooms and bedrooms especially if they don’t require complete blackout.

Sunscreen

Sunscreen roller blinds are ideal for rooms that require a good amount of illumination, and little to no privacy. They are commonly installed in studies and living rooms due to their ability to allow a filtered amount of sunlight into the rooms. They are known for creating pleasant, ambient looks.

 

Day & Night

Also referred to as double roller blinds, day & night roller blinds are the best way of combining the best of two worlds. They are made from a combination of a sunscreen fabric that filters a considerable amount of sun rays during the day, and a blackout fabric that completely shields the room from any streetlight or car headlights during the night.

Double roller blinds offer you the best of two worlds, allowing you to use a pair of roller blinds interchangeably.

They are ideal for offering complete privacy during the night or even day, and allowing a controlled amount of sunlight into the room.

double roller blinds

Good to Know...

– Roller blinds are on either a reverse or standard roll. The fabric on the reverse roll (front roll) rolls away from the window on the front side of the tube, while the fabric on the standard roll (back roll) rolls against the window on the back side of the tube.

– The customisation options on Holland blinds is unlimited, ranging from their bracket colour, rail colour, chain position and chain designs. This makes it possible to come up with one that suits your needs and preferences.

1. Is there a warranty included with Holland blinds (roller blinds)?

We’re quite proud of this one. 

Our roller blinds are all made in our own local factory. Which means we can fearlessly stand behind their quality and standards. 

In turn, in an industry first, our Holland blinds (roller blinds) come with a lifetime warranty. 

2. Can I choose the fabric roll for Holland blinds?

You absolutely can. Simply refer to the information above on reverse and standard rolls for a better idea on what you might want. 

3. What are Holland blinds?

Holland blinds and roller blinds are the same thing, just different names.

roller blinds

4. What is the maximum width available for roller blinds?

We can go up to a maximum of 3400mm. For anything larger, we advise opting for ‘linked blinds’.

5. What are the available styles of Holland blinds?

The available styles of Holland blinds are blockout, sunscreen, light filtering, or double Holland blinds.

6. Are Holland blinds easy to operate?

Yes, since Holland blinds are the same as roller blinds, they’re easy to use. If manual, just pull the chain to adjust the blind to the height you want.

Cleaning & Maintenance

The cleaning methods for roller blinds is the same, regardless of whether it is motorised, cordless or chained.

  1. Use a microfibre cloth or a feather duster to gently duster the chain (if applicable), the front, back and brackets. A regular dusting prolongs its life by preventing dust build up that usually interferes with its operating mechanism.
  2. To get rid of stains on the fabric, use a mixture of warm water and washing liquid. Gently dab a damp sponge till the stain is removed. Avoid bleaching chemicals as they may cause a discolouration of the blind fabric.
  3. For a thorough cleaning, use a soft brush, such as the one on the head of a vacuum cleaner, to gently brush your Holland blind fabric.

Measuring for Roller Blinds

There are two ways to go about this. One is, to do it yourself. The other is to do it our way, which is to have a professional team come lend a hand. 

The good thing with this is that there’s always someone to back you post-installation if you need help. Also, you get to pick the brains of experienced, knowledgeable individuals, which is invaluable. 

All things considered, we do recommend calling in the big guns, just to make life that little bit easier.

Summing Up...

In wrapping up our exploration of roller blinds, we want to spotlight a noteworthy innovation that hasn’t been mentioned yet, but deserves attention – perfect fit roller blinds.

This unique option offers a streamlined solution that marries simplicity with elegance.

Unlike traditional blinds, perfect fit roller blinds are designed to seamlessly integrate into your window frame without the hassle of drilling or using screws. This clever design not only makes installation a breeze, but also ensures a flawless look that complements any interior design scheme.

Perfect fit roller blinds stand out for their ability to offer both functionality and aesthetic appeal.

They come in a wide array of materials, colours, and patterns, allowing for a personalised touch that can match any décor style. Whether your home sports a modern, minimalist look or a more classic, cosy feel, these blinds can enhance your space without overpowering it.

Their ease of use and neat appearance make them an excellent choice for anyone looking to upgrade their window coverings with something that combines practicality with polish.

perfect fit roller blinds

So when deciding between normal roller blinds and perfect fit roller blinds for your space, consider both functionality and aesthetics.

Normal roller blinds offer simplicity and versatility, making them suitable for a wide range of window sizes and room styles. They’re easy to install and can be adjusted to various levels of light and privacy. On the other hand, perfect fit roller blinds provide a sleek, tailored look as they fit neatly into the window frame, eliminating gaps and reducing light leakage. They’re ideal for conservatories, doors, and tilt and turn windows where a flush finish is desired.

Both options have their advantages, but your choice should ultimately align with your specific needs, window types, and design preferences to enhance your living or working environment.

Blockout Curtains: Why You Need Them In Your Home

Posted on by anam

Are you having trouble sleeping at night because of the extra lighting outside? Does your natural lighting create a glare on your television and computers? Do you want to reduce your room’s heat in the summer? Do you wish to save up on your energy bills? If you answer yes to any of these questions, then you should consider some Blockout/Blackout Curtains.

Special curtains like Blockout/Blackout Curtains actually do not differ much from your standard polyester and cotton curtains. The difference lies in their special coated fabric – Blockout/Blackout Curtains have a special coating of acrylic or liquefied rubber. The number of layers can sometimes differ – the more coats of rubber there are, the more opaque the curtain and the greater blockout/blackout capacity the coated fabrics has. For you, that means a greater insulation capacity and guaranteed privacy – as no light is going to pass through a coated fabric!

Ordinary Curtains vs. Blockout/Blackout Curtains

We’ll be honest – the difference is pretty much chalk and cheese. Ordinary and uncoated fabrics might be lighter to touch and easier to wash and maintain, but that’s about it. While they’ll help to minimise light and heat from getting through to your living spaces, blockout/blackout curtains do the same job to a far greater extent. Their increased fabric thickness means that they can completely absorb light and heat, giving you maximum protection from bothersome glare, light, and heat. But hey, let’s break down the bonuses a little bit further:

Benefits of Blockout/Blackout Curtains

Here are the reasons you should get blockout/blackout curtains.

  • Full Privacy

The reinforced thickness of the curtain adds a sense of security to your room for a worry-free atmosphere. Passersby will definitely not be able to see through the reinforced acrylic coating, giving you total peace of mind.

  • Increased Light control

With a single easy swish of the hand-drawn curtain fabric, you can switch between natural and artificial light at any time. No need for unnecessary outdoor lights.

  • Improved Heating & Insulation

The glass surfaces of your home’s windows are poor insulators that allow both cool and warm air to pass through freely. Keep yourself warm in winter and cool in summer by getting the optimum temperature in your home, whenever you want it.

  • Cut Down On Your Power Bills

Energy bills are a killer – but it’s easy to see their price creep up when you’re forced to blast the heater or aircon whenever the temperature isn’t ideal. Blockout/Blackout Curtains allow you to reduce your electricity consumption with ease.

If you’re finding it difficult to identify a Blockout/Blackout Curtain, you should get in contact with us. Sometimes, the coated fabrics are thicker than their uncoated counterparts, but you want to make absolutely certain that you’re buying legitimate fabric with the acrylic backing. If you’re going to enjoy the full benefits of blockout curtains, you should look for authentic ones.

So…where can I find Blockout/Blackout Curtains?

Well, authentic Blockout/Blackout Curtains are available from a number of retailers, both online and brick-and-mortar.

  • At online shopping sites

Online shopping sites such as Wonderlux provide a convenient way to browse and buy furnishings such as curtains. You have the most options to choose from compared with the other places on this list. They even list them according to categories of your choice. You only need to access their sites, and you are one step away from buying them.

The main problem with buying online is that you can only see a few pictures and a description. You will have to wait for them to arrive to check the quality and authenticity of your purchases. You can always return them if you are not satisfied with the products.

  • At shopping centres

To avoid getting the wrong curtains, you can buy them yourself. Shopping centres offer a wide selection of goods you can choose from. Going to the store personally may be a minor inconvenience. But it may be worth it if you find an authentic blockout curtain.

Shopping centres, however, may pose another factor. You might fall victim to sales talk and false descriptions. You may still end up with a “blockout” curtain that is not actually coated.

  • At trusted window furnishing shops

Where can you buy genuine blockout curtains? Where else but at specialty shops! Here, you will find exactly what you’re looking for. More importantly, you’ll also take sound advice with anything about curtains.

Watson Blinds & Awnings is your one-stop shop for all the curtains and other window furnishings you need. We have been in the business for 50 years all across Canberra. For any enquiries, you may drop by at our location: 73 Wollongong Street, Fyshwick ACT 2609. We are open from Monday until Friday at 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, and on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.

How Do I Choose the Right Crimsafe Security Screen in Canberra?

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When it comes to security screens for your home, Crimsafe Canberra is one of the most trusted brands available in the market. Security screens at your home serve a variety of purpose with the most important one being a safeguard against crimes. A recent home burglary was reported by the Canberra Times where three homes were broken into even while the residents were inside. Power tools and portable devices were stolen.

On a lighter note, security screens can let you open your door without the risk of strangers and pesky insects getting inside your house. This is most appreciated during Canberra’s hot summer months where temperatures can go as high as 28 degrees Celsius.

3 Things to Consider When Choosing a Crimsafe Security Screen

For an investment like Crimsafe, you might want to make sure that you are choosing the right one for your home. To help you out, below are three of the things you need to consider when opting for the right Crimsafe security screen for your house.

1. Location of door and type of window

There are different types of security screens available. When choosing for your home, make sure to take into consideration the position of your door as well as the type of window you want to secure. For doors, there’s the single-hinged door that’s ideal for the main entry, single doors.  For larger openings, a bi-fold and stacking screen doors may be the best option. If you have French doors, the aptly called French screen doors will definitely suit your security needs.

When it comes to securing your windows, Crimsafe Canberra also has a variety of options:

  • Fixed window screens are non-moving panels that are recommended for louvres or sash windows. However, you must make sure that these windows are not part of an emergency exit procedure.
  • Hinged windows can swing outward or inward, and you can choose where the hinge can be placed, i.e. top or sides.
  • Sliding window screens are available in different sliding options, i.e. single, double or triple.

You have to be specific in this criteria because the security screen has to be custom-fitted up to the last centimetre.

2. Durability should be prioritised

Crimsafe’s wide range of security screens have been tested by The University of Queensland. Not only did Crimsafe passed the rigorous tests, they even exceeded the results required by Australian Standards. The analysis also included simulating the force that a possible burglar will apply to the screen during an attempted break-in. If you’re looking for security screens that will be durable and will keep your home safe, invest in Crimsafe’s security screens.

3. Protection from almost everything

Crimsafe’s security screens not only protects you from possible break-ins, but it can also keep out insects and. If you have children in your household, Crimsafe’s security screens can also protect them from falling out of windows or balconies.

While Crimsafe’s security screens protect you from any harm, it still allows fresh air and a slight breeze to come into your house. You can also still enjoy natural lighting because the screens will not block out your view.

Let Us Help With Your Needs for Quality Crimsafe Canberra Security Screens and Blinds

If you leave in Canberra, Watson Blinds is your trusted partner when it comes to Crimsafe security screens. Watson Blinds boasts of 50 years of experience, so you are assured of the quality of the service you are getting. To request for appointment, just click on the button below. You may also call 02 6280 4443 to speak to one of our friendly staffs!

How to Choose the Right Crimsafe Security Doors for Your Home

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One of the best and easiest solutions to protect your house is by installing Crimsafe security doors. Canberra’s crime rate spiked last year, and home burglary is one of the crimes included. This just goes to show how important it is to keep your house safe from unwanted visitors.

When it comes to security doors, Crimsafe is among the, if not the best brand that you can choose from. Crimsafe products have gone through various rigorous tests to ensure the best protection for you and your family. It’s also good to note that Crimsafe has exceeded expectations by going over the Australian Standards by 7 times.

5 Tips in Choosing the Right Crimsafe Security Door

We cannot discount the fact that choosing a security door for your house requires quite a few considerations. Below are 5 tips on how to select the right one for your home.

1. Door location

Crimsafe security doors are custom-made-to-measure which means it can be fitted to small and even wide openings. There’s a specific Crimsafe security door for each location:

  • Main entry, single door: The single hinged screen door is perfect for this.
  • Small or large openings: You can choose among single, double or triple sliding screen doors.
  • French doors or double entry doors: There’s a specific screen door for this which is aptly called a French screen door.
  • Wide openings: The bi-fold and stacking screen doors will suit this location.

Decide first which door or opening needs a security screen so you can choose the right one for you.

2. Type of frame

There are two materials to choose from when it comes to the frame of your screen door; it can be steel or aluminium. According to industry experts, steel provides the most effective security among all screen doors. Apart from this, a steel door is also protected from corrosion if it meets the Australian Standard. It’s a good thing that Crimsafe security doors are made of stainless steel which makes it durable even in the long run.

3. Infill

Take note of the infill too. In terms of the most secure option, you have steel bars, motifs or grilles. If you prefer an uninterrupted view, going for stainless steel mesh is the option you should consider.

4. Emergency safety

Yes, your security screen doors should provide you safety from the outside. However, you should also consider the ease of getting out of your home in case of fire or other emergencies.

5. House colour scheme

Securing your house does not necessarily mean you need to say goodbye to good aesthetics. You can still align your Crimsafe security door with the overall look of your house. Crimsafe has a wide standard range of colour availability, but custom colours are also be available upon request. The frame’s powder-coated finish also adds to the beauty of the security door.

Invest in Crimsafe Security Doors Now

If you are in the Canberra area and looking to improve the security of your home, Watson Blinds is just around the corner. Watson Blinds has 50 years of experience so you are sure that you’re getting the best service you can get. Keep scrolling to request for an appointment or call us today at 02 6280 4443.

Venetian Blinds Are The Best Window Furnishings If Your Room Has A View

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Venetian Blinds have quite a storied history. From their origins in the Persian Empire through to Venice and the United States, they’re an instantly recognizable window furnishing – and for good reason. In a contemporary context, however, they’re often overlooked. Home owners have strayed away from traditional window furnishings with like venetian blinds and window shutters in favour of fabric coverings. Roman Blinds are slightly more opulent owing to their lavish fabric ornamentation, while Roller Blinds are more streamlined and subdued, which suits a marketplace increasingly focussed on minimalism. 

It’s a bit of a bummer really, because Venetian Blinds are the perfect window furnishing if your home has a lovely view that you’re keen on preserving. They’re great at gently filtering light for a dappled, relaxing visual effect, but can also block it out fully if need be. Angle the slats a certain way and you’ll get a resplendent view – but close them for a look that’s totally discreet. The subtlety of Venetian Blinds can turn a lot of people away, but it’s actually their secret weapon. 

Can't Beat Venetian Blinds

They’re great to look at – sleek and elegant, with clean lines that sit flush against the window frame – and they serve a purpose. Despite that, they’re not necessarily the first thing that you notice in a room. If that’s the sort of overall effect that you’re after, Venetian Blinds are a great window furnishing option. Plus, they’re just so practical – one pull on the cord or string and they’ll fold away neatly right into the window frame itself – which makes for a fantastic look if both frame and blind quote cheap blind blind price are the same colour. Conversely, you can let them down and the light will cast those lovely dappled strips of sunlight across your flooring and furniture, which can be wonderful to relax in with a glass of wine on a Saturday afternoon. Keen to watch some TV without irritating glare cutting across the screen? Simply give the twist-cord a turn and the neighbours are completely out of your hair. 

One of our expert in-house interior designers, style guide expert, and soft furnishing guru Kath says that she loves Venetian Blinds for the balanced blend of everything that they provide to her home. They’re sort of like a jack-of-all-trades in that sense. ‘I wanted privacy, but I also wanted natural light,’ says Kath. ‘I have a lot of natural greenery outside that I wanted to be able to see, as well as being able to see the sky at night. That’s always a big plus in my eyes.’ Basically, Venetian Blinds – or any other similar window furnishing with slats – allow you to see the outside world as much as you like. Other cheap blinds and window furnishings like roller blinds quote or diy roman blinds are gorgeous to look at as a standalone feature, but they don’t exactly allow you a view when they’re fully extended. So for the most bang for your buck, opt for high quality timber or timber-look venetian blinds or even PVC venetian blinds that will look great, and last for many years to come!

How Honeycomb Blinds AKA Cellular Blinds Can Make Your Home Comfortable Year Round

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Honeycomb blinds

Have you ever wished that there was an easy way to insulate your home and cut down on your power bills? How about a more versatile way to control the amount of light that enters your home? Well, you’re in luck, because Honeycomb or Cellular Blinds, do all of that and more. These stylish, functional, and energy efficient window coverings are taking the world by storm. Read on to see exactly why we’ve fallen in love with them and why their popularity is soaring. 

1. Sustainability & Lower Energy Bills

Australians are pretty familiar with unpredictable weather, but we’re less good at protecting ourselves against it. Maybe you know the feeling: you arrive home in the middle of winter and open your front door, only to find that somehow the inside of your house is colder than the outside. How can that be? You’re forced to put on another layer and turn on the heating. 

In summer, it’s the opposite. Your home is sweltering, even with fans and the air conditioner working overtime. What’s more, when you go to sit down and watch the cricket you find that the glare from the windows is blocking half the TV. The only option is to draw the curtains and sit in the shade, wasting the natural sunshine of your living area. 

If this is you, Cellular Blinds might just be the perfect fit for your home. Often, people don’t realise that the glass windows and doors of their home are poor insulators, allowing both warm air and cool air to pass through freely. Regular blinds are of little help – while they’re great at keeping light out, they don’t have any insulation properties. Enter Cellular Blinds: these eco-friendly window furnishings have cellular compartments that trap the air entering a room. 

By creating this extra barrier between the inside of your home and the outside, they are able to prevent excessive heat in summer but retain precious heat in winter. What does this mean for you? Your home remains at a manageable, comfortable temperature, and you’ll pay up to 40% less on your electricity bills!

2. Enjoy More Privacy Options

Most blinds can only be fully opened from the bottom up. That’s great, but what are you supposed to do on late afternoons when the angle of the sun is causing an irritating streak of glare across your TV screen? You still want to enjoy the sunlight, and normal blinds only give you the option of fully open or closed. Not the case with Cellular Blinds! 

Honeycombs have a dual opening function that allows you to open them from the top down as well as from the bottom up – giving you endless control over the amount of light you allow in as well as the direction it comes from. You can adjust them to suit just about any angle of the time for any time of day. 

This feature also increases your privacy options. When you open up regular blinds, you pull a cord that lifts the entire blind either upwards or across, leaving you exposed and giving the outside world a full view of your living spaces. With Cellular Blinds, that choice of either ‘everything or nothing’ no longer applies. Simply open them by lowering them from the top first, so that you can enjoy the light from the upper portion of the window and keep your privacy preserved. For this reason, Cellular Blinds are a great choice for bedrooms, bathrooms, and rooms with a full view of a street or busy road. 

3. Clean, Sleek Style

All of this functionality would have you thinking Cellular Blinds were awkward or clunky. This couldn’t be farther from the truth! They come in both single- or double-cell varieties, giving you the option to block out light entirely – as you might with Blockout Curtains – or opt for a gentler effect. They’re also available in a range of fabrics, ranging from brighter colours to more neutral tones. 

Combine sheer fabrics and pastel colours to allow light to subtly filter throughout a room, giving it an airy, open feel. Alternatively, use sturdier fabrics and darker colours in bedrooms to prevent light from bleeding and ensure a perfect night’s sleep. You can even install Cellular Blinds in multiple layers, with a translucent blind above a blockout, for a modern look. This is a fantastic option for office spaces or apartment blocks, as you can layer a neutral white to face outwards, while a livelier colour of your own choosing is visible from inside.

Cellular Blinds have a naturally slim and minimal design. Unlike denser materials like timber or aluminium, their textures can be arranged to suit any interior design scheme, and the strings smartly tuck away inside the wall of the blind’s fabric for a clean line. 

So if you’re sick of high power bills and struggling through seasons, don’t wait. Because there’s a sustainable solution that allows you to wave goodbye to those fees while improving the comfort of your own home: Cellular Blinds. 

Sheer Curtains: Why We Love Them

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hero-image-SHEER

Sheer curtains have been around longer than anyone can remember, but here at Watson, we’re not sure they get the respect they deserve. They’re more than delicate sheets of fabric – they’re a window furnishing staple, and shouldn’t be overlooked when it comes to deciding on a window solution for your home. In fact, we’re so passionate about Sheer Curtains that we decided to delve a little deeper. Let us explain exactly why Sheer Curtains are so underrated.

1. They Create Ambience

Sheer curtains are naturally lightweight. From an interior design perspective, this give them a softness and a clean line that makes for a really striking contrast against harsh interiors. What’s more, the gentle light filtering effect of translucent fabrics can really help to brighten up a room. If they’re left to extend beyond the window frame – which we always recommend – the transparency of the fabric can add a classical sense of airiness and openness that makes a room feel bigger. This makes them a great choice for a small guest bedroom or similar space.

Simple sheers also work well with interior design schemes featuring raw or exposed materials. Use them in conjunction with heavier curtains to emphasise the natural warmth of your timber floors or beams, without compromising on privacy or light control. Plus, they don’t even require windows to make an impact. Place them in the centre of a room as a divider, or to create partitions without reducing the feeling of space. This way they double as a centrepiece or elegant visual feature rather than a simple window covering. Talk about versatility!

2. They Offer Balanced Privacy

Generally, window coverings have two settings – open or closed. Not sheers. Leaving them drawn throughout the day means that you get the best of both worlds – natural sunshine and simultaneous privacy. It’s a great feeling to go about life without having to continuously adjust your curtains. It means you can get ready in the morning, relax on the sofa, or hang out with your family all while enjoying the view and soaking up the sunlight. Given that we all need more time and fewer things to worry about, sheer curtains kill two birds with one stone! You get privacy and light control all in one sleek, convenient package. 

A popular use for sheers is to hang them across the full length of a wall, creating an elegant backdrop that helps to break up a space without making it feel cramped. The floor-to-ceiling fabric creates a dreamy feel when used in this way, especially when teamed with neutral wall colours. From a functional standpoint, the delicate material of a sheer curtain remains unaffected by humidity, which makes them a perfect fit for bathrooms, kitchens, and bedrooms where excess moisture is a concern.

 It all comes down to whether you want the sheers to be a feature of the room on their own, or to subtly blend in so that the eye is drawn to different design elements instead.

3. They're Super Customisable

White sheers – they’re a timeless classic. Even if you know nothing about interior design, that shouldn’t come as a surprise. They go with everything, and the fact that they’re so dependable only adds to their functionality. The idea here is that the white of the sheers works as a blank canvas against which other colours can be substituted. Depending on the season, changes in trends, or even your mood, either swap out or layer the white shades with another colour. 

The fact that sheer curtains are super budget friendly makes reinventing your living spaces all the easier. However, there’s also a common misconception that sheer curtains are only an option if the room has white window coverings. That’s far from the case! Sheers are available in a range of neutral pastel colours that complement any space. Light colours with subtle textures can generate a hint of flair while keeping the feel of the room bright and relaxed. 

 

On the other hand, a sheer fabric with a slightly denser texture (or even a simple pattern) opens up a whole host of new possibilities. Whether you use them as window coverings, room dividers, or as a floor-to-ceiling fabric wall, sheers will add a touch of classic charm to a home and open up the space.

4. They're Endlessly Versatile

The true joy in selecting a window furnishing for your home comes with letting your imagination run wild. It’s all about layering – these days, there’s no restrictions when it comes to curtains, especially sheers. They look fantastic when hung on their own, but for optimum privacy, consider layering them with an additional window covering such as coated Blockout Curtains or even a Roman Blind. You can do this quite easily with a traverse rod – just ask your installer whether they offer double curtain treatments. It makes for a striking look of luxury, reminiscent of the sumptuous drapes used in hotels, and doubles your options. 

In the day, sheers can be used to help make the most of natural light, while the lined curtains can be drawn at night to give you the good night’s sleep you need and the privacy you deserve.


So How Much Do Sheer Curtains Cost?

At this point, you might also be asking yourself ‘How much do sheer curtains cost?’ Well, it helps that sheer curtains won’t break the bank – they’re cost-effective and easily installed, lending themselves to any budget. If you value practicality, sunlight, and a contemporary look, they might just be the window furnishing for you. 

How Roman Blinds Can Bring Timeless Style & Sophistication To Your Home

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Roman blinds

Here at Watson, we’re big fans of Roman Blinds. We figure if they were good enough for the Romans, they’re good enough for us! What we love is that they’re unique. Visually, Romans are halfway between a curtain and a blind, but blend the best aspects of both. Their strong, clean lines and neat folding design make them a popular solution for a range of home décor schemes.

1. Ease Of Operation

Like roller blinds, Roman Blinds feature a single length of fabric that is raised or lowered to determine the amount of light that enters your home. The fabric folds away in neat panels along individual seams, gathering together like a pelmet at the top. This makes for a striking look, especially on a high, full-length window. 

The sharp folds of the fabric act as a valance, so there’s no need for you to find a separate top treatment. If you’re after a clean, minimal look, Roman Blinds are an ideal choice – they have no ornamental frills and are operated with a simple cord that tucks neatly away. As they’re usually made from fabric, you can opt for blockout, sunscreen, or translucent coverings for greater control over the light passing through.

2. Ageless Style

When it comes to Roman Blinds, your design options are virtually limitless. That’s the beauty of fabric window furnishings. Their clean, sleek style makes them suitable for just about any room or window, and they can be tailored for a straightforward, formal look, or something softer with more of your own personality. It all comes down to your choice of fabric.

For a modern home, choose linen Romans in solid block colours. If your space is more industrial, with exposed wood and visible raw materials, you could opt for a subtle stripe or other pattern to add contrast. Alternatively, Blockout Romans give you total darkness and shield the space from passersby, which makes them perfect for apartment bedrooms. 

When it comes to care and maintenance, Roman Blinds are super easy. You can spot clean their polyester fabric with mild detergent and a damp cloth, so try them in your kitchen, laundry, or other areas prone to moisture.

3. Strong Light & Heat Control

Unlike shutters, which can be angled with a louvre, Roman Blinds are designed to be either open or closed. Because they’re designed as a single long panel of fabric, they’re slightly less accommodating when it comes to light filtration. To allow more direct sunlight or enjoy a full view of your outdoor spaces, you can always try a sheer fabric instead.

What Roman Blinds lack in light control, they more than make up for in privacy. When they’re shut, they’re shut – meaning you can enjoy total comfort away from prying eyes. 

They’re also effective insulators. When mounted inside the window frame, Roman Blinds create a perfect seal between your living areas and the outside. A dense, blockout fabric will reduce the level of heat that enters in summer and escapes in winter, reducing your energy bills and keeping your home at a comfortable temperature. This also means that light bleedage through the blind’s side channels will be minimised – perfect for a bedroom, where you want to get a perfect night’s sleep every time.

4. Suitable For Any Space

The installation options for Roman Blinds are limited only by your imagination! With such an extensive range of fabrics and colours,  you’ll be able to match them to just about any room in your home. Other window furnishings can look busy or cluttered, especially atop smaller windows, but the clean, uniform appearance of Roman Blinds fit perfectly.

This makes them great for rooms that require a more compact look – think bedrooms, office spaces, or bay windows. Here, they’ll take up minimal space on either side of the window. If you’re looking for a window furnishing that combines the luxury of curtain drapes with the simple functionality of roller blinds, Roman Blinds might be your best bet! 

Blockout/Blackout Curtains: Choosing The Right Ones For Your Home

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Did you know that during the Second World War, people first used blockout/blackout curtains to stop enemy bombers from seeing lights inside houses? It’s true! We’ve come a long way since those days, but these curtains are still super handy. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at blackout curtains vs. blockout curtains.

If you’re trying to keep a bedroom, media room, or any place really dark, blockout/blackout curtains are what you need. But, they’re not just for blocking light; you’ll want them to look awesome too! Even though these curtains are made of thick fabric which is different from thinner, sheer curtains, you don’t have to give up on having stylish ones.

Remember, blockout/blackout curtains are great for keeping rooms dark and private, and they can be just as pretty as any other curtain. So, when you’re choosing them, make sure they do their job well and look good doing it!

patterned blockout curtains

Now when you’re looking around for something to cover your windows and keep light out, you might bump into something called blackout screens. They’re also known as darkening screens or light deprivation screens. But don’t mix them up with blockout blinds or curtains! They’re not the same thing at all.

Blackout screens are usually made from aluminum and polyester, and people often use them in places like plant nurseries to keep certain plants in the dark. But they’re not the best choice for homes because we want something that looks good and works well in our living spaces.

There are so many choices for covering your windows and blocking out light, including both blinds and curtains. You get to pick the style and fabric that you love, to really make your room look amazing. So, go ahead and choose the perfect blockout window furnishing to add that special touch to your home!

curtains

Even if the name blockout/blackout curtains makes you think of dark, thick, old-fashioned curtains, the truth is they’re not like that anymore! Now, blockout/blackout curtains come in all sorts of colors, styles, and materials, just like the regular curtains we see everywhere.

Here’s how to choose the right blockout/blackout curtains for your home. 

1. What Does A Blockout/Blackout Curtain Do?

Blockout curtains are way more than just pretty things to look at.

They come with a bunch of cool benefits, and the best one is, as you might guess, they keep out all the sunlight you don’t want!

Maybe you work at night, have a new baby at home, or just can’t sleep unless it’s totally dark. Sleeping in the daytime can be tough, and if your sleep schedule is all over the place, it might even affect your health after a while.

If you’re looking for a smart way to make your room dark so you can get some good sleep, blockout/blackout curtains are the answer. They make sure your room stays dark, helping you sleep better.

curtains

Blockout/blackout curtains are super cool because they do two big things.

First, they stop too much light from coming into your room. But there’s another awesome part: they help keep outside noise down, by as much as 40%!

If the outside noise is bothering you, blockout/blackout curtains might help. This is great if you live in a busy place with lots of people or near a road with lots of traffic. They help make your room quieter and more private.

But there’s even more to love about these curtains!

They’re great because they help lower your energy bills. They keep your room warm in winter by holding heat in and cool in summer by keeping heat out.

They also solve a big problem some people don’t know about: glass doors and windows can let warm or cool air slip out. These curtains keep the temperature in your room just right, so you use less energy.

This means winter isn’t so tough, and you might even see your energy bill go down.

2. What Makes A Good Blockout/Blackout Curtain?

A blockout/blackout curtain needs to block light.

It sounds easy, but the fabric type really matters.

Make sure your curtains use thick, tightly woven material. How you stitch the curtain together keeps light out. So, you need to make sure there are no gaps at all.

blackout curtains

The best blockout/blackout curtains come from spraying a fine layer of foam on the back of the fabric.

People measure how well a curtain blocks light by “passes.” For a complete blockout, your curtain should be “3-pass lined.”

This means they put a layer of white foam on the fabric’s back, then a black layer, and another white layer on top.

The white layers keep the curtain looking good, and the black layer stops light and keeps heat inside.

3. How Do I Choose The Right Blockout/Blackout Curtain?

Blockout/ blackout curtains are awesome for windows since they’re both practical and fashionable. 

To make a room look its best, they need to match the room’s design, so you should pick them with care. There are several important things to think about when choosing them.

The life of a curtain relies on its material, so picking the best fabric is key for good results. 

Some people think blackout curtains are only dark and heavy to stop light, but that’s not true. They’re available in many colours, styles, and fabrics, all with various textures and thicknesses. Pick a colour that matches well with your walls and the room’s interior details.

curtains

4. What is the difference between blackout curtains and thermal insulated curtains?

Blockout curtains and thermal insulated curtains serve different purposes in maintaining the comfort of a home environment.

Blockout curtains are primarily designed to block out sunlight, thereby providing darkness and privacy in a room.

On the other hand, thermal insulated curtains are specifically created to help regulate the temperature inside a home, keeping it warm during colder months.

The distinction lies in the functionality of the curtains: blockout curtains focus on light reduction while thermal insulated curtains are tailored to enhance energy efficiency by retaining heat. While blockout curtains may have some level of thermal properties, they tend to prioritise light blocking capabilities.

In contrast, thermal insulated curtains are designed with specific features like an acrylic coating or layer to provide insulation that helps in maintaining warmth within the home.

5. How can blockout curtains help with maintaining a natural circadian rhythm?

Blockout curtains stop light that might wake you up. They help you sleep better in the day and keep your sleep time normal, which is great for your body’s clock.

6. What are the benefits of using blockout curtains in a room?

Blockout curtains are useful for a few reasons when you use them in a room.

  • First, they keep your room private. This means people from outside can’t look in and see what you’re doing.
  • Second, they’re good at blocking out sunlight. This makes the room darker and a better place to sleep or hang out. For people who have to sleep in the daytime because they work at night, blockout curtains are helpful. They make the room dark, so it’s easier to get good sleep.
  • Finally, they help keep your room from getting too hot or too cold from the sun. This means you don’t have to use the air-conditioning or heater too much, which can save money on energy bills.

7. Are blockout curtains necessary for a good night's sleep?

Having a dark room is crucial for quality sleep, especially for those with irregular sleep schedules or daytime sleepers, as it can help regulate sleep patterns and improve overall sleep quality.

Conclusion

Soft, light colours work well in living or TV rooms because they’re not too bold. Darker shades like maroon or navy suit bedrooms, giving them a luxurious feel like a fancy hotel.

To manage light and privacy, use both blockout and sheer curtains. Blockout curtains make the room dark, and sheer curtains let in light while keeping privacy.

Just Roll With It: Why You Need Roller Blinds In Your Home

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Looking to make some home improvements? Roller Blinds are a great way to go about it. If you’re not already aware, Roller Blinds are an interior window furnishing mounted either above or inside your window frame. You can either roll them down for full privacy, or roll them back up to enjoy the sunlight. In the world of window treatments, they’re a timeless classic.

 Stylish, functional, and easy to install, Roller Blinds will add serious value to your home and look great doing it. Don’t just think of them as a simple window covering – there’s a whole host of functional and cosmetic reasons why you might be interested in getting Roller Blinds installed in your home. Let’s take a look. 

Multifunctionality

Renovations have a reputation for being costly and time-consuming, but Roller Blinds are an affordable way to modernize your space. They offer an appealing minimal look, with clean lines that sit perfectly against the wall or window. Often, people opt for Roller Blinds in a small room to help it feel larger and less claustrophobic. 

They’re extremely space-efficient in a way that curtains are not, and can be measured and fitted with precision. This means they’ll fit into tight or unusual spaces, and won’t draw attention visually…unless you want them to! Functionally, Roller Blinds are great because they allow you greater control over the amount of fresh air and sunlight you want to enter the room. Simply roll them up in the day to bask in the afternoon sun, and roll them down in the evenings to enjoy your living spaces away from prying eyes. 

For even more versatility, try a Double Roller Blind – commonly called a day/night blind. This innovative blind system gives you the best of both worlds by layering a Blockout Blind over the top of a transparent Sunscreen Blind, meaning you get complete night-time privacy plus the pleasure of natural light during the day. 

Design Potential

Like we said earlier, don’t just think of a Roller Blind as a way of covering up a window. Sure, they let you control how much sunlight enters a room, but their ability to elevate your existing home décor shouldn’t be underestimated. They’ve got a discreet look that makes them perfect for contemporary detailing, because they can complement deep windows without traditional casings. 

To obscure the valance box at the top, choose a reverse roll, so that the shade comes down over top rather than from underneath. If you want the mechanism to be more pronounced – or even a feature of the room itself – opt for an integrated valance, which is essentially a metal or linen pelmet that hides the roller in a classy fashion. 

That way, you can match the material of the pelmet to the surrounding walls, or with the Roller Blind fabric itself. It helps that many retailers offer fire-retardant fabrics for this purpose, meaning that they’re not only eye-catching, but practical too. 

Colour & Transparency

When it comes to colour and transparency, you’re limited only by your imagination. It’s important to understand that each fabric shade will have different levels of light transmission. The amount of light that can pass through the fabric will alter your privacy, view of the outside, and the visual effect of the blind itself. Make sure to check out a range of different opacities, and keep in mind the purpose of the room you’re looking to install in. For example, a Blockout fabric is probably best for a bedroom, while a gentle, filtered light effect looks great in a living room. 

Plus – pick an effective colour. This is more significant than you might think! It’s recommended to decide on a colour of Roller Blind based on how it complements the colours of the room they’re used in. For example, Louvolite has a fantastic range of prints and patterns stretching from mini dinosaurs to deep sea creatures – perfect for a newborn baby’s bedroom. Whites and greys are among the most popular choices of Roller Blinds fabric, mostly for their neutrality. It depends what you want for your space: a warmer tone like gold or yellow tends to make for a more traditional vibe, while cooler colours like blue, white, and grey are on-trend currently because they foster a more modern, forward-thinking ambience. 

It’s also useful to consider how the shade you choose will filter the light that passes through it, because that’s also going to change the way other objects in the room look. White, for example, can be tinged with gold for a warm look, or with blue for a cooler scheme. It helps to ask for samples wherever possible to help inform your decision. But don’t be afraid! Let your creative impulses run wild. Plain or textured, light or dark, warm or cool – the decision-making process should be fun.

Want some inspiration? Head to our site to learn more. 

 

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