If you are in need of some effective window furnishings without the fluff, then roller blinds might be the ideal option for you as they offer a simple, sleek solution to light control in your interior. Keep your furniture safe from the damaging effects of sunshine, while still letting some light into the room with these fantastic window furnishings.
In this quick read, we will be covering the various factors that make roller blinds such a great investment, as well as comparing them to their cousin, Roman blinds, to help you decide which option will work best.
What Makes Roller Blinds So Great?
The answer to this question is easy: Roller blinds offer a straightforward, modern solution to light control. The window furnishings do away with the bulky nature of curtains, instead boasting a delicate build of single-sheet fabrics attached to innovative roller mechanisms. If this sounds like what you have been looking for, here are just a few more reasons why roller blinds are the right option!
1. Affordability
With any purchase, affordability is an important point to consider. Luckily, roller blinds use less fabric compared to curtains, drapes, or Roman blinds. This makes them more affordable, allowing you to cover all of your windows at a reasonable cost.
2. Easy To Clean
Suppose you have a road-facing house or a house in an area where a lot of dust moves about. In that case, roller blinds are ideal as they do not accumulate a large amount of dust when compared to curtains. They are also easy to clean – there is no need to disassemble them, take them down, or drop them in your washing machine. All you need to do is give them a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth and they will be good to go.
3. Saves Energy
Due to the often scorching heat of summer, people tend to leave the air-conditioner or their fans on constantly. Not only does this result in higher electricity costs, but having the A.C. on at all times is not very good for the environment either. Roller blinds are a quick and simple solution to this dilemma – they can block out the sun and essentially lower the temperature in your interior. This allows you to turn off the air-conditioner/ fan and open the window while still keeping the heat out, contributing greatly to lowering your electricity bill and protecting the environment.
4. Durability
Along with the modern, minimalistic look of roller blinds, their durability is also noteworthy. Roller blinds, made of sturdy steel tubes and high-quality fabric, are easy to install and operate without having to worry about breaking them. For window furnishings that last, a durable set of roller blinds from a reputable supplier is sure to succeed.
5. Use of Less Space
Certain drapes and curtains may not fit properly onto your windows and can take up a bit of space. If you are working with limited space, the sleek and simple look of roller blinds comes in handy. These blinds can make your interior look more spacious, with roller blinds fitting snugly over your windows and freeing up wall and floor space.
6. Available In Different Opacities
If you are someone who values privacy but is hesitant to sacrifice the outside view, roller blinds are the perfect choice. At Watson Blinds, we offer several different material options, allowing you to choose the perfect material according to your privacy and lighting requirements.
You can choose a translucent material, which blocks the view of the inside from any prying eyes – while also allowing plenty of light in and letting you enjoy the outside view. On the other hand, if you want a completely dark environment and aim to block out sunlight in the daytime, you can opt for a blockout fabric instead.
7. Protection From UV Rays
Sunshine not only damages your skin over the long-term, but it also damages your furniture and causes fabric colours to fade. Luckily, there are several different window coverings designed to prevent the sun from blaring into your space, with roller blinds being one of the most simple and affordable. With the different fabric options available, you can find a set of roller blinds that look good and let in exactly the right amount of natural light in your space.
8. Easy To Operate
Unlike curtains, which are often not the easiest to open and close seamlessly, roller blinds are very smooth, easy to operate, and user-friendly. You can quickly close and open them in a moment – with manual options operated by a simple chord, chain or tug on the fabric. Motorised roller blinds are also an option, giving you even more ease of use with a remote control or smart home system.
9. Privacy Control
No one wants the nosey neighbours outside to be able to see into their home. If you are tired of the residents on your street peeking into your property, roller blinds can assist. Depending on the type of fabric, including blackout, sunscreen, or light filter options, you will also be able to control how much light is let in and how well you can see out.
Roller blinds are often touted as an incredibly practical option when it comes to window coverings available on the market. These shades tend to take up less space, provide better privacy and durability, and are often more affordable than other window furnishings.
Watson Blinds: Our Roller Blinds
Designed to withstand Australia’s tumultuous weather conditions, our fabric range is both extensive and exclusive. So whether it is a blockout fabric for bedrooms, moisture-resistant print for bathrooms, sunscreen blinds or light filtering blinds you are after, our roller blinds can be customised to suit your needs.
Below are the Roller Blinds Options available from Watson Blinds:
1. Blockout Roller Blinds:
These provide excellent light control and privacy – blocking out sunlight and preventing anyone from seeing in or out. They also provide enhanced insulation and reduce the heat during the summer season, and prevent heat loss in winter.
2. Sunscreen Roller Blinds:
These blinds diffuse the sunlight that enters your space, allowing you to enjoy the view during the day while still maintaining your daytime privacy. While they will not be able to offer the same privacy at night, you can pair them with a set of blockout blinds for the best of both worlds (Combo Roller Blinds).
3. Light Filter Roller Blinds:
This translucent fabric option is great for diffusing natural light, lighting up your interior without it being overbearing. You will not be able to view through this fabric, but you will be able to enjoy both daytime and nighttime privacy.
4. Combo Roller Blinds:
Combo roller blinds allow you to get both your privacy and your view. The two blind systems are kept on one bracket, allowing you to switch between blockout or sunscreen fabrics, depending on the time of day and your own personal preference.
Roller Blinds vs. Roman Blinds
Roman blinds and roller blinds are very different from one another, although many people assume them to be one and the same. While roller blinds comprise only a roller mechanism and one piece of fabric (barring the combo option), Roman blinds include wooden slats and multiple pieces of fabric.
1. Roller Blinds vs. Roman Blinds: Which Requires More Maintenance?
While roller blinds need only one sheet of straight fabric, Roman blinds are often made of wooden and stacked fabric materials. It is for this reason that roller blinds are the more convenient of these two options in terms of maintenance. However, Roman blinds are still a customary staple in window coverings because of their ability to insulate windows, and their classic, timeless appeal.
2. Roller Blinds vs. Roman Blinds: Which Is More Expensive?
Roman blinds tend to be more expensive than roller blinds. They will typically cost more than roller blinds because of the high-quality materials used to make them, as well as the creation of the different segments of the blinds.
3. Roller Blinds vs. Roman Blinds: Primary Features
When focusing on the interior design of a room, there are many things to consider, such as the colours of the wall, the placement of your furniture, the decorations you will use, and the shades for your windows. Both Roman and roller blinds come in different styles, colours, and functions. Moreover, both options are suitable for just about any window in your home. Below, we compare roller and Roman blinds’ primary features, allowing you to decide which option is better suited to your needs.
4. Roman Blinds
Roman blinds were typically the preferred choice of window coverings for those aiming to maintain an ideal balance between the traditional and the modern. When lowered, these chic window coverings hang straight and flat; when raised, they create soft pleats. Roman blinds add a striking visual element to all styles of home decor, and are offered in a wide range of colours, fabrics, and interesting designs.
Below are some of the most notable features of Roman Blinds:
- Typically made of thick fabric, Roman blinds tend to increase insulation and privacy.
- Due to their no-fuss appearance, Roman blinds are ideal for bedrooms, dining rooms, offices, and windows in hallways.
- Blockout fabrics can help keep out sunlight.
- They can be used as a decorative feature because they are available in various colours and patterns.
- Because of their conventional look, Roman blinds are usually used in a classic interior style.
- They need to be removed completely to be dry cleaned (depending on the fabric).
- They are not well-suited for areas like your kitchen and bathrooms.
- They are more expensive than roller blinds.
- They take up more window space when folded up, compared to roller blinds.
Roller Blinds
Roller blinds are created using a single-piece fabric that is wrapped around a casing. This casing slides into the top of the window frame and a pull cord or side-winding chain mechanism is used to control them.
Below are some of the prominent features of Roller Blinds:
- They can block out light completely or partially, based on how much you want to open or close them and the kind of fabric you choose.
- They are available in a wide range of fabrics, including water-resistant ones.
- They are easy to detach and clean, and you can easily wipe off dust, especially if you choose a water-resistant material.
- They provide better light control as they can be rolled up completely to allow maximum light in.
- Roller blinds are more affordable, thus making them ideal for homeowners looking for light-blocking blinds on a budget.
- Their practical mechanism makes them easy to operate. You simply roll the blind up using a string or chain mechanism. The blinds will stay there until you want to roll them down again.
- Roller blinds are more durable than Roman blinds because they are attached to a heavy-duty tube for rolling. The fabric can also withstand wear and tear.
- Their sleek appearance makes them ideal for offices and modern homes.
- Roller blinds are good for insulation and help to control glare and temperature.
Roller Blinds vs. Roman Blinds: Which Is Better?
Both roller and roman blinds offer countless advantages. However, if you are looking for a more affordable option that is easier to clean, designed to last, and will continue to look good on your windows for years to come, roller blinds are an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you do not mind spending a bit more and prefer shades that will offer an added level of privacy and a softer, more clean-cut appearance, go for the Roman blinds!
About Watson Blinds
Keeping customers happy for over 50 years, Watson Blinds stands out from other organisations with our local factory and servicing team. We custom-create our window coverings in our local factory and offer a lifetime warranty on all of our in-house manufactured products.
The Watson family strives for perfection and continuously looks for ways to improve. Take a look at our website for more information on window furnishing options, or contact us via phone call or email to learn more about what we have to offer.