Roller blinds for windows are an inexpensive, stylish and functional addition to your home’s decor. They are available in many materials, sizes and patterns; options are limited only by your imagination. Let’s take a look at some of the different ways that these window treatments can be integrated into your design scheme.

Bedroom

Lace roller blinds work beautifully in a bedroom as they allow enough light in to awaken you, yet obscure the outside so that you maintain your privacy. They can be matched to bed skirts and pillow shams to tie your room together. Lace window treatments create a vintage look that will make guests comfortable, and feel that your home is an inviting environment. Sheer roller blinds work well in bedrooms, too – for many of the same reasons. Sheer material will fill your room with a light glow of whatever color chosen, so keep that in mind when selecting your bed dressings, accent pillows and artwork. Remote control blinds add a piece of usability and the ease to create the comfort you want with a touch of a thinger.

Kitchen

Since many families spend the most time here, kitchen roller blinds are an important addition to your home. They can help keep the light out of your eyes while you sip coffee in the morning, and add a touch of class to your cookery. Since they only open as much as you want, you can adjust their height to match to an open window on a nice breezy day.

Living Areas

Looking around your home, you can see there are ample opportunities to update your look with ready made roller blinds. Patio and double glass doors often go without the detail of an accentuating accessory, like window treatments. Using double roller blinds around an area like these will serve many purposes. They can be used to keep light out, and keep nosy neighbors from looking in. Also, they have the added benefit of versatility. A duel shade can let you keep the doors open in summer without getting flies into your home when you draw the sheerer material, and pull down the heavier cloth to keep heat from escaping in the winter.

Wide roller blinds for doors and picture windows are another smart accompaniment to your decor, as they provide crisp, clear lines that fit well with all styles of furniture and art. You can also order, or make your own printed roller blinds, to match an existing pattern in your home. If you are looking to maximize the benefits of your window treatments, and save some money each month, blackout roller blinds or thermal roller blinds are an energy efficient, money saving choice. Usually made of polyester, these blinds are much heavier and offer a greater sense of privacy and more light control.

Outdoors

Don’t forget the porch! Outdoor roller blinds can let you get more use out of your covered front porch. It is hard to sit and enjoy a late evening outside when the sun is beating you in the face. Heavy fabric roller blinds, used outdoors, will be made of a thicker material than one used in, as it will have to endure the elements. They can be used on windows as well as porches, and often have a tie down area to keep them in place. A benefit of using these blinds on the outside of a window is that if the sun’s rays are block prior to hitting the glass, your rooms will stay cooler, sometimes 20 degrees cooler. In warm climates, that’s a huge money saver on the electric bill. If you want to have a little fun with your outdoor roller blinds, they make fantastic screens for a movie projector!

Bathroom

The home’s lavatory is a key selling feature. If your home is on the market, or if you plan to stay there for a long while, then don’t neglect this room. Bathroom roller blinds are beautiful, especially when made of Bamboo. This natural material is eco-freindly and does not cause a negative footprint on the environments, as it grows quickly and can be harvested much more often than other woods. Waterproof roller blinds are also fantastic for a bathroom, as they are less likely to mildew from the inherent dampness. To create a unique feeling in your bathroom, or if you are looking to coordinate with a shower curtain, patterned roller blinds are a nice touch.

Types of Roller Blind Lift Systems

Roller blinds come in two basic pulley styles: Spring and beaded chain or rope. Spring roller blinds are generally only available in shorter widths and can often have more decorative touches added, like an ornate pull. Beaded chain, or rope systems are simple pulley devices that work with tension and a stopping mechanism.

Cheap Roller Blinds

Looking to get out with a minimal investment? You can learn how to make roller blinds with just a few steps and a little patience. You will need the following materials:

Pencil
Tape Measure
Fabric
Fabric Stiffener
Blind Kit
scissors
Wooden dowels
Spay Adhesive and Glue
Duel side tape
Any accessories or decorative additions that you want – pulls, lace trim, etc.

Pre-wash your material, apply stiffener and let it set.
Get your hardware kit put together according to the instructions provided with it.
Measure and cut your material and dowels.
Install the fabric to the pulley kit, and then fold the dowel under the bottom for weight.

These are not full instructions, but simply meant to illustrate how easy this project is to complete. Making roller blinds is a nice way to try your hand at creating your own interior design elements, and can be fun to experiment with. A quick trip to your local arts and craft store will reveal a world of fabric choices and will kick-start your imagination into high gear.

How to Install Roller Blinds

Measure your window width to ensure that you buy, or make, the correct size. Mark the bracket holes with a pencil, making sure that both sides are even with the other – you don’t want crooked blinds! Drill your pilot holes and mount bracket to the surface of the wall or window seal. You will find a plastic insert with your blind kit – insert it into the installed bracket. Finally, place the blind into the plastic insert. Once your blinds are installed, open and close them a few times to ensure that they are free of obstruction.

Roller blinds have a made a come back in the last several years. They look great with both modern and classic styles homes and apartments. In addition to domestic use, roller blinds are great in offices, where workers will appreciate the natural light. Whatever type of blind, material or pull design you choose, roller blinds are in style!