Roller blinds have long become a practical and stylish alternative to traditional ones. They go well with plastic windows and are suitable for most interiors. It's time to get to know them better.

Roller blinds for plastic windows
Roller blinds for plastic windows

General information

Roller blinds are a type of blinds. They combine the characteristics of both traditional curtains and blinds. They are visually attractive and at the same time quite practical. Most of the curtains are canvas, which with a slight movement of the hand turns into roll, just as easily slides back into place.

Roller blinds are quite common in modern interiors, and for good reason.
Roller blinds are quite common in modern interiors, and for good reason.

A special fabric is used for production, which is treated with various impregnations. Due to this, the material does not fade under the sun's rays, does not attract dust. The fabric is also not electrified.

It is worth considering! Most often, the product is set in motion by a cord on a chain located on the side. It is attached to the roller blind mechanism. But there are other mechanisms, such as spring holders, an electric drive. The latter is chosen if the curtain is located in a hard-to-reach place.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages include::

  • variety of fabrics;
  • compatibility with other interior elements of the window;
  • ease of care;
  • Possibility to adjust lighting. The panel can be fixed at any height;
  • possibility of installation on loggias, balcony doors;
  • safety for children and animals.

There are also disadvantages:

  • the working mechanism may fail. It will have to be replaced;
  • Roller blinds were developed specifically for plastic windows. Installing them on other models can be difficult: they will interfere with opening the window.

Types of roller blinds

The systems are divided into 3 types, let's consider them.

Open type. The curtains are wound onto an open roller, which is attached to the window using corner fasteners. A weight is installed at the bottom of the canvas, ensuring that the fabric fits tightly to the window. Often, on open-type systems, a fishing line is placed along the edges, along which the fabric moves. It determines the direction of movement, preventing the curtain from moving away from the glass even in ventilation mode.

Closed type. The curtain is wound onto a roller located in an aluminum box painted to match the frame. The line is most often replaced with guides located at the edges. The fabric fits tightly to the window and does not let in light. The advantage of this choice is that the curtains stay clean longer and are better protected from dust.

Mini Curtains. Analogue of the open type model. The difference is that such products are mounted directly to the window sash. No drilling is required during installation.

Choosing roller blinds

When choosing roller blinds, a number of characteristics and nuances are taken into account.

Size

The main thing to consider is size. Length can reach up to 1.5 m. Width according to the standard it is 50 cm, but there are also models in which it is different, for example, 30 cm or 150 cm. When determining the size, follow a number of rules.

  1. The length should be equal to the length of the window opening +10 cmThe latter are necessary for installing the shaft.
  2. If the window is placed in a recess, the width can be 10 cm greater than the width of the opening.In this situation, the curtain will overlap it by 5 cm on each side at the edges.
  3. If there is no window sill, and the window is not located in a recess, the fasteners are placed so that the curtain is located at a small distance from the window and does not touch the handle.. In this case, the width can exceed the opening size by 20 cm. This visually increases the window parameters.
  4. If the curtain is mounted directly to the sash, the optimal width is considered to be equal to the width of the glass +3 cm.
Electric roller blinds
Electric roller blinds

When measuring the glass, do not include the frame. Measure only the transparent part. Otherwise, you will buy a curtain that is too wide and there will be problems with its installation.

Degree of transparency

The canvas may have varying degrees of transparencyThe following options are distinguished.

Blackout. Reflect up to 95% of light. Also block cold and street noise.

Dimout. At night they provide complete darkness. During the day they are translucent, shade the room, and let in diffused light.

Transparent. Do not prevent sunlight from entering the room. In natural light, do not allow people from the street to look into the apartment.

Day-night or zebra. A modern variation, assembled from strips of transparent and opaque fabrics. The strips move relative to each other.

Advice! For the bedroom, it is better to choose blackout or “day-night” to ensure comfortable conditions for sleep. For the living room, dimout is suitable, protecting from glare on the screen. Transparent fabrics are optimal for the kitchen.

Color

Choose the shade taking into account the overall color scheme of the interior. The market offers a variety of options. They are not always monochromatic, you can find ones decorated with an ornament or even a picture.

Designers give a number of recommendations:

White and beige
Universal shades. They are especially good for rooms facing south.
Yellow
It will help you tune in to a positive mood and give you optimism. It is better to choose for a small room.
Orange
Ideal for dark northern rooms. Will give you energy and positive energy. Not the best option for a bedroom.
Pink
Creates a romantic atmosphere. Goes well with grey and pastel shades.
Blue
Calms, sets you up for rest. A good choice for the bedroom.
Green
Calms, energizes. Ideal for the kitchen, office, living room, can be used in the nursery.
Brown
Creates a feeling of stability and reliability, gives the interior nobility.
Black
When properly designed, it creates a sense of mystery and intimacy.
Important! Perception strongly depends on the specific shade, as well as the overall color scheme in the room. Roller blinds can become a bright color accent, but neutral options are more often chosen.

Installation Features

It can be edited 2 ways: on screws or on double-sided tape. The latter option is used for mini-curtains. It is simple, does not require special preparation: the main thing is to glue the material evenly so that the curtain does not skew.

Installing roller blinds on plastic windows without drilling
Installing roller blinds on plastic windows without drilling

The first method is more complicated, let's look at it in more detail.

Preparatory stage

First, preparatory activities are carried out.

  1. Checking the condition of the plaster. Knock on the wall near the glass unit. If you hear a dull sound, it means there are voids in the structure.
  2. Checking the verticality of the window. Needed to understand how to install curtains.
  3. Determining the installation location. Decide where the curtain will be attached: to the frame itself, the wall or the ceiling.
  4. Checking for the presence or absence of obstacles. Make sure that nothing will interfere with opening or closing the curtain.
  5. Measuring the width of the web with a bracket. As a precaution, leave a gap of about 5 mm.

It is also worth deciding on which side the chain will be located.

Materials and tools

Will be required:

  • pencil;

  • tape measure or ruler;

  • scissors;

  • stationery knife;

  • hammer drill or drill;

  • hacksaw for metal;

  • file.

Advice! You can work on the floor. Not every home has a surface on which you can place the canvas in an unfolded form. And the curtain will have to be disassembled for installation.

Step by step instructions

To install a roller blind, follow the algorithm:

Mark the brackets. Determine the center of the window opening. Mark this point to establish the exact location of the holders.

Install the holders. Determine where the 1st bracket will be located, and then drill a hole for it. If you are drilling a window frame, use a 2.5 mm wood drill. For a wall, a 6-8 mm brick drill is suitable. When the 1st holder is installed, align the shaft so that it is strictly horizontal. Then secure the 2nd support.

Cut the shaft. To do this, subtract the bracket thickness from the measured width of the structure. Make marks with a pencil, get rid of the excess part. Install a plug on the shaft. Shorten the lower holder for the canvas to the same length.

Cut the canvas. Spread the curtain on a flat horizontal surface. Mark the place where the edge will be cut. To do this, use the already shortened bottom rail. You can cut the fabric using a sharp construction knife or scissors.

Install the canvas. Screw it onto the shaft, bend the edge until a fold appears. Install the shaft, then insert the lower holder.

Install curtains. Place the edge of the sheet into the bracket. Push the other end in.

It is better to install individually made curtains according to your order with your own hands. To install ready-made curtains, it is recommended to call a specialist.

Roller blinds
Roller blinds

Frequently asked questions

How long do roller blinds last?

If used correctly, the product will last for 5 years. Then it is recommended to replace the mechanism or all the curtains completely.

Will roller blinds with drilling damage the tightness and sound insulation of the glass unit?

If installed correctly, plastic windows will retain their tightness and sound insulation. Problems can only arise if errors are made during installation.

Is it possible to print a photo or picture on roller blinds?

Yes, it is possible. Images are applied to roller blinds of various models.

Which mounting method is better: screws or double-sided tape?

Self-tapping screws are, of course, more reliable. But scotch tape also has an advantage: the dismantling process is much simpler, and there are no marks left on the window profile afterwards. This option is often chosen in rented apartments.

Can you reuse double sided tape to install roller blinds?

Reusing double-sided tape for installing roller blinds is not recommended. Use a new one.

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Video instructions for installing roller blinds