The origin of this original design is often attributed to the Roman period, although the principle of its control arose in Ancient Egypt. "Wandering" from era to era, roller blinds, photos of which can now be seen in any catalog, have become one of the most practical and stylish window decors. Ease of raising and lowering the canvas, unpretentiousness in care, as well as versatility - these are their distinctive features.
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Roller blinds: a variety of shapes and materials
Classic models are rectangular vertical panels that can be lowered or raised using a roller mechanism. Along with the traditional shape, you can find a square, triangular or irregular geometry. There are narrow models (according to the size of the sash) and wide ones (for the entire window). Such diversity is dictated by the style of the room and its purpose. The photo below shows classic roller blinds.
Square and horizontal rectangular canvases are convenient for large windows. Triangular and others most often act as a decorative addition. There is not a single room where roller blinds would not look like part of the decor. This could be a balcony or a spacious bathroom. How they will look depends not only on the size, practical use and other criteria.
Models differ in:
- type;
- control method;
- installation features;
- basis.
It is extremely important to select the material of the canvas. The following are used for it:
- plain or combined fabric (transparent, translucent, reflective or
- impenetrable);
- plant base - bamboo, jute, flax.
The material may differ in texture – smooth or uneven. Both straight and tightly pleated are in fashion. The base of the curtains is quite dense, resistant to tearing, and moths cannot eat through it.
The fabric is chosen either completely in one color, or with a pattern, print, design, or photo printing.
Please note! If the installation is planned to be “recessed”, under the tulle, control with chains is most often used.
When roller blinds are the main ones, two more methods can be used:
- spring;
- electric drive.
According to the method of construction, roller blinds are divided into closed and open types. The difference lies in the fact that in the first case, the roller on which the fabric is wound is located under the cassette body.
The choice of curtains depends on the interior design. The color range is quite diverse – from pure white to dark shades. Popular materials from which curtains are made:
- plastic;
- metal;
- wood.
The last option looks good in interiors with furniture (wardrobe, table, etc.) made of natural materials.
In individual projects, combined structures made from two bases are often used – for example, aluminum with wooden inserts.
Roller blinds are used not only for windows. They can be used to cover a door or ceiling opening, an entrance group to a loggia, etc.
Basic installation methods:
- along the entire length of the opening;
- on each of the window sashes or fragments.
Advantages of roller blinds
Unlike regular or designer curtains, this type of window decoration has many advantages:
- Roller blinds are easy to install at the required level.
- The products are easy to operate and maintain.
- You can choose a model to suit almost any style of decor.
- The cost of roller blinds is acceptable for most buyers.
- You can order an original design.
- Suitable for various rooms, including loggias.
- The only downside is that these models resemble blinds, that is, they seem somewhat official, but with a skillful design approach they can become the “highlight” of the interior.
Some important principles for choosing curtains
When you plan to buy roller blinds for windows, you need to consider a number of points:
- Choose curtains according to the direction of the light: on the north side it is better to hang models of a warm shade, on the south side – of a cold shade. Eastern and western rooms require neutral shades.
- In high and spacious rooms, plain and bright roller blinds look better. Small ones are visually enlarged due to vertical stripes on the canvas.
- The classic style involves light shades and traditional materials, eco-design – plant-based, high-tech – mainly reflective artificial bases.
- For offices and conference rooms, choose strict roller blinds in neutral shades that do not distract from the work.
Roller blinds in the interior
Any home environment has elements of individuality. When choosing roller blinds, it is recommended to evaluate the interior compliance very carefully. Classic pompous style and minimalism of window design are not the best combination. A specialist will help to create a ready-made entourage for different rooms.
Bedroom decoration
In the sleeping area, everything should contribute to a peaceful rest. Impenetrable blinds will help create the illusion of night even during the daytime, when you need to get some sleep. A light curtain will serve as an addition when you need to let more light into the room. A combination of heavy curtains and roller blinds is undesirable, since this greatly clutters the space. It is better to use models with the conventional name "day-night".
For the bedroom, it is better to buy an eco-friendly model, because you spend at least eight hours in the room, and your rest should be complete.
The room should preferably have calm tones that have a calming effect on a person going to bed.
Living room decoration
For large rooms, the style is quite diverse. There are more than a hundred design options using minimalism. An interesting option is loft-style finishing.
In the decoration of a modern hall, roller blinds of a simple (straight) cut gained popularity during the Great Depression. The concept of interior design with brutal elements was taken from American design. The living room, in addition to roller blinds, can be supplemented with heavy gathered curtains if the ceiling is high and the window opening is the entire wall.
The beautiful appearance of curtains as the main window decor gives uniformity to the overall ambience in the high-tech style, where gray metallic prevails. It is better to choose a canvas 2-3 shades lighter and darker if the interior contains contrasting elements. Without unnecessary additions, strict models look appropriate in Scandinavian and French styles.
If you really want to use roller blinds in a classic interior, you can skillfully combine colors, add lambrequins or other style elements, and “play” with textures.
Decorating a children's room
In a child's room, the design is intended to create a light, calm mood. Therefore, the most successful solution would be to use curtains with an image of a cartoon character or a favorite fairy tale, an animal, as well as fairly bright prints or - for a girl - delicate flowers. Photo printing looks good.
For a child's room, a "two-layer" window design is suitable: roller blinds on the plastic level, and tulle on the inside.
Kitchen design
The dining area is a special space. The kitchen should be designed taking into account constant cooking and possible contamination. Therefore, the material chosen is practical. A popular style in the design of this room is Provence. It creates lightness and space, while simultaneously performing a utilitarian role.
Roller blinds, which are mounted on plastic windows (their photo is below), can be found in many kitchens. They are attached directly to the frame or almost flush with the lintel. To make this an unusual decor, transparent curtains are added, hanging down to the windowsill or a little lower. If you do not know where to put the wide side of the curtain, you can tie it with a beautiful ribbon in the same color.
When planning your own step-by-step installation, please note that the access of fresh air in the kitchen should be maximum.
Bathroom decoration
A roller blind is also suitable for a bath. It can directly cover a window, a shower/bath area, or divide a spacious room. This option is also convenient for a combined bathroom.
To ensure that the fabric serves as a splash barrier, the roll is attached to a roller between the ceiling and the edge of the bathtub. It is recommended to select a fabric width that covers 2/3 of the bathtub length.
This is important! The material is chosen to be water-repellent, the design is resistant to rust. With a little effort, you can do the installation yourself.
Loggia decoration
The features of roller blinds on the balcony are the necessary zoning of the space and the solution to the issue of the convenience of opening the sashes. Since the basis of the windows here is often plastic, the way the door opens is taken into account. So that the hand can equally easily open the window in a vertical or horizontal position, the canvas is attached as if inside the frame.
Usually, a single color scheme is used, but you can experiment and highlight the tea area with a canvas of one shade, and the rest of the space with another, or even with a pattern or design. It is important that the colors harmonize with the design of the room, since their “backlit” color will fall on the surface of the walls and furniture.
Methods of fastening balcony structures - "standard" (open type) or mini-cassette.
If the loggia is located on the south side and a lot of sun enters the room, then roller blinds of the chosen design with a blackout or dimout function can be installed on the windows and on the entrance group. In bay windows, along with blinds, tulle is sometimes used for the entire height of the room.
In loggias on the first floors, “day-night” designs are appropriate, since it is easy to look into the apartment from the street.
Original models of roller blinds
Unique window designs are created by designers for individual window configurations. A spherical curtain is one such example.
Different-sized windows (in a private house, an apartment with a non-standard layout) also require a personal approach. All fragments can have their own configuration, which means that the curtains should be symmetrical to them.
The shape of the roller shutters in individual projects will depend on the features of the opening, taking into account the ease of opening the sashes.
According to customer reviews, the most trustworthy products are those created by private order. The specialist will not only help you choose the material and shape, but will also provide sketches.
Video on how to measure and install a roller blind
Roller blinds in the interior – 50 photos
