Roller Blinds

Standard roll is when the fabric feeds from the rear of the blind. This has a number of advantages.

The fabric is closer to the glass, allowing for better light block out.

The chain is more accessible and less likely to rub on the fabric causing fraying.

 However it is sometimes necessary to reverse roll blinds, for example when fixing over sliding doors. Rolling the fabric from the front just gives that extra clearance needed to accommodate handles and bars.

With block out fabrics the light coloured block out coating is visible along the top of the roll with standard roll. Not really a problem if the front of the fabric is a light colour, but can be visually irritating if a darker or textured fabric has been used.

A reversed rolled blind, creates its own pelmet and disguises the roll underneath.

The downsides of reverse roll

It can be more awkward to get to the chain to pull the blind up, there is a chance of handling the fabric and therefore marking it. Sometimes the chain can rub the fabric causing fraying

Requirements for each room can include privacy day or night, light block out, heat block or loss, glare reduction, access to ventilation, budget and style.
Decide which are the most important and pressing problems to resolve.

Privacy
If privacy is required round the clock it is hard to beat either Venetians or Plantation Shutters. Both are fixed window coverings that allow you to angle slats or blades to obscure vision from the outside.

Sunscreen fabrics made into either rollers, Romans or panel glides give great day time privacy, but hopeless at night. Combine with an additional blind either in a double roller bracket or a Roman/Roller combo for night time privacy

Light Block Out
For shift workers who require a high degree of light block out for daytime sleep, pick a block out fabric and have made either a roller blind with side channels or a less expensive option of face fit Romans or Rollers. Face fit means that the blind is fitted to the outside of the architrave rather than tucked into the reveal. It is a good look for a Roman, but not as sleek for a roller.

Heat Block or Loss
Exterior blinds or shutters will have at least double the impact of an interior blind. It makes sense to keep the heat out before entering the building. However an exterior window covering has to be robust enough to endure the elements and consequently is more expensive then an interior product.
All internal window coverings will give a degree of heat block, lighter coloured materials will help to reflect solar heat back through the window and darker colours will tend to absorb the heat.
The bigger and more substantial the size of window covering then the bigger the barrier between the house and the heat. Consequently, Plantation Shutters simply due to their bulk are excellent thermal blankets.

The thinnest of fabrics will help prevent heat loss through glass during the winter. I have blinds at home that are only ever used during the evening in winter. They have a huge impact on how easy it is to keep the house warm.

Glare Reduction
Sunscreen fabric was invented for this purpose – the darker fabric is better at absorbing light and therefore reducing glare. Used either on an interior or exterior blind.
The ability to angle blades or slats in Venetians or Plantation Shutters provides great results for reducing glare.
Ventilation
Plantation Shutters are the only window covering that you can successfully leave a window open and still benefit from heat/glare reduction and retain privacy.

Budget
Undoubtedly Plantation Shutters are the most expensive internal window coverings, but probably the most versatile. Currently there are a number of materials ranging in price that they can be manufactured in, coupled with the availability of a mass produced product made either in Australia or off shore which has helped to bring the price to a more affordable range.

Motorised rollers or Romans come a close second, a quality motor will usually add $1000 to the price of a blind, and sometimes it is possible to share a motor across a number of blinds

A good quality Venetian and Romans are a similar price.

Chain driven rollers are the least expensive contempory window covering.

Verticals and slimline aluminium Venetians remain the most budget conscious window coverings

Style
Plantation Shutters are currently the most desired window covering for look as much as versatility.

Roller blinds are great for a more minimalist streamlined look, particular in apartments over stacker and sliding doors.

Roman blinds can either look very beachy and casual or formal and sophisticated depending on choice of fabric.

Roman blinds and panel glides can be made from specialist timber weave materials, giving a range of looks from organic to oriental

Upsides

Heat insulation
Western Red Cedar (thuja plicata) is a North American plantation grown timber with excellent insulation properties. It has a coefficient of heat transmission or K value of 0.74 (BTU-in/hr of 0.74) at 12% M.C.

Sound insulation
With a cellular network of interlocking pores it provides the ability to dampen vibration and give acoustic insulation.

Durable
Renowned for naturally occurring resistance to moisture, decay and insect damage. Regarded as one of the most dimensional stable timbers making it ideal for wider shutter panels

Light weight
Its light weight makes it easy to handle and operate large panels

Downsides

Expensive
As a raw material it is in high demand and therefore commands a premium price. The timber requires a high level of sanding during the shutter manufacturing process and consequently has a higher labour content then other timber shutters.

Softness
A soft timber that can dent easily if care is not taken.

The key reason people buy awnings is to keep the heat out – a simple fabric awning can reduce the heat going through the window by up to 75%, reducing the room’s temperature and air conditioning costs.

Additional benefits include reduction of UV rays that fade flooring furniture and artworks. Reduction of glare, for a more relaxed visual environment. Creation of additional shaded outdoor living space- a retractable awning over a deck or pergola provides practical and affordable shade during the summer, whilst retracting to enjoy the warm sun during the winter.

Plantation shutters offer great privacy options, panels can be divided in to sections and blades tilted to give an unsurpassed range of privacy. If noise is a concern, choose timber. Western Red Cedar has a cellular network of interlocking pores that dampen vibrations and absorbs sound.