Roller Blinds

Roller blinds are a type of window blinds that use a tubular mechanism with a length of fabric rolled on it. It functions very much like other blinds are also easily set up. These blinds themselves are free hanging. The fabric acts as the screen and it also serves decorative purposes. If you buy them from the store they usually come as a set that you will assemble and fit into your window.

Roller Blind Kit

Your window blind kit may come with various parts that you still need to put together or they may come ready to fit and already assembled. Here are some of the important parts that will come with the package:

Fabric: The fabric acts as a screen to block the sunlight and add detail to your décor. Different materials like knitted and woven fabrics may be used. The fabric that comes with your package may also be coated with various finishes to serve a variety of purposes. Depending on the type of coating, the fabric can provide glare control, solar protection, and flame retardation.

Roller: The roller is the mechanism that the fabric rolls on to. The tube for the roller is usually made of aluminum since this material is quite versatile. However, you should expect to find other materials like wood, steel, and fiber used as material to construct the tube.

The roller also has a center cord that you use to pull the fabric down. It also has a built in ratchet so that the roller will lock at the place where you stop pulling down. Tugging on the cord quickly followed by a quick release will unlock the ratchet and raise the fabric used by the window blind.

Self Acting Spring: This spring acts to close the blind. It tugs the fabric up and rolls it on the roller tube.

Decelerator Spring: If you bought a spring roller then it will definitely come with this spring attached to the roller tube mechanism. This spring acts as a breaking mechanism to slow down the ascent of the fabric as it rolls up.

Flange End Roller: This is the spool that you insert at the end of an aluminum or steel tube roller.

Knot Holder Plate: This is the plate placed at the bottom lath where you attach the pull cord.

Scallops: These are used to enhance the fabric used for your blinds. They are fitted at the bottom of the lath.

Spindle: This is the core of the spring mechanism of the roller’s tube.

Pins: These are slot heads that are inserted into fixing brackets.

Assembling/Making Your Own Roller Blinds

To make your own blinds you will need the following materials: fabric, roller blind kit complete with all the required mechanisms, fabric stiffener, dowel, double sided tape, scissors, pencil, ruler, set square, and matching threads.

Follow these procedures when making your own window blinds: Stiffen the fabric using the fabric stiffener. Follow the instructions that come with the pack. Dry the fabric and then press.

Next, cut the fabric according to the size of your window. Use a set square to determine the actual lengths and to make sure you have the angles right. Remember to leave about 30 centimeters of the length of the fabric for allowance to cover the roller. If the blind has decorative edges then add 15 centimeters to the overall length. Knit the edges.

Next, cut the dowel about a couple of centimeters shorter than the blind’s width. Slide it through the casing.

Lay the fabric flat on your working surface and mark a line across its entire width. If the blind is to roll behind the roller then mark the right side of the fabric. However, if the fabric rolls or hangs over the front of the roller then draw the line on the fabric’s wrong side.

Place an entire length of double sided tape along the blind’s edge where you made your line.

Place the roller on the surface with its pulley mechanism positioned on the correct side.

Remove the strips from the double sided tape and press the tape on the roller and on the fabric. The top edge of your fabric should be aligned along the line marked on your roller.

Next, roll the fabric by hand slotting its length into the brackets. Pull the window blinds up and down until you get the right amount of tension.

Shopping Tips

Roller blinds can be as eye catching as any elegant curtain. However, you should purchase roller blinds according to your desired purposes. Everyone will need a few tips on what to look for in these kinds of blinds.

The very first thing you should consider is the color and design of the blinds. They should match the color and style of your interiors. The design and color of your blinds should accentuate and add detail to your home. Another thing you should consider is the type of fabric used for the blinds. Some materials keep out the light and heat better than others. You should also ask about the coating used, some block the sun and heat while others only serve to add a glorious backdrop to your interiors, drapes, curtains, and valances. You should also consider the clean up options. There are blinds that are easily cleaned while others will require more attention and maintenance.

Maintaining and Cleaning Your Roller Blinds

Caring for and cleaning your blinds will depend on the materials used to construct them. Some materials just need dusting while others will require some vacuuming. If your blinds come with wooden parts then you might have to get wood cleaners as well. As a rule of thumb, don’t just clean your blinds with soap and water. Always consult the package instructions that come with your kit.