Decorating
Should I Choose Roller Blinds for my Windows?
OK, they’re simple, but they can still look chic. Here’s why rollers are well worth a look
Continuing our series on window blinds, it’s time to focus on minimal, modern and budget-friendly roller blinds. Here are some good reasons to choose them for your windows.
More in this series Should I Choose Venetian Blinds for my Windows?
Should I Choose Roman Blinds for my Windows?
Should I Choose Pleated Blinds for my Windows?
More in this series Should I Choose Venetian Blinds for my Windows?
Should I Choose Roman Blinds for my Windows?
Should I Choose Pleated Blinds for my Windows?
They won’t break the bank
If you’re on a budget, then rollers are a good bet, as they’re often the most affordable blind option. This makes them a good choice if you have a number of windows to cover.
Don’t automatically go for the most basic white or cream design, however. Choosing a colourful roller can really wake up a room, and may not cost any more. If you want your blind to look more expensive, opt for a textured fabric, or one made from cotton, silk or linen.
If you’re on a budget, then rollers are a good bet, as they’re often the most affordable blind option. This makes them a good choice if you have a number of windows to cover.
Don’t automatically go for the most basic white or cream design, however. Choosing a colourful roller can really wake up a room, and may not cost any more. If you want your blind to look more expensive, opt for a textured fabric, or one made from cotton, silk or linen.
They can still look pretty
You might think of rollers as the plain, simple choice, but there’s no reason they can’t be made up using patterned fabric. This vintage-style floral looks anything but dull, and the crisp lines of the roller stop it appearing chintzy.
Roller blinds can be made to measure, or you can buy ready-made ones that you cut to the correct width. Always carefully check the dimensions of your windows and those on the packaging before buying.
You might think of rollers as the plain, simple choice, but there’s no reason they can’t be made up using patterned fabric. This vintage-style floral looks anything but dull, and the crisp lines of the roller stop it appearing chintzy.
Roller blinds can be made to measure, or you can buy ready-made ones that you cut to the correct width. Always carefully check the dimensions of your windows and those on the packaging before buying.
They fit most window sizes
One great plus of rollers is that they can be made to fit most windows – wide, narrow, tall or small. If you have a bay window with different-size panes, for example, you can have a blind made to measure for each one. However, it may be tricky to manoeuvre inward-opening windows when your rollers are down – something to consider.
Check out 10 ways good lighting can transform your living room
One great plus of rollers is that they can be made to fit most windows – wide, narrow, tall or small. If you have a bay window with different-size panes, for example, you can have a blind made to measure for each one. However, it may be tricky to manoeuvre inward-opening windows when your rollers are down – something to consider.
Check out 10 ways good lighting can transform your living room
They can look modern…
Rollers are an unfussy contemporary choice, but that doesn’t mean they have to be super-minimal. There’s no end of modern designs on offer. For example, these blinds feature a contrasting black hem for a stylish detail that stands out.
Rollers are an unfussy contemporary choice, but that doesn’t mean they have to be super-minimal. There’s no end of modern designs on offer. For example, these blinds feature a contrasting black hem for a stylish detail that stands out.
…or elegant and timeless
Don’t assume rollers only work in more modern settings, either. The finished effect in a room is often more about the fabric you opt for.
These natural fabric roller blinds work surprisingly well with the leather chesterfield and vintage trunk, for a more traditional look that’s still fresh and simple.
Don’t assume rollers only work in more modern settings, either. The finished effect in a room is often more about the fabric you opt for.
These natural fabric roller blinds work surprisingly well with the leather chesterfield and vintage trunk, for a more traditional look that’s still fresh and simple.
They’re ideal in bedrooms
Rollers can easily be fitted with blackout fabric to aid a better night’s sleep. Make sure they cover the window snugly for total darkness.
Roller blinds can be fitted inside or outside your window recess. Here, they sit outside the frames to minimise any light creeping in around the edges. Rollers are a blind style that works well combined with other window coverings, too – here, they’re teamed with Venetians.
If you’re using roller blinds in a child’s bedroom, always ensure you fit an up-to-date safety device for the cord.
See 10 cheery interiors ideas to lift the winter blues
Rollers can easily be fitted with blackout fabric to aid a better night’s sleep. Make sure they cover the window snugly for total darkness.
Roller blinds can be fitted inside or outside your window recess. Here, they sit outside the frames to minimise any light creeping in around the edges. Rollers are a blind style that works well combined with other window coverings, too – here, they’re teamed with Venetians.
If you’re using roller blinds in a child’s bedroom, always ensure you fit an up-to-date safety device for the cord.
See 10 cheery interiors ideas to lift the winter blues
They’re a good bathroom bet, too
Moisture-resistant roller blinds are a smart choice in a bathroom, as they won’t rot or go mouldy (never a good look).
If you’re not keen on a totally blank roller effect, and are hankering after something more decorative, why not steal this idea? The bottom half is covered in pretty patterned film for privacy while soaking in the tub. However, the rollers can be lowered to the bottom for extra screening in the evenings when the lights are on.
Moisture-resistant roller blinds are a smart choice in a bathroom, as they won’t rot or go mouldy (never a good look).
If you’re not keen on a totally blank roller effect, and are hankering after something more decorative, why not steal this idea? The bottom half is covered in pretty patterned film for privacy while soaking in the tub. However, the rollers can be lowered to the bottom for extra screening in the evenings when the lights are on.
They can keep your home snug
Daylight rollers behind curtains can be a practical solution, especially if you want to further insulate against the cold. They look more stylish than nets, and they’re not as chunky or pricey as shutters.
Check out thermal blinds with special solar coatings to stop heat escaping, which may be handy if you live in a period property with original windows. These will help keep you cooler in summer, too.
Discover more contemporary takes on the window seat
Have you chosen roller blinds in your home? Share your experiences in the Comments section
Daylight rollers behind curtains can be a practical solution, especially if you want to further insulate against the cold. They look more stylish than nets, and they’re not as chunky or pricey as shutters.
Check out thermal blinds with special solar coatings to stop heat escaping, which may be handy if you live in a period property with original windows. These will help keep you cooler in summer, too.
Discover more contemporary takes on the window seat
Have you chosen roller blinds in your home? Share your experiences in the Comments section
If your room’s on the small side, then rollers are a wise choice. Their simple design fits closely to windows, and tends to visually ‘disappear’, whether rolled up or down. They also won’t get tangled in radiators or items of furniture, like curtains can.
When choosing your blind’s fabric, think about whether you want to block out light completely or go for something that gently filters it instead – there’s a huge choice of thicknesses available. In this room, white blinds in a translucent fabric still offer privacy, but let daylight show through. The result is pleasingly minimal and lets the rest of the room shine.