Roller blinds are a wonderful decoration for any interior. Ease of use and reasonable cost make such a solution available to a wide range of users. Roller blinds do not take up much space, because they are attached to the frame, and when assembled, they significantly save room space. A variety of colors and patterns helps to decorate the interior of the room. The mechanism of roller blinds is characterized by simplicity of the device, and if used correctly, it will last for a long time.
Roller blinds: types and features
The control principle of these comfortable curtains is reminiscent of Roman designs and horizontal blinds. Now this option of curtains in combination with the usual curtains is common for apartments and private houses, as well as in business centers. They create a barrier to excessively bright natural light, which not only can interfere with rest, but also affects the preservation of the color of the wallpaper and the interior environment.
You can pick up roll products that are suitable for the price depending on the purpose
There are several types of roller blinds. Their diversity lies not only in the control method, but also in the system features. There are two main types:
- Open control mechanism. The roller is in visible accessibility, not protected by a cassette or other type of cover.
Open type roller blind - Closed control mechanism. The roller is hidden under the body, which firmly fixes the canvas and does not allow it to crumple or sag. The product takes on a more complete and aesthetic appearance.
Roller blind with protective box
The principle of operation of the structure may also differ. There are 3 control options:
- using chains;
- by means of an electric drive;
- using a spring clip.
Roller blind with chain
Spring curtains
Electric roller blinds
All methods are convenient in their own way. When choosing curtains, be guided by many criteria that are individual for each place and lifestyle.
Indoors, 4 types of canvas are used:
- completely transparent;
- dimout (light transmission 20-30%);
- blackout (100% opaque);
- "day Night".
Transparent roller blind
Roller blinds dimout
Blackout roller blinds
Roller blinds day-night
Semi-transparent fabrics are used, as well as non-textile materials (bamboo, jute, etc.), which have their own degree of light transmission, depending on the model.
On a note! Many curtain options (plastic, metal or wooden box / roller) in any color, including white, allow you to choose the one that suits your decor.
Advantages and disadvantages of roller blinds
When preparing to choose a model, you should pay close attention to the advantages and disadvantages of this type of structure.
Roller blinds can be matched to different interior styles
The advantages of roller blinds are as follows:
- Versatility. Possibility of combining models with a variety of interior styles.
- Aesthetics and brevity. Strict forms in combination with high-quality canvas can transform a living space, attic or loggia into a modern look.
- Practicality. Curtain maintenance is minimal.
- Reliability. High-quality products have a large margin of safety.
- Functionality. Using roller blinds, you can provide any level of light access to the room.
- Electric models allow you to control them from a distance (for example, while lying in bed).
- Replacement of curtains.Blinds go well with tulle, so there is no need for full-fledged curtains.
- Saving space. Such a curtain does not require the construction of curtains that go beyond the window.
- Low cost. You can choose a budget model with a great design.
- For convenience, the products are always accompanied by assembly and operating instructions.
The roller blind can be plain or patterned
The disadvantages of roller blinds are minimal. These include:
- minimalism (not always combined with classic-style interiors);
- require special installation for plastic windows and structures with vents (rather not a minus, but a feature).
How to care
How you care for your roller blinds depends on the situation and the fabric from which they are made. Usually, the instructions for use of the product indicate the means that can be used to clean the canvas. If a stain appears, remove it with an eraser. During routine cleaning, we recommend non-aggressive detergents that do not contain acidic and alkaline components that can change the color of the fabric.
It is easier to care for cassette species, since they are in the box most of the day, and dust does not get on them - it is enough to wipe only the guide strips and the case itself with a damp cloth, and vacuum the canvas.
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The device and principle of operation of roller blinds
The bobbin type of construction assumes the presence of several components. The roller blinds device includes:
- roller with control unit;
- canvas;
- weighting plumb line;
- guides;
- adjusting mechanism.
Roller blind device with body and side guides
Roller blinds work on the principle of winding and unwinding the fabric on the drum. It is located at the top of the structure. To tension the canvas from below, there is a weighting agent - U-shaped or a bar, with the help of which the roll cannot be sagged or skewed.
The classic mechanism is controlled by a chain. In modern models, you can sometimes find magnetic stupor.
To limit the stroke, a stopper is installed on the chain
The mechanism controlled by a chain drive has its own peculiarity. The balls on the cord are part of the hinge structure when the roller spins to one side or the other. They also act as a kind of clamps. The finished sample has a chain slope of at least 2/3 of the length of the blade.
Convenient roller blinds that rise from the bottom up using a spring mechanism. They have good tension. A reliable spring cushions the blade, which can be fixed in the desired position.
It is interesting that curtains with a spring mechanism can be installed in various positions.
The winding of the roll can be direct and reverse. The second option is typical for cassette curtains.
Guides help distribute the canvas evenly as you scroll. They also cover the sides from the gaps.
Cassette roller blind with side guides
Installation of the product and ways to improve the design
The configuration of the windows assumes the use of one or another installation option. The classic installation - mounting flush with the window sill on the wall or ceiling - is not always suitable for roller blinds due to the specifics of the design. But this method is used. Let's see how best to strengthen the curtains so that they fully fulfill their purpose, depending on the material and design of the opening.
Features of installing roller blinds on a wooden window with a window
The best option would be to attach the structure to the wall or ceiling, especially if the opening is deep - there is room to open the window. However, not everyone is satisfied with this method in the case of narrow window sills and the presence of curtains / tulle.
Placing a curtain over a window opening does not always look like the best option.
There remains one more option - to attach the curtains to the frame, taking into account the vents. This side can be equipped with two mini-canvases to suit the size of the pieces.
The best option would be to place a separate curtain on each window sash.
The step-by-step fastening process is as follows.
- First - assembly of the shaft part. Before that - measuring and calculating the length and width of the structure. For accurate marking, attach the assembled product to the frame.
When measuring, take into account the location of the handle. It is important that it does not interfere with the movement of the curtain. - On the upper part of the sash, brackets with a drum are glued or screwed with self-tapping screws.
Scheme of installing curtains on self-tapping screws with drilling - The holes are drilled carefully so as not to damage the base. After work, be sure to adjust the length of the cord.
- They check the course of the web several times, setting it in motion with the help of chains located on the opposite side of the handles (control should be free).
It is important! The method of fastening with self-tapping screws is preferable, since when changing the window design, the holes will be easier to seal and update.
If the canvas is too long, then it is recommended to carefully cut the bottom, making an overlap for the weighting agent. It can be inserted through the side connector.
Windows with a vent can be fitted with mix series curtains, which have a non-standard unwinding. In them, the roller is attached at the bottom of the structure, and the roll rises from the bottom up.
For brown wooden frames, you can choose a plastic mechanism and a cloth of a similar range or two or three shades lighter. The window looks better if the colors are matched to the wallpaper palette or curtains. When choosing a scale, pay attention to the size of the room. So, a lilac shade will visually reduce the space, and a snow-white one will increase.
For day and night structures, it is preferable to mount to the wall rather than to the frame. If necessary, the blade can also be cut to the desired height.
Against the background of light walls, curtains in a contrasting color look spectacular
If you plan to mount the device to the ceiling or wall, then you need to choose a model with a web overlap on the sides (up to 3-5 cm) and a curtain of the appropriate length, otherwise, after installation, gaps will be visible that visually spoil the picture.
Features of installation of roller blinds for plastic windows
For windows made of plastic, any kind of blinds are suitable, including exotic ones made of bamboo, etc. They look interesting and unusual, bringing their "zest" into the strict design of the opening.
Self-assembly of roller blinds on PVC windows requires special care. It is important to take into account that the design involves opening / closing the sashes in different positions. Therefore, the canvas and other parts of the curtains should not touch the guides and mechanisms of the window.
When placing a curtain on a swing sash, consider the thickness of the case, which may interfere with the free opening of the window.
Making only frames (more precisely, sashes) made of PVC is a relatively inexpensive and fast way. It is better to fix the top with double-sided tape or glue, since the traces of self-tapping screws if you need to change the decor are more difficult to remove.
The fastening in the form of double-sided tape may gradually weaken, therefore it is recommended to hang a light roll on the sash. This method is not recommended for models designed for the entire width of the opening. Installation should be done with the windows closed so that the structure is attached evenly.
A curtain with a drum hidden in a mini-cassette looks very neat on a PVC product. Ideal for matching white cabinet windows.
Such a curtain practically merges with the window frame.
So that the hand can freely open the sash and fix it with the regulator, the chain is located on the opposite side.
With an excessive length, the canvas can be shortened and a U-shaped weighting agent can be made at the bottom.Due to this balance, the roll will not dangle much from the draft.
The stages of work are as follows.
- The parameters of the base for the future structure are measured.
- The adhesive tape is attached to the roller holder on one side, and to the sash frame with the other. Instead of tape, you can also use special glue or "liquid nails".
The procedure for installing curtains on tape - The web is leveled, the chain length and the roll up and down are checked.
The second way is to mount a roller blind with a spring mechanism. The product is installed in an already assembled state.
- Marking is made for fasteners. Brackets and a drum are installed along them.
- Covers are put on the side parts.
- The drive travel and blade tension are checked.
Benefits
The biggest plus is compactness. They cover only the glass, leaving the window opening completely open, so they are ideal for small spaces: kitchen, small bedroom, children's room. They are especially often used to decorate the kitchen, when the work surface of the tables, stove or sink is located in close proximity to the window, since ordinary curtains in this quickly get dirty and there is a danger of the fabric catching fire.
The next plus is that the curtains are hung on each sash and do not interfere with the opening of the frame. The window can be opened even with the canvas down. Also, it is not necessary to lower the fabric to the window sill itself - by unrolling the roll only partially, you can restrict the access of sunlight. This is convenient, for example, when you want to get rid of glare on the monitor.
Mini roller blinds for blind windows
Fully closed sashes sometimes require a uniform roll-up design. When designing such openings, you can use curtains with mini-rollers.
The kit includes a roller bar, brackets, line blade and clamps. To fix the curtain on a blind window, you need to do the following:
- Determine the size of the future roll in width and length.
- Connect the roller and the canvas as indicated in the instructions.
- Fasten the open drum or cassette to the brackets using self-tapping screws (suitable for wooden structures), tape or mounting glue.
- The excess length of the web is shortened.
- A fishing line is threaded along the edges of the roll from the roller to the bottom, which is fixed with clamps or simply tied tightly at the ends.
Mounting scheme for curtains with a fishing line
The configuration of roller blinds for non-standard windows can be ordered from specialized stores or showrooms. They can also help you with installation if self-installation is difficult.
Measurements with installation in front of the opening
If the installation method on the wall in front of the opening is best for your window, then you have more opportunities to choose the height and width of the curtain according to your own requests.
You can choose roller blinds that cover only the contour of the window, or you can purchase a model that will hide part of the wall around. This type of mounting is often used to install Blackout products that provide the greatest protection from sunlight.
For standard sizes of roller blinds, the following calculation formula is applicable:
- Width = Opening width + 10 cm.
- Length = opening height + 15 cm.
It should be remembered that the height of the product is measured from the place where the curtain is attached to the window sill or lower, if necessary. The width is also chosen taking into account the desired overlap on both sides of the window opening.
In this case, the control cord for the lifting mechanism can be located on either side of the curtain as it is more convenient for you - to the left or to the right.
Due to the variety of shapes and types of window frames, there may be some disagreements with the measurement schemes presented in the article.
If your window was installed according to an individual project, has a non-standard shape or size, in order to avoid mistakes, it is better to contact a specialist in the installation of roller blinds. In any case, regardless of which method of measuring, purchasing and installing fabric roller blinds you have chosen, the main thing is that the final result will bring you only positive emotions.
Strengthening the rigidity of the web due to guides
When installing curtains, you can use an add-on that will improve the straightening of the roll during unwinding. This is done using the strings included in a number of models. They are equipped with special clamps, so it is not difficult to connect them:
- Measure and cut the strings according to the length of the roll.
- At the bottom, on both sides of the frame, clamps are attached (with glue or dowels).
- The string is pulled from the roller and up to the holes on the bottom bar and clamps. This process is described in more detail in the instructions for the purchased product.
Installation diagram of a curtain with a guide line
Correctly fastened strings allow the roll not to sag, not to bend, but to be even along its entire length, which eliminates the appearance of carelessness and flapping of the canvas with a strong air flow.
Preparation of materials for use
Impregnation of woven curtains
So that during operation the curtains are easy to clean and quickly not get dirty, you need to select a water-repellent material. You can make a fabric with such properties yourself; there are several recipes for this.
Recipe number 1
You will need:
- 0.5 kg of rosin (can be replaced with coniferous resin);
- 0.5 kg of grated laundry soap;
- 0.5 kg of acetone;
- 0.5 kg of linen soda;
- 5 liters of water.
Cooking sequence:
- Heat water to a boil, add shavings of soap and soda to it.
- Dissolve rosin in acetone, pour into water and mix thoroughly.
- Dip a cloth into the resulting solution and leave to soak for 12 hours.
Recipe number 2
Fabric care.
You will need:
- 0.3 kg of copper sulfate;
- 12 liters of water.
Prepare a solution and soak a cloth in it for 5 days. After this time, the material will acquire water-repellent properties.
Recipe number 3
You will need:
- 120 g of alum;
- 300 g quicklime;
- 12.5 liters of water.
Mix all ingredients thoroughly. Soak a cloth in the resulting solution for 12 hours.
If natural material is used, for example cotton, the pattern of curtains must be done with a margin, because on contact with water, the fabric will shrink and after soaking it will be smaller than its original size.
