When we talk about window coverings, curtains and draperies are normally the first things that come to mind. However, roller blinds have now been stealing the limelight. Roller blinds are practical, durable, simple, and considered to be more versatile than any type of window treatment. They are made from specially designed and manufactured long-lasting fabric that has been chemically treated to create a fade-proof feature and laminated with a heat treatment to seal the weave.
Roller blinds are truly amazing and light, with countless stunning fabrics, designs, and colours to suit every room, style, and decor. With roller blinds, you have the option to attain the required level of shading or lighting by simply rolling up or down the blinds. You can make your room feel really cool and comfortable during the hot summer months by keeping the blinds half-open. During winter, you can open the roller blinds fully to allow sufficient sunlight to get through. So what makes roller blinds so special? Here are some facts you need to know:
The Origins of Roller Blinds
Roller blinds may not be as ancient as window shutters, but it has been believed that the Ancient Egyptians have used them. Their blinds were created by weaving Nile reeds together. The design was relatively simple, with the same purpose as providing shelter and protection from the sun and allowing the cooling breeze to blow through the windows.
The blinds, as what everyone knows nowadays, made their first appearance in the 17th century in Holland. It was referred to as “Scottish-Holland” since the woven linen came from Holland then processed in Scottish water mills. By the start of the 18th century, roller blinds have evolved and reached England and France.
Eventually, they made their way to Scotland, leading to the invention of a simple cord mechanism that was created to open and close the blinds easily. In 1864, after a century, roller blinds reached the American soil. It was then that time when Stewart Hartshorn added a spring to the original mechanism, introducing the famous design you know of today.
Best Materials for Roller Blinds
Most roller blinds are available in a variety of patterns and colours. They work best when they are customised with materials that both look great with the overall decor of your home and perform at their optimum level.
The good thing about roller blinds is that you can have double functions in the same window space. High-quality roller blinds are available in a wide array of fabrics that provide maximum flexibility in how you want your window treatments to look, last, and perform. Roller blind materials are more durable when they have the following features:
- Resistance to mould, bacteria growth, and dust
- Non-flammable and fire-retardant
- High-resistance against fading from UV rays
- Easy to clean and maintain and resistance to staining
Roller Blinds Are More Affordable
What makes roller blinds appealing to most homeowners is that it allows you to enjoy the many benefits of a more expensive window covering without the need to spend a lot of money. Roller blinds are more practical for homes with so many windows. You can have the privacy, light regulation all throughout your home and a tasteful decor without draining your bank account, which is likely to happen if you choose shutters or Venetian blinds.
If you’re looking to purchase blackout material for your blinds in the UK, get in touch with us today to see how we can help.