Blinds Buying Guide
More and more people are choosing blinds for their homes to accompany curtains or even just on their own. We have put this guide together to help you choose the right blind for your window.
Types of Blind
Measuring for Blinds
Cutting Down a Ready Made Roller Blind
Care
Types of Blind
Roman Blinds
Flat when lowered (pulled down)
Form attractive pleats or folds when raised
Do not take up much space on your window sill when lowered
Practical and easy to use
Blinds are sold with all the fixings you will require
Roller Blinds
Made from durable fabric which is rolled up and down whilst attached to fixings
Blinds are sold with all the fixings you will require
Vertical Blinds
Made from strips of durable fabric suspended from a fitting at the top of your window
Rods at each side of the window allow the strips to be twisted to let in more or less light as required
Cords are used to draw the blinds back in the same way as curtains
Suitable for a modern and minimalist room
Blackout Blinds
Completely block out natural light
Ideal for children’s bedrooms
Available as roller blinds only
Measuring for Blinds
Blinds can be fitted inside or outside of the window recess.
Inside Recess Measuring
Check that your recess is not obstructed in any way that would stop the blind being lowered correctly
Use a metal tape measure as this will be more accurate
Measure in several places to allow for variation or irregularity in your windows (take the average measurement)
Outside Recess Measuring
This may be necessary if the recess is less than 7.5cm (3″) deep
This may be necessary if the window opens inwards
This may be necessary if the window is not straight as the blind may not roll down correctly
Decide how far you want the blind to overlap on each side of your window - we recommend about 5cm (2″)
Cutting Down a Ready Made Roller Blind
If you need to reduce the width of a roller blind to fit into a window recess we recommend that you follow these guide lines:
Use a metal tape measure to measure from the outside edge of each bracket
Deduct the width of the winding mechanism from this measurement before you cut the blind to the desired length
Unwind the blind and use a mini hacksaw to cut the tube
Cut down the length of the fabric using sharp scissors - be sure you cut in a straight line
Wind the fabric back onto the tube and put the blind in place as normal
Care
We recommend that all blinds are cared for according to the care instructions provided
Blinds can be dusted with a synthetic or feather duster
Fabric blinds can also be vacuumed with the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner
Never wash a fabric blind using soap and water
We stock blinds in over 200 different styles and colours with designs to suit every room in your home including an extensive selection of blackout blinds.
Article by Louise Barlow
To explore our range of roman blinds further, please visit our website at http://www.dunelm-mill.com.
