Everything You Need To Know About Roller Blinds
By Ana Zuravliova
At Blinds Direct, we’re well known for our wide range of handcrafted, made to measure blinds and home accessories, all made in-house by our talented team in our premises in Yorkshire. Roller blinds are one of our most popular window treatments, loved for their simplicity, versatility and clean aesthetic. Today, we’re taking a closer look at our made to measure roller blinds, explaining everything you need to know about measuring, installing, cleaning and more.
What are roller blinds?
Roller blinds are a simple yet stylish window covering made from a single piece of fabric that rolls up and down using a chain, spring, or motorised mechanism. Their clean design and customisable colors, textures, and opacity levels make them ideal for both modern and traditional spaces.
Roller blinds are suitable for every room in the home, no matter the size of your windows. Our roller blinds are available in a diverse choice of fabrics, so it’s easy to find the right colour, pattern and texture to coordinate with your decor. But it’s not just the style of your roller blind that needs consideration – you also need to think about the size, opacity and any additional functional properties.
The evolution of roller blinds
Roller blinds have a rich history spanning over 300 years. Originating in the early 1700s as simple linen shades called “Scotch Holland,” they lacked spring mechanisms and were manually wound. By the mid-1800s, spring rollers transformed them into smooth, easy-to-use window coverings, often painted with decorative designs. Once seen as a purely practical choice, roller blinds have evolved into one of the most versatile and design-driven window coverings available. Today’s rollers combine style and substance, offering contemporary textures, tactile fabrics, and premium finishes that enhance any interior. Today, roller blinds continue to evolve with motorisation and smart home integration, proving that even after three centuries, there’s still innovation in this timeless window covering.
Standard roller blinds vs reverse roller blinds
One important decision when ordering roller blinds is choosing between standard and reverse roll configurations.
Standard roller blinds have the fabric rolling off the front of the tube, hanging closer to the window glass. This is the traditional configuration and works well for most installations.
Reverse roller blinds have the fabric rolling off the back of the tube, positioning the fabric further into the room. This creates a larger gap between the blind and window, making reverse roll ideal for better light blocking, improved insulation, or when you need clearance for window handles. Reverse roll blinds are particularly effective for blackout purposes as they minimise light gaps around the edges.
Measuring for roller blinds
Measuring for roller blinds couldn’t be more simple. You first need to ensure that your window opens outwards and has a recess depth of 6cm or more. If your window doesn’t, then you’ll need to measure and fit your blinds outside the recess.
To start, you need to measure across the window at the top, middle and bottom of the recess. Then note down the smallest measurement. This is the width of your roller blind. Repeat these measurements vertically down the window on the left, middle and right of the recess. Note down the smallest measurement. This is your drop measurement. These two measurements are what you need to purchase your new roller blind.
Different types of roller blinds and the best rooms for each
At Blinds Direct, you can select a roller blind that works best for your space. There are a wide range of features available, including:
Moisture proof blinds, perfect for kitchens, bathrooms and other areas of the home that experience high levels of moisture and humidity. The moisture proof properties will prevent the build up of mould and mildew, as well as being easier to clean.
Hygienic blinds, which are again ideal for areas of the home like bathrooms. These blinds are also a good choice for offices and places where health and safety are paramount.
Flame retardant blinds, which are suitable for spaces with regulations. This is also a safe choice if you like to light candles regularly.
Office friendly blinds, the perfect choice for offices and corporate settings.
PVC blinds, which are durable and waterproof, make them very easy to clean and maintain.
Thermal blinds, which are the perfect choice for keeping your room more warm and cosy. You might even save some money on energy bills!
You can also choose premium upgrades, including No-Drill, Designer, and Platinum collections, offering added style, sophistication, and ease of installation.
Our expanded textured roller ranges add depth and tactility to your interiors, creating a more interior-led feel that complements modern and contemporary designs.
Enjoy easy, damage-free installation with our No-Drill Roller Blinds. Secure brackets attach to your window frame without screws, perfect for renters or anyone avoiding permanent fittings.
ComfyShade motorisation is now available across most of our roller blinds, allowing seamless smart control at the touch of a button. This upgrade brings effortless, motorised operation while maintaining the sleek, premium look of your window treatment. Customers can select this option when configuring their blind, combining convenience with elegance.
You can also choose between blackout, dimout and diffused roller blinds, depending on the amount of darkness you require in your room. For example, a bedroom will benefit from blackout fabric to promote a better night’s sleep, whereas you might prefer a diffused fabric in the kitchen or conservatory.
What are the benefits of roller blinds?
- Sleek Design: Clean lines and a minimalist look that fits any decor.
- Space-Saving: Compact and neat, ideal for small windows or tight spaces.
- Light Control: Adjustable opacity for privacy and light filtering.
- Customizable: Wide range of colors, patterns, and fabrics to match your style.
- Easy to Use: Simple operation with chain, spring, or motorized options.
- Durable: Low maintenance and long-lasting.
Are roller blinds a good choice for your home?
Yes, roller blinds are an excellent choice for most homes. They’re particularly well-suited for modern and contemporary interiors due to their clean lines and uncluttered appearance. Roller blinds work best in rooms with standard rectangular windows and where a minimalist aesthetic is desired. They may be less suitable for very large windows exceeding 3 metres wide, where alternative options like vertical blinds might be more practical.
How to install roller blinds
A roller blind is a neat, contemporary option for your home office. With added benefits such as Hygienic, Office Friendly, Thermal and Easy Wipe, a roller blind is one of the most practical choices. Our collection of rollers features a range of colours and patterns, so you can select the perfect style to suit your space, creating a functional yet fashionable home office.
Roller blinds are an elegant solution for your windows, providing excellent functionality and sophisticated style at an affordable price. They are a great choice for kid’s rooms, kitchens, bathrooms and busy areas of the home. Our roller blinds are made to measure to your exact requirements, available in a variety of sizes, colours and patterns, and with properties such as easy wipe, moisture proof, hygienic and thermal. You can find out more from our in-depth guide for cleaning roller blinds.
Are roller blinds easy to operate?
Yes, roller blinds are one of the easiest window treatments to operate. Simply pull the chain or cord to raise or lower the blind to your desired height. The clutch mechanism holds it securely in place.
How to clean roller blinds
It won’t take long to clean your roller blind. If you decide to purchase an easy wipe or PVC roller blind, it will be even more simple to clean, thanks to the water resistant and wipe-clean properties.
You can keep on top of your roller blinds by regularly wiping them with a clean, damp cloth. Roll the blind all the way down and wipe from the top to bottom, then leave it to dry before raising it. Your roller blind can also be cleaned with baby wipes, as long as you rub gently.
When it comes to the mechanism, you can use a silicone spray to get it squeaky clean… and avoid any squeaking and stiffness! You can also clean the chain or cord with warm, soapy water.
Shop roller blinds
Enjoy style, functionality and durability with a high quality, made to measure roller blind from Blinds Direct. Choose from a wide range of colours and patterns, each made to the highest standards and only the best components. For more information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team – we’re always happy to help. Or, for more information, we also have our Buyers Guide for Roller Blinds.
