Unlike dogs, who will likely not attempt to look out of windows that are behind blinds, cats are extremely curious, and will want to know what is on the other side. As a result, depending on what sort of blind you have on your windows, there may be a chance that your curious cat will get themselves into trouble. Whether or not the blinds are dangerous for your cat, or the other way around, is another factor to consider.

Due to cats’ ability to go about their business as they please, without regard for anyone or anything that is in their way, often blinds will suffer from their exuberance. There are some types of blinds that are a better choice for cats, so read on for more information about how the different styles of blinds measure up against a cat.

If all else fails and you have already experienced your cat destroying your blinds, Blind Concepts provide a service for cleaning, repairing and replacing broken blinds.

Roller Blinds

Roller blinds might seem like the best choice for any situation as they have a simple design, no hooks or chains and are easy to use, however, unfortunately, they are not the best choice with cats. Without a second thought, a cat will use the fabric on the roller blind to climb up, while chasing insects, or stretching, which will cause holes in the fabric. The type of fabric being used is also important to consider with the issue of cat fur, which will need cleaning regularly.

Vertical Blinds

As you can imagine, horizontal blinds will not work well with cats, as they will likely crash into them when attempting to view something they have seen on the other side. However, vertical blinds allow for the cat to see past the blinds to whatever has piqued their interest on the other side. Cats will naturally be attracted to the swinging of the vertical panels, and could happily spend a lot of time with this activity alone.

The main issue with vertical blinds is that if they have the chains on them, then it is very likely that the cat will either get tangled in them, or break them, so you may need to reattach the chains over and over. With these blinds, there is also the issue of fabric being damaged by the cat.

Venetian Blinds

Like other blinds, the most important factor in the longevity of your venetian blinds is the material. Metal venetian blinds will not last too long with an exuberant cat, as they will likely become bent over time. The other factor would be to do with the cords and whether they are dangling in a cat attractive fashion.

Child-friendly cords can alleviate this problem too. The most hard-wearing material for cats is wooden blinds, and in the venetian blind style they will generally last the best.

Rising living costs have many householders looking for cost savings, and those with the skills and knowhow, are turning to DIY home maintenance more readily than ever before. Many tasks around the home are not difficult and don’t necessarily require a trade qualification. The exception is electrical repairs, which should always be done by an electrician.

Common Issues With Blinds

Window blinds are a typical item that wear and require attention to keep them looking and functioning at their best.

The typical issues with Venetian Blinds are broken slats. With vertical blinds, they can become jammed and cannot slide. In roller blinds, the common issue is when they no longer roll up straight.

There are many other things that can go wrong, depending on the style of the blind.

Benefits of DIY repair for Window Blinds

There are advantages to being able to repair common issues in your window blinds yourself.

The first is convenience. Assuming that you have the knowledge needed to identify the problem, it should be a simple task to repair the blind and rehang it. The second is saving money, with the only outlay being the cost of the parts.

Another advantage is the time saving. Rather than finding an external repairer, sending the blind to their workshop then waiting for the work to be done, you can have the window secure again in an afternoon.

CONS of DIY BLINDS REPAIR

Of course, there are also disadvantages especially if you are unfamiliar with the workings of window blinds. To do the repair yourself, you could spend hours researching the problem and looking for a solution.

The internet offers “how-to” videos, so there is more time spent familiarising yourself with the repair process. You may need new parts, so further time would be spent sourcing suppliers, checking prices and availability then waiting for them to be delivered.

Temporary Window Treatments

Meanwhile, the blind is not performing its function so the window would need a temporary solution such as hanging up a sheet to block it off. In a bedroom this may not be a problem but in the living areas of the dwelling, where we entertain guests, it would not be very elegant. The window may also need to be kept closed, which may make the room stuffy and uncomfortable, especially in summer.

WINDOW BLIND REPAIR Services

All of this can be avoided by contacting our team at Blind Concepts. Our blind repair service restores the function and quality of a range of blinds. Typical repairs include replacing slats and slat hangers, resewing slats and replacing chains, cords or wands. Call us to discuss your problem and the type of blind and we will provide you with the best solution and a free quote.

Well-chosen window treatments are the final touch that make our dwellings look smart and stylish, whether that be curtains, blinds, shutters or some other combination. While looks are important, choosing window products that are fit for purpose is also necessary. Nowhere is this more important than on windows that have specific functional needs.

When Letting in Light is Not a Good Thing

A good example of this is block-out blinds. They may not be the first choice for every window, but there are some circumstances where they are essential for the comfort of the householders. A case in point are our front-line workers who are often on the job at night, so for them, being able to get quality sleep in a darkened bedroom during the day is vital.

Block-Out is Best

Many homes now have media rooms, home offices and other spaces where encroaching sunlight on screens and workstations is disruptive, and where standard blinds are inadequate for light control. Block out blinds will solve this problem allowing occupants to enjoy their pursuits.

A Good Fit is Essential

Most styles of blinds are available in a range of fabrics, with the most popular block-out options being roller blinds, honeycomb blinds and Roman blinds. Some non-fabric blinds such as venetians are available with block out features. However, more important than the fabric type when it comes to block-out blinds is how well they fit the window.

A poorly fitted block-out blind will inevitably let in slivers of light. This draws the eye towards this light source, which then disrupts the atmosphere that the block-out blind is supposed to produce.

Property owners considering buying block-out blinds should ensure that the product is a perfect fit. If not, consider having the blind or blinds custom made to get the desired block-out effect.

Damaged Blinds Defeat the Purpose

The same principle applies to existing block-out blinds. Although they are still functional, there may be small tears around the edges or other minor damage that is allowing light, however small, into the room. This impairs functionality and defeats the purpose of the product.

We are very familiar with this situation. Here at Blind Concepts, we specialise in cleaning and repairing soiled, shabby and damaged blinds of all types and styles.

Our cleaning process uses minimal amounts of water and chemicals, gently removing dirt, stains, grease, grime and bacteria. We also offer a repair service to restore the look and functionality of damaged blinds. Both processes save our clients’ money as they are able to get extra years of use out of their blinds.

Every householder has their own approach to the way they keep their living environment. Some take the “place for everything and everything in its place” approach and clean daily, others are more relaxed and do a clean and tidy once a week and some never quite get around to cleaning up at all.

Regardless of whatever cleaning style you follow, your window blinds eventually will look dull and shabby. This detracts from the overall appearance of your dwelling, and the dust, grime and possibly mould covering the blind surfaces could cause lung related health issues.

Different types of blinds need different cleaning methods, but all will benefit from first running the vacuum cleaner with brush attachment over the surfaces.

Cleaning Venetian Blinds

Venetian blinds made of vinyl or aluminium can be cleaned while still on the window, but if a deep clean is needed, take them down and spread outside on a clean plastic sheet. Clean gently with a non-abrasive sponge and soapy water, then wipe clean with a soft cloth. Take care with wooden venetians as too much water may cause the slats to warp.

Roller Blinds Look Great After Cleaning

Leave vinyl roller blinds on the window fully extended then clean in the same way as the venetians. Fabric roller blinds may need to be taken down to clean them. Submerge them in a mild detergent and water mix in the bathtub, leave to soak for an hour and then go over them with a cleaning brush to remove all dirt and stains. Empty the bath and refill with clean water to rinse the fabric and hang out to dry. Do not roll them up damp as this will cause mould.

Vertical Blinds Respond Well to Cleaning

Fabric vertical blinds can also be cleaned on the window. After removing dust with the vacuum cleaner, spot clean any stains with a spray solution recommended specifically for the type of fabric. Machine washing is not recommended as it may damage the fabric.

Vinyl verticals can be cleaned in the same way as vinyl venetians, but if a deep clean is needed, remove the blades, lay them on a smooth, even surface and wipe over with a clean cloth, spot clean with soap and water then wipe dry.

For busy people with no time to spare this may seem like too much work. Luckily, our cleaning process here at Blind Concepts is the perfect solution. Our team will take your blinds to our workshop and by using our environmentally friendly ultrasonic cleaning method your blinds will be thoroughly cleaned and returned to you ready to re-hang. Leave the hard work to us.

We should all be aware by now that our climate is changing faster than predicted and as a result, householders are making their own decisions regarding the liveability of their properties. Rooftop solar panels continue to be installed across the country to lessen dependence on coal-fired power generation, and consumers are aware of their ability to influence change with their purchasing decisions.

Materials and Insulation – Two Options for Sustainability

For example, sustainability can be applied to major projects or to buying new window dressing for the home. In the latter example, there are two ways that a consumer can have an impact when searching for environmentally responsible blinds and curtains. Firstly, these products are now available in sustainably produced materials and secondly, these materials can also be effective, energy saving insulators.

Reduce Energy and Transport Costs by Buying Locally

Mounting blinds within the window frames is ideal for effective insulation, which saves on energy. Finding a supplier offering blinds in quality fabrics that meet GreenGuard international standards is one option for practicing sustainability. Another is to source locally manufactured goods rather than imported ones. This reduces freight and fuel costs and stimulates the local economy.

Spare Parts Available for Locally Made Blinds

Low-cost blinds damage the environment by ending up in landfill within a couple of years because they are easily damaged and need replacing. Locally made blinds offer ready access to a range of spare parts and many local companies are able to repair broken blinds and extend their useful life.

Insulated Curtains Save on Energy Costs

Along with double glazing, carefully chosen curtains can reduce the loss of heating energy by 40% in winter and prevent almost 80% of heat entering the building during summer. Curtain materials with insulation backing have been available for some time, but they lose much of their effectiveness unless they are installed properly.

Take Care When Installing for Best Results

For optimum insulation in cool climates, curtains should just touch the floor, touch the wall on either side and have a pelmet at the top. Modern pelmets are visually attractive and non-intrusive, and made from a range of timber, recycled plastic and other sustainable materials. They reduce the likelihood of the rising heat being drawn down between the curtain and the window, cooling the space and creating condensation.

Keeping your window dressings clean and free of dust and bacteria is another easy way to practice sustainability. At Blind Concepts, we have been in the business of cleaning blinds long enough to know that regular cleaning extends the life of window dressings. By using our ultrasonic cleaning process, you are keeping blinds out of landfill that will still have a useable life.

Redecorating your home is an exciting time where everything is up for change within your budget, including window blinds. Deciding what you want and choosing the colours to suit the newly decorated rooms is an important decision. Getting it wrong will spoil the overall look you have worked so hard to achieve. However, there are some practical guidelines you should follow.

Can’t Go Wrong with White

If the interior needs more natural light to create the popular soft, bright look, the most suitable colour for the blinds is white. While living rooms and kitchens have traditionally had white blinds, the trend now is for white in every room. Just remember that in bedrooms too much light may interfere with sleep, so consider a block out blind.

Consider the Style as a Whole

Choose blind colours that suit the style of the property as a whole, rather than taking an ad hoc approach. A good example is a country style house on an acreage where the décor and furnishings have been designed to reflect a modern approach to an “early settler” look. In this instance, natural earthy colours for the blinds will tie everything together to create a wow factor.

Classy Does Not Mean Boring

This does not mean that you should be overly conservative. With both the minimalist and the country look you can still play around with colour and achieve a modern and sophisticated tone. Blinds are available in many colours and textures, and in a large room you could choose two different colours and place them on alternate windows for added interest.

Establish a Focal Point

A focal point around which to plan the rest of the décor is important for effect. That focal point could be a wall, a fireplace or a window. For a window, a bright colour that matches a sofa or rug creates a sophisticated feel. Take care, though, as too much of a good thing will look messy. Remember that saying used by style icons – less is more.

The Rule of Three

The rule of three works everywhere, even in interior design. Do not add too many colours. The maximum should be three, including the window blinds. More than that and the end result will be overbearing and distracting for the eyes to process, so the feeling will be one of busyness.

Have you overspent and your blinds are still in reasonable condition? Here at Blind Concepts we offer blind cleaning, repair and replacement as an alternative to tossing out your old blinds. Our ultrasonic cleaning process will remove every smidgen of grime and we also repair damaged blinds, restoring them to near new. For a free quote and a twenty-four hour turnaround, give us a try.

If you make a mistake when choosing window treatments, it is far too expensive an error to make. Once they are up on the windows, the hapless householder must live with them, so taking time to educate themselves on the pros and cons of working through the array of choices saves money and ensures a happy result.

The Value of Research

What does the average homeowner need to know before they spend any of their decorating budget on windows? Quite a lot, especially if they are new to the world of blinds and curtains. Research at this stage is vital and the first step is to take stock of some basic information about the actual windows and their purpose in the overall liveability of the dwelling.

Not all Windows are the same

What type of windows does the dwelling have? Most likely they are not all the same size, shape or style. Some will protect the interior from summer heat but also insulate the occupants from the cold and rain. Others will be large picture windows with a view, but at the same time, need to provide privacy. The rest will be light and airy during the day but block out light at bedtime.

Not all Blinds are the same

Now look at the different types of blinds that are available. Take roller blinds as an example. From the old-fashioned hand raised rollers to classic chain drives and motorised models, this is starting with the basics. Move to the elegance of sheer curtains covering vertical blinds or slim, white aluminium Venetians. Think about what blinds are suitable for hard working areas such as the kitchen, bathrooms or laundry.

Time to Check the Information

With all this information now at your fingertips, it is time to look at fabrics and colours. There are hundreds of combinations to choose from in modern colours, patterns and textures. Check your preferences against the other colours in the home so that everything flows and blends, from the wall and floor colours across to the furnishings and accessories.

What Not to Do

After all this preliminary effort, do not skimp on quality. Buy the best the budget can handle as the elements are harsh on window treatments and quality will last far longer, as well as provide privacy and functionality. At the same time, be creative. Do not become locked into something staid and out of touch.

By now it must be obvious that there is no typical one size fits all, and this is something we see every day at Blind Concepts. Our clients entrust their tired and dusty window treatments to us, and we put our cleaning process to work. We bring them back to life, ready to hang back on their windows to sparkle and shine until the next time.

Once the poor relative of fancier blind styles such, as Romans, Hollands and Venetians, advancements in fabric choices and design improvements have created a new breed of roller blinds. In the past, they were relegated to bedrooms, but now they are suitable for most rooms in even the most stylish homes.

Night Shift Workers Love Blockout Blinds

Blockout roller blinds prevent light from entering the room when they are fully extended. In hot climates where rooms face west, they are excellent for keeping out the heat. They are also the best choice for night workers who struggle to get enough sleep through the day in bedrooms that are only partially darkened.

UV Rays Kept Out with Modern Fabrics

Modern roller blinds are available in materials containing sunscreen to keep out UV rays while letting in mood-enhancing light and retaining views to the outside. Double roller blinds have the added benefits of combining light and heat control with blockout, all in one, double layered blinds.

We know a lot about blinds. Our one-stop service provides top quality cleaning and repair services at reasonable prices.

Ultrasonic cleaning with Blind Concepts removes dirt, grime, stains, and bacteria. We take your blinds to our workshop, clean and repair them, where necessary, and return them to you ready to hang.

Cleaning Methods for Roller Blinds

The average homeowner, with a little effort, can keep roller blinds clean. For newly installed or recently cleaned blinds, regular maintenance is the secret. With the blind fully extended, vacuum from top to bottom and wipe over with a damp cloth to remove any remaining material or stains.

If a deep clean is required, take the blind down and soak in a bathtub of water and laundry detergent. Rinse with clean water, wipe over with a non-abrasive cloth, then remove from the tub and hang out to dry. Once the blind is completely dry, rehang in its usual position.

Wide Choice of Materials Offer Durability

Modern materials have increased the durability of roller blinds. For wet areas such as bathrooms and laundries, blinds made from mould and bacteria-resistant material, are available. Other materials that are fire retardant, non-flammable, resistant to dust, staining and fading from UV rays, are also available.

Repair Methods for Roller Blinds

The mechanisms, chains and cords on roller blinds can become damaged with wear and rough treatment, but those who are handy with basic tools can do repairs themselves. You can do simple repairs for blinds. An internet search will provide full instructions, as well as parts lists where required.

If this still seems too difficult, contact us and let our experienced team bring your precious blinds back to ‘as new’ condition.

Property owners generally spend a lot of money on their window blinds, and although the quality can range from excellent to average, depending on the brand and the price, there are always situations where problems arise with the way the blinds operate. These problems may not present themselves for some years, and some happen with annoying frequency.

Blinds Will Eventually Need Repairs and Maintenance

The problems also vary depending on the style of the blinds, especially those that are popular with the general public. Venetian blinds made from timber, plastic, aluminium, wood-composite and other materials are still in demand, along with verticals, Roman, Holland, Oriental and other blinds. While all these styles will wear well for a time, eventually they will need repairs and maintenance.

Here at Blind Concepts, we specialise in the cleaning, repair and replacement of old and damaged interior blinds. Many of the problems that owners have with their blinds can be repaired, and our ultrasonic cleaning process can also restore them to their original condition, saving our clients the cost of new installations.

Cords and Tapes on Venetian Blinds can be replaced

Venetian blinds have a couple of recurring problems that need solutions. The tilt and turn wand and other mechanical parts can become damaged through constant use and the slats can break or warp. If the cords break or the tapes become shabby, replacement kits are available.

The kits contain full instructions on how to remove and replace the cords or tapes. It is also the perfect opportunity to remove and replace broken or damaged slats.

Problems with Verticals either Simple or Complex – No In-between

Problems with vertical blinds are often simple issues such as the blades getting stuck backwards or becoming crooked; these are easily fixed by checking each blade individually and adjusting where necessary.

Another simple fix is replacing the bottom link chains, which are easily damaged. However, sometimes the problems are more complex. Verticals have many parts, some of them quite small, so more difficult repairs are best left to experts.

Clumsy Repair Attempts on Roman Blinds Can Cause Further Damage

Over time, Roman blinds may wear at the pull cord, and the plastic ring used to manipulate the blinds will break. The repair requires the blind to be removed from the window and laid, fully extended, on a flat surface.

The broken cords or rings are then removed and replaced. While this seems simple enough, again, this is a job for someone experienced as it is very easy to damage the blind further while attempting the repair.

These are just some examples of problems with blinds and suggested solutions. If you have any of these issues with your blinds and you don’t want to try the solutions yourself, contact our team of repair and replacement experts.

There is a growing awareness that dumping everything we don’t want into landfill is having a negative effect on our environment. Of course, much of the landfill content is genuine rubbish, but there is a significant part that is reusable. What is missing is the desire by most of us to think carefully before we discard items that, with a little effort, could be repurposed.

Blinds Need Repairing? Try Doing It Yourself

Window blinds are a good example of a product that responds well to a few simple repairs that can extend their useable life. Not only will these repairs have the blinds looking as good as new ones, but it will also save the householder the expense of buying new blinds. All it needs are some practical, do-it-yourself skills and a little imagination.

There are several different styles of blinds that lend themselves very well to being repaired, including verticals, Roman blinds, venetians made from a range of materials, Holland and oriental blinds. Venetians are still one of the most popular styles and the most common repairs needed are replacement of broken cords or frayed tapes.

Another Use for Old Venetian Blind Cords

It is possible to buy replacement cords and tapes in kit form, and these contain full installation instructions. This is also a great opportunity to replace any broken slats at the same time, and in the case of wooden blinds, to apply a new coat of wood stain. The blinds will look like new, and you could also roll up the old cord and keep it on hand for household tasks like tying plants to garden stakes.

Broken Chains on Verticals are a Breeze to Fix

Vertical blinds will last for years, but over time, the most common issue they have is that the bottom chain has broken. If this is not replaced, these great, practical window treatments look shabby and spoil the overall look of the whole room. The chain has clips on it that attach to the slats to keep all the blades in sync with each other. Simply buy a new length of chain and clips to replace the old ones.

Difficult Repairs – Call the Experts

Other blind repairs are more difficult and time consuming, so if you don’t want to tackle the job yourself, we are here to help. At Blind Concepts, we pick up your blinds and repair them in our workshop, then return them to you for rehanging. We do most common repairs, but if your blinds require an unusual repair, just let us know what the damage is, and we can work out a suitable solution for you.

If we all do our bit to keep recycling our window blinds for as long as possible, our planet’s natural resources will still be available for the use of generations to come.