There are all kinds of common items around us every day that we take for granted, so much so that we don’t really think too much about how these things are made or what goes into them. For example, just think about a simple everyday item such as a toothbrush. Now that we are considering this item, we realise that a toothbrush is made from plastic and nylon, but how often do we seriously given this any thought?

Common Items Can Have Complex Components

In fact, if you look around your home, just about everything falls into this category. Every window, for example, has some type of window treatment, and apart from choosing the style and colour, do you ever really think about the actual components that make up the type of blinds you have once they are up on the windows?

Blind Components are Similar throughout the Industry

Window blinds come in numerous styles, materials and colours but the components that are used in blind manufacture are very similar throughout the industry, although they may be used in different ways depending on the style of the blind. Very common components are brackets, which are used to attach blinds to the window frame. There are different types and sizes of brackets depending on the style of the blind they are attaching.

Chains are Common to Several Different Types of Blinds

Chains are another component used in both roller blinds and verticals. Roller blinds, as the name suggests, are made by attaching a length of plastic or material to a roller, which is drawn either up or down by a length of chain attached to the roller. Vertical blinds are more complex than roller blinds and require many more components.

Among these are tilt mechanisms, wands and wand tips, bottom rail parts such as weights, control units and as mentioned, bottom chains that link the vertical slats together.

Multiple Components Used in Venetians

Venetian blinds consist of horizontal slats of timber, plastic or aluminium that stack at the top of the window. They also have lift cords to raise and lower the slats, along with cord locks, wands, cord mechanisms and other, smaller but no less important components.

If this is sounds confusing, don’t be concerned. We deal with this information day after day at Blind Concepts. We are always happy to answer questions from our clients, but if you need your blinds cleaned, refurbished or even replaced, you may not be interested in this level of detail.

Most clients contact us for advice about the best solution to rejuvenate their blinds, and once we know the style, size and number of blinds they have, we give them free quotes for all our services.

Did you know that in winter, approximately 30% of your home’s heating energy is lost through your windows, and in summer, up to 70% of the sunlight that falls directly on your windows become heat once inside? This makes the protection of your windows from the elements a high priority, and makes window blinds your best friend.

Reduced Energy Costs Just One of the Benefits

A reduction in energy costs is just one of the benefits of having blinds in your home. Blinds are the most versatile of window dressings because they come in so many different styles, fabrics and colours. Whether your home décor is modern minimalist, country cottage, all glass and chrome, retro or something else again, there will be a blind to suit.

Regardless of what style or fabric you choose for your blinds, or how long they have been hanging at your windows, we have a cleaning process that will get them looking like new again. At Blind Concepts, our tried and proven ultrasonic cleaning process removes all dirt, grime, stains, grease and bacteria, leaving them bright and clean.

Blinds Offer Privacy from Nosey Neighbours

Another benefit of blinds over just curtains alone is the level of privacy they provide. While curtains are attractive, they also move around in the breeze. This gives anyone prying from the outside the possibility of a clear view of the interior of the dwelling. Once blinds are closed there is no such opportunity, therefore giving the occupants an added level of privacy.

Control over Light another Benefit

We live in a country where the light, especially in summer, can be harsh. Blinds offer relief from this glare, and slatted blinds give the householder the ability to control the direction of the light or block it out altogether. This is excellent for shift workers who need to sleep during the day, or for those who wake with the first rays of sunshine when they don’t need to.

Versatility Makes Decorating Easy

There are so many different styles of blinds to choose from that there really is a blind for every application and every type of window. Venetians with timber, plastic or aluminium slats, verticals, Roman and Holland blinds, oriental blinds, roller blinds and others can be either purchased as is from retailers or custom made.

With current decorating styles moving away from the fussy and ornate, blinds give your window spaces the perfect aesthetic upgrade. Fabric blinds are especially versatile because, regardless of their style, there are so many different colours, textures and patterns to choose from that matching them with your current furniture and other fittings will be easy.

When your blinds need more than a wipe over or a vacuum clean, contact us here at Blind Concepts and we will have them looking as good as new.

Decorating the interior of your home is one of those activities that can be exciting, expensive and stressful. There are usually cost restrictions requiring compromises, checking colour swatches against paint samples, cruising the internet for ideas and finally, the decisions that you hope will deliver the result you want.

Wood or Plastic – Which One is Best?

Window treatments are one of the areas where costs can be reduced depending on the materials used, and two of the most common materials used in window blinds are wood and plastic. Fortunately, choosing one over the other is not necessary as both can be used, depending on the location of the windows.

Wood for Elegance, Privacy and Ease of Operation

Wood blinds, whether natural or painted, add a degree of warmth and elegance to a room. Timber venetians are an excellent choice for a bedroom, especially when you are trying to find a balance between blocking out harsh sunlight, maintaining privacy and having a blind that is light, and easy to raise and lower quickly. They can be oiled, stained or painted to suit any décor and are available in a wide cost band for every budget.

Timber is also a great choice for lounge areas, from plantation shutters that sit inside the window frame to traditional venetians, but this is one is those locations where plastic can have just as big an impact. It really depends on the budget and the style effect you are creating.

Plastic has Style, Versatility and Likes Wet Areas

Plastic venetians come in a wide range of slat styles and colours, so they are also suitable for lounge areas, and can be every bit as elegant as timber. The advantage plastic has over timber for blinds is that it can be used in the wet areas of the house. Steam and moisture can cause timber slats to warp and swell, so plastic is the perfect substitute.

Think for a moment about the amount of times in the kitchen, for example, that the walls and windows are exposed to heat, steam and moisture. It is a similar story in the bathroom which is the room in the house that is most susceptible to damage from heat and moisture. Plastic will last the longest and keep looking good in this type of environment.

Consider Renewing Blinds Instead of Replacing

If you are struggling to meet the budget for your home renovation, there is another alternative to new blinds. Here at Blind Concepts we clean, repair and refurbish your original blinds at a fraction of the cost of replacement. Whether they are timber or plastic, we can have them cleaned and back to you in 24 hours. This means more cash for you to spend on the rest of the house.

Blinds are essential in our climate to protect the interior décor and to control the flow of light and air. They also have an uncluttered, stylish look that is a perfect example of the “less is more” attitude to interior decorating. At the top end of the market they can cost many thousands of dollars, but there are also blinds for the budget conscious that still look great.

In fact, making old blinds look great again is exactly what we do at Blind Concepts. Our approach is a plus for the environment as we are recycling an existing product rather than using precious resources to create something new. It is also a boon for those wanting to save money but still have their windows looking fresh and modern.

Mass Produced, Low Cost Blinds Unlikely to Last

Everyone wants their homes to be inviting to friends and family, including people with limited financial resources. There are many low-cost options available for them to furnish and decorate their living spaces. Suppliers of budget furniture, homeware, flooring, lighting and window dressings all have cut-price products available. While these products fill a gap temporarily, they rarely last because they have been mass produced, using cheap material.

Maintenance and Replacement Restores Quality

In the case of blinds, there is another option available to homeowners that will deliver them a better quality product at a budget price. Often, blinds only look shabby because they need cleaning and some maintenance such as replacing a broken slat. This is much better than throwing blinds that are otherwise functional in a skip, which ends up in land fill.

We can restore the quality of damaged blinds by replacing slats, slat hangers, chains, cords or wands. This can be a simple repair of several slats, or the replacement of a complete set of blinds. We can also create a new style or colour scheme by using new slats in modern colours, which immediately update the room to a fashionable, contemporary look.

Suitable for Venetians and Other Types of Blinds

There are several different types of venetian blinds that respond well to replacement. We have had great success with aluminium blinds, wood composite, poly-resin and cedar types.

Our service is also suitable for verticals, timber and Holland blinds, as well as woodweave, oriental and Roman blinds.

Complete Solution for the Budget Conscious

Rather than waste money on buying cheap blinds that will not last, the homeowners will have their original blinds returned to them looking new and fresh, with all the functions operating smoothly. For those on a budget, especially if there are several windows to cover, this is an excellent option and will cost far less than buying complete sets of new blinds.

Selecting the right blind for your room or home can be a challenge. With so many styles and colours on the market you are spoilt for choice.

We hope this simple guide will assist in pinpointing which blind will be the right blind for you.

Major Blind Types

There are three major blind types used widely in Australia.

Venetian Blinds are by far the most easily recognised. They are constructed with thin slats of timber, plastic, vinyl, or metal and strung together with strings that are controlled by a side mounted chord or rotating stick. Venetian blinds can be raised or lowered and adjusted for privacy, as well as to allow in light and refreshing breezes.

Roman Blinds are a solid sheet of fabric or sometimes plastic on a single rolling mechanism installed at the top of your window. They can only be raised or lowered, using a chord.

Vertical Blinds are also installed from a single track at the top of your window or door. They comprise wide fabric slats that can be adjusted, opened, and closed from side chords.

Other Considerations

Aesthetics is not the only consideration to be made here. Other issues to ponder are how much light you wish to block, consistency, ease of use, stack height and mounting design.

Is it necessary to have a completely blacked out room? Perhaps you are looking for a suitable blind for a cinema room, or you are a shift worker.

How much space do you want a blind to take up when completely open? All blinds have what is called a stack height. Roman blinds, for example, have a very large one whereas a venetian blind has a very small one. If you have a particularly nice view for example you would want a blind with a relatively small stack height.

Is it important for your home decor to have consistency? Most people would select blinds that match throughout the house but particularly in select areas. That is, along the front of the home or in a lounge/living area, for example.

Do you possess limited mobility and perhaps need ease of adjustment? There is a range of motorised, remote controlled systems available for those hard to get at places, made especially for the physically impaired.

Blind Concepts are your one stop shop for the cleaning, repair, and restoration of all forms of blinds in the Greater Brisbane, Ipswich, and Logan suburbs.

Using the outstanding and environmentally friendly ultrasonic cleaning method we are able to remove stains, grime, and dirt from all styles of blinds quickly and efficiently.