Choosing window dressings for your home is not as simple a task as it would first appear. Do you have a fabulous view that begs to be shown off during the day, but you need privacy at night? Are you cost conscious and looking for something that will reduce energy costs? These are some of the decisions to be made before selecting any window dressing.

For a High Traffic Area

Known as shades in other countries, roller blinds are one of the most popular choices and they have evolved from a basic model to contemporary styles in different fabrics and fashion colours, some with optional motorised roller action. Also available is an energy-efficient roller blind made of cellular (or honeycomb) fabric specifically designed to regulate indoor air temperature. The best roller blinds are easy to clean and very suitable for high traffic areas.

Going Upmarket

Also known as shades elsewhere, Roman blinds offer a more formal, sophisticated look and are ideal for windows with furniture directly below them, as they don’t drop beyond the window. They create maximum impact in a room when made in a statement print, and the soft, pleated effect adds elegance to any space. Remember, however, that when they are fully drawn upwards, the window will be completely exposed, so they are not suitable where privacy is needed.

Versatility Plus

If you prefer blinds over the shades already mentioned, you will still need to consider the same issues but now you have additional alternatives. Venetian blinds, for example, have been around for hundreds of years, and apart from obvious improvements in style, colours and materials, the basic concept is relatively unchanged. Now available in fabric, PVC, aluminium, genuine and faux timber and other materials, they are one of the most versatile styles available.

Choose Your Slat Size

They are perfect for light and breeze control, with only a quick adjustment to the slats needed to create the desired mood. Easy to maintain with just a quick wipe over with a duster or a vacuum cleaner, they are available in various slat widths, with the narrow option creating a formal look and the wider slats more suitable for casual settings.

Here at Blind Concepts, we are experts at cleaning all types of blinds. We are especially experienced at cleaning Venetian blinds, including wood composite and lacquered or oiled cedar types. In even the cleanest of settings, dirt and grime eventually settle into impossible to reach parts of all blinds. We pick up your blinds, take them to our workshop for cleaning and return them to you ready to hang and looking as good as new.

Decorating a dwelling can be fun and exciting, but it can also be a daunting process for people who struggle with co-ordinating colours and styles. There are many decisions to be made, such as the colour of the internal walls, the type of flooring, matching the furniture to the rest of the décor, and finally, the window treatments. Is it any wonder then, that sometimes, the windows become an afterthought?

Take the Time to Get the Windows Right

However, the right window dressings is important as it can make or break a room. If not carefully chosen, all the effort put into everything else will be wasted.

The first consideration is whether to install blinds or curtains. This will be a personal choice where cost, privacy needs, reducing energy costs and framing a stunning view are just a few of the issues that need attention.

Window blinds are popular because they are versatile, and are available in a range of styles, finishes and colours. Their clean lines suit the currently popular minimalist décor. They are suitable for common situations such as privacy from neighbours, to block out a busy street, and for light, heat and acoustic control.

What’s not to like about Roller Blinds?

Roller blinds are a perennial favourite. They are simple to operate and offer complete privacy and light control when extended. With many fabric choices available, they suit informal settings and are perfect for wet areas such as kitchens, and bathrooms. If reducing energy costs is a major issue, they are also available in a cellular fabric, commonly known as honeycomb, which acts as an insulator to control internal temperatures.

Plenty of Other Styles to Choose from

For applications such as living, dining, master bedrooms and others, there is a range of other, more suitable styles. Romans are perfect for windows with furniture under them as they are contained within the window frame. Venetians are low-maintenance, elegant, versatile and come in various slat widths, colours and materials, which can be tilted to provide privacy or to control air flow.

Here at Blind Concepts, we offer clients professional blind cleaning and quality blind repair services that are inexpensive and environmentally responsible. We collect the blinds from premises, take them to our workshop to be cleaned using our ultrasonic cleaning process, and return them to the clients, ready to re-hang. Our process does all the hard work, leaving the clients to enjoy their blinds, which now look as good as new.

Curtains Also Have Their Place

Like blinds, curtains are also available in many fabrics, styles and colours. Curtains are perfect for a draped look, adding softness to the décor, as well as elegance to the entire space. Rather than make a choice between the two, many homeowners combine both for a complete look.

Trends in interior design are no different from fashion trends in clothing. They both become the “in thing” for a time, with demand for certain shapes, colours and textures desired to the exclusion of all others. However, trends are transient. We become bored with what was once new and exciting, and it becomes tired and uninteresting. This prompts us to look for something else.

Blinds need to be Resilient in our Harsh Climate

This applies just as much to curtains and blinds as it does to furnishings. However, blinds have the advantage of having a more permanent presence than curtains, probably because they are much more resilient. Our climate is harsh, so our window treatments need to withstand extreme weather events, but at the same time, be stylish and attractive.

Current Buying Guides Highlight What is Popular This Year

There are different styles of blinds, some more popular than others. It is also interesting that some of our most favoured types of blinds, such as the Venetian, have been around for hundreds of years. This year, current buying guides used by interior designers have flagged several styles as being the “must haves” for the modern dwelling.

Venetians on Top of the List Again

It is no surprise that, even after hundreds of years, Venetian blinds are still the most popular. The original idea is still practical, featuring a number of horizontal slats joined by cords or strips of cloth.

This arrangement is so versatile that just by changing the width of the slats, and using different materials such as timber, plastic, and UV-resistant fabrics, all now available in an array of colours, this style reinvents itself every season.

Vertical and Romans Still Loved

Vertical blinds are still on the current style list, and although less popular now for formal settings like lounge rooms, they are the perfect product for large windows and even larger patio doors. Roman blinds are still popular, and available in various materials and colours as well as linings to suit different temperature zones.

What’s not to like about Roller Blinds?

Roller blinds never go out of fashion, especially if your budget for window dressings is limited. The basic models are perfect for wet areas, but these days, the more stylish up-market styles feature valances that hide the roller mechanisms, as well as double blinds which are installed on the same bracket and feature block-out and UV-resistant capabilities, in a range of materials and colours.

These are just a few of the choices available this year, but no matter how good they look when they are new, eventually they will need cleaning or repairs to keep that sparkle. Here at Blind Concepts, we are professionals at cleaning different types of blinds. Our ultrasonic cleaning method will gently remove dirt, stains and bacteria. Don’t trust your precious blinds to anyone else.

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.

There are many tasks that as householders, we all perform regularly, and some of them we look forward to as we test our skills at gourmet cooking, painting and gardening, to name a few. Cleaning our blinds is most likely not one of these tasks, so most of us avoid it for as long as possible. As a result, when we do start cleaning, it is hard work to remove the built-up dust and grime.

Ever Considered Using a Professional to Clean Your Blinds?

Many householders with busy lives think nothing of paying service providers to mow lawns, tidy gardens, wash windows, clean carpets and do other common household tasks. Why, then, when it comes to our blinds, do we immediately assume that the only way to get them clean is to do the job ourselves? Is it just that we have never previously considered having them professionally cleaned?

The Job is Bigger than What You Think

There are a few compelling arguments against DIY blind cleaning. First, there is the magnitude of the task. The average four-bedroom home could have up to twenty windows as well as sliding doors. Various blind styles could include Venetians, roller blinds, verticals, Roman blinds and others in different materials and fabrics. This could take a householder not hours, but days.

If You DIY, Are you happy with the result?

Second, is that the effectiveness of the cleaning methods used and that the possibility of using the wrong cleaner could ruin the entire look of the blinds. For badly soiled blinds the usual combination of warm water and household detergent will get them partially clean but may not remove the grime embedded in tight spaces. To get a poor result after hours of hard work is neither cost-effective nor efficient.

At Blind Concepts , we offer a comprehensive professional blind cleaning services that uses the latest ultrasonic technology. This cleaning method is both environmentally responsible and gentle on blinds, as there is no hard scrubbing involved. Instead, high frequency sound waves create millions of tiny bubbles that gently remove all the dirt, grease and grime as well as the bacteria living there.

Think About Your Own Safety

A final important argument when comparing professional cleaning with do-it-yourself is your safety as the DIY householder. Considering variables such as your age, health and fitness levels as well as the suitability of the equipment you are using, such as a step ladder that has been in the garage for years, your task could be described as hazardous.

In a workplace, a risk assessment would be required for this job, the hazards assessed, and a safe system of work put in place to protect anyone required to clean the blinds. A professional cleaning service would already have this in place but a householder most likely would not. Now which option would you prefer?

For anyone currently building a new home or renovating an existing dwelling, the relief you feel once all the major components are in place will soon be replaced by the realisation that critical decisions are needed now regarding your window treatments. Getting this right will be the finishing touch that brings all your efforts together.

Window Treatment Options

Modern fabric blinds currently offer a huge range of colours and patterns in price ranges to suit every budget. They can be recessed into the window frame or face mounted, and old favourites like roller blinds can now compete favourably with Romans, Venetians, verticals and honeycomb blinds. Panel blinds should also be considered for large window spaces.

Fabric is a Versatile Choice

Fabric blinds are also versatile enough to control heat and light. By choosing options such as block out fabric for bedrooms, soft, light filtering fabrics that are perfect for living areas and sunscreen products that block out 95% of UV rays and provide daytime privacy, there is a fabric for every situation.

Easy Cleaning Methods

Cleaning blinds with care is important.

With fabric blinds, keeping it looking crisp and clean is no different from any of the other regular maintenance tasks that home occupiers do every week. Roman blinds, rollers and panel blinds can be kept crisp and clean by a regular vacuum.

Take care, however, to use the brush attachment and put the cleaner on a low setting to avoid the possibility of stretching, or worse still, tearing the fabric. Honeycomb blinds respond best to a hair dryer on a cool setting blasting away any dust or dead insects trapped in the crevices.

Tricks and Tips

Another option is to give fabric blinds the onceover every couple of weeks with a lint roller. This is a quick way to pick up pet hair and cobwebs that are sometimes difficult to remove with a vacuum cleaner on the recommended low setting. S

pots and small soiled areas are best treated carefully by spraying a cleaning solution onto a soft cloth, then gently rubbing the area, followed by rinsing off with a microfibre cloth dipped in clean water. Dry immediately by using an electric fan.

While these methods will keep your fabric blinds in good condition, the pace of modern life means that even with the best of intentions, regular maintenance may lapse for months or even years. When this happens, Blind Concepts is here to help.

Our cleaning service uses the latest ultrasonic technology. This eco-friendly method of cleaning blinds requires minimal amounts of chemicals and water. We clean your blinds in our workshop and return them to you within 24 hours, ready to hang.

Window blinds continue to be a popular and effective way of controlling the amount of light, heat and cold entering dwellings, and still offer a quick and easy way of ensuring privacy to building occupants. There are now many different types of blinds available in a wide range of materials to suit most window and door openings, so today’s consumers have plenty of options.

Modern Verticals Suitable for Every Room

In the past, it was usual for vertical blinds to be found in bedrooms and living areas in homes, and they were also a favourite in office buildings. They were not just used to cover windows but were a popular alternative to floor length curtains on large sliding doors. Modern verticals can now be found in hard-working areas such as kitchens, bathrooms and laundries.

Many Features and Shapes Available

Vertical blinds are perfect for covering large spaces of glass such as picture windows and patio doors. Available in UV and fade-resistant fabrics, modern verticals can also offer buyers the option of chainless blinds and weights that are sewn into the fabric, making them safer for pets and children. Some manufacturers also offer sloping verticals for angled or shaped windows.

Cleaning Options for Vertical Blibds

The choice of materials will determine the cleaning regime needed to keep the verticals looking new. PVC verticals and other rigid fabrics are suitable for kitchens and laundries as they are water-resistant and easy to clean with a spray cleaner and a quick wipe down.

High-quality fabrics are in demand for living areas and can be kept clean and dust-free with regular vacuuming. We are in the business of helping clients keep their window blinds clean. We use advanced blind cleaning technologies that make the task easy.

Here at Blind Concepts, we also offer blinds repair services to give them a second life. Our ultrasonic cleaning process gently removes ingrained dirt and grime, keeping your expensive blinds in good condition. Dirty, damaged or both, we can have them looking like new.

Horizontal Blinds Noted for Versatility

Horizontal blinds are popular because they are versatile, easy to operate and offer greater privacy protection than verticals. While genuine timber blinds are still in demand, the modern option is now faux timber. This is due to its qualities of durability and tolerance for surface scratches, as well as resistance to moisture and cost effectiveness.

Faux timber also comes in an array of colours, cordless options and decorative valances, which add to the luxury look.

Cleaning Options for Horizontal Blinds

While timber blinds are lighter and better suited to large spaces, faux blinds suit most windows and are easy to keep clean. Just wipe-over with a damp cloth or purchase specialised dusters that will clean several slats at a 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.

There are so many different types of blinds available on today’s market that it can be confusing for consumers, especially those who are doing window treatments for their entire dwelling. Some people may be tempted to put the same blinds on all their windows, thinking it will be the easy way out.

Getting the Right Blind for Every Window is No Easy Task

This would be a mistake, however, as getting the right style of blinds depends on several factors. This includes the geographical aspect of the building, the location of the windows, and the use made of the rooms. Wet areas such as laundries and bathrooms, for example, are prone to develop mould, bedrooms need extra privacy and living areas should be both stylish and functional.

Bedrooms – Roller Blinds and Venetians Most Popular

For these reasons, there is not really any one style of blind that is exclusive to any particular room. Take roller blinds for instance. They are versatile, easy to maintain and available in a wide range of fabrics and colours. They are also budget-friendly which makes them an ideal choice for bedrooms. However, Venetians also suit bedrooms as, similar to roller blinds, they allow in light and air but can be closed to create privacy and block out glare and heat.

Authentic Timber Venetians Unsuitable for Bathrooms and Laundries

Venetians also come in timber, plastic, aluminium, faux wood, and other synthetics. Authentic timber venetians are unsuitable for wet areas as constant exposure to moisture may cause the slats to swell and warp. Other materials may be more forgiving, but manufacturers’ guidelines should be followed, including how to protect against and treat mould.

For Elegant Living Areas Choose Romans

Roman blinds are enjoying a resurgence of popularity and are now a favourite for living areas. Their horizontal panels of fabric create an elegant look regardless of whether they are raised or lowered. Modern fabrics offer block out and light filtering features in dozens of colours, patterns and textures. They also have low allergenic and fire-retardant fabrics for safety.

Verticals Perfect for Large Sliding Doors

Vertical blinds are still popular in business premises and some homes, especially over large patio windows, as well as sliding doors. The choice of fabrics and finishes are similar to Roman blinds, with the weights in the hems preventing the verticals from blowing around in the wind. They can be pulled to the left, right or centre depending on where the opening is situated.

Blinds are a major investment and keeping them clean and in good repair means they last for many years. At Blind Concepts we can help maintain your investment by offering our blind cleaning and repair service to clients. We use the latest technology to clean your blinds in our workshop, so you can hang them in whatever room they suit.

Now is the perfect time of the year for a total household clean before the heat of a Queensland summer makes vigorous housework a sweaty and unpleasant prospect. The routine usually starts with decluttering, followed by dusting and cleaning every surface including furniture and fittings, hard floors, carpets, matting and windows.

Some mistakes are harder to fix than others

Of course, there is no point cleaning the windows without including the curtains and blinds. Cleaning window blinds is one of the least-favoured jobs as there are a number of things that can go wrong during the process. The task is complicated as different types of blinds need different cleaning methods and mistakes made may not be easy to fix.

Don’t forget to vacuum first

The first mistake is to assume that any surface dust will come off when the real cleaning starts. Not removing this dust just makes the job harder and can result in it becoming ingrained in the fabric. It is so much easier to vacuum the dust off first, leaving a smooth surface that will show up stains and marks that need extra cleaning attention.

Don’t mix cleaning products together

How many of us know what ingredients are in the cleaners we use, and in our ignorance, might think that combining two cleaners will give us a better result. White vinegar and bleach are both effective cleaners, but it would be a huge mistake to mix them together. This action produces chlorine gas which is dangerous.

Don’t dry off with paper towels

Paper towels are popular cleaning aids in most dwellings, and it is easy to have them on hand to blot dry the blind surfaces. However, this would also be a mistake. Cotton or microfibre cloths are more effective and they leave a clean, smooth surface, unlike paper towels that leave lint clinging to the blind. Some brands also have a rough surface that may damage the fabric.

Don’t close up roller blinds unless they are dry

A common mistake with roller blinds is to put a big effort into washing them clean, then not drying them before rolling them up. In a hot and humid climate, this is a perfect breeding ground for mildew. If this is not removed with a mould cleaner, not only will the blinds be damaged, but the spores can also cause health problems to the occupants.

Window blinds that have not been cleaned properly for some time may require more time and effort than you can spare. Our team at Blind Concepts will pick up the blinds from your premises and clean them at our workshop, using our environmentally responsible ultrasonic technology. Within 24 hours we return your cleaned blinds to you, ready for re-hanging. We are waiting for your call.