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.

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.

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 a convenient, versatile and attractive alternative to curtains or shutters as a window dressing. They are available in a range of styles, materials, sizes and shapes, allow the occupants to control light and shade easily, are easy to install and for the most part, easy to keep clean. However, blinds are not completely without problems.

Slatted Blinds that are Stuck at the Top

Slatted blinds, for example, come in timber, plastic, aluminium and other composite materials and one problem that they all have in common is sometimes, they get stuck at the top of the window. The cause is usually that the cord used to raise and lower the blinds gets caught in the mechanism.

Usually this is a relatively easy fix. The first thing to try is to grab the cord, draw it upward until it is level with the bar at the top, then give it a gentle tug to release the lock. If this does not help, a little more work is needed. Take the blind down, find the lock mechanism and with a flat head screwdriver, push against the pin that is inside. This should free the lock and allow you to replace the blinds.

Getting a Roller Blind Chain Back on its Tracks

Roller blinds were once the “poor relation” of the window treatment world and relegated to bathrooms and children’s bedrooms. They have had a renaissance in recent years and now come in elegant fabrics, lovely colours and hold their own in any setting. A common problem, however, is that sometimes, the roller blind chain comes off its tracks and it doesn’t operate correctly.

The first thing to do is to take the roller blind off the bracket, then hook the chain back onto the tracks. Once you have inserted the cap back into the roller tube, simply hook the blind back up onto the bracket.

Freeing Up Vertical Blind Blades

One of the features of vertical blinds is their ability to be quickly rotated into position. When this no longer happens, there is usually something stuck in the slots where the blades are connected to the carrier stem, which can be manually removed. If the rod itself is jammed, a quick spurt with a lubricant spray in the spot where it connects to the blinds will usually free up the blade.

Repair Solutions Not New to Us

These types of repair solutions are nothing new to us. Here at Blind Concepts, we clean and repair old and damaged interior blinds. We know how expensive these blinds were originally, and when we extend their life for several more years at a fraction of this cost, our clients are happy with their fresh new blinds and with our service.

Choosing the right style of blind to suit the windows in your home is an important decision because they add to the street appeal of the property. The correct choice adds value to any property, whether domestic or commercial, but a poor choice detracts from its appearance just as much as an untidy yard, rubbish left lying around or a peeling paint job.

Here in Australia, there are several styles of blinds that are always popular and while colours and patterns go in and out of fashion, these styles are at the top of every decorator’s list. Venetian, Roman, roller and block out blinds are the top choices of most property owners. If you are just starting the search for your ideal blinds, one of these will be the right style, either for a specific room or for all your rooms.

At Blind Concepts we are no stranger to these styles, as much of our business is to provide our clients with blind cleaning and repair services. We offer an ultrasonic cleaning method that is cost effective and environmentally friendly, and uses minimal amounts of chemicals and water.

Versatile Venetians – Timeless Look, Modern Materials

Venetian blinds are very versatile and nowadays they are available in a range of materials including PVC, timber, plastic and aluminium. They are enjoying a resurgence of sorts, due in part to these new materials, which are easier to clean than those of some years ago. The sleek lines and narrow blades of the new style of venetians suit modern décor, and all but the timber ones are suitable for wet areas.

Soften a Harsh Vista with a Roman Blind

Roman blinds are made of fabric and are a popular way to add a splash of colour to a room. Their wide, horizontal panels have a softening effect on both a window and the rest of the room. They are often paired with curtains in the same fabric, creating an elegant, co-ordinated effect, and their insulation qualities make them suitable for colder climates.

Keep Costs Down with a Roller Blind

The ever-practical roller blind was once kept to the bedrooms and kitchen, but new fabrics, fashionable colours and trims have given it the style to grace any room. The easy up and down motion lets in maximum light and breeze, and its unobtrusive presence allows the furniture to set the style for the rest of the room. Choose a light-filtering, block-out or sunscreen fabric and you have the elements under control.

Getting the right style to suit specific rooms, climate aspects and window shapes needs some thought, but it is worth the effort for the comfort of the occupants and the street appeal of the property. When it comes time to clean your blinds, regardless of what style you have chosen, give us a call.

Has the time come to replace those tired, old window blinds with bright and modern new ones? Have you checked the internet, looked through magazines and watched the latest home improvement programs for ideas and colour schemes? Perhaps you have already made some style choices, but have you based these choices on fashion only, or did you consider other aspects like functionality, and more importantly, safety?

Mandatory Standards Ensure Product Safety

Every blind manufacturer wants to create a product that is popular with the public and which sells well. They put a lot of effort into design so their blinds are practical, and they use materials and colours that look good. Now, there are mandatory standards in place to ensure that they are also safe to use in the average household.

This is something we are aware of as a provider of blind cleaning, repair and replacement services. At Blind Concepts, we offer an alternative to spending a lot of money on fully replacing your blinds. We restore damaged blinds by replacing slats and slat hangers, resewing where necessary and replacing chains, cords or wands.

New Rules for Labelling, Packaging and Installation

The Competition and Consumer (Corded Internal Window Coverings) Safety Standard 2014 came into effect on 1 January 2015 and this applies to all corded internal window coverings supplied from 31 December 2010. Now, there are requirements for the labelling and packaging of these types of blinds, as well as the installation.

Specific Measures Designed to Prevent Accidents

Corded internal window coverings must be installed so that a loose cord cannot form a loop 220mm or longer at or less than 1600 mm above floor level. A cleat used to secure a cord must also be installed at least 1600mm above floor level. These requirements are to prevent a repeat of several tragic instances of babies and toddlers who lost their lives when caught in these cords.

Anyone installing a corded internal window covering must label it with the name and contact details of the installation company and must not remove any warning label or swing tag supplied with the product.

Not the Only Standards and Regulations

These are not the only manufacturing and installation standards and regulations that apply to window coverings. All of us working in this industry must ensure we know what is expected of us to provide the best products and services to our customers.

Don’t Throw Out Compliant Blinds

If you have blinds that meet all these standards but they look shabby, think carefully before you decide to replace them with what could be an inferior product. Well-made blinds respond well to both our restoration and ultrasonic cleaning processes. If your existing blinds are compliant, we can have them looking awesome at a fraction of the cost of new ones.

Blinds have proven to be a practical and popular alternative to other window coverings, and readily adaptable to our climate extremes. Where once they were available only in timber, in our modern world there are now multiple choices in materials and finishes, enough to keep every interior designer happy.

Advantages Differ Depending on Type

The different types of blinds have their own characteristics and advantages. Their versatility makes them just as popular in the heat and humidity of Darwin as they are keeping out the winter chill in Tasmania.

We are very familiar with all types of aluminium and timber blinds, and over the years we have been in business, it is likely that we have attended to every type on the market. At Blind Concepts, we clean and repair timber blinds, poly-resins, wood composites, aluminium and cedar blinds. Our service breathes life into old, worn and damaged blinds, extending their usefulness and making them look like new again.

Western Red Cedar a Popular Choice

Interior blinds are usually made of timber, and we know that western red cedar is a popular choice as indicated by the numbers that go through our cleaning process. It is light but strong, making it the perfect material for spanning large spaces without the need for additional supports. This makes it ideal for buildings with a view, as the vista is uninterrupted.

Insulation Qualities another Advantage

Western red cedar also has superior acoustic and insulation qualities. It shields occupants from external noises such as busy roads and saves energy costs due to its ability to keep the heat out in summer and retain warmth in winter.

Attractive Powder Coat Finishes are an Advantage

Aluminium is another popular material that our process can restore. These blinds are available in many different powder coat finishes and colours, which is one of the advantages. It gives the property owner or interior designer many options for colour matching the blinds to the rest of the interior décor.

Aluminium Suited to Sliding Doors

Another advantage to installing aluminium blinds is their aesthetic appeal. They are thin and light, giving them an appealing elegance. When fully opened, they reveal the entire window, allowing in light and a view to the outside. Privacy and protection from the elements is assured when they are closed. 

Aluminium and timber blinds are easier to keep clean than curtains, as they can be brushed over with a cloth or duster while still hanging on the windows. They do not go out of fashion, and if, after normal wear and tear, they need repairing as well as cleaning, we can do that too.

Getting the right window dressings to suit the architectural style of a room is the final touch that brings all the elements of the space together. There is an amazing range of window dressing materials to choose from, both natural and synthetic. Surprisingly, given this multitude of choices, wood blinds are still very popular.

Is the Enduring Popularity of Wood Blinds a Yearning for Nature?

Is it because people living in modern cities are disconnected from nature to an extent not seen before? Are we subconsciously desiring to bring some of that nature back into our lives by choosing timber over aluminium or composite materials? Whatever the reason, shutters and blinds made from western red cedar and other timbers are still in demand, and bring a warmth and sense of comfort to any room.

We work with timber all the time at Blind Concepts so we know its desirable qualities. We do offer some words of caution, though, as there are pros and cons to using wood blinds. There is nothing that cannot be worked around provided you are aware, so we offer some comments here to help with your decision making.

Be Aware of the Negatives Before Deciding

On the negative side, some wood blinds can be heavy, placing additional stress on the cords and control mechanisms so they break more frequently. As a natural resource, wood has variations in grain and colour so if you are looking for consistency, it may not be the best choice. Also, some timbers warp and crack with changes in moisture, making them unsuitable for wet areas.

The Warmth of Timber – The Luxury of Colours and Finishes

The positive features of wood blinds are many. They immediately give warmth and character to an otherwise boring room, creating an illusion of permanence and stability. This negates the need for other work, saving time and money. Decorators need not settle for natural wood colours if they are seeking a contemporary look. Wood blinds come in all colours and finishes, from matt to high gloss and everything in-between.

Flexibility is Huge Plus

A big feature is the flexibility that timber venetians offer the occupants. They are fully adjustable to allow in just the right amount of light and air, can be closed completely against inclement weather or cold, or raised up to expose a full view of the outside. All these adjustments are quick and easy, and are done from the inside of the room.

Easy to Get Cleaned and Repaired

The best part about wood blinds is that they can be professionally cleaned and repaired. Our people are experienced at cleaning, repairing and restoring wood blinds. We will pick them up from your home and return them to you in no time, looking like brand new blinds.