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.

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.