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.

Is your house looking tired and uninteresting? And you can’t put your finger on the cause? From the outside, the paintwork looks fresh, the gardens are neat and everything is in good repair. From the inside, the rooms are tidy, furnished with modern pieces and the colour schemes reflect the latest trend. However, each time you enter or leave the dwelling, you experience the feeling that something is missing.

Are Your Current Blinds Boring?

Have you considered that it may be your windows that are making the rest of your home look just a little dowdy? If the blinds have been on the windows for some time, while they may still be in good condition, they may have become unfashionable or even boring.
There are ways to change that; however, replacing every window dressing in the dwelling with new blinds at the same time, may be too big an expense. That is where we can help. Blind Concepts is a unique service, offering blind cleaning, repair and replacements for a lower cost than buying new blinds.

Don’t Replace – Refurbish and Save Money

Say, for example, your bedroom windows are covered with vertical blinds that are still in reasonable condition, but could use a revamp. You are looking for a softer, more romantic look in an unobtrusive colour that allows in light while maintaining privacy. We can replace the vertical slats with new ones in a modern shade, and refurbish the slat hangers, chains, cords or wands to match.

Timber Venetians Love an Upgrade

In many older homes, timber Venetians were used in formal areas such as lounges and dining rooms. At the time, they were expensive and, even now, are still serviceable. The colours that were fashionable when they were first installed are out of date and there could be some slats that are a little worse for wear.
If this is your situation, an excellent alternative to replacement is to hand them to us to work our magic and return them to you looking like new. We can repair what needs to be repaired, and re-colour the blades to fit in with the latest décor. In fact, we can do this with other styles such as Roman and Holland blinds, as well as others.

With Modern Curtains Boring Windows Come Alive

Now, transform your windows from “so yesterday” to “wow now” by adding the latest in eyelet curtains. The most popular styles are in a heavy, non-patterned fabric in a wide range of modern colours. A centre drape in a matching, see-through synthetic will soften the look and allow in light. When you are ready to close the room, it is a simple matter to pull the curtains together by hand without any need for cords or chains
These techniques will lift your windows and make them look beautiful again.

Property owners are always looking for ways to keep their homes and apartments in good repair without breaking the bank, knowing as they do that this is the key to getting the best price when they decide to sell. The same can be said for the owners of commercial premises, which need just as much care and attention as a dwelling.
One of the least expensive ways to do this is to look for ways to give a lift to the windows in these properties. Making changes to the current window treatments will make an immediate difference both from inside and outside and a little bit of creativity will go a long way.

Lift Tired Venetians One Slat at a Time

Over time, any type of Venetian blind will sustain some type of damage to the slats. Not every slat may be affected, but once several of them display flaws, the entire blind looks shabby. Instead of replacing it, we now offer a repair service that can give you that creative spark you are looking for. Blind Concepts can replace the damaged slats, but the exciting part is that you can choose a different colour for the new ones, adding some interest and colour to what was a bland window.

Jazz up the Humble Roller Blind

Roller blinds were once the “ugly stepsisters” of the window treatment world but the wonderful new fabrics now available have brought them out of the shadows. The convenience of roller blinds makes them a very versatile window treatment and plain white ones are perfect for moderating heat and glare. Add sheer curtains in colours that match furniture accessories in the room.

Mix Up the Window Treatments in the Same Room

Conventional interior decorating decreed that every window in the room should have the same type of window dressing. Thankfully, modern decorators like to push the boundaries, and the time is ripe to mix it up. Roman blinds have been around for centuries and are making a comeback. Soft fabrics are great for a relaxed look, but if you want elegance and style, go for something crisp.
Now this is the fun part. On the other window, add a roller blind and a set of curtains. Keep within the same colour palette or it may be too garish, and get the same fabric as you have for the Roman blind. The horizontal line of the Roman blind contrasts with the vertical fall of the curtains, giving the room a sensational new look.
If you want to try out any of these window treatments at a reduced cost, contact us for a quote.

Regardless of how well they are made, or how carefully we have maintained them, the time will come when our window blinds need to be replaced. Like a comfortable pair of shoes, however, some home owners keep them in service longer than they should, spoiling the exterior appearance of their home, and exposing their carpets and furnishings to sunlight.

There are plenty of warning signs that your blinds have given their all and need to be retired. These signs will vary depending on the style of window covering you have, so we have assembled a selection for you to check against your existing blinds.

Warped, Damaged or Discoloured Slats

In timber blinds, heat and humidity over many years can cause some or all of the slats to warp. This looks unsightly, makes the blinds very difficult to keep clean and where more than one or two slats are affected, will prevent smooth movement when raising and lowering. Aluminium slats can withstand some rough treatment, but when they become completely bent out of shape, they also need to be replaced.

Even blinds with some level of UV protection will eventually fade if constantly exposed to the sun. However, if your slats have become yellow or discoloured beyond what you would consider normal fading, the materials they are made of have deteriorated to the stage where the structural integrity is compromised. They are now a safety hazard.

Mechanisms Not Working Smoothly

You should not have to use excessive force to raise or lower your blinds. If that is happening regularly, the mechanism controlling the up and down movement could be on the verge of breaking altogether. A sudden jerk to get them moving risks bringing the entire set crashing down, which could cause damage or personal injury. They should be replaced as a matter of urgency.

It is a similar story with the tilt wand. Repeated twisting to manipulate the slats will eventually wear out the tilt mechanism. Check first if it can be repaired easily, but if it is too difficult, again, replace the blinds.

Do Your Fabric Blinds Have Frayed Edges?

The answer to this problem is quite simple. This type of wear happens when the edges scrape along the window frame, which would have been caused by incorrect measurements taken when the blinds were first installed, or the installed blinds are made with a cheaper, low grade budget fabric. The fabric and/or tight fit will continue to fray so it is probably time to get correct measurements and new blinds.

Even though you may have decided by now to buy new blinds, this does not mean that the old ones are only good for landfill. At Blind Concepts we are experts at re-purposing tired blinds by restoring or replacing them. As the saying goes, “one person’s trash is another person’s treasure.” Call us for a quote and we will find the best solution for you.

A recent international survey identified Australia as the country with the largest homes in the world, measured in terms of floor space per capita. This makes sense when you think about the size of the typical project home built over the past 20 years. Most had four bedrooms and a study, a rumpus or family room, separate formal dining, outdoor patio and double garage, even though the average family was just three people.

Small Apartments Look Larger with a Few Old Tricks

Times have changed, and with that has come the rise in popularity of inner-city apartment living. Because the move to be closer to the city comes with a hefty price tag, many buyers have realised that they can no longer afford a large dwelling. While they have settled for smaller rooms, they are still looking for ways to create the illusion of space.

At Blind Concepts we can suggest an old trick for windows that will make a small window look larger and will not cost the earth. Typically, when we measure a window for a customer, we supply a blind that will fit neatly into the window recess. This defines the size of the window, immediately highlighting the boundaries of the frame.

Large Window Blinds Trick the Eye

To make the window appear larger, we can raise the height of the blind and also increase the width, so that the blind and any curtains the customer decides to hang later, sit much further outside the window frame. The mind assumes that the window behind the blinds and curtains is the same size as they are, tricking us into thinking the window is much bigger than it is. Alternatively, where the blinds are installed into the cavity or recess of the window, this creates more external space as the they are not taking up the space of the walls. This also creates the illusion of a larger room.

It’s All Done with Mirrors

As far as room sizes go, there are a number of different ways that smaller rooms can be made to appear larger. One of the easiest and most cost effective is to use mirrors to reflect light and bounce images around the walls. Either individual mirrors, or mirrors that go from floor to ceiling will create the illusion of a more spacious room.

Furniture on Legs – Who Would Have Thought?

Keep furniture light and go for pieces that are raised on legs, rather than sitting directly on the floor. The spaces underneath can then be seen, extending the eye back much further than if the pieces were solid. This can make a surprising difference to your perception of size.

Keep Floor Coverings Consistent

Use solid, continuous flooring in small spaces. Breaking up an open-plan area by having one type of flooring for one section, and something different for another will make the space look smaller. Avoid rugs or patterned carpets and research the paint colours that will add size to all your rooms.

Keep rooms uncluttered and tidy, and you will find it easy to fool the eye.

Keeping your home in good condition involves more than just repairing something when it breaks. It is important to keep both the exterior and interior of the property upgraded to maintain its value. This does not necessarily mean an expensive make-over to change a particular architectural style into something completely modern. In fact, this could actually reduce its value because the features that made it unique in its day have been destroyed.

Can’t Afford a Complete Makeover? Try a Refurbishment

It just means keeping the paintwork in good order and the gardens neat and free of weeds, removing built-up residue from tiles and pathways, and the window coverings fresh and in keeping with the rest of the interior décor. For many people, the option of a complete make-over is financially out of their reach. They take whatever steps they can to refurbish whatever is already in the house.

Blinds are a good example of where substantial cost savings can be found if they are still in good condition, but need some attention to restore them to both functionality and good looks. We are specialists in this area. Blind Concepts will clean, repair or replace your old and damaged blinds so that they look as good as new.

Blinds – Repair or Replace?

Knowing that our service is available can make the decision between buying new blinds and repairing the old ones much easier to make. Some blinds will only need cleaning, while others may have broken slats that need replacing. Some will need chains, cords or wands replaced while others will need a complete slat replacement to restore them to their original condition.

Slats in New, Up-to-the-Minute Colours

A major advantage to replacing all the slats is that we can introduce new colours to give the blinds a contemporary look. We have a large colour range from which to choose, and once the other components of the blinds have been cleaned, you will find it difficult to tell the difference between a new set and the refurbished ones. This is an added bonus if you are financially unable to completely replace all your old blinds with brand new ones, but still want to keep your home looking smart.

Get your Blinds Assessed Before Making a Decision

If you have trouble deciding whether to repair or replace your blinds, we can help by assessing them and giving you a quote so you can compare the difference between the two options. Most times, it just comes down to money as householders these days have many financial pressures and a saving in one area can be used for something essential in another.

Parents of new-born babies and very young children are on constant watch for dangerous situations that could cause harm. Cots, prams, car seats, clothing and toys are just a few of the everyday items that need to be checked for suitability. Smothering or choking hazards are the most common dangers for the very young, but once the little ones are crawling, climbing and taking their first steps, the whole house is a potential danger zone.

Obvious hazards such as a staircase without a barrier, a bath tub half filled with water or an unshielded heat source should be visible enough to act as an alert. However, there are many other hazards that seem harmless until a child is injured or worse.

Loose Cords and Chains Cause Tragic Deaths

This is the case with cords and chains that dangle from window blinds as part of the operating mechanism. Would it surprise you to know that in Australia, since the early 1990s, at least 15 young children have been strangled in window blind cords or chains? These tragic deaths prompted the introduction of national mandatory safety standards in January 2011.

Mandatory Standards and Regulations Introduced to Reduce Hazard

It has been several years since the introduction of these standards, but at Blind Concepts we believe there is no room for complacency. Our company works hard to make our blind products as safe as possible. We ensure that all our products and installations conform to industry and government standards and regulations.

The Role of Parents and Carers

Parents and carers can also take their own steps to protect their children. As anyone who has cared for the very young knows, they have little awareness of danger. They would not realise that a cord or chain looped around their neck will tighten if they roll over in play, climb or fall onto the floor, and once tightened, they cannot cry out or remove it by themselves.

Legislative Requirements for Removing the Hazard

Check blinds and curtain cords anywhere you are staying with your children, including holiday accommodation. Tie cords up away from reach and move cots, beds and other furniture away from windows. At home, secure loose cords permanently out of reach by installing cleats or tensioning devices, which can be bought at most hardware stores.

Legislation requires these devices to be fixed at a minimum height of 1.6 metres from the floor. They must be secured so they will not fail under load, making double-sided tape, glue or other temporary methods completely inappropriate. The tension on the cord or chain should be tight enough to prevent a child’s head from fitting through it.

Even though time has passed since the standards became mandatory, many households have not upgraded and will still have the old corded mechanisms in place. When it comes to rentals, owners and real estates should be aware of the legislations too. Any rental owner that would like like the compliancy of the blinds checked can contact our team for inspections and repairs at a minimal cost.

If you are at all concerned about your blinds, give us a call.

The shape of our windows, as well as how we dress them make a very visible statement about the condition of the home on the inside. Faded, torn and shabby blinds seen from the outside give an impression of neglect, which may be an incorrect reflection of an otherwise neat and tidy home. However, first impressions are powerful, so homeowners need to be aware of this if they want their property to look its best.

Too Many to Choose From?

With so many different types of window blinds available, buyers can be confused about which ones suit their situation. Roller blinds, Roman blinds, Venetians, verticals and others provide a range of choices, but getting the right type for the style of window and the aspect can be challenging.
Large windows that have a scenic outlook, for example, would need a very different types of window blinds available to a small room at the back of a dwelling that struggles to get sufficient natural light. It is not as simple as picking one type of blind and using it for every room in the home.

Suggestions for Making Those Important Choices

From our point of view, however, it really does not matter what type of blinds you have in your home. Our business at Blind Concepts is to offer superior cleaning, repair and replacement services to our customers. Since we are able to provide those services for most blinds on the market, the choice is yours, but if you need some help, we offer these suggestions.

What Does the Room Need?

Start with the room itself. What does it need in a window covering? Does it need more or less natural light, is insulation against heat and cold required, is the window facing a main road so that privacy is an issue? The answers to these questions will give you the style needed, then the choices of fabric and colour will be easier.

Ever-Reliable Roller Blinds

Modern roller blinds have come into their own as stylish and chic decorator items, and once they are rolled up, leave an unobstructed view of the exterior. Clever fabrics address issues of light and insulation, and are available in a range of modern patterns and colours.

Romans or Venetians – Your Choice

For a touch of elegance, roman blinds offer a tailored look that suits a living room where curtains would be too overwhelming. Ever-practical venetians never go out of date, and their versatility suits almost every room in the home.
Choose whatever style of blind suits your windows without worrying about how to clean them. We will be here to do that for you when the time comes.

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.

Our use of labour-saving devices has revolutionised the way we work, with machines now performing most of the heavy tasks in the workforce. In the home, our appliances remove much of the manual labour previously needed to keep our households tidy.

Furnishings, carpets, rugs, polished timber and window dressings can now be kept dust free without an army of cleaners, and with the development of new and better methods and tools, housework just gets easier. This is important to us because we are Blind Concepts, a company that provides blinds cleaning, repairs, replacements and installations to customers in Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan and the Northern Suburbs.

Keep Blinds Dust Free Between Professional Cleans

Blinds are essential in our harsh climate, keeping out harmful UV rays that fade and damage the interior of our buildings. They are also an attractive addition to interior décor, while controlling air flow and ensuring privacy. Regular cleaning with a vacuum cleaner and microfibre cloth will keep them looking great until it’s time for us to do a professional refurbishment.

There are a few reasons why we like microfibre for “in-between” cleaning times. Cleaning the traditional way with detergent and water is more labour-intensive than with microfibre. Where dirt has built up over time, it needs strength and pressure to remove it, and the water can damage timber blinds.

No Water Needed

Microfibre, by contrast, needs no water to work its magic. It sweeps away dirt when brushed across the surface to be cleaned, with the tiny particles of dust and dirt attaching themselves to each of the microscopic fibres that make up the cloth or duster.

Millions of Tiny Fibres Trap Dirt

Unlike synthetic or cotton cleaning cloths, microfibre cloth is actually made from plastic. When regular cloths are placed under a microscope, we see that each individual strand is quite thick. Microfibre cloths have millions more fibres and each one is tiny by comparison. These fibres can get into every crack and crevice of any surface, making them much more efficient and easier to use. They literally “Hoover up” the dirt.

No Health Hazard from Airborne Particles

There are also health benefits to using microfibre, especially the dusters. We have all used normal dusters that flick the dust into the air where we breathe it into our lungs. Microfibre traps the dust onto the cloth so nothing becomes airborne. This is especially beneficial for people with asthma and chronic hay fever.

Wash and Reuse

The dusters can also be reused many times, saving money on replacements. Just wash them thoroughly, following the manufacturer’s instructions, dry them and they are ready for use. When your blinds eventually need a professional clean and refurbishment, contact us here at Blind Concepts and we will have them looking like new.