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After renovating or purchasing a new home, the owners try to think through everything down to the smallest detail; they want everything in the apartment or house to be perfect.
Of course, the decoration of the room, furniture and various decorative elements play a huge role in the future interior.
However, an important part of it is the window frame, without which the space will not be so cozy and comfortable. This means that you need to close the window opening with blinds or curtains.
Heavy, long curtains with luxurious drapery and lots of decor are no longer in fashion. Everything has changed and thin, light curtains have become relevant, wonderfully complementing any interior.
But how to escape from the sun's rays, which can be very unpleasant and bright. It's simple - you can use curtains and blinds.
First example: uniform style
The individuality of the interior is created primarily by well-chosen textile design. One of the main rules of textile decoration is the unity of the image - you can use one pattern or a combination of several colors and patterns, the main thing is that they are all in the same style.
Window decor traditionally refers to textile design, and therefore it needs to be decorated in accordance with the fabric interior of the room. In this case, the blinds will also be part of this textile ensemble, and must be consistent in the color and texture of its other elements.
Curtains and blinds in a single gray color scheme
Do not overdo it in selecting curtains and blinds of similar colors; remember that the differences between the parts of the window decoration give greater depth and expressiveness to the whole. Use combinations of single-color curtains and blinds with a pattern, or vice versa - single-color blinds and curtains with a print
Necessary measurements before installation
They need to be completed not even before installation, but at an even earlier stage - before purchase. If you miss the width and height, the fabric may interfere with the opening and closing of the window. After a few weeks of use, the corner of the cornice will easily crumble the putty on the slope and hollow out a small but unsightly depression in it. Moreover, clinging to the handle of the glass unit, the cut edge will fray, and the structure itself will fall off the Velcro. And problems with darkening cannot be avoided - there will always be gaps.
Measurements are performed with a regular tape measure. Having decided what type of roller curtains you want, determine the width, height of the opening and individual sashes. Let us remind you that you can adjust a long open-type roller shutter to the desired size. This is generally not difficult, but you will have to tinker.
You will need:
- pencil
- tape measure or ruler
- scissors, stationery knife
- metal hacksaw for shortening the rod
- file (sandpaper will also work).
You can work on the floor, because not every home has tables that can accommodate an unfolded curtain. You will have to disassemble it into individual components: shaft, fabric (or bamboo), weighting material.
How to shorten a curtain
- Cut the rod exactly to the required width. Finish the edge with a file or sandpaper to remove nicks.
- Mark the canvas exactly how you want to cut it. It should be 8–10 mm narrower than the shaft. Use only well-sharpened scissors.
- Using a hacksaw, adjust the length of the finishing strip so that the curtain is 10–15 mm wider than it.
- Now you can assemble the components again into a single system: tuck the curtain into the weighting material, put it on the shaft, secure the plugs and roll the material into a roll.
How to shorten without disassembling the structure
- remove the weighting material,
- cut the curtain
- Make a “pocket pipe” at the bottom along the diameter of the bar and insert it there.
Second example: more room to adjust sunlight
Roller blinds provide good darkening performance, but sometimes the main requirement for a room is the uniformity of light dispersion. And vertical blinds cope best with this task. Most often, such a function of blinds is needed in living rooms. This room usually has the largest windows in the house, and this fact needs to be played up. Everyone who visits your home will appear in the living room, and to create a feeling of comfort in the house, the owners need to try. Combine vertical fabric blinds with curtains of muted shades; this will add softness and tranquility to the interior, relax your attention and promote comfortable communication with guests.
Vertical fabric blinds and curtains for the living room in a soft cream color
Another type of blinds that provides uniform adjustment of the light flux are Zebra roller blinds.
Content
- Roller blind systems
- Free-hanging
- Mini
- Maxi
- Zebra mini
- Zebra maxi
- Day Night
- Bamboo
- Cassette
- Uni-1 (Uni-1)
- Uni-2 (Uni-2)
- Zebra Uni-1
- Zebra Uni-2
- Roller blind control method
- Chain
- Spring-inertial (PIM)
- Electric
- Installation method for roller blinds
- Down up
- On the window sash
- Into the opening
- On the wall
- To the ceiling
- For roof/slanted windows
- Execution options
- With photo printing
- Perforated (Night City)
- Mounting options
- For self-tapping screws
- With double-sided tape
- Plastic clamps
- Bottom plumb clamps
- Magnets
- Fishing line or cable
- Plastic fastenings
- To order or ready-made
- To order
- Ready-made roller blinds in shopping centers
- Ready-made roller blinds AliExpress
- Reviews
Fourth example: modern equality
Modern interior styles challenge the traditions of the classics. This also applies to the usual window design, when thicker curtains frame the middle of the window, curtained with light tulle. You can experiment here and use thick roller blinds to “balance” the curtains.
Blinds and curtains of the same density are a good option for a modern interior
Combinations of light curtains and thick blinds can also look good in a modern interior, but with such design solutions it is very difficult to make a mistake and ruin the entire look of the room
Rolled
Fabric roller blinds are the only fabric that is attached to a shaft. They are also called roller blinds. They can be installed in two systems: with a single piece of fabric (mini) or with alternating stripes (zebra mini).
Sixth example: noble tree
Wooden blinds look better than any other next to curtains, and this is no wonder - after all, in interiors from time immemorial, textiles have been combined with wood - sofas, upholstered armchairs, tapestries with wooden baguettes, tables with tablecloths, beds with bedspreads... Horizontal wooden blinds and luxurious curtains in a classic interior will correspond to all the best design traditions. In a modern interior, such blinds can be combined with lighter plain curtains, muslin, or in eco-style - with canvases made from natural materials (linen, cotton).
Wood and satin curtains with drapery are aristocratic luxury that perfectly controls the lighting of the room
Material of manufacture
The material from which the slats are made plays an important role. The durability of the product, its compatibility with the microclimate of various rooms, and the range of textures and colors depend on this. Classic options include fabric and wooden curtains.
More modern models already use plastic, bamboo and paper. Let's consider each type separately.
Plastic
Plastic curtains have quite impressive strength, but they lose the strength of aluminum structures earlier. PVC is lightweight, easy to install and inexpensive. The material has great rigidity and is easy to clean.
It can be used in environments with difficult microclimates, as it will successfully withstand tests of humidity, high or low temperatures and heavy contamination. There is a wide range of plastic curtains - manufacturers offer designs in various colors and textures.
PVC is a popular and affordable material that can only be combined with modern styles in interior design.
Fabric
Fabric curtains look incredibly beautiful in the interior of a room. In addition, they are less practical than structures made from more rigid materials. Of course, fabrics are pre-treated with special impregnations that increase their resistance to dust and dirt, but the material will still have to be cleaned more often than aluminum or plastic. There are two types of curtains:
- Made from non-woven materials. They are distinguished by their low cost and short validity period. They quickly lose their shape and presentable appearance.
- Made from woven materials. They are painted with special pigments that do not fade under sunlight. They last much longer than the first type of construction.
Fabric curtains are taboo for kitchens, bathrooms and rooms where a lot of dust or dirt accumulates (laboratories, libraries).
Wooden
The first tents were wooden. This material is still popular today as it can be easily integrated into any environment. Wood brings a warm and cozy atmosphere to the room.
The cost of such blinds is low. Special compounds are applied to the material to prevent moisture from penetrating into the pores of the wood and its subsequent swelling and deformation.
However, even impregnation will not save the material from fire when in contact with an open flame. It is not recommended to hang such structures in the kitchen near the stove or in the living room next to the fireplace. For the production of lamellas, light-weight wood species are used. For this reason, structures do not sag over time.
Wooden shutters are easy to clean and retain their presentable appearance for a long time. Since the material is environmentally friendly, it is recommended to use it for decorating bedrooms and children's rooms.
Metal aluminum
The classic option is aluminum shutters. The width of the slats ranges from 16-25 mm, the type of mechanism is cassette, available in both vertical and horizontal versions.
Aluminum roller shutters are characterized by increased rigidity. For this reason, it is recommended to purchase material for finishing windows of complex configurations.
Aluminum shutters will last a long time and even get boring, although their stylistic versatility allows you to adapt the decorative element to any design solution. The material is easy to clean: just periodically wipe the slats with a damp sponge.
Aluminum does not need to be cleaned only with abrasive compounds, which will inevitably leave scratches on the soft metal. The material is insensitive to extreme temperatures and high humidity, so it can be used to decorate kitchens and bathrooms. Aluminum shutters are also suitable for windows on verandas, loggias and cold attics.
There are products that are fully or partially painted in different colors or with a pattern applied to the surface.
The main advantage of the material is its hygiene and ease of care - just wipe the fabric with a damp cloth. Another advantage is high corrosion resistance. For this reason, metal curtains are often installed in public buildings and on apartment balconies.
For high-tech style, this version of the canvas is more acceptable. The color palette is not very diverse, mainly white, bronze, silver, imitation wood.
An interesting option is with factory-perforated slats, which provides a measured flow of light into the room and a smoother transition when opening or closing the curtains from light to shadow.
Bamboo
Bamboo blinds are made from environmentally friendly materials. Thin slats have a presentable appearance, pleasant natural colors and low weight. The rigid frame prevents deformation of thin curtains. The material is suitable for decorating windows in the bathroom and kitchen, as it is not afraid of contact with water.
This option is ideal for the Japanese ethno-style and its closest and modest “relative” - minimalism. Apartments decorated with mats, shoji instead of doors and lanterns will harmoniously combine with bamboo shutters. The lamellas can be made not only from smooth plates, but also have an original texture and texture.
Bamboo curtains do not cause allergies and are absolutely safe for health. Such curtains are acceptable in any interior, but look great in an eco-style design.
From so many materials, you can easily choose suitable curtains for the living room that will meet all the buyer’s needs.
Shutters can be horizontal or vertical.
Horizontal blinds are raised and adjusted according to the angle of inclination. The advantages include a visual expansion of the space of the room.
This technique will be useful for owners of small living rooms.
Vertical patterns create the impression of a high ceiling. The shutters open to the right or left of the window, and you can also adjust the opening level of the panels.
Types of fasteners
Interframe. Quite rarely, installed between window frames.
Frame. A common type of support installed directly on the window frame.
Frame. The most popular type of fastening is installed instead of the cornice or behind it.
When choosing blinds, you should consult with a specialist about the method of attaching them.
Modern innovations include roller and multi-structure blinds.
Multistructured fabrics consist of different types of fabric and have a rich color palette. The top of the blinds consists of vertical panels, often made of plastic or wood. The lower part of the curtains is made of non-woven fabric or tulle.
Such curtains look very interesting and luxurious in the interior.
Laminated models managed to show their best side. They are usually made from woven and non-woven materials, but there are also bamboo curtains.
Roller shutters require a special frame into which the roller shutters are rolled. Roller blinds are attached to the ceiling or window opening. This design is easy to use and durable.
The convenience of roller shutters is undeniable, and the appearance can decorate any interior of the room.
Seventh example: together, but apart
You can combine curtains and blinds by decorating different windows from the same group with them separately. For example, to create a cozy look and reliable sun protection in the dining room, cover the side windows with long curtains and decorate the central window with roller blinds. Thus, you will visually highlight the center of the room, and the sunlight transmitted by the blinds when open will help you with this.
Separate use of curtains and blinds in one room
A similar technique can be used in the bedroom if the windows are located above the bed or opposite it, as well as in any other room. The main condition is that the windows should be in the center, otherwise adjustments will have to be made to the symmetrical structure consisting of curtains and blinds so that the overall design does not look ill-conceived.
Separate use of curtains and blinds on one group of windows looks especially good in a bay window
Which color to choose
The color of roller blinds is determined by the purpose of the room, its size, design, lighting and location to the cardinal points.
For the kitchen we choose bright colors - yellow, green, orange. They will make this room more elegant and interesting.
White, beige are universal colors, suitable for all rooms.
Install blue roller blinds in the bedroom. This color relaxes, pacifies, and sets you up for a restful sleep. Pastel colors are also appropriate here - beige, light green, light pink.
Roller shutters in green, blue, and beige tones are suitable for a child's room. These colors calm kids down and set them up to relax. But the choice of color can also be left to the child himself, if he is already at the age when he can choose the shades of his interior for himself.
A few additional tips on color schemes:
- If the room is small, then it is better not to use dark colors, as they visually compress the space.
- Light shades visually expand the room.
- A pattern with vertical elements makes the ceilings appear higher.
- Light colors harmonize well with dark furniture. They create a nice contrast.
The correct coloring of roller shutters will decorate the room and correct its shortcomings.
Consider the design of the room when choosing the color of the roller blinds. Listen to the recommendations of professionals to create a harmonious space:
- Add roller blinds with ornaments to plain wallpaper. However, do not overdo it if the ornament is present on the upholstery;
- if the wallpaper has a pattern, then it is better to choose plain shutters;
- you will get a stylish design if the curtains, decorative pillows, bedspread, tablecloth in the room are made of the same fabric;
- if the furniture upholstery in the room is dark in color, then choose light shades, and vice versa;
- Rolls and walls that are similar in color, or vice versa, that contrast with each other will look original. The combination of colors can be selected according to the color wheel, taking into account the rule - cold shades are combined only with cold ones, and warm shades are in harmony with warm ones.
Contrasting roller shutters will refresh the room and create a unique flavor.
When choosing the color of curtains, consider the position of the windows on the cardinal points. Cool shades will visually “cool” the room and smooth out excess sun for south-facing windows.
Decorate north-facing windows with curtains in warm, bright colors.
Remember about the color influence on a person’s state and mood when choosing the color of curtains.
Eighth example: confrontation
Sometimes it happens that there is no dominant color in the interior of a room, because the designer’s imagination suggested an interesting color option - the use of two equally contrasting colors to create an interesting and unusual image. Such duality can be emphasized not only by color, but also by the shape of furniture and decorative elements. And using a contrast between blinds and curtains in this interior would, of course, be a logical solution. One color against another, curtains against blinds - what could be more attractive than such a “competition”?
Whatever blinds you choose, you always have the opportunity to create a combination of multi-colored slats in one product, which will look original and unusual.
The combination of curtains and blinds helps to play up the idea of a two-color interior
Distribute the two main colors of the interior in the window design so as to shift the accents in the direction you need - leave a calmer, neutral color for the blinds, and give a bright, saturated color to the curtains. In this situation, the curtains will dominate this pair, which will give the room coziness
Pleated
The canvas, assembled into an accordion, looks compact, elegant, fits into most interiors and is at the same time unpretentious in care. The structure is installed on the glass itself or on the frame; it can be used as an interior door if placed in the opening.
Ninth example: merge with the wall
Any designer will tell you that you cannot match curtains to the color of the wallpaper in the room, as this will deprive the interior of its relief and make it flat and boring. This does not apply to blinds used in conjunction with curtains - after all, the intermediate link between the wall and the window is the curtains, breaking up their monochromatic appearance. When closed, the blinds become like an extension of the wall and create a feeling of protection from the outside world, from the street with its bustle, prying eyes and bad weather. This design option looks calm and discreet, and can be used in the living room, bedroom or nursery.
For this technique, it is best to choose blinds that fit tightly to the window - cassette, interframe or pleated blinds.
Pleated blinds and curtains of the same color in the interior of the room
Installation instructions
As an example, consider one of the options for installing the Uni system.
- After carefully unpacking, check the completeness of the product. The control chain is released. By slightly lowering the fabric, remove the side covers from the control unit located on the cornice.
- The product is applied to the window to check (on both sides) the symmetry of the gap between the canvas and the window bead. Use a pencil or awl to mark the locations of the fasteners.
- Using self-tapping screws, secure the cornice to the vertical glazing beads of the window.
- Place the covers on the control unit and check the functionality of the product.
- The places where the side guides will be glued are degreased with acetone or solvent.
- Remove the protective film from the side guide, insert its upper edge under the side cover of the control unit and, pressing, evenly glue the guide.
- Do the same with the other guide.
- Using a control chain, the panel is lowered until it touches the rubber seal of the window bead. Install a control chain limiter.
- Install the control chain retainer using self-tapping screws. Place the lid on it and snap it on.
Tenth example: contrast detail
Blinds can be not only a functional part, but also the highlight of a room. And the curtains framing the window will fulfill the task of creating coziness. Thus, we get a comfortable room with bright, attractive windows, the main “character” of which is the blinds. To do this, it is absolutely not necessary to look for a product with bright red or light green slats. They may well be of a restrained color - for example, dark brown or pale green. The essence of the design technique is to create a textile window design that practically does not stand out from the general appearance of the room, but does not completely merge with it (so as not to lose texture); at the same time, the color of the window blinds should be contrasting with the textiles. The less colorful the interior of your room, the more noticeable the difference between the color of blinds and curtains will be.
If you hang white curtains in a bright room with a light coral or beige tint, even light walnut-colored wooden blinds will look great here
Clear lines of blinds against a light romantic background of the room
Vertical
Vertical blinds for plastic windows are characterized by a vertical arrangement of plates, which allows you to visually increase the height of the room.
The lower part of the plates is united by one chain. The structure can be secured above the window opening, the upper slope or the ceiling. Their special feature is resistance to dust formation.
Rules for combining curtains and blinds
- The following combinations are suitable for the bedroom: horizontal wooden blinds and multi-layer curtains, roller blinds and light airy curtains;
- Wooden, roller and multi-textured blinds are best combined with fabric curtains;
- Aluminum and plastic blinds do not combine so well with curtains, but if you wish and have a little imagination, you can always choose good combinations for the kitchen, bathroom, corridor and other small rooms;
- If the windows face south and there is always enough light in the room, choose blinds and curtains that, individually or together, provide maximum darkness;
- If it is expected that curtains will dominate the importance of blinds for the interior, choose blinds in calm, restrained shades;
- Cover large window openings with vertical and roller blinds, and for small windows choose mini roller blinds, as well as horizontal cassette UNI, inter-frame blinds - they will look good with short or arched curtains;
Window folds in many options
As with any category of window curtains, there are several types of roller blinds. Traditional designs are mounted on two profiles. Depending on the needs, there may be both or only one - the lower one.
In the latter case, opening the curtains will be possible only in one direction. The division of curtain types is also determined by their design and purpose. In this regard we can highlight:
- standard window shades designed for use in every window of a typical shape.
- pleated roller blinds for roof windows, installed on steel cables or in guides, thanks to which they do not fall when sliding and tightly close the window.
- curtains for windows of unusual shapes - round, with an arched end, triangular.
No-drill roller blinds are currently very popular and can certainly be called a hit of the last decade. This is due not only to their unique aesthetics, but also to functionality.
Although they look a bit like horizontal blinds, they are actually more portable and therefore convenient. The advantage of these window curtains is that they can be opened and closed both at the top and bottom.
Thanks to this, you can much more effectively adapt the lighting of the room to the current needs of family members.
Weighting material
To ensure that the canvas moves smoothly and does not form creases, a weight strip is attached along the bottom edge. A standard plastic weight is inserted into a hemmed “pocket” of fabric; its color does not matter since it is covered with fabric.
Weights can also be in the form of a profile with plugs, ordinary plastic or steel for magnetic fixation - their color is often matched to the tone of the canvas.
Manual control
For home and office, manually controlled options are more often chosen - they are more affordable, and the control mechanism is reliable. The process of winding the fabric onto the roller is regulated using a chain mechanism (this was previously installed on blinds). By winding and unwinding the fabric using a chain, the curtain is raised completely or to the desired height and lowered down in the same way.
Another option for manual control is spring control. A small handle-holder is installed on the lower plumb bar of the curtain. To change the position of the curtain, you need to grab the handle, pull the edge down with a little force and then pull it lower as you lower it or allow the curtain to rise higher if necessary.
Then you just need to stop in the desired position - the spring will do its job. The disadvantage of the mechanism is that the spring wears out quickly with frequent use.