Operating principle
Roller blinds contain small features of classic curtains and standard blinds. In the situation of blinds, the principle of operation involves winding them onto a shaft, thereby covering the window opening. And in a roll system, day and night, the strips of fabric remain in the same plane.
The darkened part will block the sun, but, nevertheless, transmit sunlight through the light areas. If necessary, you can raise the product, and then sunlight will fill the room.
Advantages of roller blinds
The popularity of roller blinds is due to their many advantages. The following can be distinguished from them:
- It is possible to use such roller blinds as an independent element of window design or as an addition to existing curtains. This significantly expands the scope for creativity, which allows you to realize your wildest design ideas by decorating the room to your liking.
- Roller blinds, due to their functionality, simplicity of design and attractive appearance, have today almost completely replaced the blinds that were popular in the past. This design option is ideal for plastic windows, and due to its versatility it can be used in classic and modern interior design styles.
- It is possible to use roller blinds with plastic double-glazed windows and wooden windows. It is possible to design windows with high quality, regardless of their material, shape and design.
- Roller blinds that are correctly sized and installed with high quality will fit tightly to the windows, which solves the problem of curious glances from passers-by. In particular, such roller blinds will be relevant for owners of private cottages and residents of the first floors of high-rise buildings.
- The design of the curtains allows you to completely darken the room or reduce the intensity of the bright sun. It is possible to choose a canvas with different light transmittance characteristics, which will solve the problem of room lighting during daylight hours.
- Such designs are distinguished by durability, quality and wear resistance.
- Throughout their entire service life, such roller blinds retain all their functionality.
- The variety of options available allows you to choose them both to match the characteristics of specific windows and the style of room design.
- It is possible to independently produce such roller blinds, which allows you to save on window decoration.
Materials and fabric
Types of fabric for roller blinds.
- Cotton + polyester. By mixing two different components, natural cotton and synthetic polyester, the developer created a material that was universal in technical and operational properties.
- Fabric "Skin". These are bi-fabrics consisting of plasticized fiberglass and polyvinyl chloride, the percentage ratio between which is 36 to 64.
- Artificially burned. It is created using synthetic and natural fibers. It is scorched due to partial processing of the material at the production stage with soluble acids.
- Blackout. It belongs to night fabrics because it is made from dense synthetic fibers.
- Satin + polyester. In some cases, the outer layer of such roller blinds is treated with durable acrylic.
These are popular materials for the production of such products. Each is characterized by increased wear resistance and ease of maintenance.
What is the fabric made of?
The fabric is made of high-quality synthetics with Teflon impregnation. Thanks to this, the material is easy to care for - easy to clean, repels dust, is highly durable and antistatic. In addition to increased functionality, roller blinds have excellent design characteristics.
Synthetic curtain fabric does not fade in the sun and does not attract dust
Clean the curtain with a dry brush or a vacuum cleaner with a special attachment.
Transparent stripes look like organza. Dense stripes can be made in various variations - plain, decorated with patterns, with a shiny coating. A wide selection of colors allows you to choose a model to suit any room design.
Fans of natural materials can choose curtains made of viscose or silk
Kinds
Without exception, blinds are divided into types. They are not just a fashionable decorative item, but a functional item.
Open
Such a device consists of a shaft with dense fabric attached to it, a mechanism and a strip. Products are created in different diameters, main element, type of fabric and shape. Moreover, each curtain has absolutely the same functionality.
When choosing an open type, do not forget that the larger the product, the wider the shaft diameter.
Closed
This type is characterized by the presence of a box that covers both the roll itself and the shaft. Such blinds can be either the width of the glass unit or the size of the window opening.
Cassette
The main difference from the closed one is that it does not have a box, which is designed to completely cover the shaft and blade.
Otherwise they are completely identical.
By type of control
Roller blinds come with different control mechanisms.
Using a plastic chain or cord
This is the easiest way to operate a roller blind. Height adjustment occurs through a regular chain attached to the product.
It can be installed on one of the sides of the mounts. When used strictly according to the instructions, it will last a long time.
Mechanical spring installation
This device helps lift the canvas from bottom to top. Thanks to the springs, fixation occurs automatically. Adjusting the canvas will not be a hassle for the owners.
Using an electric motor
It must be said that this is a short-lived control mechanism and is installed only on windows with hard-to-reach places. An electric motor moves the curtain.
What are roller blinds “day night”
If you believe the definition from the encyclopedia, then “Roller blind”, also known as “roller blind”, “roller blind”, “delfa”, “fabric roller blind” and “day-night window blinds”, is a system of window protection from the sun. It looks like a fragment of a specific fabric in the form of a rectangle, which is wound on a shaft in the form of a tube. It is usually located at the top of the glass unit.
Roller blinds “day-night” are an excellent choice for people who love “smart home” systems and remote control of curtains via an electric drive in the eaves.
Special fabrics for roller blinds have several specific properties. They are even impregnated with a special chemical composition that resists abrasion and damage to the fabric structure. Based on this, the extreme parts of the canvas do not require an overlaying process. And the beneficial properties don’t end there.
Impregnation helps repel:
- dust;
- dirt;
- moisture.
Fastenings
How to install roller blinds day-night? Several types of installation are discussed below.
Mini system
In this case, the curtain is installed on each window sash. The advantage is that such a mount does not require drilling the frame in advance; anyone can handle a “mini” mount.
To prevent the filter fabric from drooping in the future, the lower guide area should be metal. Or a simple option is to attach a magnet to the bottom.
To the ceiling
As a rule, products of this design are not long and slightly touch the window sill. But there are options that cover the entire window opening and drop 10-20 centimeters below the window sill.
These sizes are enough to protect the room from direct sunlight and prying eyes.
To the ceiling
Mini system
To frame
To frame
How to hang roller blinds day and night? Depending on the type of roller blinds, the size of the indentation is determined. This can be easily done from the top point of the window frame, where the blinds will be attached.
Then the mount is installed. Such products have two types of fastening - with self-tapping screws and double-sided construction tape.
On double-sided tape without drilling
The easiest way to install. To install using double-sided tape without drilling, you will need to perform the following steps:
- install the cap fasteners on the top bar of the curtain;
- peel off the protective layer of double-sided tape;
- press the bar tightly against the window sash or the top of the frame so that the tape sticks well;
- Attach a weighting agent to the bottom of the curtain.
This completes the installation.
The design of some fasteners does not allow them to be glued exactly so that they hold well. This is due to the presence of protruding parts that can serve as a bracket. In such a case, the protruding parts must be carefully broken off. In this case, the procedure must be performed in such a way as not to harm the rest of the fastening.
Installation Features
Roller blinds day-night installation instructions allow you to fasten them in three different options.
For self-tapping screws
The metal attachments are adjusted to the window frame and screwed into the already made mounting hole using two self-tapping screws. The latches from it are attached to the shaft of the day-night roller blind, then they are pushed into standard attachments using slight pressure by hand.
The installation process is completed by securing the decorative caps from the nozzles.
Installation on brackets
For self-tapping screws
With double-sided tape
On brackets
Metal or plastic spring bracket.
The method of their installation is similar to the previous one, but instead of self-tapping screws, hinged brackets are used, which snap into classic fasteners.
With double-sided tape
Special attachments are installed on the brackets. The base is treated with alcohol for degreasing. The adhesive tape is heated using an electric hair dryer, the protective film is removed from it, and it is glued to the surface of the window frame by pressing firmly.
This system is convenient and gaining popularity because it allows you to avoid damaging windows by drilling.
Types and installation of curtains
According to the name, they are divided into two types: open and closed. Closed implies the presence of special boxes into which the curtains go. Open ones, in turn, do not hide, but remain visible. For more information about installing closed roller blinds, watch this video:
Before choosing roller blinds, consult with a specialist which type of these products will suit your window frame (window shape).
Installing curtains is easy, but unique. Installation can be carried out in any place the owner chooses. For example, laconic windows allow you to attach roller shutters to the sash. This installation is very convenient in the presence of rotary systems. Thanks to this, the window structure remains intact.
Care
In any room, dirt and dust constantly accumulate on rolls. This process cannot be avoided or managed, even if the housewife regularly performs wet cleaning around the house.
Standard curtains need to be removed; they are long and impractical, and they have to be washed regularly. A significant advantage is that they do not require special care. You need to wipe them with a damp cloth a couple of times a week.
Zebra curtains cannot be washed in a washing machine, nor can they be vacuumed. Zebra blinds can be treated with a special dust-repellent liquid, but this matter is best left to professionals.
We take the necessary measurements
Take measurements of the existing window opening or glass measurements if the roller blinds will be attached to the frame. This will allow you to correctly cut the woven fabric, which will fully match the size of the existing windows. The width of the curtains is 2-4 centimeters larger than the existing width of the opening. The length is approximately 10-15 centimeters longer than the opening.
Types of lifting mechanisms
The types of lifting mechanism systems also vary.
- Chain. Here, the lifting of the material is regulated using a rope, cord or plastic chain. The latter is thrown over the drum and attached to the bottom of the canvas. When the cord is pulled, the roller begins to rotate, raising or lowering the blinds. To fix the fabric in a certain position, use garters, clips or other holders. These systems are very popular: they are reliable, and their price is also low.
- Spring. This system can be installed from the top, bottom, or both sides. In the latter case, it is possible to use materials of varying degrees of light transmission. This option will facilitate effective lighting control; it is often called a “day/night” combination. The role of the chain here is played by a handle mounted on the lower plumb line. The design is very convenient, but the springs often quickly fail.
- Electrically driven. This is the most convenient mechanism: it is the easiest to operate, but for an increased level of comfort you will have to pay a fairly large amount. The canvas is rolled up using an electric motor; it is turned on with a button or remotely. Typically, these mechanisms are purchased for panoramic windows, for high and wide openings.
If you have an idea to create roller blinds with your own hands, then the only possible option is devices with a chain control system. More functional types of curtains - spring, electric - are better to buy ready-made, and then attach a fabric of the selected material to them.
Minuses
This roll material also has disadvantages. And he is practically alone - a high price. It depends on the size, as well as the quality of the fabric and the type of material.
Light transmission varies and is determined by the amount of light passing into the room. If you purchase transparent products, this will be a suitable option if you need to get diffused light in space. They will also be an excellent addition to existing curtains.
Roller blinds, called “day-night”, will also play a decorative role and allow you to regulate the directional flow of light in the room. They can perfectly combine opaque as well as transparent lines, which helps to blend the sun's rays using different methods. The purchased day-night products are perfect for decorating a room in a high-tech or minimalist style.
Alternatives suitable for balconies
DIY roller blinds are a simple option that is ideal for balconies and loggias, but they are not the only one. If we consider other applicants, then a whole “heap” of potential “clothes” will accumulate. You can add to the list:
- universal classic blinds;
- their vertical variety;
- curtains made of bamboo beads;
- regular straight curtains;
- Roman curtains;
- duet: curtains, tulle;
- thread products;
- pleated curtains.
A small balcony area is a sufficient reason to abandon lambrequins and thick curtains. In such rooms, laconic and simple models will look better. The best representative are ordinary blinds: made of aluminum, wood, plastic or polyester. Space, on the contrary, significantly expands the potential range.
It is very easy to make the most basic roller blinds with your own hands. You just need to be able to sew carefully and handle fairly simple tools. Such work will not take much time, but will bring tangible benefits when you compare homemade curtains with purchased designs.
To find out what “front of work” lies ahead, you need to get acquainted with the process in advance. One of the most practical options for making curtains can be appreciated and “tried on for yourself” if you watch this video:
DIY roller blinds: basic work - decent results
Balconies and loggias in an apartment are a big plus, but these additional rooms have a small drawback that owners very often encounter when choosing the right furniture. This is a small area, which is what is to blame for the long search for suitable goods. Often they end in nothing: the required size cannot be found in stores. The same situation occurs with curtains: it is difficult to do without them on a balcony, where there is a lot of light. Therefore, the owners have the idea of making roller blinds with their own hands. This method is the only rational way out, because ordering such a product will cost a lot of money. The design of roller blinds is simple, so there will not be any particular difficulties during operation.
Description and design features
The day-night roller blind is a long canvas consisting of alternating strips of transparent and dense structure of the same width. The mesh strip is designed to replace the classic daytime tulle, which allows light to pass through and hides everything that happens inside the room from prying eyes until night falls.
The thicker strip is similar in quality to night curtains, which completely block out light.
To understand how something like this would look tightly on a window, you can imagine striped material that was hung on a horizontal bar. If you pull one edge, the transparent and “blank” stripes will begin to move, periodically overlapping each other.
When the tulle stripes coincide, uniform gaps open. If the mesh is covered by a dense part, then the entire surface turns into an opaque canvas.
Some brands sell such products under the name “Magic Night” curtain.
Product advantages
Using this option in your home is the best solution. Ready-to-install blinds have a huge number of positive characteristics. Here are some of them:
- Regulating the flow of light into a room is not difficult. Due to the unique design of the canvas, there is no need to lift everything, but you only need to slightly change the location of the strips.
- There are no glares that appear from sunlight, which creates a unique interior.
- Straight and distinct lines visually increase the space.
- Day-night doors can be made to order and in the sizes required.
- The surface of the canvas can be decorated with any design you like.
- The color range is wide.
- The product brings savings, since when purchasing blinds, you do not need to spend money on tulle or curtains, which must be washed regularly.
- They are very easy to clean; just wipe them periodically with a damp cloth.
- They are durable.