Differences from other species
Roller blinds (fabric roller shutters) can be classified as blinds for the home, since they have a similar fastening system and control mechanism. However, this decor does not have lamellas; instead, a single fabric surface is used.
In addition, the method of controlling the canvas is different: the slats rise, tightly compressing each other, and in roller blinds the material is wound onto a shaft and a neat roll is obtained (hence, in fact, the name).
Roller shutters combine the positive qualities of all options:
- due to the variety of colors and materials, they will fit well into any interior;
- they can be combined with traditional curtains;
- provide protection from the sun and prying eyes;
- the treatment of the fabric gives it a dirt-repellent effect, and therefore the products do not require special care.
If you decide to give up fabric curtains and are wondering what to choose: roller blinds or better blinds, then don’t hesitate - take the former. They are more practical to maintain and look more advantageous, while blinds add a certain touch of office style.
Before you go shopping, watch a video that talks about mistakes when choosing roller shutters.
Varieties
There are two main types of systems, differing in design.
- Open
Consists of a shaft and canvas. They are not protected by anything and are clearly visible. Therefore, this type is called open.
The equipment is inexpensive, but in some cases the mechanism can have a negative impact on the design of the room. Also, be prepared for the fact that light will still penetrate from the sides: this is especially important when you are buying decor for a bedroom or nursery.
A weighting agent (made of aluminum or plastic) must be provided in the lower part. It is needed for the fabric to stretch.
- Closed
Here the base is closed on top with a protective cassette, and guides are installed on the sides of the opening. This ensures that the curtain fits snugly against the window and minimizes sun penetration.
The design can blend so well with the profile that in the folded position it is practically invisible. Or, on the contrary, you can choose a contrasting frame that will become an effective addition to the interior.
But the system will cost more, and its installation is more difficult.
Roller blinds for plastic windows. Fabric types
We all try to make our house or apartment cozy and beautiful, so that it is pleasant to stay in and relax after work, and just to live.
One of the most important elements of apartment decor is the design of your brand new plastic windows. It carries not only an aesthetic function, but should also protect well enough from prying eyes, bright sun and heating of the room. At the same time, it is not at all necessary to opt for classic curtains.
We advise you to take a closer look at more modern and effective sun protection systems, such as roller blinds for plastic windows. They appeared in Russia quite a long time ago, in the early 2000s, but to this day they do not lose their relevance, moreover, they become more popular every day.
Roller blinds for plastic windows, or as they are also called “light filters for windows,” received this name due to the fact that when the curtain is lifted, the fabric is rolled into a compact roll. In turn, which is closed with a special casing.
To prevent the fabric from sagging and dangling when opening and tilting the window sash, special guides run along the sides of the roller blind. They are made of aluminum or plastic. The guides also close the gaps - the gaps between the fabric and the frame, and when using BlackOut fabric they allow you to almost completely (up to 90%) get rid of the light entering the room.
An ideal option for those who “live” at night and like to sleep longer in the morning in the dark. Also, roller blinds for plastic windows are of the open type without a cassette - a cassette. Here the roll of fabric is open and less protected from dust.
This is the most budget option for roller blinds. Due to special magnets installed at the bottom of the frame, the fabric does not flutter when there is a draft and the sash is opened. Next, we will take a closer look at the classification of fabrics for roller blinds according to the degree of light transmission.
type of instalation
Curtains can be positioned in different ways, depending on the location of the opening and the need to open it.
- On a sash window - the most common option, when the drapery directly covers the glass. This way textiles do not interfere with opening the door and access to the handle is not limited. But you need to take into account that it will no longer be possible to open the window to its full width: the shaft on top will get in the way. There are different placement systems: mini, UNI-1, UNI-2. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages.
- For an opening - good when you want to get a curtain similar to a traditional one, because this way the canvas becomes more noticeable. This modification is also chosen for narrow openings, in which the rod on the profile will look ridiculous, and when the installed strip prevents full opening.
- In the opening - an intermediate solution between the first and second, when the product is mounted inside the opening. Used in cases where the previous ones are not suitable. It is better not to use this method in the bedroom because of the noticeable gap.
Kinds
Roller blinds, mounted without perforating the opening, are divided into several types. In order to choose the right model, it is necessary to take into account the features of all options.
Mini Mini - the cheapest and easiest to install and use, the shaft is open, the canvas stretches freely across the window to avoid sagging of the canvas, they use various fasteners, for example, magnets.
Mini roller blinds, ready-made without drilling, are the most popular variety, as they are affordable, can be mounted on any window, are compact and unpretentious. The cassette shaft is hidden in a compact box called a cassette, and the curtain is limited by guides.
When assembled, the canvas is completely protected from the negative influence of the external environment, does not fade, and does not gather dust. The box is made in a variety of colors; it can imitate plastic or wood and is matched to the texture of the glass unit.
Mini-cassette varieties designed for individual sashes are very popular; they do not interfere with opening and closing windows. They are divided into two types. UNI (uni) – a cassette with side guides, mounted inside the opening, designed for wide glazing beads. UNI 2 – guides in the shape of the letter “U”, mounted outside the opening, so the depth of the glass does not matter.
Depending on the number of fabrics, there are single and double roller blinds. Double curtains include “Day - Night” curtains; their fabrics consist of alternating transparent and dense stripes, allowing you to achieve the desired effect.
By combining transparent stripes, you get a daytime curtain that allows sunlight to pass through; combining dense ones allows you to completely or partially shade the room.
According to the type of darkening, roller blinds are divided into three types. Transparent - reminiscent of ordinary tulle, completely transmits light, but blocks the view of strangers. Shading (translucent) - scatter light, reducing the intensity of the rays, the lighting is soft, not causing discomfort, but sufficient.
Lightproof (sunproof). Lightproof roller blinds completely block the access of light to the premises, which is very important if the windows face the sunny side.
This effect can be achieved using a special Blackout fabric, which is also used for double curtains “Day - Night”. Most roller blinds are controlled manually using a chain, but there are also expensive varieties with an electric drive.
They are controlled both by a chain and from a remote control, and are usually installed on panoramic windows. They can be either single or double, but always cassette. Dimensions There is a large assortment of curtains on sale, so you can really choose the most suitable ones based on the size of the window.
Modern double-glazed windows are made to individual sizes, and the openings, for the most part, are far from standard. If it was not possible to select ready-made roller blinds to fit the window size, there is an option to order their production from a specialized company; in this case, the measurements are taken by a specialist.
The stores offer the following size range. Length – 160 cm, 175 cm, 220 cm (most frames correspond to this length). Width - from 30 to 140 cm (with the typical width of the sashes it is much more difficult; they make both narrowed and enlarged openings).
Thanks to the Internet, you can easily choose a curtain of the right size and price category by going to the catalog of any large store. You won’t need to travel and wander through the aisles for a long time when you can actually choose the most suitable option while sitting in your favorite chair.
The listing of all popular brands will take more than one page, not counting small and large companies locally engaged in the production of roller blinds to order (they take measurements first).
The Leroy Merlin trading corporation, which has hypermarkets in all major cities, offers products of several brands. Inspire is a subsidiary of the corporation, production facilities are located, including in Russia.
Both natural materials and pure polyester are used. Lotari - manufacturers from neighboring China, produce mainly polyester curtains in an affordable price category.
Eskar is a domestic manufacturer specializing in thick synthetic curtains. Here you can read more about Eskar roller blinds. In smaller-scale trade organizations, they increasingly give preference to inexpensive, but not very high-quality products from China.
Unlike other varieties, this type of curtains does not require drilling holes for fasteners, which simplifies and speeds up installation and eliminates the problem of hiring professionals.
There are two types of fastenings. Hooks are a hinged structure with a fixing adhesive lining, most often found in the mini variety (open shaft). The hook simply hangs over the edge of the window, but if the seals are weak or thin, it will not allow the sash to close tightly, which is not very convenient.
Glue or double-sided construction tape - depending on the manufacturer, is already included in the kit or purchased separately in a specialized store. If you doubt the reliability of the fixation, you can additionally place the cassette and guides on a layer of glue.
Before choosing curtains, measurements are taken taking into account the following recommendations. With straight glazing beads, the size of the curtain is equal to the size of the glass - the distance between the horizontal and vertical glazing beads.
For curly ones, the maximum distance between the glazing beads. Measurement accuracy down to the millimeter.
Step-by-step instructions for assembly and installation necessarily come with each product in standard form, but there are additional recommendations on how to hang such structures: It is necessary to use a building level, since distortion will lead to deformation of the curtain and render it inoperable.
Before fastening, the structure is leaned against the frame and future connection points are marked. To ensure that the adhesive composition adheres reliably, the surface is first degreased. Since the cassettes are quite massive, it is worth using more expensive, high-quality tape.
If it is already included, you can strengthen the adhesion with construction glue. To make the protective layer easier to remove and the tape to adhere more strongly, the mounting tape is slightly heated with a hairdryer. When choosing curtains, they are guided by the room for which they are purchased. It is better to take cassette varieties for the kitchen; the canvas will remain clean longer, and the guides will protect against condensation.
One of the main advantages of such curtains is their affordability; almost everyone can afford them, regardless of income level. The cost is influenced by the manufacturer and dimensions; a domestically produced open curtain measuring 80 × 175 cm can be purchased within a thousand rubles.
The cassette version will cost twice as much. On average, a pair of curtains for a standard window will cost two or three thousand. Here you will find prices for roller blinds for plastic windows without drilling Leroy Merlin.
Taking care of curtains is not difficult, especially if you do it in a timely manner. Recommendations depend on the type of curtain and material. The easiest way to remove dust from thick fabrics is with a vacuum cleaner with a small attachment.
Heavy stains are wiped with a sponge soaked in a cleaning solution. That is, the curtains can be washed. The boxes are cleaned with a sponge and a neutral window cleaner and wiped dry.
Source: dekoriko.ru
Mounting method
To prevent the entire structure from collapsing, you should choose the right fastening.
- With drilling - the most labor-intensive installation, but it is more reliable. The integrity of the profile or wall is compromised due to the fact that holes have to be made for dowels and screws.
- No drilling - hooks are used for fastening, which are hung on the frame. But practice shows that such a detail cannot be used for all profiles. Another solution is foam adhesive tape, but it will not withstand the massive structure and in the heat it can “float”, displacing the shaft.
Roman blinds without drilling
The Roman blind is distinguished by its simplicity; without drilling, it is fixed using a universal curtain rod on the frame or in the window opening. For curtains of this type, a telescopic curtain rod is suitable, which is placed directly in the window opening and is adjustable. The canvases are assembled in an up-and-down direction like an accordion, the degree of compression of which can be adjusted as desired.
Roman blinds are installed on plastic windows in different ways, including using special adhesive tape brackets. Modern fixation systems allow you to attach Roman blinds to plastic windows and assemble the curtain using a control unit, ribbons or ropes. This type of curtains is suitable for loggias and balconies, they are also convenient to hang on the terrace and in a summer gazebo, the main thing is to choose the right installation method.
Size
According to the standard, roller shutters are made up to 350 cm in height and up to 300 cm in width. If you require large dimensions, you will have to order the product from a special company. But you need to take into account that the object will be heavy, so it would be wise to install the fasteners on self-tapping screws.
Calculating curtains by size is not difficult at all, you just need to decide on installation:
- on the sash - the width should be 3 cm larger on each side, and 5 cm should be added to the length;
- above the window - add 5 cm on both sides, and the height should be 10 cm more;
- into the opening - subtract 1-2 cm from the parameters.
When measuring, take into account the location of the handles so that the fabric does not fall on them (when installed on the sash), or they stick out (when installed in the window and above it).
Fastening cassette-type roller blinds
This installation option is simpler - a construction stapler, a wooden block and hooks with rings are not needed, since the fastening mechanism purchased in the store already contains all the necessary elements.
- First you need to choose the installation location - roller blinds can be attached to the frame itself (1), in the opening of a plastic window (2) or on the ceiling (3).
- Next you need to check. so that there is no interference in the direction of movement of the walls - most often the window handle interferes. Accordingly, you need to choose the optimal distance.
- Then you need to measure the width of the roller blind along with the brackets on which it will hang. It is optimal to leave a distance of 5 mm on each side.
- Now you need to select the side on which the control chain will be mounted. The configuration depends on the design features, which are determined during production. Typically, the device that allows you to raise and lower the shade is located in the same place as the bracket with a hexagonal recess (or protrusion).
- An important step comes - you need to decide where to mount the first bracket. The holes are marked with a pencil and drilled with a thin drill (2.5 mm in diameter). If the mount is on the wall, then a drill with a diameter of 6 mm is used. First, the mechanism must be installed in a rough version, with the screws not tightened to full strength.
- Having measured the width of the window, you need to accurately mark its middle (the point is fixed with a pencil on the ceiling). In accordance with the dimensions of the mechanism, the same distance is set aside on both sides of the center, the points are marked - these are the places where the bracket is attached.
- Now you need to work with the curtain shaft - adjust its length to the required dimensions. To do this, the width of the brackets is subtracted from the window width parameter. The resulting value is marked with a pencil and trimming is done. Next, you need to put a plug on the shaft and prepare the bottom rail with the same parameter.
- Next, the curtain fabric is cut out. It needs to be spread on a flat surface (on a table or on the floor) and measured using a manufactured rod. You can use scissors or a sharp knife.
- Now the roller blinds are mounted on a shaft, which will be installed on the plastic window itself. It is important to carry out the work carefully - the blade must be fixed to the shaft so that the lower edge is always parallel to it. First, the upper edge of the roller blind is folded by about 5 cm; this fold is installed so that the self-adhesive strip faces upward. Then the shaft is moved with both hands to the top of the curtain. It is folded to 2/3 of its length, after which the bottom rail is fixed into a special hole on the curtain.
- Finally, you need to mount the shaft into the bracket. The ends are inserted alternately: first the edge where the control mechanism is located, and then the other.
This is easy to do if you simply turn the roll over to the other side - then the distance from the plastic window to the roller blind fabric will increase by the width of the roll.
Visual video instructions for installing cassette-type roller blinds on a plastic window of standard sizes:
Roller blinds with wall mounting
And this video shows an option for mounting the mechanism on the wall.
Adjustment mechanism
Raising and lowering curtains most often has to be done manually using a chain. This is a simple and inexpensive method; you just need to pull the chain and the canvas will creep up. If you grab the second thread, the curtain will fall.
This roller mechanism is quite reliable if handled carefully. Otherwise, the chain may break or slide off the rotating drum, and then the mechanism jams.
The spring holder allows you to position the curtains in any direction: opening from top to bottom or bottom to top. In this case, no extra parts are required: just pull the bar on the edge and stop at the desired height. Unfortunately, over time the spring weakens and ceases to perform its function.
Automatic drive is expensive, but also the most convenient option. The position is adjusted using the remote control. Of course, it doesn’t always make sense to spend money on this equipment, but for hard-to-reach windows – for example, tall ones – this is a great solution.
Three ways to install roller mechanisms
As I promised, in all 3 methods you will hardly need any tools, but you will still have to prepare a tape measure, a pencil, scissors, a knife, double-sided tape and a bottle of cologne or alcohol.
There are now mechanisms on the market with roll lengths from 300 to 1400 mm, and the choice of one method or another depends on the dimensions and weight of the model.
Method number 1. Opening frame hanger
| Photo | Explanations |
| Suspension device. In this model, the roller with the canvas wound on it is attached to 2 plastic hooks, which in turn cling to the top side of the opening window frame.
| |
| Assembling hooks . The hooks in such hangers are collapsible, this is done so that the size of the grip can be adjusted according to the thickness of the window frame. A strip of double-sided tape should be glued to the contact back side of each hook. Before gluing the tape, the plastic is degreased with alcohol. | |
| Roll holder . Next, roll holders are inserted and fixed into special grooves on the hooks. | |
| Fitting. Now we need to determine the location of the mechanism. To do this, we put it on the window frame and mark with a pencil the location of the hanging hooks.
| |
| Degreasing. Before finally attaching the hooks, the frame must be wiped with alcohol to degrease it.
| |
| Attaching hooks . Now remove the protective tape from the tape and install the hooks on the frame according to the markings. | |
| We insert the lifting mechanism . The lifting mechanism consists of a carriage and a chain. The carriage is built into the suspension, you only need to thread the chain into it. | |
| Assembly . Now insert the shaft itself with the blade into the holders. | |
| Tests . Then all you have to do is check the functionality of the mechanism and be proud that you installed it yourself. The video below in this article shows the entire process clearly. |
Method number 2. Blind sash
| Photo | Explanations |
| We attach the tape. Since the sash does not open, there is nothing to cling to, so we will glue the brackets with double-sided tape.
| |
| Installation of holders . The technology here is similar to the option with hooks - the holders are inserted into special grooves. | |
| Marking . Now we temporarily assemble the entire system and, placing it in the appropriate place, mark the installation points of the brackets. | |
| Attaching the brackets . Remove the protective film from the tape and thoroughly degrease the frame, glue the bracket in its place according to the markings. | |
| Final assembly . Now all you have to do is insert the chain into the carriage and install the roll into the brackets. |
Method number 3. Installing the cassette
| Photo | Explanations |
| Cassette systems . It doesn't matter which system you choose. All such mechanisms are already assembled and are much easier to install. | |
| We fasten the box. Before installation, both the box itself and the plastic frame must be degreased, after which the box is glued to the frame.
| |
| We attach the guides . Now, in exactly the same way, the guides are glued to the tape. | |
| Trial . In principle, there is nothing special to experience there. If the guides are glued strictly perpendicular to the box and the canvas is not clamped in them, then the system will work properly. |
Materials and their ability to transmit light
Modern samples are made from cotton, linen or synthetic fabric with dirt-repellent impregnation and do not need to be washed. The maximum that is required is to collect dust with a vacuum cleaner and occasionally wipe with a damp sponge and detergent.
Roller shutter fabrics can be of any color: white, beige, colored, dark, plain or patterned. The choice depends only on your taste and the interior of the room.
Light transmittance is often indicated as a percentage. What this is is easy to understand if we take the entire luminous flux penetrating into the apartment as 100%. If the curtain does not allow a single ray of light into the room, then its light transmittance is 0%. Thin textures have little resistance, so for them the indicator does not fall below 70-80%.
The ability to control light depends on the structure and density of the material.
- Transparent and translucent - they hide from prying eyes and decorate the space, but have almost no effect on the intensity of the flow. One of the varieties is Burnout. This is a thin material with a burned-out chemical composition and a transparent pattern.
- “Day-Night” (zebra) is a double fabric that consists of transparent and opaque stripes. By moving the layers relative to each other, you can achieve complete or partial darkening.
- Dimout - This material lets in about 25% of the sun and provides partial shading.
- Blackout – light-blocking fabric coated with reflective acrylic. It blocks up to 90% of the rays, so this solution is ideal for the bedroom and nursery.
The surface is made not only from fabric, but also from bamboo. This is a pleasant natural raw material that can withstand high humidity and does not fade. However, it is noisy in a draft and does not suit the style everywhere. In addition, it will not be possible to achieve complete darkness with its help.
Which curtain to choose?
Depending on the features of the window, light level, climate and purpose of the room, products may differ.
In rooms with standard window sizes, it is better to install open objects made of translucent fabric or “zebra” on the shady side.
For a living room with a large window opening, I recommend choosing a translucent monochromatic surface mounted inside or on a frame if you plan to combine them with curtains. When the roller shutter should be the only decoration, it is advisable to choose installation on the wall above the window and choose a bright color or a beautiful pattern.
If the common areas (kitchen and living room) are very bright, then it makes sense to buy Dimout to protect yourself from scorching rays.
In a dark kitchen, a translucent or transparent example of an expressive shade or with a pattern will look good.
In the bedroom and children's room, the absolute favorite will be Blackout with a closed cassette system. This will allow you to get enough sleep even at early dawn and in a big city, when street illumination at night interferes with quality sleep.
I’ll share my experience: we have Blackout cassette curtains in our apartment. They really don't let a ray of light through. There are small gaps only on the sides and bottom, but they look like a frame and do not affect the illumination. After we installed them, the child began to sleep much more calmly: he does not jump up at dawn, as before, and daytime sleep lasts longer. So I highly recommend it to all families with small children.
What errors occur during measurement?
Even if you are sure that you know how to measure a window for roller blinds, sometimes it is impossible to avoid mistakes. To ensure that further installation does not cause difficulties, you need to try to provide for everything. If you do not want to install roller blinds that are too large or narrow, then you need to take measurements at several points.
The most common mistake is to take measurements in only one place. However, sometimes the width or height of typical window openings may vary at several points. Therefore, it is better to measure it in 3 places, and when ordering, indicate not the maximum, but the minimum value so that the decorative element fits.
For roller blinds, it is also important to take into account the dimensions of the roller shutters. The difference due to fastenings may differ by several millimeters. If this is not taken into account, you may end up with blinds that are too wide and extend beyond the frame. This option is primarily inconvenient because the day-night curtain can block access to the handles and touch other elements. In this case, there is a high risk of tearing it off during use.
We recommend: What is the best way to make a partition in a room: types of partitions, zoning features, pros and cons
Determining the dimensions required for installing roller blinds is not as difficult as it might seem at first glance. Since the height of most finished products is standard, experts advise paying more attention to the width. If you make a mistake with it, then there may be gaps in the window openings through which light will penetrate. For open type fastenings, the fabric can most often be cut, so the wide fabric can be adjusted to the desired size. Write down all the information you receive so you don't forget anything. And remember that individual double-glazed windows sometimes require rolls of different widths. Do not forget to measure each glass so as not to make a mistake with the size.
The video shows how to measure and install roller blinds:
Successful models of roller blinds
Check out the 10 best roller blind models. They are all different, for every taste.
Enter promo code VSVOEMDOME on the seller's website to buy curtains at a discount.
- Charm (lilac) 52x175 cm for 755 rub.
- Day-night (gray-white) 66x160 cm for 1,425 rubles.
- Blackout graphite (gray, opaque) 61.5x175 cm for 995 rub.
- Lace (white) 57x175 cm for 855 rub.
- Blackout Crystal (beige, opaque) 57x175 cm for RUB 1,025.
- Accent steel (gray) 72.5x175 cm for 925 rub.
- Damascus silver 52x175 cm for 945 rubles.
- Byzantium mother of pearl (beige) 52x175 cm for 895 rub.
- Mosaic (dark gray) 80.5x175 cm for RUB 1,125.
- Coffee breeze 47x175 cm for 635 rubles.
There are also many different curtain options on AliExpress. But if you buy curtains there, be sure to read reviews about the material and the seller.
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