Purchasing roller blinds for the first time can feel overwhelming. With dozens of fabric types, operating mechanisms, and suppliers to choose from, how do you know you're making the right decision? This comprehensive beginner's guide walks you through every step, from understanding your options to completing a successful installation.
Key Takeaway
The three most important decisions are: fabric type (blockout, sunscreen, or light-filtering), mounting style (inside or outside the window recess), and control mechanism (chain, cordless, or motorised). Get these right, and the rest is details.
Step 1: Assess Your Needs Room by Room
Before browsing products, think about what you actually need from your window coverings in each room:
Bedrooms
- Priority: Darkness for quality sleep
- Best choice: Blockout roller blinds
- Considerations: Maximum light blocking (100%), thermal insulation for comfort
Living Areas
- Priority: Balance of light, privacy, and view
- Best choice: Sunscreen or light-filtering blinds
- Considerations: Glare reduction for TV viewing, maintaining outdoor views
Bathrooms and Kitchens
- Priority: Moisture resistance and privacy
- Best choice: Waterproof PVC or moisture-resistant polyester
- Considerations: Easy cleaning, mould resistance
Home Offices
- Priority: Glare control without eliminating natural light
- Best choice: Sunscreen blinds (1-5% openness factor)
- Considerations: Screen visibility, reduced eye strain
Step 2: Understanding Fabric Types
Roller blind fabrics fall into three main categories:
Blockout Fabrics
These fabrics block 100% of incoming light when the blind is closed. They typically consist of a decorative face fabric bonded to an opaque backing. Key characteristics:
- Complete darkness when closed
- Excellent thermal insulation
- Maximum privacy day and night
- Wide colour and texture options
- Higher price point than light-filtering
Sunscreen Fabrics
Sunscreen (or solar screen) fabrics feature an open weave that blocks UV while allowing visibility through the fabric. The "openness factor" (typically 1-10%) indicates how much of the fabric surface is open space:
- Lower percentage = more privacy, less visibility
- Blocks 85-99% of UV depending on weave
- Reduces glare while maintaining views
- Allows airflow through the fabric
- Not suitable where complete darkness is needed
Light-Filtering Fabrics
A middle ground option, light-filtering fabrics soften and diffuse light without completely blocking it:
- Creates soft, ambient lighting
- Good daytime privacy
- Less privacy at night when interior lights are on
- Budget-friendly option
- Wide decorative range
Dual Roller Blinds
Can't decide between blockout and sunscreen? Dual roller blinds mount both fabrics on a single bracket system, giving you complete flexibility. Use the sunscreen during the day for light and views, switch to blockout at night for privacy and darkness.
Step 3: Choosing Mount Style
How you mount your blinds affects both appearance and function:
Inside Mount (Recess Mount)
The blind sits within the window recess:
- Pros: Clean, integrated look; shows window frames; doesn't protrude into room
- Cons: Requires adequate recess depth (minimum 50mm); some light leak around edges
- Best for: Modern aesthetics, attractive window frames, limited wall space
Outside Mount (Face Mount)
The blind mounts on the wall or frame above the window:
- Pros: Better light blocking; can cover unattractive frames; makes windows appear larger
- Cons: Projects from wall; may interfere with furniture
- Best for: Maximum light control, shallow recesses, correcting window proportions
Step 4: Selecting a Control Mechanism
How will you operate your blinds?
Chain Control
A continuous loop chain raises and lowers the blind:
- Simple and reliable
- No batteries or power required
- Lowest cost option
- Requires cord safety devices in homes with children
Spring Mechanism (Cordless)
Pull the blind down to lower; a gentle tug releases it to roll up:
- Completely cord-free for child safety
- Clean appearance
- Simple operation
- May require periodic spring adjustment
Motorised
Electric or battery-powered motor with remote control:
- Ultimate convenience
- Child-safe with no cords
- Smart home integration options
- Higher cost but worth considering for inaccessible windows
Child Safety First
If you have young children or expect young visitors, cordless options (spring or motorised) are strongly recommended. Australian safety standards require corded blinds to include safety devices, but cord-free eliminates the risk entirely.
Step 5: Taking Accurate Measurements
Measurement errors are the most common cause of blind problems. Follow these guidelines:
For Inside Mount
- Measure width at top, middle, and bottom of recess
- Use the smallest width measurement
- Measure height at left, centre, and right
- Use the largest height measurement
- Verify recess depth exceeds 50mm
For Outside Mount
- Decide how far beyond the window you want coverage (typically 50-100mm each side)
- Measure desired total width
- Measure from mounting height to desired bottom position
- Ensure adequate wall space above the window for brackets
Critical Tips
- Measure in millimetres, not centimetres
- Use a steel tape measure for accuracy
- Measure twice before ordering
- Note any obstructions (handles, sensors)
Step 6: Ordering Your Blinds
When placing your order:
Required Information
- Exact width and drop in millimetres
- Mount type (inside or outside)
- Control side (left or right)
- Fabric name and colour
- Bottom bar style and colour
Lead Times
Ready-made blinds in standard sizes may dispatch within days. Custom-made blinds typically require 1-3 weeks manufacturing time. Factor this into your planning, especially for renovations.
Check Return Policies
Custom-made blinds often cannot be returned if measurements are incorrect. Understand the policy before ordering. Some retailers offer re-make guarantees if you use their measuring service.
Step 7: Installation
Most roller blinds are straightforward to install:
Tools Needed
- Drill with appropriate bits
- Screwdriver
- Pencil
- Spirit level
- Step ladder
- Wall plugs (if mounting on masonry)
Basic Installation Steps
- Unpack and verify all components against the packing list
- Position brackets at the marked height, ensuring they're level
- Drill pilot holes and insert wall plugs if needed
- Secure brackets with screws
- Click or slot the blind into the brackets
- Test operation and adjust if needed
When to Call a Professional
Consider professional installation for:
- High or difficult-to-reach windows
- Motorised blinds requiring electrical work
- Large quantities of blinds
- If you lack confidence with power tools
Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
- Wrong measurements: Always double-check before ordering
- Ignoring recess depth: Blinds won't fit if the recess is too shallow
- Overlooking obstructions: Handles, locks, and trickle vents can interfere
- Choosing style over function: That gorgeous sheer fabric won't provide bedroom darkness
- Forgetting child safety: Cords are dangerous around young children
- Buying cheap: Very low-cost blinds often disappoint in quality and durability
Armed with this guide, you're ready to make confident decisions about roller blinds for your home. Take your time with measurements, choose fabrics that match your needs, and don't hesitate to ask suppliers questions before ordering. Quality roller blinds will serve your home beautifully for many years to come.