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  • Roller Blinds FAQs

Roller Blinds FAQs

Made to Measure Roller Blinds

Get fast, expert answers to frequently asked questions about roller blinds from the team at English Blinds, and discover the benefits of custom-made roller blinds before you buy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of roller blinds are best?
Thermal blackout roller blinds are perfect for bedrooms or living rooms where you require complete light control along with maximum privacy and insulation at the windows. For steamy and humid bathrooms and kitchens, vinyl and PVC waterproof roller blinds will handle any amount of moisture with ease. They’re also mould and stain-resistant and a breeze to wipe clean. If you want to add colour, lively motifs and design to your décor, patterned roller blinds are the ideal way to express your style and personality. Or you can opt for subtle plain fabrics to keep things calm and softly filter light through windows.
Are they better inside or outside the window recess?
This is largely down to personal preference. Whilst most people choose to fit them inside the window recess for a neater appearance, there's no right or wrong answer. If you want to block out the maximum amount of light, fitting a blackout roller blind outside the recess with extra fabric coverage around all four sides is recommended. Consider your room’s style, shape and layout and any functional limitations such as inward opening windows to make the best choice for your home.
Can I install a roller blind myself and are they easy to install?
Yes, with basic DIY skills and tools, and taking care to follow the supplied instructions, installing a roller blind is a straightforward task. Roller blinds are the easiest type of blinds to fit overall
How do you hang roller blinds without drilling holes?
Simply choose our no-drill roller blind option when placing your order. You can see just how easy they are to hang with our no-drill roller blinds installation guide.
What are they made of?
Roller blind fabrics can be made of various materials, but 99% are constructed using PVC, vinyl, polyester or polyester with a blackout lining. Each material has different properties, making it suitable for various environments. For instance, PVC and vinyl are 100% waterproof, so they’re ideal for humid rooms such as the kitchen and bathroom, whilst polyester is extremely versatile, hardwearing, and suitable for all other environments. Besides the fabric, other components include the roller tube (made of aluminium), bottom bar (PVC), controls (various materials like aluminium, steel, and plastic), and fixing brackets (typically powder-coated galvanised steel).
How to fix a roller blind that won’t turn
If your chain-operated roller blind is jammed or difficult to turn, the fabric may be unevenly rolled. Gently pull the blind down to try and loosen the jam. If this doesn't work, remove the blind from its brackets and manually re-roll the fabric. If the sidewinder control mechanism is stiff or making a noise, apply a small amount of WD40 or another silicone-based spray to the moving parts. Take the blind out of the brackets first and avoid getting any spray on the fabric.
Are they cheaper than other blinds?
Roller blinds are generally a more affordable option compared to other types of blinds due to their simple yet elegant design and construction. Factors like size, quality and fabric choice will influence the price. They’re typically cheaper than Venetian, vertical, and Roman blinds of the same size.
Which style of fabric will suit my room?
Choosing the perfect roller blind fabric for your room depends on personal preferences and how you want your space to feel. Consider the mood and ambience you want to create, whether you prefer warm or cool colours, or if you'd rather opt for versatile neutrals. Think about whether you want the blind to blend with your existing décor or make a statement with a contrasting colour or bold pattern. Before making a final decision, be sure to order fabric samples to see how they look in your room.
How do I choose a roller blind?
Consider any specific needs the rooms may have in terms of light control and functionality. Bedrooms and nurseries may require blackout options. Living rooms may benefit from thermally insulating options, and bathrooms and kitchens from waterproof options. Then start narrowing down your options for colours, designs and patterns to complement the room's décor, or start browsing for inspiration and ordering some free samples!
Which way should they be rolled?
The fabric of roller blinds can be rolled in two ways: "standard roll" (under the tube) or "reverse roll" (over the tube). The standard roll is more common and usually the default, keeping the fabric closer to the window for better light control and insulation. Reverse roll is less common, usually chosen for aesthetic reasons or to accommodate window handles or other obstructions inside the window recess. Both options are perfectly functional, and you can even change the direction of the roll yourself if needed. The best choice for you depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Are they in style?
Roller blinds remain the most popular type of blinds in the UK and come in a wide range of colours, patterns, and styles to suit any home decor. They’re also versatile, easy to maintain, and can be made with various features like blackout and thermal lining. While certain patterns or designs may fall out of fashion, collections are regularly updated to reflect the latest trends in interior design ensuring they will never truly go out of style.
How do I clean roller blinds?
Roller blinds can easily be cleaned without being taken down. A regular dusting with a feather duster or vacuum cleaner attachment will do. If your blinds need a deeper clean, use a damp cloth or baby wipes to gently wipe away any dirt or stains. Polyester blinds should be handled with a little more care to avoid damage, whilst PVC or vinyl blinds can withstand a more thorough cleaning with soap and warm water. Remember to always fully extend and dry your blinds before rolling them back up.
For more details on how to clean roller blinds, check out our articles on cleaning roller blinds and removing stains and mould from roller blinds.
Are PVC roller blinds any good?
Absolutely! PVC roller blinds are an excellent choice for humid areas such as the bathroom and kitchen. Not only are they waterproof, blackout, and fire-retardant, but they're also resistant to mould and mildew. They're incredibly durable and a breeze to clean, simply wipe them down with a damp cloth.
Are roller blinds warmer than curtains?
Both roller blinds and curtains are effective ways to insulate the windows and keep your home warm, but their effectiveness depends on the fabrics and how they’re made. Whilst heavy, lined curtains typically offer the best insulation, energy efficient thermally insulating roller blinds provide a cost-effective alternative that often outperforms lightweight or unlined curtains. Ultimately, the best choice for your home will depend on budget, décor and the look you’re trying to achieve, or you can always have both.
How hard is it to fit roller blinds?
They’re the easiest type of blinds to fit due to their simplicity and lightweight design, and particularly if you choose the no-drill option. For standard fix roller blinds, the tools you require are just a tape measure, pencil, screwdriver and drill. Fitting a roller blind involves screwing the two universal brackets onto the wall or into the window frame, then positioning the blind into the brackets. The process typically takes under 15-20 minutes.
Do they look good?
Yes, assuming they’re good-quality roller blinds that are custom-made to fit your windows, and they’re in keeping with the theme of the room you’re using them in. They’re the most popular type of blind overall and have the widest variety of colours, designs and styles, so there's a roller blind to suit any interior décor. The right choice of roller blind can transform the look and feel of a room.
Can you get washable fabrics?
Yes, you can get roller blinds made from washable fabrics. Roller blinds made from PVC or vinyl are 100% waterproof so they’re fully washable and easily wiped clean. They’re extremely strong and durable and can be cleaned quite vigorously, making them ideal for humid and busy bathrooms and kitchens.
How much are roller blinds (on average)?
The average cost of made-to-measure roller blinds will vary depending on the size and fabric. Small roller blinds for a 40cm x 60cm window typically start around £10, whilst a medium-sized roller blind for a 120cm x 120cm window averages around £35. Really big roller blinds, depending on the fabric, can cost over £250 for a humungous window 280cm width by 300cm drop.

What are the Benefits of Roller Blinds?

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