The type of blind you choose is important as it can change the whole look of your room. Read on to find out all about the different types of fabric blinds!

How to choose a fabric blind

There are lots of different types of blinds! You’ve probably heard of roman blinds and roller blinds, but what about a Swedish or Austrian blind? What do they look like, and how are they all different?

All these types of fabric blinds will soften the appearance of your room, frame your windows, keep your room warmer, and absorb sound to make your space feel more cosy, but they’re all quite different. Some finishes are more modern and others more traditional. Ready to find out more?

Before we start, here’s a glossary of some terms you’ll see in this article:

• Header: The top part of the blind that is visible when the blind is fully folded or rolled.
• Show fabric: The decorative fabric that you choose for your blind
• Interlining: An extra layer that goes between the show fabric and the lining, adding warmth and fullness.
• Child safety device: A quick-release device that will come apart under pressure.
• Window recess: The opening within a wall where the window frame sits.
• Cleat: Metal fixing screwed to the wall or frame at the side of the blind. The blind cords are wound round the cleat when the blind is raised to hold it in place.

Lets take a look at some different types of fabric blinds:

Types of roman blinds

A traditional roman blind has a wooden batten and strings to pull up the blind which are attached together with an acorn. A cleat on the wall is needed to secure the blind when it’s open.

A cassette roman blind is a complete unit containing the mechanism to which the blind is attached. The strings are all contained neatly within the cassette , and the blind is operated with a continuous beaded chain on one side. With a cassette roman blind, no cleat is needed to secure the blind.

Things to consider when choosing a roman blind

Child safety is very important with roman blinds due to the risk of getting caught in the strings. All roman blinds now have to be fitted with child safety devices and these come as standard with our made to measure roman blinds. They are also included in our roman blind accessory packs.

Header size: Roman blinds always cover the top of the window whether they’re hung within the window recess or above the window. For blinds within the window recess it may be worth requesting a narrower than standard header, especially if the windows are small, to reduce the loss of light from the window.

Blackout lining can be used to make the blind, though there will be the potential for light to show along the lines of stitching. For blackout blinds we would recommend fixing outside the window recess if possible.

False blinds: Roman Blinds can also be made up as false blinds which dress the top of the window but don’t lower to cover the window. This can be very effective for cafes etc where you need to reduce echoes and dress the windows, but don’t want to close the blinds.

Positioning: A roman blind can be hung at the window in two ways, either within the recess just covering the window, or across the recess, covering the entire opening.

Do you want to make a roman blind at home? Find out more about how to calculate how much fabric you need for a roman blind here.

Things to consider when choosing a swedish blind

Fabric: For a Swedish blind you can choose two show fabrics, as the back of the blind which will be seen when the blind is closed. The reverse of the blind is seen in the roll as the blind is opened, and is visible through the window when the blind is closed.Blackout: If you need a blackout blind, blackout lining can be used as an interlining. Some light will usually get around the edges of the blind, but you will not have the lines of stitching as with blackout roman blinds so swedish blinds may be a good option for blackout..

Traditional interlining is another option. A lightweight cotton or polyester interlining will increase heat retention when the blind is closed. We would not recommend a heavy interlining as this makes the blind too bulky to roll up.

Attaching the blind: This type of blind is most suitable for smaller windows, and is fixed to a wooden batten using velcro. A cleat will be needed on the wall for tying off the cords to keep the bliind open. For child safety the blind should be at least 1.5 metres off the floor when fully closed.

Things to consider when choosing a roller blind

Fabric: If you’re making it yourself, bear in mind that not all fabrics are suitable for making into roller blinds. Generally you want a fabric which is not too heavy or textured. The best are simple curtain weight cottons. You can find a suitable range of roller blind fabrics in our shop here.

Blackout: Roller blind backing has blackout properties so it will also cut out light coming in the window. If you don’t already have your roller blind fixings you can buy a roller blind kit which includes the roller blind backing. This kit makes a blind up to 120cm wide and 160cm long, but several sizes are available.

Choosing from the different types of fabric blind is an important step in designing the soft furnishings in your room. We hope this guide will help you make the right decision to get exactly the look you want. Don’t forget, if you’re local to our shop in Bridport, Dorset, we can make roman blinds and swedish blinds to order, so please pop in and speak to us!