The materials that Roman Blinds and Roller (or Holland) Blinds are made from vary greatly, but generally fall into three main categories; sheer, translucent or block-out.
What is the difference between each of these, and what are their benefits?
Sheer
These are fabrics with an open weave – allowing a degree of privacy and ‘vision through’ to the brightest side. Careful colour selection here can be helpful in the reduction or elimination of glare (e.g. on computers or TVs) and heat. Choose this style of blind if, for example, you want privacy during the day whilst still enjoying your stunning garden views.
Translucent
These provide excellent privacy but still allow sunlight to enter the home and be useful, reducing the need to switch on the house lights during daylight hours while the blind is deployed.
Block-out
To maintain a darkened room (e.g. a bedroom for a shift-worker or a nursery for an infant) it may be necessary to use a block-out fabric for your blind(s). As the name suggests, these fabrics reflect and prevent light from penetrating into the room – usually by means of a coating on the sun side of the fabric.
Your chosen balance of privacy and light control is within your grasp with the variety of fabric densities, patterns and colours available. Plus, for Roller Blinds, systems can be incorporated combining Dual Rollers of different fabric densities into your windows. For example, a sheer fabric for daytime use and a secondary blind of translucent or block-out for privacy as evening comes. This is a popular choice in many homes.