Fabric blinds is a term that I hear often, but in reality it is a very vague phrase as it encompasses hundreds of different blind variations. Firstly you have to choose the blind type then you can start thinking about colours and fabric properties.
All quality blinds use aluminium for the head rail and plastic for the components, but not all blinds use fabric for the window covering, some use wood or aluminium. Here are the blinds which do use fabric:
If you would like more information on any of the above blind types, click the links.
There are many types of fabrics available on the market, they each have different properties, and of course, colours. Because there is such as wide range of fabrics choosing a fabric to match your exact requirements is not too much of a difficulty.
Fabric Types
There are a few different fabric types, each has it’s own unique style and properties.
- Polyester & Nylon – These are the fabrics used as standard on most blinds such as roman blinds and roller blinds.
- Leather & Suede – These fabrics offer a very modern stylish effect although they can be very expensive, they’re most commonly used in roman blinds.
- PVC is most popular for use in louvres, for vertical blinds. It is a relatively cheap and durable material.
Fabric Properties
- Flame Retardant is another name for fire resistant, this doesn’t mean you should try and set them on fire, but if you do accidentally expose them to a naked flame they shouldn’t set on fire. This type of fabric is extremely useful in public places where safety is key.
- Water Proof fabrics are perfect for us in kitchens and bathrooms as they will not become damaged from steam or water that is splashed onto them.
- Light Reflective fabrics are often used in conservatories where the light and heat can become unbearable due to the large amount of glass windows, light reflective blinds help reduce the heat and light coming into the room.
- Opaque and Semi Opaque fabrics are usually only available with pleated blinds, they offer the unique diffused light effect that pleated blinds are popular for.
- Blackout fabrics are not just dark fabrics, but fabrics with special properties to block out light, they are perfect for use in home cinemas, board rooms or any other situation you need darkness during the day.
- Dimout normally comes as standard, with the option to upgrade to blackout, dimout blinds do not allow people to see through the blind but they do allow more light in than a blackout blind.
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