Roller blinds have become a staple in modern home design, offering functional and aesthetic benefits. However, one common question among homeowners is, “what’s the ideal length?”
In this guide, Centurian Window Fashions, a leading custom roller blinds store for Toronto homeowners, helps you determine the correct length for your roller blinds, whether you opt for an exact or recess fit.
We’ll also discuss the different types of rolls, installation tips, and the different advantages of roller blinds to help you make an informed decision for your Toronto home.
Let’s get started.
Expert Tips on Selecting the Right Length of Roller Blinds for Your Toronto Home
Below are the diverse ways of choosing the appropriate length for roller blinds.
Understanding Roller Blind Measurements
Measuring for Exact Fit Blinds
Exact-fit blinds are custom-made to match the exact dimensions you provide. To ensure the right fit, follow these steps:
- Measure the Window Width and Height: Calculate the window’s width from one side to the other. Then, measure the height (or drop) from the top to the bottom of the window.
- Add Extra Measurements for Coverage: Add 5 cm to each side of the width measurement to ensure complete coverage and prevent light seepage. Add 7 cm to both the top and bottom of the height measurement for similar reasons. Adding these extra measurements ensures that your roller blinds are slightly larger than the window, providing better light control and privacy. For example, if your window is 1 mm wide and 1.2 m high, your final measurements for the blinds should be 1.1 m wide and 1.34 m high.
Measuring for Recess Fit Blinds
Recess-fit blinds are installed within the window recess. For these blinds, accuracy is important:
- Take Multiple Measurements: Measure the width and height at three different points: the top, middle, and bottom for width, and the left, centre, and right for height.
- Consider Building Settlement: In older buildings, window dimensions can vary due to settling. Always use the longest drop measurement to ensure the blind reaches the sill.
If you accidentally provide a slightly longer measurement, don’t worry. Excess fabric around the barrel is common and won’t affect the functionality or appearance of your blinds. However, a measurement that is too short can expose the barrel, which is less aesthetically pleasing.
Types of Roller Blind Rolls
Below are the different types of roller blind rolls you should be aware of:
Standard Roll
Most roller blinds are manufactured with a standard roll. In this configuration, the fabric may hang properly behind the barrel, close to its window pane. This setup offers multiple benefits:
- Better Insulation: The fabric’s proximity to the window reduces noise and light seepage.
- Enhanced Light Control: This standard roll is ideal for blackout blinds, especially in bedrooms.
- Improved Aesthetics: The fabric remains taut and aligned with the window.
Reverse Roll
With a reverse roll, the fabric hangs over the front of the barrel, facing into the room. This style might be preferable if:
- Obstructions Exist: If there are handles or other protrusions near the window, the reverse roll can prevent the blinds from catching.
- It’s Your Aesthetic Preference: Some people prefer the look of the fabric hanging away from the window.
However, reverse rolls can result in a larger gap between the blind and the window, leading to more light seepage.
Installation Tips
When installing custom roller blinds in your Toronto home, ensure that the fabric faces inwards towards the room, regardless of whether it’s a standard or reverse roll. This orientation maximizes the fabric’s functional properties, such as solar reflective or blackout backing.
Benefits of Roller Blinds
Roller blinds are not just about practicality; they offer a range of benefits that make them a popular choice among homeowners.
Versatile Style Options
Roller blinds come in various styles, colours, and materials, making them highly customizable to suit any interior design. Whether your home is modern or traditional, you can find roller blinds that complement your decor. Choose from a wide range of vibrant colours, subtle patterns, and materials like fabric, vinyl, or bamboo to achieve the desired look.
Clean and Minimalistic Look
Roller blinds provide a sleek appearance, which is ideal for modernizing any space. Unlike traditional curtains such as heavy velvet drapes or ornate brocade, they don’t have intricate drapery or heavy fabric, offering an uncluttered look. This minimalist aesthetic can contribute to a sense of elegance in your home. Moreover, they are easy to maintain and can be cleaned with a damp cloth or gentle vacuuming, making them a practical choice for busy homeowners.
Light Control and Privacy
One of the key advantages of roller blinds is their ability to control light and privacy. By adjusting the position of the blinds, you can regulate the amount of natural light entering your space, creating the desired ambience. Roller blinds can also provide complete privacy, which is beneficial for homes in densely populated areas or for ground-level rooms.
UV Protection
Excessive sunlight can damage furniture, flooring, and other belongings. Roller blinds made from specialized materials such as solar screen fabric or blackout fabric can block harmful UV rays, protecting your valuables from fading or discolouration. This UV protection helps prolong the lifespan of your furniture and maintains the vibrancy of your home decor.
Easy Operation
Roller blinds are easy to operate. Whether you choose a manual chain system or a motorized option, you may easily lower, raise, or adjust the window blinds. Motorized roller blinds offer the added convenience of remote control or integration with smart home systems, making them an efficient choice for modern living.
Space-Saving Design
For homes with limited space, roller blinds are an ideal solution. Unlike curtains that require ample space for draping, roller blinds neatly roll up at the top of the window, maximizing available space. This compact design provides a sleek look and allows you to make the most of your living area.
Choosing the ideal length for your roller blinds is essential for both functionality and aesthetics. Accurate measurements, whether for exact fit or recess fit, are crucial, and understanding the differences between standard and reverse rolls helps in making an informed choice. Roller blinds offer versatile style, light control, privacy, UV protection, and a space-saving design, making them a low-maintenance and practical solution for your Toronto home. Professional services are available for measuring and installation assistance to ensure perfect results. To learn more, contact Centurian Window Fashions. We assure you an excellent customer experience, from free in-home consultation to final installation.
