How to choose the perfect blinds

Need to know: choosing the right blinds

• Thinking about new blinds? Keep the following in mind:
• Vertical blinds are a practical choice for wide windows and sliding doors.
• Roller blinds provide a streamlined look and flexible light and privacy control.
• Roman blinds add softness and texture without taking up as much space as curtains.
• Venetian blinds offer adjustable light control and come in timber, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and aluminium.
• Your choice of fabric, material and mounting position should suit the room and window, and don’t forget to check the product information when choosing a blind for an area exposed to moisture.

Choose vertical blinds for wide windows and sliding doors

Vertical blinds work well across wide windows and sliding doors. Their blades can be rotated to adjust light and privacy, then stacked to the left or right to help keep doorways clear when the blinds are open.

Where the window or door isn’t recessed, consider mounting the track above the architrave and extending it past each side of the opening. An overlap of 150mm on each side can help maximise light when the blinds are open and improve coverage when they’re closed.

Tip: Learn how to install vertical blinds yourself

Control light and privacy with roller blinds

Roller blinds offer a modern, streamlined window treatment that suits a wide range of interiors. They’re easy to operate and provide flexible light and privacy control.

Roller blinds come in a range of fabrics, which can be used in different rooms. Which fabric you choose will depend on the room that the blind is being installed. Some roller blind fabrics can suit kitchens and bathrooms, while others are better suited to dry living areas. Check the product information before choosing a blind for a room exposed to moisture.

For greater light coverage, mount the blind outside the window frame. A back-rolled blind, where the fabric falls behind the roller, can also reduce the amount of light entering around the sides.

Tip: Find out how to install roller blinds

Add softness and texture with Roman blinds

Roman blinds combine the softness of fabric with the space-saving function of a blind. When raised, the fabric forms neat folds that add depth and texture to the room.

A raised Roman blind can cover around 20–30cm of the upper window when mounted inside the frame. If there’s enough space above the window, an outside mount can allow the blind to sit higher when raised and leave more of the glass uncovered.

For kitchens, bathrooms and other areas exposed to moisture, check the product information to make sure the blind and fabric are suitable for the room.

Tip: See how easy it is to install roman blinds yourself

Adjust the light with Venetian blinds

Venetian blinds are a versatile option for many decorating styles. Their horizontal slats can be tilted to fine-tune light and privacy throughout the day.

Available materials include natural timber, PVC and aluminium. PVC and aluminium blinds can be suitable for moisture-prone rooms such as kitchens and bathrooms. Timber Venetian blinds are better suited to dry areas because regular steam and humidity can cause natural timber to warp, crack or deteriorate over time.

Venetian blinds may not be the best choice for doors or busy access areas. Movement can cause the blind to hit the glass, while larger blinds can be heavy to raise and may place extra strain on the cords and internal components.

Tip: Learn how to install venetian blinds in your home

Bring natural texture into a room with matchstick blinds

Matchstick blinds can add warmth and natural texture to an interior. They’re available in woven materials such as grasses, reeds and bamboo, making them a good fit for relaxed and contemporary spaces.

Because the woven surface can allow light through, consider adding a suitable lining if you’d like greater light control and privacy.

Tip: Find out how you can install matchstick blinds yourself

Explore our great range of blinds

Ready to update your windows? Browse the range of blinds and accessories online or visit your local store to compare materials, colours and operating styles.

Frequently asked questions

Which blinds work well for sliding doors?

Vertical blinds are a practical option for sliding doors because the blades can stack to one side, helping to keep the doorway clear.

Should roller blinds be mounted inside or outside the window frame?

An inside mount creates a neat, recessed look. An outside mount provides more coverage around the window and can help reduce light entering around the edges.

Do Roman blinds block part of the window when raised?

Yes. When mounted inside the frame, the folded fabric may cover around 20–30cm at the top of the window. An outside mount can allow the blind to sit higher when raised.

Which Venetian blind material suits kitchens and bathrooms?

PVC and aluminium Venetian blinds can suit moisture-prone rooms. Natural timber blinds are better used in dry areas because regular humidity and steam can affect the timber.

How can I get more privacy from matchstick blinds?

Adding an appropriate lining behind the blind can provide more privacy and light control.