Complete Guide to Indoor Blinds

The benefits of choosing indoor blinds

Indoor blinds (also known as indoor shades) are a common indoor window covering to install in your home, and are important for a few reasons:

• They filter out some of the harsh incoming natural light
• They offer additional privacy for your home
• They can help to keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer
• They are a great decor item to help style your home

How to choose the right blind for your home

When you're looking for new blinds, the best way to approach this task is to evaluate the needs of each room that you're wanting new window coverings for.

You might want to ask yourself a few questions to help decide on what you need. A few prompts include:

• What budget do I have for new indoor blinds, and how many blinds do I need?
• Am I looking for blinds which can completely blockout natural light or a light window covering which reduces the amount of light?
• Do I need thicker blinds for privacy in some rooms?
• Am I looking for a feature patterned blind fabric for my space?
• What colours and fabrics are best for my home?

For more things to consider when shopping for new blinds, have a read through our blog.

Types of Indoor blinds

Roller blinds

Roller blinds are one of the most common indoor blinds as they are a very versatile and easy-to-install option. These blinds are made up of one fabric layer that is wound around a roller to raise or lower the blinds.

The main benefit of roller blinds is that they are one of the most affordable blinds, yet they remain a high quality option.

The great thing about roller blinds is that they are available in a wide range of control options. For a more convenient option, roller blinds come in different motorised options, including Eve MotionBlinds and SmartHub motorisation. If you're after a more child-safe option, opt for the Securo wand control option. This replaces the traditional chain that's typically used.

You can learn more about roller blind operating controls in our blog.

Roller blinds are also available in many fabric options, including blockout, sunscreen and patterned.

Double Roller blinds

Double Roller blinds are made with two layers of fabric. The most common use for these blinds is to provide additional blockout of light, or privacy. Double roller blinds are also referred to as Day and Night blinds, as they are commonly used with one layer during the day for light control and privacy, and two at night for blockout.

If you'd like to learn more about the benefits of double roller blinds, head to our blog!

Vertical blinds

Vertical blinds are a very common blind as they are often seen as being a cheap and simple blind to purchase, however they have often been given a bad rap! It's true that these blinds are one of the most affordable blinds, but they are still a high quality option. Blockout vertical blinds are also an option if you're after more light control.

Verticals are available in many colours to suit the home décor you're trying to achieve.

Head to our website to learn more about the benefits of choosing vertical blinds.

Venetian blinds

Venetian blinds are a popular blind choice as they are available in different finishes, such as aluminium, timber, and timber-look blinds, making them a very versatile option for your home.

For more about the benefits of choosing Venetian blinds for your home, check out our website.

Aluminium Venetian blinds are a durable blind option that's suitable for any room in your home, including wet areas such as your bathroom or laundry.

If you're after a timber finish for your venetian blinds, there are two options. These are your standard timber and timber-look.

If you're wanting to use a timber finish in wet areas, choosing a timber-look venetian blind will last longer and withstand the heat and water of the space much more than timber. For any other spaces, either blind is suitable, and it'll depend on your preferences as to which you decide on.

To learn more about whether aluminium or timber Venetian blinds are the better option for your home, head to our blog.

Vision blinds

Vision blinds are a popular blind choice for your home as they can add a touch of elegance to your space.

Also known as day and night blinds, zebra blinds, or vision shades, these blinds are suitable for many spaces and needs, but are most well known for their ability to reduce the glare on screens, making them a great blind for living rooms or offices.

Vision blinds are a great option for giving your home uninterrupted privacy and light control due to their alternating layers of horizontal fabric panels.

Panel Glide blinds

If you're looking for a larger-style indoor blind for your home, Panel Glide blinds are a great option for you!

These blinds can be used on windows, sliding doors, and even as room dividers. Panel blinds are a modern and versatile option for your home and can make a statement in your home décor.

Roman blinds

Roman blinds are one of the oldest styles of blinds and are characterised by their classic fabric panel sections that are raised to let in the natural light.

These blinds are a great option for many rooms like your living room or bedrooms.

To learn more about the benefits of Roman blinds, head to our blog.

Natural Wonders

As their name suggests, Natural Wonders blinds are made from natural materials rather than man made products. These blinds are made from a combination of bamboo, reeds, jutes, and different grasses.

These blinds can be recycled and are one of the most eco-friendly blind options for your home.

Jamaican blinds

Jamaican blinds are like Roman blinds in terms of their look; however, these blinds are different in that they have multiple fabric panels combined with a timber edging.

With these blinds, you have the flexibility to customise the timber finish that suits your home, as well as to choose the fabric colour you prefer. There are also a few fabric choices, including, a translucent lightweight option, a semi blockout and a complete blockout fabric.

Ares blinds

If you like the idea of Roman blinds, but don't want to completely lift the entire blind each time to let in the light, Ares blinds are a great option for you.

Ares blinds are designed to filter strong sunlight and reduce the impact of harsh UV rays. The sheer fabric layer helps to soften the incoming light and give you better control of the amount of light you let into your space, as well as to help reduce the amount your fabric fades from direct contact with sunlight over time.

Tripleshade blinds

Tripleshade blinds are a designer range blind option made up of three fabric layers; these layers consist of two layers of sheer fabric and one layer of venetian blind-style blinds.

These blinds give you the convenience of barely having to adjust the blinds during the day, and are simple to use, clean, and maintain over time. To clean them, simply give them a brush over to remove dust build up every so often.

For an elegant finish to your room, Tripleshade blinds are a great option to consider. As they are available in a wide range of colour options, there's a style to suit all home decors.

Tricoshade blinds

Tricoshade blinds are very similar to roller blinds in terms of their functionality and shutters in terms of their style.

These designer blinds are a great option for providing additional UV protection for your home through their alternating horizontal panels.

Motorised indoor blinds

If you're looking for motorised blinds for your home, there are two main options. These are Eve Motionblinds and SmartHub motorisation.

SmartHub Motorisation

SmartHub motorisation is a great option if you want to motorise multiple types of blinds within your home. This type of motorisation works by having a central hub to control up to 20 sets of window coverings. The benefit of this option is that it's compatible with a wide range of window coverings and both indoor and outdoor blinds.

Indoor blinds compatible with the SmartHub include:

• Roman blinds
• Vision blinds
• Roller blinds
• Ares blinds
• Tripleshade blinds

Eve Motionblinds

Eve MotionBlinds is the latest innovation in smart blind technology, giving Apple smartphone users the ability to control their blinds entirely through their mobile by using the Apple HomeKit. There's no need for additional cords or even a central hub within your home to pair your blinds to. They are currently only compatible with indoor roller blinds.

If you're not sure whether these blinds are right for your home, check out the many benefits of choosing motorised blinds.

Frequently asked indoor blinds questions

What's the cost of indoor blinds?

Depending on the type of indoor blind you choose, the cost varies.

Some of the most affordable blinds in our range include:

• Vertical blinds
• Roller blinds
• Venetian blinds

For a full breakdown on the price range for each type of blind, head to our website.

Can I pair blinds with curtains?

Pairing blinds and curtains together is very common, and a great way to improve light control, add privacy and to add to the aesthetic of your décor.

Sheer curtains are the most common curtain to pair with blinds as they're light and stylish. Although the sheer material is partially see-through, they still add an element of privacy to your home particularly if you want to have your blinds open and not let people outside see straight into your home. They also still let in plenty of soft, natural light.

Types of indoor blind fits for your home

Recess/Reveal fit

A recess or reveal fit is where your blind fits inside the window recess (also known as the cut out of your window). This option is useful if you're wanting a neat window covering option and nothing that stands out.

An added benefit of choosing a recess fit is that your blinds fit nicely and create more of a seal, helping to regulate the temperature in your home.

Outside Mount/Face fit

An outside mount or face fit is where your window coverings sit outside and over the window cut out. This is mainly used as a stylistic choice to make your window seem larger than it is.

Styling your home with indoor blinds

It's important to consider which blind type you install for each room in your home. Some blinds are not as durable and should be kept away from wet areas and high temperatures, whereas some other blinds work well in these spaces.

For example, blinds for your kitchen, bathroom, and wet areas are going to differ from the blinds you choose for bedrooms, living rooms and study spaces.

Choosing child-safe indoor blinds

At ABC blinds, we ensure all our blinds are compliant with Australian Child Safety Laws to give our customers peace of mind knowing they are purchasing a window covering that's safe.

The best options for child-safe blinds are our motorised range of blinds, as they are fully controlled using either a remote control or a smartphone, and don't have any loose cords for children (or curious pets) to play with.

If motorised blinds are not for you, some of our blinds, including our roller blinds, have the option of changing the control mechanism to our Securo-wand, which is the safest option for children. This control mechanism is made up of a shorter cord that's completely secured to the wall of the window recess so nothing can get caught in the loop.

For more on our top recommendations for choosing the right child-safe blind, head to our blog.

Indoor blinds for sliding doors

Not all indoor blinds are suitable to use on indoor sliding doors, but if you're after our top pick, we recommend choosing Panel Glide blinds.

For more blind options for sliding doors, check out our full guide.

Which blinds are best for privacy?

While all blinds provide your home with privacy, there are some blind options that are better than others.

Double roller blinds are one of the better options as they have two layers of fabric, compared to other blinds with only one.

How to clean indoor blinds

The easiest and most time effective way to clean your indoor blinds is to regularly wipe them over to remove any build-up of dust.

Head to our blog for more ways to keep your indoor blinds clean!

Measuring your window for indoor blinds

If you're wanting to measure your blinds for your home and aren't sure what to do, head to our website.

Installing indoor blinds

Installing your blinds isn't always easy, so there are two options; you can choose to have them installed for you or give it a go and install them yourself. For more information on installing your new indoor blinds, head to our website for instructions on installing each blind type.

Why choose made to order blinds

Many blind options are made to fit standard window sizes and often don't account for other sizes, meaning that you often need to make your own alterations. Cutting down blind slats, or hemming fabrics can be difficult and without the right tools can look messy.

Made to order blinds eliminate the need to make rough adjustments to your blinds and have them fit perfectly.

For more benefits on why you should choose made to order blinds, head to our website.

To arrange a free measure and quote with a highly-trained consultant in your own home, give us a call on 13 13 15 or fill out this simple online form. We provide this service to a wide range of locations around the metro and select regional areas, 6 days a week between 8am and 6pm.

The majority of our blinds, curtains and awnings are made in Australia and are sold for the lowest price in the market, guaranteed. Just bring in a quote on any competitor's comparable item and we'll beat it by 5%.