Pros and cons of a louvered roof

If you want to get the most out of your outdoor space and improve the overall aesthetic appearance of your home, you need to check at the custom louvered roofs from InDesign Blinds. Read on to learn more about the pros and cons of louvered roofs, and contact us today to speak with an experienced member of our team!

The Benefits of louvered roofs

They provide excellent shade

Shading is the only similarity between an awning and a louvered roof system. However, awnings are more susceptible to wear and tear, and their features are limited.

In contrast, the slats of louvered patio roofs have a range of motion of 180-degrees, so you can adjust them as needed for protection from the elements.

They are hygienic

Unlike the fabric canopies of traditional awnings, which are likely to harbor fungus and mold, aluminum louvers are hygienic and won’t cause any health problems. Traditional awnings also pose a safety hazard, as they can be blown away by strong winds. However, need to get your louvered patio covers from a reliable manufacturer to enjoy these advantages.

They are weather resistant

When choosing a style for your patio roof, always be sure to go for strong metallic materials. These prove to be worthy opponents for both intense sunshine and persistent rain. Some systems even come with in-built rain sensors.

They give you control

This is one of the top benefits of the louver systems we offer. Our aluminum louvers give you comprehensive control over your shelter by allowing you to adjust the angle of the roof-slats for the desired amount of shade and protection from the elements.

Cosmetic benefits

Some louvered balcony covers come in a wide variety of styles and colors. This allows you to select a version that matches both the roof design of your house (ie. pitched, gable, and angled), and the aesthetic of your outdoor space.

The cons of louvered roofs

Cost

Louvers are not always an option for people with small budgets. However, in such a case, it’s still good to delay the installation and save up to meet the costs of a durable patio cover, rather than going for cheaper and less effective alternatives.

Some models are not user friendly

Louvers for garden pergolas are not all similarly designed. Some can be annoyingly noisy or contain limited opening options, and may not offer as many lighting and shade options as you’d like.

Louvered roofs offer great value for their cost, and provide homeowners with more pros than cons. InDesign Blinds offers the best louver options and can create and install custom louvers to meet your needs. Contact us today to get a long-lasting louvered roof for your property.

How to clean roller blinds?

You’ve chosen to adorn your windows with the perfect roller blinds - a style that’s ideally suited for high-traffic areas and spaces that get wet. These durable blinds are a popular choice for homeowners and renters that want a beautiful style that can handle tougher environments. With eye-catching fabrics in bold hues and patterns and subtle silhouettes, it’s no surprise these blinds are found in everything from modern London flats to quaint countryside manors.

Not only are roller blinds functional and stylish, but they’re also easy to clean - more so than other blind styles including wooden blinds, venetian blinds and vertical blinds. Looking for tips on how to clean roller blinds? Follow this handy guide for ways to keep your window blinds pristine and sparkling.

How to clean roller blinds

Most roller blinds are made of fabrics, making them easy to clean with a vacuum cleaner or soapy water. When cleaning roller blinds, it’s important to be mindful of the fabric type and any cleaners you choose to use. It’s best to use warm soapy water or a blend of water and vinegar rather than cleaning products. If you choose to use a cleaning product on tough stains, make sure it’s suitable for your blind fabric material to avoid damaging the blinds.

It’s also tempting to just remove the fabric from the headrail and toss it into the washing machine. However, most manufacturers recommend only washing blinds by hand. That’s because the fabric can develop creases, folds or pilling if washed improperly or in the machine. Instead, follow this handy guide for regular and deep cleaning methods that will brighten up your blinds without damaging them.

Whether you want to do a quick touch-up or need a deep clean to remove stains, there are different cleaning methods that can protect your blinds while making them shiny and new. Here’s how to clean your roller blinds, from regular cleaning to stain removal and mould treatments.

Regular Cleaning

Roller blinds should be vacuumed occasionally to prevent dust buildup. While you can use a duster, a vacuum is more effective at removing dust particles from the fabric of roller blinds. You can vacuum them every few weeks when they start to show dust or add it to your regular cleaning routine.

For a general clean of your roller blinds, use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery brush attachment. Roll the blind all the way down so the fabric is flat and doesn’t have any folds. Hold the edge of the blind fabric and begin vacuuming from top to bottom. Don’t forget to get the backside of the blind as well.

If you want a deeper clean that removes small layers of grime, you can also use a damp cloth after vacuuming. Fill a bucket with warm soapy water and dip a microfibre cloth into the lukewarm water. Instead of soap, you can use vinegar or a small amount of laundry detergent. Make sure the suds are suitable for the blind fabric and don’t use anything that has bleach or you may ruin the colour or pattern.

Wring out excess water and wipe the blind in a top to bottom motion. Dip the cloth in the sudsy water as needed. Once finished, get another rag and dip it in a bucket of warm water without soap. Wipe the blind fabric once more with the clean water. Let the blinds air dry completely before rolling them back up to prevent mould.

Stain Removal

Over time, your blinds may get stained and require a deeper cleaning. To remove tough stains, you can use a stain remover as long as it can be used on the fabric type of your blinds. Read the label of your spot cleaning product or reach out to your blind manufacturer to make sure the product won’t damage the fabric.

You can use a soft brush or an old toothbrush to gently scrub grime and stubborn stains from the fabric. Try to brush in the direction of the fabric weave to avoid creating lines and marks on the fabric.

Mould Cleaning

The best method for how to clean roller blinds really depends on how dirty your blinds are. In some cases — including mould — you may need more powerful cleaners or professional help. Mould thrives in damp, warm environments. If you have fabric roller blinds in your bathroom or kitchen, they may develop mould if they don’t dry out properly. Window blinds can also grow mould if they get wet from constant condensation on the windows.

To make cleaning roller blinds easier, it’s important to avoid mould buildup as much as possible. Make sure to dry out your blinds any time they get wet. You can use a hairdryer to speed up the drying process, leave a window open for ventilation or run a fan or dehumidifier when moisture and humidity are high.

If your blinds get really wet — like that time when you forgot to close the window and a rainstorm blew through — you can remove the blinds from the headrail to dry completely. Place the fabric on a drying rack and make sure to dry the rest of the blinds, including the headrail and mechanisms, before remounting the blinds.

If you find that mould has grown on your blinds, you can take the fabric to a dry cleaner for removal. You can also use a fabric-safe cleaning agent that specifically targets mould spores. White vinegar and lemon juice may kill mould spores and help to remove stains from blinds without harming the fabric.

What’s the difference between drop arm awnings and folding arm awnings?

When making the decision to create an outdoor living space, it can become overwhelming with the amount of choice. There’s outdoor dining areas, conservatories, patios the list goes on. Awnings tend to be neglected in these decisions as many homeowners are unaware of what they are.

If you don’t already know awnings are an overhang of canvas attached to the exterior of a building. Typically you would see a lot of awnings for commercial use in businesses and restaurants however they can be beneficial to homes.

Typically there are two types of awnings, a folding arm, and a drop arm. It may be difficult to distinguish the two, so here is a rough guide.

Folding arm awnings

Folding arm awnings are modern, attractive and budget-friendly. They are energy efficient and are the most popular style amongst homeowners as they provide sun protection over large areas of space. The structure that supports the awning is known as the “arm”. Folding awnings allow the user to retract the length of the awning also giving the user the opportunity to fold the awning away for convenience.

Drop arm awnings

The second most popular awnings are drop arm, typically you would see these on storefronts. They tend to fall diagonally in front of doors and windows most stores and restaurants use them for decoration, but the primary use is for indoor sun protection. Drop arm awnings are just as beneficial to homeowners as folding arm awnings. Some house locations are not protected enough by natural shade and the sunlight can sometimes be too harsh when entering your house. Installing drop arm awnings can provide shade protection while still allowing natural light into your home.

The summer heat can become difficult to tolerate both indoors and outdoors- installing awnings allows you to be in the shade when outside while also keeping the inside of your home cool. So now you know the difference in folding arm awnings and drop arm awnings, let us get onto why you need Othello awnings in your home.

Our awnings here at InDesign Binds are low maintenance, easy to install and are structurally sound. They can handle all weather conditions and still provide protection. We recommend cleaning awnings 2-3 times a year to preserve beauty.

There’s a reason why restaurants and storefronts install awnings. Installing awnings to your home could increase value and make your building visually more attractive.

Here at InDesign Binds, we are experts in installing awnings and providing the best service available.

Choosing the best roller blind for you

Are you considering getting the most suitable window blinds? Roller blinds are perfect because they give you an eclectic mix of options. A slew of people love decorating their windows with roller blinds as a means of finding functionality and comfort. Furthermore, roller blinds are versatile, attractive as well as durable. They add texture and colour hence boosting the aesthetic value of your room.

What are roller blinds?

Roller blinds are pieces of fabric that unroll to cover your windows. The material is rolled around a casing that fits into the upper part of your window frame. You can install the roller blind on the outside or inside of the window recess. Using roller blinds is relatively straightforward because they come with either a pull or side winding cord.

Roller blinds are extremely popular for a number of reasons. The best aspect of roller blinds is that they are ideal for any form of interior décor. Blinds serve to block out or control the light coming from the outside, especially on sunny days whilst giving you the added benefit of more privacy! You can find roller blinds in tons of different styles and materials, giving you myriads of options when it comes to decorating your house.

Roller blinds are ideal for nearly every type of window as well as a door. You can select blinds for any window or door size. It is essential to know the factors to consider when picking the right roller blinds for your windows. Here are a few vital considerations to evaluate.

7 essential aspects to consider when picking roller blinds

Choosing the best roller blinds can help transform your rooms. But before you get the ideal roller blinds, you will have to make multiple decisions regarding the colour, cost, suitability, design, functionality, material, installation, and maintenance. Finding the most fulfilling blinds for your home can be a confusing and daunting process. Fortunately, this blog post will make things easier for you. Here are some of the critical aspects to evaluate.

1. Style

The design encompasses different elements, such as colours and prints. Some styles will give your room a contemporary and trendy outlook, while other blinds will blend perfectly with traditional décor. It is essential to pick roller blinds that fit your existing home outlook. You can select a style that complements the colour, design, as well as the pattern of your room décor. Ensure you take the time to compare different roller blinds with the overall design of the rooms. If you are considering a contemporary look, you can select creams, whites, or soft greys. These colours will blend quickly and correctly with your décor. You can also go for a bolder shade like blue or yellow if you wish to produce a warm environment. Bright tones will help you create an entertaining feel. Furthermore, extra decorative cassettes give that finished, sleek look whilst adding that final touch!

2. Type

There are two broad categories of window blinds, chain or spring operation. Both forms are suitable for covering varying sizes of your windows. Most traditional roller blinds are chain operated.  Before choosing roller blinds, it is vital to decide the appropriate type that satisfies your needs and preference.

3. Material

You will find various options regarding materials such as Standard, Blackout, Translucent, Bathroom and Flame Retardant. It is important to go for blinds that fit your space. Ensure you evaluate aspects such as type, décor, and usage, when selecting the appropriate material.

4. Purpose

Some roller blinds allow more light in while others shut it off. You will have to decide how much privacy and light you require from your roller blinds. Blackout blinds are great for the bedroom whereas Translucent roller blinds guarantee more light.

5. Safety

Safety is a vital aspect to evaluate, especially if you have small children or pets. You will have to decide whether to get corded or cordless roller blinds. Cordless blinds are suitable for environments with young children and pets. You may wish to opt for flame retardant roller blinds for your kitchen windows or commercial premises for maximum safety.

6. Installation

Conventional roller blinds allow for simple and straightforward installation. If you are unsure of the process, you can seek assistance from an expert. Ensure you evaluate the installation process before selecting the suitable roller blinds for your home.

7. Maintenance

The material and style will determine the frequency as well as the level of maintenance. Regularly dusting or cleaning your roller blinds will ensure your space looks bright and elegant. Vacuuming can help you maintain your window blinds dustless and clean.

It is essential to evaluate these elements before getting roller blinds for your windows. 

Best window coverings for guest bedrooms

Decorating your home's guest bedroom is a great opportunity to have a little fun and add some personality to a brand new space. As you're selecting everything from furniture to duvet covers, don't forget to think about the best window coverings for the guest bedroom. 

How to use window coverings to add character to your guest bedroom

Like all bedrooms, guest bedrooms require at least one window for home safety. Whether your room has one large window or two smaller windows, they will provide a significant opportunity to add colors and patterns to the space. Use these easy design tips to start your search for drapes, blinds, or shutters:

Stay neutral, but not boring

Don't make your curtains stand out with an accent color or a stark geometric pattern. Instead, opt for neutral colors like grays, tans, or blues that complement the rest of the space. These colors are calming, especially when it comes to warm tones.

If you want to make your neutral color scheme pop a little, look for subtle patterns, gradients, or tone-on-tone designs. You can also choose fabrics and materials based on their textures, such as a linen-patterned fabric or a subtle embroidery. Your curtain rods and curtain holdbacks can also introduce fun style; unique hardware will accent the room.

Tie the window coverings to features and accents in your home

Choose window coverings that match the rest of your home's style. The curtains and blinds don't have to be identical to the room across the hall, but maintaining a consistent color scheme or hardware style can help pull the whole house together. Also, choosing the same blinds or shutters while allowing for more unique curtains around them gives you more design flexibility without sacrificing cohesion.

Choose warm colors and finishes

Warm colors have undertones of yellow, orange, or red, and they can make any guest room seem more cozy and comfortable for new visitors. If you're redesigning your guest bedroom with a brand new color palette, opt for colors with these undertones. Choosing exclusively warm colors also creates an inviting and welcoming feeling to the space. 

Find guest-ready window coverings at InDesign Blinds

Creating the perfect guest bedroom starts with finding the best window coverings for the room. Consider everything from the color palette and style of the room to how to keep the room temperature comfortable. Window coverings can add a splash of color that suits your home's style. At InDesign Blinds, we offer custom window treatments, including plantation shutters, blinds, and shades in Melbourne and Sydney. Browse our selection of options or schedule a free consultation with your local design consultant and create custom-made solutions perfect for your guests.