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.

Which blinds are the most efficient for my home?

There are many different types of blinds available and all serving different purposes, so one of the main questions you’ll need to ask yourself when choosing new blinds for your home is whether or not they’ll achieve the desired effect for your home.

For example, if you’re trying to reduce glare or heat in a particularly prone room then using a film blind might be a good option. Whereas if you’re looking at controlling the amount of light that enters a room, then a Venetian blind might be the best option for that particular room.

With so many determining factors, it is quite easy to get lost in the mire of which blinds to choose, so with that said Othello have compiled this handy guide showcasing a few of the options available and their suitability.

Roller blinds

Ideal for bathrooms and skylights, roller blinds are a simple yet practical blind solution. As the name suggests the fabric is wrapped around a roller, which can be operated by either a chain or in some cases a motor. This style of blind can also be used to add emphasis to your home furnishings, especially when combined with bold colours and patterns.

Honeycomb blinds

Honeycomb blinds ideal for conservatories, especially roofs thanks to their ability to be cut into awkward shapes.

Honeycomb blinds can come in both translucent and blackout designs so you can regulate the level of light or minimise it all together (blackout) when you require more privacy.  This style of blind can also feature both UV and thermoregulation properties especially cellular material which can provide an additional layer of insulation.

Venetian blinds

A popular choice for most homes, Venetian blinds come in a variety of materials and sizes, including aluminium and wood. Opening horizontally, smaller Venetian blinds are ideal candidates for conservatories or anywhere that there are large windows or patio doors that require convenient and easy access.

Vertical blinds

One of the most popular and versatile of all blind styles is the vertical blind. Perfect for patio doors other large windowed areas, the vertical blind offers great light control and privacy.

For a complete selection of the types of blinds that InDesign Blinds offer, visit our blinds pages. To inquire about how we can help you create your perfect interior look, as well as regulating the light in your home contact us today!

How to choose the right blind for your bathroom

When picking the perfect set of bathroom blinds there’s a lot to consider. It’s difficult enough deciding on the right blinds for a bedroom or a kitchen with the many sizes and patterns available. But when choosing blinds for the bathroom there is something else to consider: water. The humidity, condensation and moisture of a bathroom will put blinds under a lot of pressure. This is particularly an issue in smaller bathrooms where there is less room for moisture to disperse. In the worst case, a set of blinds can contribute to the problem by trapping condensation in the room. Fortunately, there are plenty of blinds designed to overcome these issues.

What to Look for in Bathroom-Proof Blinds

An essential choice for any bathroom project is a set of waterproof bathroom blinds. With cold windows attracting the warm, moist air in your bathroom, blinds will inevitably get wet. For certain fabrics this can cause both staining and potential mould. Not only can this be difficult to clean, but in many cases requires replacement. Polyester or PVC are a good choice for bathroom roller blinds as the water will run straight off them. This will prevent the blinds from remaining soaked in moisture, which will otherwise give rise to damp, staining, or mould. A set of roller blinds will also be quick and simple to open and close. This means you can quickly ventilate the bathroom if the air gets particularly steamy.

Alternatively, window shutters are a stylish choice for any bathroom. A set of PVC shutters combines the elegance of a wood-look with the resilience of vinyl. Made from water resistant, these shutters are sure to stay clean and weather even the wettest conditions. A set of bathroom shutters will be easy to open and close, for ventilation or privacy. Faux-wood blinds provide the classic look of shutters without the damp issues. Both bathroom shutters, and water resistant blinds, are resilient choices that remain simple to clean.

Getting the Style Right for Bathroom Blinds

Having chosen a set of blinds that can handle the humidity of a bathroom, you also need to think about shape and colour. For bathrooms with a small window, brighter colours are recommended, as they will help make the most of limited light. There are a range of bathroom blinds in neutral tones for a subdued look, and plenty of choice for bolder colours on roller blinds. One of the great benefits of PVC roller blinds are the great range of patterns available; and being waterproof, you won’t have to worry about the patterns being affected by moisture.

At inDesign Blinds we have a wide range of blinds, shutters, and awnings for fitting throughout Melbourne and Sydney. Whether you’re doing work on a bathroom, a kitchen, or a conservatory, we’ll supply you with all you need to shade and shelter your home. We have plenty of bespoke designs that can be tailored to the needs of your property. Enquire now for more information, or book a free, no-obligation consultation with us today.

Choosing the best blinds

So you’re redecorating your home and finding it difficult to accumulate all of the furniture and accessories you need to reflect your preferred design aesthetic. Interior design is harder than it seems because it’s the smaller details that really bring the appearance of a room together; you have to have a keen eye for detail in order to make all of the different elements work. More than just practical, blinds also play a big part in making a room more visually appealing and they’re a crucial element in achieving your room design. Here’s a detailed guide on how to master each popular house design style so that every room in your house gets decorated to perfection.

Contemporary

The contemporary style is characterised by an ever-changing aesthetic that moves with the time. It can be notoriously hard to get this style right as you have to select items that are timeless and can continue to reflect the contemporary aesthetic even as time passes. When choosing furnishings, it’s best to stick to a neutral palette of creamy beiges and rich chocolatey browns. However, you shouldn’t be afraid of a pop of colour but be careful not to go overboard; a bold piece of contemporary art or a statement wall would be a great addition to the living room or bedroom. When it comes to contemporary blinds, you can’t go wrong with wooden blinds; Venetian wooden blinds, in particular, exude sophistication and are guaranteed to become a treasured accompaniment for any contemporary living room or bedroom.

Funky

Who says that your home design has to follow a specific set of rules? Make each room in your home a feast for the eyes, with quirky furnishings and bold designs wherever you look. This is a popular design for children’s bedrooms, or even living rooms looking for an injection of fun and personality. However, it’s important to find the right balance between busy and cluttered as you want to fill the space with some of your favourite belongings without looking like a hoarder. Aluminum Venetian blinds are perfect for the funky design trend, as they come in a variety of colours so you will always find one that can tie in to the aesthetic of your room; go bold with glimmering copper or bright red, or use your blinds to balance out the room by opting for a neutral white or brown.

Rustic

This humble and warm design draws inspiration from nature and is characterised by minimalistic surroundings and wooden furniture. Nowadays, it’s common for people to combine rustic designs with more modern furniture to create an irresistible aesthetic sought after by many interior designers. The overall aim with this look is to create an intimate and cosy space and eradicate any vast and open areas; this can be achieved with oversized furnishings and more furry sofa throws than you think you’ll need. With the rustic design, there can never be too much wood; incorporate it into your bedframes, fridge, and even your choice of blinds. Faux wood Venetian blinds fit perfectly into this trend and will look great in every room in the house; as well as being attractive they also give your home that sought after vibe of intimacy.

Modern

Modern and contemporary designs are often confused but they’re actually worlds apart. Characterised by trends made in the 20th century, modern design is all about the crisp lines and a sleek aesthetic. If you want to achieve this look, avoid colour at all costs and stick to a neutral palette of whites, browns and blacks. Clutter is the enemy of the modern aesthetic and the aim is to create a broad and open space devoid of bulky furnishings. Vertical blinds or pleated blinds are both perfect for the modern design as they will give you the crisp lines and understated appearance that you’ve been looking for.

Shabby chic

This feminine design is becoming increasingly popular in the interior design world and homeowners desperately trying to inject the vintage and minimalist design into their property. The focus is usually on the furnishings instead of the walls themselves; beds and sofas tend to have a more distressed appearance and are also mismatched. Lighting is an essential aspect of the shabby chic aesthetic and you should use lamps and wall lights to create a soft glow. When it comes to blinds, less is more and a great idea is to layer budget roller blinds behind net curtains. Roman blinds also match the aesthetic and come in a variety of different fabric options to match your shabby chic colour scheme.