Blinds, BLOG

Austrian Blinds are in reality a curtain, and are made up as such with a fullness of twice the track or batten width. The only differences being that the blind is pulled up from the bottom to the top by means of cords attached at the back, and is made longer than the required finished drop. The extra fabric in the length forms scallops, even when the blind is in the lowered position. Austrian Blinds are generally made up in lightweight curtain fabrics, they will hang better and exclude more light if they are lined. They can be hung inside or outside the window recess. If they are hung outside the recess they can be frilled at the side and bottom edges. However, if they are hung inside the recess, they look better if frills is added to the bottom edge only.

Cascade blind, or Cascade shade as it is sometimes known, is a simple solution for a small window where curtains would be impracticable, such as a bathroom, kitchen or landing window. If they are hung on wide windows the style of them can make the sides drape away from the edges of the window. Cascade blinds can be lined or unlined, are very economical on fabric and can be attached inside or outside the window recess. It is best to use a lightweight fabric as heavyweights do not give the desired effect.

London blinds, or London shades as they are sometimes known, are a cross between a Roman and an Austrian blind. They are softer than Roman blinds but more tailored than Austrian blinds with the fullness coming from inverted pleats and can be lined or unlined. The blind is pulled up and down with cords threaded through Austrian blind tapes that are attached to the blind at the back of the pleats. London blinds can be used as a single window treatment or teamed with curtains, valances or pelmets to give a layered look. They are best made in light to medium weight fabrics.

Roller blinds, or Roller shades as they are sometimes known, use a minimal amount of fabric, lay flat against the window and roll up to let a maximum amount of light into the room. Best mounted inside the window recess roller blinds can be teamed up with curtains, valances, pelmets and swags and tails to give a coordinating look. Usually, roller blinds pull down from behind the roller, keeping them very close to the window. However, if a fabric is used where the pattern or colour is printed on one side and does not show through to the other side, it can pull down in front of the roller. In this case there could be light showing at each side of the blind as it is not so close to the window.