Choosing Roller Blind Fabric

Unlike traditional slatted blinds, roller blinds are a simple, streamlined and inexpensive option for a variety of rooms and decor styles. They also come in a wide range of colours, patterns, designs and finishes.
Roller blinds can be made with a variety of materials, and the fabric you choose has implications for where they can be hung and how much sunlight they let in. Here are some of the different options to consider:

Blackout
Blackout fabric blocks 100% of incoming light to create an absolute dark room. This is ideal for rooms where it's important to get a good night's sleep, for example a bedroom or children’s bedroom.
Black out roller blinds also offer privacy and a little extra comfort; the thicker blackout fabrics also act as a bit of a sound-proofing barrier keeping the outside noises to a minimum.
All blind fabrics insulate a window to an extent but the blackout fabrics are much better at it; most come with a thermally insulating lining which can really ramp up their insulating ability.

Sheer
Sheer fabric roller shades let you enjoy a view while blocking out the sun's glare and UV. Often made from soft, airy woven fabrics, these window treatments are ideal for homes that get plenty of natural light during the day and need an added layer of privacy.
Many types of sheer shades feature a banded design, which allows you to adjust how open or closed your blinds are by overlapping the alternating opaque and sheer fabric stripes. Some also come with a built-in thermally insulating lining.
Overchoice can be a real problem when shopping for the right roller shade fabric, but knowing what each subset is capable of accomplishing can make it easier to narrow down your options. Once you've found the right fabric for your needs, choose a lift system that makes it easy to raise or lower your shades. You can even opt for a cordless version, which is especially useful in bedrooms and other rooms where privacy matters.

Basketweave
Featuring a decorative texture that limits directional visibility, this style offers an elegant and versatile design. Suitable for roller shades, Roman shade and panel track systems, this fabric is also available as a blackout.
Constructed with a soft, textured pattern evoking grasscloth, this PVC-free blackout fabric provides total light blockage. Its acrylic foam backing is color coordinated with the face fabric to ensure the same neutral fabric is shown toward both the interior space and exterior glass.

Waterproof
Waterproof roller blind fabrics are perfect for wet rooms like bathrooms and kitchens as they stand up well to the dampness of these areas. Being made of a non-porous material like plastic, they can easily be wiped clean of any accidental splashes or spillages. This is much better than many other fabrics, which can become stained and discoloured if they come into direct contact with moisture.
All roller blinds insulate the window to some degree, but you can boost this with a thermally insulating lining fabric. Generally, these also come in blackout versions too.
With so many colour, pattern, finish and design options to choose from, finding the perfect roller blind for a room shouldn’t be a problem. Whether you’re looking for something to match your home’s theme, or just a way to brighten up a dull space, these versatile, functional and attractive blinds are the answer. This is especially the case when they’re custom made to order.