There is an ongoing debate in many households about the correct way to hang a roll of toilet paper. Some argue that it should roll forwards over the holder, while others claim it should roll backwards and under the holder. You might even hear people argue “Does it even matter?!”.
Well, just like the toilet paper debate, a similar question arises when choosing choosing which way to hang a roller blind. Is there a correct way to hang a roller blind? Does it even matter which way the roller blind goes?!
The answer (to both debates mind you) is yes, it does matter.
While the toilet paper debate is pretty clear-cut (either you roll it over or you’re wrong…) the roller blind debate “depends”… on your window or door, the fabric you choose, the specific needs of your home, your design preference, even whether you opt for motorised blinds… etc etc etc!
Should Blinds Roll Over or Under?
The way a roller blind rolls and hangs depends on how the blind is initially assembled. The blinds fabric is attached to an inner tube, and the fabric is either initially rolled forward and over the tube, or rolled backward and under the tube. The blind mechanisms are then attached to either side of the tube. Designers make each blind with a specific roll direction and chain side, and ideally the blind is then installed to follow how it was made. Unlike a toilet roll, you can’t just easily change which way a blind rolls without altering the blind installation or completely re-rolling the blind.
From a visual perspective, when a blind is over rolled, it hides the fabric-wrapped tube by having the blind hang in front of the roll. On the other hand, an under rolled blind leaves the fabric-wrapped tube on show at the front. It’s important to note here that with an under rolled blind it is actually the back of the fabric that is seen on the tube. Since the tube is visible in front of the blind, the backing of the fabric is displayed on the roll. These are important things to know when choosing fabric for your roller blinds, and which way your blinds should hang.
If you want your blind to roll as close to the glass as possible, you’ll want to choose an under rolled blind. However, if you have obstructions near the glass such as window locks or latches, you might need an over rolled blind. If your window or door reveals are very shallow, and a roller blind might not even fit, you may have to install your blinds on the face. Here, the roll direction becomes especially important. An over rolled blind on the face will leave a gap between the blind and the architrave, allowing a large amount of light and heat loss through the sides. An under rolled blind on the face however will roll as close to flush against the architrave/wall, minimising light and increasing privacy.
How To Choose Which Way A Blind Rolls?
As you can see, correctly deciding how to hang roller blinds requires careful consideration of a lot of different factors. That’s why we recommend consulting a window furnishing expert. Your consultant should guide you through everything that you don’t even realise you need to consider when it comes to choosing blinds. They should take into account your room layout, home orientation, design preference, as well as your needs for home insulation, privacy and lighting control. Your local window furnishing expert can streamline the decision-making process and help you make the best choice for your home.
While each individual decision may not be hard to make, without proper understanding, the outcome is also not hard to get wrong. The roller blind “rules” for your house will be unique to everything considered with you for your home. What is correct for your blinds may not be the same for your neighbours’ blinds! This is why there is no clear-cut answer to the question “which way should roller blinds be hung”.
To help you choose which blinds are right for your home, we offer personalised consultations. We come to your home and show you a range of options to suit your needs. If you are still building, we can review your floorplan with you. Our goal is to simplify the selection process, and ensure that you end up with the best window furnishing solution for your home and budget.
If you need help choosing the right blinds or other window coverings for your home, contact us today. We are here to help make your decision-making simple!
– RPShutters
Ph: 1300 003 514
Em: [email protected]