Transform your windows

With summer coming to a close and gradually we see the seasons shift, it is important to look forward to what’s to come in the month ahead. Cosy dusky evenings with home comforts lets us sink into autumn. That lovely feeling when you come home and are able to light a candle and fill a room with scent before having dinner and putting a cosy throw over you is just a little bit of magic that comes in the colder months.

With the evenings drawing in, it might be a time for focus on things that will make the home a cosier and more inviting space. A new pair of curtains or blinds can be a great way to change the feel of a space within your home.

In this blog we are going to explore the various types of blinds!  There are some key factors that you should follow when choosing which type of blind is suitable;

INSIDE OR OUTSIDE THE RECESS

Before measuring up, decide which option of fitting you might prefer - Would you like your blind inside or outside the recess of the window?

Inside the recess is a good option for windows in small rooms without much wall space around them. It's also ideal if you are teaming your blind with curtains.

A blind that sits outside the recess is beneficial as it blocks out more light when closed but when opened, it maximises natural light in the daytime as it covers less of the glazing.

CHOOSING THE STYLE

Roman blinds 
Roman Blinds are something we quite often suggest to our clients. They are a great way of bringing fabrics from other areas within a design scheme. Often picking up on colours and textures within the space. Made from fabric they are operated by a pulley that can be situated left or right. When raised, the blind concertinas into large horizontal pleats, leaving a good segment of fabric on show. Roman blinds can be made with blackout linings to keep out the light.

Venetian blinds 
Slatted blinds made from wood, faux wood, or specialist plastics. They are a great choice for a space as you can filter the light to your desired choice but also retain some privacy on a window. We can have these made in a bespoke size for your windows in a wide variety of finishes and colours.

Roller blinds 
Roll up or down by means of a cord. With a huge range of patterns, we can access there are some beautiful options available, whether you are looking for something more modern or traditional we are happy to help you find something that is perfect for the space in your home. Again, like the venetian blinds we are able to use our wonderful suppliers to have these made to measure for your space.

Vertical blinds
Consist of a series of slats which are also known as louvres. They’re all linked together on a chain and operated using a cord. The blinds can be fully open, fully closed or partially open. This gives you control over the amount of light you allow into a room. They can provide a great option for an office space. There are many options available with designs and colours of all kinds.

Perfect Fit Blinds 
Specially designed to fit within the frames of UPVC windows/doors. Their streamline design means that these blinds blend into the framework of the window. These blinds are available in venetian, roller, pleated or aluminium styles with a wide range of colour options. 

MEASURING

Measuring for blinds is straightforward but remember to measure, measure and check again! 

• For a blind that's going inside the window recess, measure the width of the recess at its narrowest point and the height of the recess. The blind makers will make allowances to allow the blind to fit within this recess. 
  
  
• For a blind that's going to hang outside the recess, measure the width of the recess and add 4cm to each side, then measure the height of the recess and add 15cm. If you have a window board, we recommend measuring the width of the window board so your blind lines up neatly with this. 
  
  
• For all blinds, you will need to decide which side the pulley and catch should be in case accessing them will be an issue.

For all your window dressing requirements, please get in touch. The team at Athena Interiors would be delighted to help!