We love roller blinds. They’re affordable, stylish, and incredibly versatile. The beauty of roller blinds is there are so many styles and finishes, so no matter your décor style, you’re sure to find the right one for your space. But with so many styles on offer, you might be wondering how to choose a roller blind. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to help you buy the perfect roller blinds for your home.

Contents

• What fabrics do roller blinds come in?
• What systems do roller blinds come in?
• What colours do roller blinds come in?
• Can you get designer roller blinds?
• What type of roller blinds do I need?
• How much do roller blinds cost?
• How to measure for roller blinds
• How to install roller blinds
• How to clean roller blinds

What fabrics do roller blinds come in?

A great starting point is choosing your fabric. It’s not a question of what fabric is best for roller blinds, it’s a question of what fabric is best for you.

Blackout roller blinds use a tightly woven, thick fabric that blocks all incoming light. The dense weave ensures that rooms stay dark even during the brightest parts of the day, making them ideal for light sleepers. They’re commonly installed in bedrooms, nurseries, or living rooms that face busy streets or receive strong sunlight, helping create a calm, cosy environment and preventing glare.

Light-filtering roller blinds are made from semi-opaque fabrics that diffuse sunlight rather than completely blocking it. They create a soft, natural glow while maintaining privacy, making them perfect for living rooms, dining areas, and kitchens where you want soft light while maintaining privacy.

Voile roller blinds, also known as privacy blinds, are more transparent than other types. They let in plenty of natural light while still giving you a partial view out, making them perfect for maintaining a bright, airy feel without sacrificing privacy.

PVC roller blinds offer style and practicality in equal measure. Easy to wipe clean and waterproof, they're usually found in high-moisture spaces like bathrooms and kitchens, they’re also great for windows that are prone to condensation and mould.

What systems do roller blinds come in?

Roller blinds aren’t just standard pull-downs anymore. There are a variety of systems to cater to window types, lifestyles and renters. From classic chain-operated rollers to modern motorised options, you’ll find a solution for any space.

Simple, affordable, and timeless. The traditional chain-operated roller blind is versatile enough to work in any room, making it the most popular choice for everyday use.

Powered by a motor and controlled by remote or app, electric roller blinds combine convenience with modern design. They’re perfect for large windows, hard-to-reach spaces, tech-savvy homes, and for those with limited mobility.

A stylish and flexible option, twist roller blinds are perfect for renters or anyone who wants a hassle-free installation. No drilling or brackets are needed, so they won’t damage walls or window frames. The blinds simply twist and lock into place, easy, quick, and damage-free!

Designed to clip neatly into uPVC window frames, Perfect Fit roller blinds require no drilling or screws. They’re a sleek, fuss-free choice for conservatories, patio doors, or tilt-and-turn windows.

What colours do roller blinds come in?

Many people’s favourite part of the design process, choosing your roller blinds’ colour is where you really get to express yourself. Will you choose a colour that blends with your décor or serves as an eye-catching juxtaposition? There are no wrong answers.

Classic, calming, and easy to pair with most interiors, neutral colours like whites, greys, and creams are a safe bet in any space.Sometimes accused of being “boring”, we heartily disagree. A stunning neutral blind can be just as attention grabbing as many of its louder peers.

Perfect for making a design statement, bright, bold colours draw the eye and make your windows a focal point. They work particularly well among more playful interiors or anywhere that’s in need of a pop of colour.

Florals, geometrics, striped, or spotted, you’ll find hundreds of patterned roller blinds in our portfolio. Although they’re not for everyone, a bold patterned design screams confidence. From modern designs to heritage-inspired prints, patterned roller blinds compliment contemporary and traditional interiors alike.

Blinds aren’t just for adults you know. From cute animal prints to playful florals and geometric designs, children’s roller blinds provide excellent visual stimuli for young eyes, making them perfect for nurseries and playrooms.

Can you get designer roller blinds?

Most definitely. Our roller blinds aren’t limited to solid colours or simple patterns. At Shade & Story, we’re proud to offer a wide range of designer collections. From the classic heritage designs of Sanderson to the bold and beautiful Sara Miller collection, our designer collections include:

Laura Ashley blinds – sophisticated designs with contemporary charm.

John Lewis x Sanderson blinds – classic heritage designs with a modern twist.

Morris & Co. blinds – iconic William Morris patterns, rich in history and detail.

Sara Miller blinds – bold, vibrant designs full of colour and glamour.

Orla Kiely blinds – distinctive retro-inspired prints.

These designer roller blinds are available exclusively through John Lewis and Shade & Story, combining premium fabrics and signature designs.

What type of roller blinds do I need?

With so many options available, the best type of roller blind often depends on where it will be. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the perfect style for your space:

Waterproof PVC roller blinds - Perfect for bathrooms and wet rooms, these blinds are designed to withstand mould, humidity and frequent splashes. They’re also ideal for kitchens, where steam, grease, and spills are common. Easy to clean and maintain, and they come in plenty of different designs.

Light-filtering roller blinds - Ideal for creating a warm, inviting atmosphere, these blinds gently diffuse sunlight to soften harsh glare without totally darkening your living room. Choose from elegant neutral tones for a minimalist look or patterned designs to add personality.

If you’d prefer a cosy space with no glare at all,  blackout roller blinds are a fantastic alternative. They provide complete light control and extra privacy, helping your living room stay comfortable at any time of day. Perfect for movie nights or south-facing windows. 

Perfect Fit roller blinds - These blinds sit neatly within uPVC frames and move in harmony with your windows and doors, so you can open and close them freely. Their snug, streamlined fit makes them ideal for conservatories, offering great light control without cluttering the space.

Perfect Fit roller blinds - Specially designed for tilt-and-turn windows, patio doors, and other awkward windows, these blinds provide a sleek solution where traditional fittings can’t. They’re easy to install, stay securely in place, and look effortlessly tidy.

Twist roller blinds - A stylish, no-drill option that offers privacy and light control without making any permanent changes. Ideal for rented homes, they let you enjoy modern design and convenience without worrying about landlord restrictions.

Light filtering roller blinds - Simple, affordable, and versatile enough to work in almost any room.

How much do roller blinds cost?

The price depends on the type of roller blind, such as the fabric, size, system, and designer. Below is a quick breakdown, but if you have any questions on pricing, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

How to measure for roller blinds (standard, twist & electric

Before you can shop for roller blinds, you’ll need your precise measurements. Measuring for roller blinds is very straightforward, and the same instructions apply for standard blinds, electric blinds and twist blinds. We’ll cover the basics of the most common installation for inside the window recess now, but you can find more detail and instructions for fitting roller blinds outside the recess in our step-by-step measuring guides. (Note: Twist blinds are suitable for fitting inside the recess only). 

1. Measure the width of the window recess in three places: top, middle, bottom. Record the smallest measurement.
2. Measure the drop of the window recess in three places: left, centre, and right. Record the smallest measurement.

1. Check the width and depth of your PVC window’s rubber beading using a credit/debit card to ensure your windows are suitable for Perfect Fit blinds.
2. Complete an obstruction check , ensuring your window frame has at least 2.5cm clearance from handles, hinges or vents. 
3. Measure the width of the visible glass in three places: top, middle, and bottom. Record the smallest measurement.
4. Measure the drop of the visible glass in three places: left, centre, and right. Record the smallest measurement.

Note: Remember to measure the visible glass size only (not the full window frame).

See the full step-by-step Perfect fit blinds measuring guide. 

How to install roller blinds

The installation of your roller blinds, like measuring, depends on the type you choose. Below are some guidelines, or you can follow our full step-by-step fitting instructions for each roller blind system. 

1. Hold each bracket in position and mark the drill holes. 
2. Drill the hole and secure each bracket with 4mm screws.  
3. Insert the roller into the bracket.
4. Place your safety device on the wall, drill holes, and screw in place.

1. Lay out your frame on an even surface and assemble. No screws required.
2. Push the brackets between the window pane and rubber window seal.
3. Attach the Perfect Fit blinds frame to the brackets.

1. Position your blind in your window’s recess and then push the tightener against the wall.
2. Raise the control end, get things level, and release the pressure. The blind will then hold itself in place.
3. Secure the blind and adjust the tightener for a tight and secure fit.

1. Hold each bracket in position and mark the drill holes.
2. Drill the hole and secure each bracket with 4mm screws.  
3. Insert the electric roller blind into the bracket.
4. Follow the instructions in the package to program your electric roller blinds.

How to clean roller blinds

Cleaning your blinds will depend on what they’re made of. The good news is, it’s always a nice and simple process.

Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to gently remove dust. For a deeper clean, use water with a damp cloth to spot clean your blinds. For more stubborn stains, a mild detergent and damp cloth will do the trick. When using a detergent, always be sure to test on a subtle area, and avoid soaking your fabric blinds as this can damage the material.

Simply wipe down with a damp cloth and some mildly soapy water. While they are 100% waterproof, it’s still a good idea to wipe with a dry cloth after. It’s also important to avoid abrasive cleaners or sponges so you don’t scratch the surface.

We believe that no home’s story is ever finished, but it can sometimes be left unwritten. If you’re ready for your next chapter, why not write it with Shade & Story?