Why might roller blinds be the right choice for you? Because they cover the entire window when drawn, roller blinds are a great option for blocking sunlight or retaining heat. They operate by a spring mechanism that hangs across the top of the window, and offer a clean look that can provide both style and function.

What types of roller blinds are available? In general, most roller blinds are made out of a stiff material. However there are a variety of different looks available depending on your style preference. Choose simple, all white blinds for a basic look, or find blinds with an interesting textural or graphic element. If you’re looking to block maximum sunlight, consider blackout roller blinds. These durable shades are made of a tightly woven fabric that will block all light, making them ideal for bedrooms.

What’s the difference between inside mount and outside mount roller blinds? Inside mount and outside mount represent the two ways you can hang your roller blinds, which is essentially an aesthetic preference. Inside mount roller blinds sit within the recessed window frame so that the shades are flush with the wall, while outside mount blinds are hung outside of the frame on the wall and cover a larger area. If you’re considering inside mount roller blinds, be sure your window is recessed at least 3 inches to make room for the mechanism needed to operate the blinds.

How do you determine the right size? This depends on whether you’ve chosen inside or outside mount roller blinds. For inside mount, carefully measure the inside of the window frame from top to bottom and from left to right, as well as the depth of the window. For outside mount, measure from where you plan to hang the shade to where you'd like it to drop, and then measure from side to side. The recommended overlap for roller blinds is 45 mm.

What if the one-size-fits-all roller blinds don’t fit your windows? A simple DIY project can get you back on track. Carefully measure your window to determine the necessary size. Next, measure the required width from the outside edge of one bracket to the outside edge of the other, and deduct the width of the winding mechanism from the figure. Using a mini hacksaw and sharp scissors, you can then cut the aluminum tube and fabric down to size.

Take a look at our collection of roller blinds and find the perfect shades for your home windows.