The Ultimate Guide to Roller Blinds | 247 Blinds

Roller blinds are one of the most versatile and stylish window coverings available, offering a sleek design and practical functionality. You can also enjoy effortless roller blind installation in 30 seconds with our Twist&Fit no-drill option. Whether you're looking to control light, enhance privacy, or add a touch of style to your space, roller blinds are the perfect solution for any home. 

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know - from the different types of roller blinds to their benefits and tips on choosing the right style for your home. 

What are roller blinds?

Roller blinds are a practical and stylish window covering consisting of a single piece of fabric that rolls up and down around a tube. Standard roller blinds are operated manually using a chain, but if you opt for a motorised upgrade you can control your roller blinds via a remote, app, or even your smart home system. 

Designed to provide effortless light control and privacy, roller blinds can be adjusted to let in as much or as little light as you need, making them perfect for any room in the home. Their sleek, minimalist design complements a variety of interior styles, from modern to traditional, and they're available in a wide range of colours, patterns, and fabrics.

One of the biggest advantages of roller blinds is their affordability compared to alternative window treatments, offering a cost-effective way to upgrade your home without compromising on style or functionality. 

How do roller blinds work?

Roller blinds operate using a simple yet effective rolling mechanism that allows the fabric to be raised or lowered smoothly to achieve the desired level of light and privacy. 

Typically featuring a white or chrome chain which gives you full control over positioning, our chain-controlled roller blinds all come with 'cleats' or safety devices to be fitted to the wall which keep the chain taut and out of the way of children and pets.

Perfect for modern homes and lovers of convenience, motorised roller blinds are traditionally operated via remote control but can also be set on a schedule, app-controlled, or integrated with smart home systems like Alexa or Google Home for voice control. Our motorised roller blinds are battery-powered offering a clean, wire-free finish, with a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 11 months with one hour of charging. 

Can roller blinds be fitted anywhere?

In short, yes! Roller blinds are incredibley versatile and can be fitted in almost any space, making them a popular choice for a wide range of window types and locations. Whether you have standard windows, bay windows, or even large glass doors, roller blinds offer a tailored solution. 

Roller blinds can be custom made to fit most window sizes, ranging from 25cm to 350cm wide, and 40cm to 290cm long. Got a wider window? Not a problem, you can place as many rollers as you like side by side to cover larger spaces. 

An individual roller blind covering each bay window section is a perfect solution for bay windows, allowing for precise light control as the sun moves throughout the day as well as fuss-free fitting. Plus, they maintain a seamless and stylish appearance without obstructing the unique shape of your bay window. 

Slim profile roller blinds are an excellent choice for large glass doors, providing flexible light control while ensuring doors remain fully functional. Again it’s recommended to fit a separate roller blind for each pane of glass to allow for independent operation and control. 

Should you fit roller blinds inside or outside the recess?

When it comes to fitting options, traditional installation roller blinds can be mounted inside or outside the recess depending on your needs. What’s a recess? The little alcove your window sits inside. For better blackout performance, fitting inside the recess offers a closer, light-blocking fit and will minimise any light escaping from the sides of your window. If your windows open inwards or you have a shallow or no recess, an outside AKA exact fit might be more practical.

If you opt for a no-drill roller blind, the decision is made for you! Twist&Fit blinds require a recess to stay up and therefore are only suitable for fitting inside the recess. 

The different types of roller blinds

Roller blinds come in a range of styles, each designed to suit different needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for complete darkness, soft light-filtering, or dual functionality, there’s a roller blind to match your space perfectly. Below, we’ll explore the most popular roller blind types and their best uses in the home.

Twist&Fit roller blinds are a game-changer for renters and DIY novices alike. These innovative blinds feature a no-drill, tension-fit mechanism which means they stay securely in place within the window recess - no tools required. 

Ideal for homes where drilling isn’t an option, such as rented properties or windows with stubborn lintels, Twist&Fit blinds provide a hassle-free solution. They’re also perfect for seasonal swaps, allowing you to easily switch between blackout and light-filtering options as the seasons change. Plus, their quick installation makes updating your space as easy as twist, fit, and enjoy! 

What’s better than one roller blind? Two roller blinds! Double roller blinds combine two independently operating rollers on a single system, giving you the best of both worlds - a blackout blind for complete darkness and a voile or screen blind for soft, diffused light. This dual-layer design allows you to easily switch between total privacy and natural light, making them an ideal choice for multi-functional spaces like bedrooms-come-home-offices or living rooms that double as home cinemas. 

Blackout roller blinds are the go-to choice for complete light control, making them perfect for spaces where darkness is essential. Designed with specialist blackout fabrics, they effectively block out sunlight, streetlights, and glare - helping to create a peaceful and restful environment. 

Ideal for bedrooms, nurseries, and media rooms, blackout blinds can improve sleep quality by eliminating unwanted light and, in turn, minimising disturbances. They also help to regulate temperature by blocking out the sun during the hotter months, keeping rooms cool and comfortable. 

With a wide range of colours, patterns, and textures, blackout roller blinds don’t just serve a practical purpose - they also add a stylish touch to your decor. Whether you’re a neutral-lover or prefer to make a statement with bold patterns and prints, there’s a blackout blind to suit every taste. 

Light-filtering roller blinds are perfect for creating a soft, ambient glow in your space while maintaining a level of privacy. These blinds gently diffuse natural light, reducing glare and harsh sunlight without blocking it out entirely - ideal for rooms where you want some light control but would also like to prevent passers-by from seeing in. 

They’re particularly well-suited for living rooms, kitchens, and sunrooms, where you can enjoy the benefits of diffused daylight while keeping prying eyes out. Light-filtering fabrics come in a variety of textures and colours, allowing you to enhance the overall mood and style of your space. 

For a stylish and practical solution that balances privacy and light, light-filtering roller blinds are an excellent choice.

Screen and voile roller blinds are ideal for those who want to keep spaces bright while adding a touch of privacy. These blinds gently filter sunlight, allowing natural light to fill the room while maintaining a level of privacy during the day - perfect for homes that enjoy plenty of sunshine but need a touch of discretion. 

They’re a great option for living rooms, dining areas, and open-plan spaces where you want to enjoy daylight without feeling too exposed. The light and airy fabrics create an inviting atmosphere while subtly obscuring the view from outside. 

With a range of stylish colours and textures available, screen and voile blinds can enhance any decor scheme, offering a contemporary and practical window dressing solution.

How to choose the right roller blinds for you

Choosing the perfect roller blinds for your home is all about finding the right balance between functionality and style. Whether you need total darkness for a bedroom or a light-filtering option for a busy living space, here are some key factors to consider:

• Room type: Different rooms have different needs. For example, opt for blackout blinds in bedrooms for better sleep, waterproof PVC blinds in bathrooms and kitchens to withstand moisture, and light-filtering blinds in communal areas to create a bright and welcoming atmosphere. 
• Colour and design: Your blinds should complement your existing decor. Use free samples to find the perfect match, and consider colour trends - go for contrasting shades to make a statement, or choose a tone slightly lighter or darker than your walls for a seamless, colour-drenched look. Check out our blog on this year's interior trends for inspiration!
• Material considerations: If durability is a priority, consider easy-to-clean, moisture-resistant fabrics for high-humidity areas, or UV-reflective options for sun-drenched rooms to prevent fading.   

The benefits of roller blinds

Roller blinds are a popular choice for many homes thanks to their practicality, style, and versatility. Whether you're looking for a sleek, modern look, or a functional solution for light control, roller blinds offer a range of benefits to suit any space. 

Roller blinds are easy to install, operate, and maintain. Their space-saving design makes them ideal for small or large windows alike, and with options like our Twist&Fit no-drill blinds, installation is a breeze - perfect for renters or DIY-dodgers. 

With a wide selection of fabrics, colours, and patterns, it's easy to find a roller blind that compliments your decor. Whether you prefer bold statement designs or subtle neutrals, there's something to suit every style. 

Certain roller blind fabrics can help regulate room temperature by providing insulating against heat and cold, potentially reducing energy bills. For the summer months, blackout blinds are especially effective at keeping rooms cool and comfortable. 

Roller blinds offer adjustable light control, allowing you to enjoy natural light while maintaining privacy. From blackout for complete darkness to screen fabrics that let light in while keeping prying eyes out, there's a roller blind for every need. 

Roller blind FAQs

Got questions about roller blinds? We're here to help! Whether you're wondering about measuring, fitting or keeping your blinds clean, we've got all the answers you need to decide if roller blinds are right for you.

Getting your measurements right is key to ensuring a perfect fit. How you measure will depend on whether you're fitting your rollers inside or outside the recess, but either way you'll just need two simple dimensions - a width and a drop.

Check out our step-by-step guides on how to measure for standard roller blinds and how to measure for Twist&Fit roller blinds for more information.

Fitting standard roller blinds is simple and requires just a few basic tools. You'll need a drill, suitable screws and rawl plugs in order to fix your brackets to the surface you're fitting the blind to, then it's just a matter of slotting the blind into position. 

You can view our detailed roller blind fitting guide here.

If you're looking for an easy, no-drill solution - Twist&Fit roller blinds are the perfect choice. They stay securely in place using a tension-fit mechanism, making installation quick and tool-free - simply place the blind into your window recess and twist to secure in place!

Read the step-by-step Twist&Fit roller fitting guide here.

Keep your roller blinds looking fresh with these easy cleaning tips:

• Dust regularly using a dry, microfibre cloth, duster or vacuum with a soft brush attachment
• Spot clean marks with a damp cloth and mild soap - avoid harsh chemicals and spot test on an inconspicuous spot of fabric first. 

Read our full roller blind cleaning guide for expert tips!

How to style roller blinds

Roller blinds aren’t just practical - they can also play a key role in enhancing your home’s overall aesthetic. Whether you’re aiming for a bold statement or a subtle sophisticated look, here are a few styling ideas to help you make the most of your roller blinds:

• Layering for depth: Combine roller blinds with curtains for a cosy, layered effect. This adds texture to your windows while giving you extra flexibility with light and privacy control. Pair sheer curtains with blackout roller blinds for the best of both worlds.
• Colour coordination: Choose blinds that complement your existing decor by matching or contrasting with your walls, furniture, or accessories. For a harmonious look, opt for blinds that are a shade lighter or darker than your wall colour. Feeling bold? Go for a contrasting hue to create a standout feature.
• Trendy patterns and textures: From minimalist neutrals to eye-catching geometrics and textured fabrics, roller blinds can serve as a focal point or blend seamlessly into your design scheme. Nature-inspired prints, rich textures, and earthy tones are trending choices for a modern, inviting feel.
• Minimalist elegance: If you prefer a clean and contemporary look, opt for sleek, plain roller blinds in neutral tones to create a light, airy feel in your space. 

No matter your style, roller blinds offer endless possibilities to enhance your interiors with both function and flair. 

At 247 Blinds, we’re passionate about helping you find the perfect roller blinds to suit your style, budget, and practical needs. With our extensive range of high-quality blinds, customisable options, and expert advice, transforming your space has never been easier. 

Why choose 247 Blinds?

• Huge range of styles: whether you’re looking for blackout, light-filtering, or Twist&Fit no-drill blinds, we have options to suit every requirement.
• Made-to-measure blinds: Our blinds are crafted to fit your windows perfectly, ensuring a seamless and stylish finish. 
  Affordable prices: We believe in offering great value without compromising on quality, with options to fit every budget.
• Free samples: Not sure which fabric or colour works best? Order free samples to find the perfect match for your home.
• Fast delivery and easy installation: With speedy delivery and simple fitting guides, you can enjoy your new blinds in no time.
• Ready to find your perfect roller blinds? Browse our collection today and discover how easy it is to transform your space with 247 Blinds.