Orange in Interior Design will make you happy!

Frank Sinatra said orange is the happiest colour. I’ve no idea how Ole Blue Eyes came to make this statement, but if we can’t believe a crooner when it comes to interior design and our psychological states, then I’d like to know who we can believe.

Orange has been described as a versatile colour, meaning you can use it wherever you please. Orange can be part of the interior design for your entertainment areas to ensure an enthusiastic and excited mood for your guests, and yet orange can also be warm and cosy, making orange an excellent choice for a snug or your bedroom.

If the same colour can be suitable for different moods, it’s because it’s the hue that makes all the difference. A lighter shade will encourage a more energetic vibe, while a darker one will bring cosiness, as well as a touch of sophistication.

The only thing you need to ask yourself is how much orange you want in your interior design. Anyone can see a bright bold colour and assign it to the role of accent colour. But what if your love for orange means you want it everywhere – orange walls, orange floor, orange furniture? I say go for it! I also say you might want to bear in mind some classic interior design guidelines.

Orange in interior design is to be complemented

A colour wheel is the perfect guide to finding the colours that will complement orange in your interior design. The complementary colour is the one that offers the most contrast. The colour opposite orange on the colour wheel is blue.

A very handy guide in interior design is the 60-30-10 principle. So 60% of your room will be in orange (oh yes it will!), 30% in blue and 10% will be the accent colour – perhaps a neutral, or maybe even a colour that is analogous to orange or blue. With the right hues, there’s no such thing as too much colour. By ensuring the shades are harmonious, you’ll be striking the right mood with orange leading the way in your interior design.

Different patterns and textures will also help break things up and add depth to the room. A Roman blind in Ember or Kerela Spice fabric will be divine alongside your terracotta walls and tangerine duvet set, all complemented by the soft teal carpeting on your bedroom floor. That’s how orange interior design can bring warmth and splendour to your bedroom.

Analogous colours will embolden orange-based interior design

Analogous colours are the ones that sit next to the chosen colour on the colour wheel. It’s yellow and red that cuddles up next to orange. This might sound all very bright, too bright, for you. Again, it’s all about the shades of orange, red and yellow you employ to keep the palette mellifluous and on point. Your copper-coloured Vertical blinds will combine with your golden yellow couch, and the rose gold walls. Vibrant in summer, cosy in winter, what more can you ask for from your living room?

Accents in orange will lift your interior design

Perhaps this blog has been too orange for you. If orange were to be part of your interior design, maybe you’d rather orange play its part as the accent colour in your home.

Just 10% amber for curtains and cushions, to enhance the 60% warm grey and 30% dark blue of your decor, and you’ll have an inviting yet urbane interior design.

Whether you feel you only need a little or want a lot, there’s always a place for orange in your interior design. It’s cold out, so embrace the happiness of energising yet warming orange.

The post Popular This Month: Orange Interior Design appeared first on Blind Technique.

Character – a holistic view

Adding character can really mean adding a purposeful pop of individual personality. Adding character to a living room can vary in terms of design statement impact – subtle to striking. Make it work in terms of the aesthetic, function, ergonomics and enjoyment of the space. Always create a relaxing sanctuary. A space effortlessly yours is how you succeed when adding character to a living room.

This week’s blog from Blind Technique offers 5 easy tips for adding character to a living room.

Adding character to a living room – take on a trend

• Character resonates most effectively when others can relate to it easily. Are you passionate about Minimalism, Retro or Vintage interior design styles, for example? How can you best demonstrate your own take on your tastes?
• Character is all about how we bring something to life, make it tangible to reach out and touch it to understand. Think texture, colour, pattern. Try soft furnishings including custom blinds
• Depending on where you are on your personal design barometer – subtle to striking – this will influence your choices. Roller Blinds, Roman Blinds and made to measure Curtains offer ample space within the fabric to confidently express either a low-key accent or an impactful statement.

Adding character to a living room – take on a theme

• Your living room can be where you share something meaningful about you. You could be a hobbyist interested in amateur photography so you could turn one wall/cosy corner into your studio. If you’re an avid reader create the feel of a mini ‘home library’ with the comfiest chairs and spot-on task lighting. Craft your own branded set of library cards, too!
• Add in nature as character with sole usage of natural fibres for all your furniture and soft-furnishing favourites. Embrace the greenery with signature house plants. Vary size and species plus position them across the living room.
• If you are a film-buff add in the big screen and kit-out your living room as the perfect home cinema experience. VIP ropes at the door, optional.

Adding character to a living room – focus on features

• Work with the architectural features you already have when adding character to a living room. If you have a bay window with built-in window seat create the book nook of your dreams. Consider Plantation Shutters or try the Layered Window look (Roller Blinds or Roman Blinds with made to measure Curtains) to dress your bay.
• If you have sliding doors or a skylight make the most of them with Allusion Blinds or Velux Blinds: Pleated, Venetian, Roller styles, respectively.
• If you have high ceilings and period features try motorised Plantation Shutters for both ease and elegance.

Adding character to a living room – curate your collection

• Art with heart – your family photos could be curated to form a floor to ceiling display on a feature wall painted with your choice of background colour.
• Make your hobby your hero – share all that you know with a visual homage to your favourite artist, author or actor. Let the craft your enjoy take centre stage.
• Get your collection ready for inspection – select your best pieces to be on show. If you have a substantial volume of them, rotate with the seasons or chosen theme

Adding character to a living room – let the light in

• From ceiling chandeliers to subtle spotlights and precise task lighting lamps – adding character to a living room is best set off by the highest quality lighting.
• Choose lighting options in-line with your style. Flex your thinking from classic to quirky, traditional to modern, bold colours to pastel hues.
• Natural light flooding in from your windows is your best asset when adding character to a living room.

Ready to start adding character to a living room? Consult Blind Technique

• Read more blog posts, view our inspiration page, review our FAQ’s
• Visit our Eastcote Showroom
• Book a FREE Home Appointment
• Contact us today

The post 5 Easy Tips for Adding Character to a Living Room appeared first on Blind Technique.

Fill space in the living room – an approach

• Always fill space in the living room with purpose.
• Enable your living room to flow naturally.
• Always aim to maximise enjoyment of the space. You could zone your living room if the space you are looking to fill is substantial.
• Room dividers, if used, don’t need to be a permanent, obtrusive structure – try a large bookcase (open on both sides) or an L-shaped sofa in neutral colours, perhaps.
• Always consider effortless daily usage for all household members (and visitors) when trying to fill space in the living room.
• Allow for tastes to change so consider how you can update easily and cost effectively, when they do
• Top tip – when we fill space in the living room never create clutter – consider this space to be where you just instantly relax and feel right at home.

First way to fill space in the living room

Make a statement – if a large living room feels cold and unloved, one way to remedy this fast is through your choice of home furnishings. Start with your window dressings. Try layering – Roman Blinds or Roller Blinds teamed with made to measure Curtains for a luxurious design statement of your dreams. Continue the theme with accents of the colour palette you select on a statement wall or within your curated artwork choices. Unify your design throughout but take inspiration from your very own custom blinds.

Second way to fill space in the living room

Natural impact – large plants are best suited to being placed in otherwise redundant areas of the living room. Subtlety in terms of uplighting solutions or spotlights on your botanical treasures could increase the sense that you can fill space in the living room with ease – only adding to the sanctuary aesthetic you are trying to create. Always ensure your plants do not get too hot and so dry out, spoiling the effect.

Third way to fill space in the living room

Light the way – beautifully designed lighting can also create a statement of their very own – easily contributing to your plan to fill space in the living room without adding unattractive clutter. Mix up your lighting scheme with a selection of wall lights (soft uplighters), spotlights, floor lamps, table lamps and task lighting. Lighting choices can offer natural room division  – filling the space with a sense of zoning without adding too much in terms of physical furniture items.

Fourth way to fill space in the living room

Express yourself – let your creative juices flow and explore a pop of personality with your very own carefully curated art gallery on a feature wall in the living room. Complement your chosen interior design scheme with a range of family and/or travel photographs. You could also consider displaying a selection of your favourite art purchased over the years from artists you love. There is no better way to fill space in the living room by placing what is meaningful to you, your family and your friends at the very centre of this valuable social space.

Fifth way to fill space in the living room

Cosy corners abound – if you find you have significant space in one area of the room why not invest in creating a cosy corner for yourself and your hobbies? Install a book nook, an art space or a crafting zone for example. Fill space in the living room by accommodating all the things you love to do either by yourself or with family which you simply don’t have space for, in your bedroom. Beautiful home furnishings which you can switch-up every season can easily lend a sense of identity to this designated area.

Looking to fill space in the living room? Consult Blind Technique today

Is it time to fill space in the living room? We can help you do just that plus so much more.

• Contact us for friendly, professional advice.
• Visit our Eastcote Showroom.
• Book a Home Appointment with us.

The post 5 Ways to Fill Space in Your Living Room appeared first on Blind Technique.

Turns out they can also move from side to side. Is that necessary, you may be wondering? There are certainly good reasons to consider Vertical blinds over other blinds and curtains. For instance, they look elegant and chic. They add a touch of urbanity to any room. Yes, you can show the world what a sophisticate you are, by how you’ve dressed your windows. What more can you ask from Vertical blinds?

Plenty, probably. If you want more practical reasons as to why Vertical blinds are worthy of your consideration, read on.

Big windows, big doors – Vertical blinds are a must

Vertical blinds are ideal for patio, bifold or sliding doors. They make it so much easier to pass through the doors, and the blinds, when the louvres are open, especially if you go for the creme de la creme of verticals, Allusion blinds. You need never get tangled up in a blind or a curtain when simply trying to open your own big glass doors ever again.

And if you have a big beautiful window to admire your outside space from, Vertical blinds provide a striking dressing. With a variety of materials and colours, Vertical blinds make a stunning contribution to your decor.

What are Vertical Blinds: Private eyes, shaded eyes

You need light, but you also want privacy.

With Vertical blinds, you can position the louvres to the perfect angle to give you both light and privacy. This is because the louvres can be either turned or slid to where you want them. Other blinds, such as Romans and Rollers, and curtains too, tend to offer one extreme or the other.

Horizontal slats, such as the classic Venetian, can give you the same coverage. However,  they are also dust collectors. Vertical blinds simply won’t, can’t, collect dust the way Venetians do. They’re also a lot easier to clean compared to the more finicky Venetians, especially if you choose aluminium or wooden louvres.

Fabric louvres will take a little bit more care, but you may find they’re well worth it for that more subtle and softer look. Fabric louvres also don’t suddenly turn into wind chimes when faced with a breeze. If you have your glorious sliding doors open and are being delightfully shaded by your Vertical blinds, you may want to take the clatter of aluminium or wooden louvres into consideration.

Types of Vertical Blinds and Minding the pennies

We live in interesting times, and yet we can’t let that stop us from purchasing things we actually need. So what are Vertical blinds and are they cost-effective? Of course, the size of the window will determine the price. Vertical blinds also give great value for money due to their durability. Few children, and no pets, can withstand playing or hanging or swinging off blinds, and thankfully Vertical blinds can take it. The faux wood louvres are scratch-resistant, and the aluminium ones will bend back into shape. And if they do get more seriously damaged, rather than buying a whole new set of blinds, you need only replace the damaged louvres.

Vertical blinds can even be painted, so as your decor changes, so can your blinds. Can’t find the exact fabric? Paint and add stencils of your choosing, to create a truly individual and personal design for your home. You can also wallpaper your Vertical blinds, so you can dazzle friends, family and yourself as you allow light to come through what was surely your wall! Vertical blinds are incredibly versatile when it comes to enlivening your decor.

Tricks of the blinds

You may wish to enhance the size of a room, or the height of a window, by using Vertical blinds. However, it’s advised that you also be careful with this. What are Vertical blinds and can they help elongate a window, this trick can be overdone. No amount of louvres will turn a small square window into a tall elegant one, and it can look a little bit silly instead of bringing the elegance you were aiming for.

What are Vertical blinds, in and of themselves, and why can’t they help but be elegant? Who knew they could be so versatile too? You do now.

The post Types of Blinds: What Are Vertical Blinds? appeared first on Blind Technique.

As The BBSA confirms, since February 2014 all blinds sold in the UK must comply with child safety standards. This means they must not contain cords or chains or, if they do, they must be fitted with safety devices. The BBSA recommends that blinds which do not contain operating cords or chains or have concealed or tensioned cords are chosen when making blinds safe for children.

For more information, please visit the Make It Safe campaign run by the BBSA. The UK Government also offers these resources and The Child Accident Prevention Trust detail the stark risks.

Rest assured that at Blind Technique we make blinds safe for children by:

• Installing safe blinds to all homes regardless of whether children or babies are present or not
• Limiting cord and chain lengths on the safe blinds we install
• Including safety devices for preventing any cords or chains from creating a hazardous loop
• Providing safety warnings and instructions

When considering how to make blinds safe for children, at Blind Technique, all our products fall into three safety categories.

The categories to help make blinds safe for children are:

1. Products which are inherently safe – such as tensioned Pleated Blinds, spring controlled Roller Blinds, wand operated Vertical Blinds, Velux and Skylight blinds, Perfect-Fit Roller and Pleated Blinds, INTU Blinds, motorised products, crank operated blinds, Plantation Shutters, Awnings. These blind styles do not have any cords present which can form a hazardous loop.
2. Products which have inbuilt safety systems – like chain connectors which pull apart when a certain force is applied to prevent a loop being formed. Restrictions on cord or chain length and minimum distance from the floor once installed.
3. Products which have separate safety devices installed – examples include cord/chain tensions (cleats) to keep unsafe looped cords safe and away from children. Note that these devices can normally be retrofitted to existing blinds to make blinds safe for children.

Also know that the beauty of buying bespoke custom blinds is the ability to design the window blinds of your choice tailored to your exact requirements. Plus, motorisation operated by remote control or wall-mounted switch is also an option to help make blinds safe for children.

Practical tips to help keep blinds safe for children

1. Alert – know the risks in detail, provide constant adult supervision particularly around curious and energetic toddlers and always have your mobile phone to hand and fully charged
2. Aware – ensure children know and understand without question that window dressings are simply not toys and are also very expensive (can be) so please don’t touch
3. Access – keep cots, beds, sofas and highchairs away from your custom blinds so any cords or chains (if present) ae simply always out of reach
4. Area – create a designed play area within the home where all the toys are located to discourage young children from wandering off to find amusement elsewhere
5. Arrange – rethink the flow of the furniture in the dedicated play area. Should young children climb over furniture check they will still not be able to reach the window blinds. Ensure there are no spaces where the young children can’t be seen so that emergency intervention in the event of an accident is always possible as the seconds really count

Making blinds safe for children is all about achieving the optimal balance of safety, security, structure, style and of course – installing effective shading solutions.

Children’s Bedroom Blinds at Blind Technique

Did you know we offer fun character blinds for bedrooms, nurseries and playrooms which are child safe as we have outlined above?

How to Make Your Blinds Safe for Children – consult Blind Technique

• Check out more of our blog posts, try our inspiration page, review our FAQ’s
• Visit our Eastcote Showroom
• Book a FREE Home Appointment to find out more about how to make blinds safe for children

The post How To Make Your Blinds Safe for Children appeared first on Blind Technique.

Simple, yes?

No?

You don’t have uPVC window frames? You don’t see all you want and need from a blind in the Perfect Fit range?

Aren’t blackout blinds light blocking blinds?

Yes, they certainly are, and blackout blinds are the best light blocking blinds you’re likely to find. Blackout blinds will cut out all the light – as long as you hang them outside the recess. Or hang them inside the recess and have another blind or curtains outside the recess.

What kind of madness is this? Can’t a blind that’s actually marketed as a light blocking blind block all light?

Er, not quite. That is to say, not necessarily. The thing is, it depends.

Blackout blinds and curtains are made from blackout material. Light cannot get through this material. However, it can get around it, through the odd gap, maybe thanks to an odd lumpy wall or an unfortunately angled street lamp. And that’s why it can be preferable to have two window dressings rather than trying to tackle the very laws of physics, when you’re after light blocking blinds.

Why have two window dressings when I only need one?

You could be absolutely fine with just the one blind. By hanging the blind outside the window recess, you’ll achieve total coverage of the window. Hanging the blind inside the recess can’t help but leave a tiny gap on each side, as the blind’s mechanism will take up just a few millimetres. In this case, any blind made from blackout material will be a great light blocking blind … Minus lumpy walls that won’t let the blind lie straight or those odd angled street lights the counicl will charge you a couple of thousand pounds to move one foot to the left.

I need light blocking blinds because I need to block the light!

What’s that? You want light blocking blinds to actually block the light? (Which aren’t Perfect Fit?)

So we’re back to doubling up window treatments. It’s called ‘layering’ – does it help that it actually has its own name?

By having two different types of blinds, or a combination of blinds and curtains, you can have full flexibility in how much light and privacy you want and need. This is especially useful if you have a living room or bedroom that also has to double as an office. By having two window dressings, you can be flexible with the mood and look of your environment, for whatever you need it to be.

And if your rooms are free to be what they were originally designed for, having two window dressings will give you further options for insulation during the colder months, and help you to control the heat and glare in our ever increasingly hot summers.

It may sound like a lot, that you’re clutteirng up the space around your windows, but with the right choices for your space, not only can they succeed as light blocking blinds, they’ll also add a luxurious opulence to your room.

How do I choose two light blocking blinds when I don’t know how to choose one?!

With the job of light blocking no longer being the full responsibility of just one blind, I say you’re free to get whatever you want.

Do you want the luxury of Romans combined with the practicality of Venetians? No problem. How about indulging in the wide range of Rollers alongside the beauty of Shutters? A lot of people compliment their shutters with blackout blinds. You want shutters and your partner wants curtains? You can have the best of both worlds!

You’ll need to pay attention to your decor. You may wish to mix and match or pick textures and colours that compliment each other or provide contrast. That may be especially useful in a room that has two functions. Layering can help you define your space as and when you need it, giving it a different feel whenever you require it.

By layering, you’re not just guaranteeing the best light blocking blinds for your home. You’re making your home space work for you the way you want and need it to be.

The post The Best Light Blocking Blinds appeared first on Blind Technique.

Then one day a marketing executive started calling them ‘voiles’ and ‘sheer curtains’ and suddenly net curtains became acceptable, even fashionable, again. By the sheer magic of words, people suddenly saw the benefits of sheer curtains, as well as their softness, elegance and beauty.

So, apart from their loveliness, what are the benefits of sheer curtains?

An obvious benefit of sheer curtains – privacy and light

This isn’t rocket science. This is exactly why your Gran had sheer curtains.

One benefit of sheer curtains is that they diffuse the light while also giving you some privacy. That’s actually two benefits of sheer curtains. The more folds in the fabric, the more privacy you’ll have, as the extra folds add a little more density to the sheerness and makes it harder for any gawpers to see anything. The extra folds also give the sheer curtains their sense of flow and movement, adding a touch of serene elegance to their practicality.

However, this level of privacy is for daylight hours only. Come the night, when you turn a light on, anyone and anything in the room will be visible from the outside. Sheer curtains work best when partnered with a curtain made from a more substantial material or a blind. You may not be used to seeing sheer curtains with blinds, but it’s well worth discovering the best blinds sheer curtains can be paired with.

A useful benefit of sheer curtains – they’re compatible

You’re probably accustomed to the sight of sheer curtains with other curtains, ones made from a more opaque fabric. But sheer curtains can two-time with all manner of blinds too.

Roman blinds are always going to look stunning – as long as privacy isn’t an issue. Romans, like Rollers, can only give you complete privacy when completely closed. With sheer curtains, you can have your Romans, with their classic style, or Rollers, with their wide variety of fabrics, and still enjoy your privacy.

A surprising benefit of sheer curtains – they’re not just for windows

A sheer curtain can be surprisingly versatile. Need a canopy for the bed? Or perhaps a divider for a room, or to keep a storage area out of site. A sheer curtain can easily replace an interior door too – have you ever been in a place so small doors crash into each other if opened at the same time? Thanks to the adaptability of sheer curtains, you can increase your privacy in a small space, or create your own petite sanctuary in a much larger one.

Sheer curtains can also assist with other decor challenges. If an area is especially stark, such as a hallway or landing, a sheer curtain can’t help but bring a soft and comfy ambience.

A necessary benefit of sheer curtains – they protect

It’s not that we’re saying you need a mosquito net, it’s just that with bugs getting bigger and more, er, interesting, as an increasing number migrate to the warming shores of the UK, you really might need one. Whether it’s a sheer canopy around your bed, or a sheer curtain at the window, this could be a necessary investment to prevent all manner of nasty surprises when you’re trying to sleep.

This is how sheer curtains contribute to the wonder of Allusion blinds. Half louvres, half voile, Allusion blinds gives you control over your light and privacy, and allows you to have your bifold or sliding doors open without letting in all variety of stinging and buzzing insects.

And just because the fabric is sheer doesn’t mean it doesn’t protect from UV rays – it most certainly does. Sheer curtains will keep your furnishings, and yourself, unfaded over many a year. (This is actually only true of your furnishings.)

A helpful benefit of sheer curtains – they’re easy to handle and easy to clean

With sheer curtains being so light, they’re the easiest curtains to take down, pop into the wash, pop into the drier (depending on the fabric), and pop straight back up again. I’d say more about how easy they are to maintian, but that really is it.

Sheer curtains combine a soft look with protection. They’re versatile and bring a touch of glamour to any space. They’re no longer the mark of a time long passed. Sheer curtains will freshen up and lighten up your home.

The post The Benefits of Sheer Curtains For Your Home appeared first on Blind Technique.

Enter retractable terrace awnings, the truly flexible outdoor shading solution for both the residential and the commercial setting.

So just what are the reasons you should consider when thinking about installing retractable terrace awnings? Let your local blinds industry expert – Blind Technique, walk you through each one in this week’s blog.

Blind Technique – our top 12 reasons to install retractable terrace awnings

1. Optimise outdoor space during the favourable weather usually synonymous with the summer months
2. Benefit from effective wind and sun protection for you and your family as you dine al fresco
3. Increase privacy at home during such social gatherings so everyone can truly relax
4. Product durability – retractable terrace awnings are available in a wide range of fabrics all of which are offered fully protected and waterproof
5. Solar gain and heat glare control to ensure your outdoor dining experience (especially if your garden is south facing) is a comfortable one for all your friends and family
6. For effortless operation – retractable terrace awnings can be operated manually or you can choose the motorised option which could with quiet and reliable remote control
7. The attention to detail applied at Blind Technique – our retractable terrace awning components are thoroughly tested, gaining both CE and TÜV approval. This quality standard, every step of the way means that our retractable terrace awnings offer a long service life to our customers – even during periods of extreme weather conditions. Trust us, trust the product and trust the expert installation
8. The additional features on offer – all our retractable terrace awnings models can be equipped with wireless Sun and Wind sensors, LED lighting and remote controlled Tungsten Patio Heaters. At Blind Technique we hope that we have really thought of everything you could possibly need from your potential purchase of retractable terrace awnings
9. Temperature control from the shading provided by a retractable terrace awning means that not only are you cooled but the surface temperature of your deck or patio is too – a lot less uncomfortable to walk across the space in your bare feet!
10. Protection against sun faded furniture if your retractable terrace awnings are fully open in hot sunlight, situated above large patio doors or a set of bifold doors, for example
11. A beautiful, impactful, personal design statement naturally adding to the enjoyment of your home
12. Retractable terrace awnings are easy care. They don’t require maintenance as such but it is crucial that they are operated correctly every use. They need to be retracted only when dry and they are not to be left open during heavy rains or when experiencing strong winds.

Blind Technique also offer umbrellas and canopies in addition to retractable terrace awnings

Umbrellas – a versatile shading solution for both patios at home or pub gardens on the high street. Size-wise our umbrellas start at 3m(10 ft) width with up to a giant 10m (33ft) width available. There is a size to fit any space. We can flex on shape too with square, rectangular, octagonal (8 sided) and dodecagon (12 sided) possible to achieve.

Canopies – select a free-standing shading solution which is highly portable and can be sign-written with your bespoke advertising. A great choice for commercial applications such as pop-up venues. Canopies are available up to 6m width and 1.5m projection. You could also opt for colour co-ordinated hardware to any RAL colour.

For all your retractable terrace awnings needs – it can only be Blind Technique

• For more on awnings read What Are Awnings and Are They Right For My Home?
• Check out more of our blog posts, try our inspiration page, review FAQ’s
• Visit our Eastcote Showroom
• Book a FREE Home Appointment to discuss how installing one of our retractable terrace awnings could be the best decision you make all summer

The post Reasons To Install Retractable Terrace Awnings appeared first on Blind Technique.

So, when discovering how to make your room sleep friendly, Blind Technique propose our ideas here in just 3 steps.

Light

• The very first step to finding out how to make your room sleep friendly is to proactively manage your lux (light) levels – as your mind and body need a nightly visual cue that the day is coming to an end and the next natural event will be to get ready for sleep.
• Close your bedroom door routinely to improve the darkness in the room and for sound insulation purposes, plus privacy.
• Invest in quality window dressings to ensure your room becomes as dark as possible once your blinds or curtains (or both) are drawn. Roller Blinds and/or Roman Blinds coupled with made to measure Curtains can be an excellent choice plus consider the use of dimout fabric to maximise light control.
• Nightlights – use one to read before bed but sleep in total darkness if you can. For safety, use nightlights on the landing so you can see your way to the bathroom without turning on a main light.
• An eye mask helps you awaken gently in response to a pleasing (and not irritating) alarm sound so as to minimise a spike in stress as soon as you rise.
• Leave your phone alone al least one hour before bed as the blue light emitting from your small screen can disrupt your ability to fall asleep.

Heat

• The summer months can make for many a warm, uncomfortable night plus the odd heatwave so ensure you are as cool as possible during the night so that you find out just how to make your room sleep friendly.
• Think cool, breathable fabrics for your bedding made from natural fibres like cotton and linen.
• Silk pillowcases can offer a luxurious note to your sleep and can wick moisture away from your face.
• Cool your body before sleep with a winding down routine which could include a cool shower, a cool drink of water and even the use of your fridge to cool your pillowcase or your nightwear before use.
• Hot water bottles can be filled with cold water too – just take the same care as you would with hot liquid to avoid the risk of discomfort.
• Turn off all unnecessary gadgets at the power source to reduce the level of residual ambient heat in your bedroom at least an hour before you turn in.

Comfort

• Talking about comfort – think about the creation of draughts and the use of fans, as you need a cooling breeze to reduce your body temperature to aid restful sleep as you uncover how to make your room sleep friendly.
• If you can open a bedroom window safely during the night, consider putting it on the latch for security.
• Consider the use of a silent-operation fan on a bedside table, too.
• Avoid caffeine before bed and try a light evening meal during the summer to take the pressure off your digestion before sleep.
• Have a mental break from all your electronic devices to ensure your brain has time to relax before you rest for the night. If possible, house your PC/laptop in your home office, not your bedroom as you observe just how to make your room sleep friendly.
• Maintain good sleep hygiene discipline by going to bed and rising at the same times every day – weekdays and weekends. Your circadian rhythm (your 24 cycle which responds to light and dark) needs optimisation so that regular, restful sleep becomes a natural habit – so one of the best ways to achieve this is to maintain a regular sleep schedule. 8 hours is often suggested as the optimal duration for a quality night’s sleep.

How to Make Your Room Sleep Friendly – consult your local blinds industry expert – Blind Technique

• Check out more of our blog posts, try our inspiration page, review FAQ’s
• Visit our Eastcote Showroom
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But when it comes to which blinds are right for your home, you’ll be wanting to express yourself, show off your taste to the world, or maybe you just want something practical to keep the light out of your face. And you may have different needs for different rooms and spaces. So come with me into the world of not all blinds, just two different types of blinds, specifically Roman vs Venetian blinds, to discover which, out of those two, are the right blinds for your home. Otherwise, we’ll be here all day.

Romans vs Venetians aka beauty vs practicality

I’m not saying Venetian blinds aren’t beautiful, with their real wood or faux wood or shiny array of coloured aluminium slats. It’s just that Romans are Charlize Theron and Venetians are Cate Blanchet – Not that Charlize isn’t versatile, of course, she is! And Cate’s gorgeous, of course, she is! I’m just saying these two Hollywood blondes … This is a very bad metaphor. Romans are much more like Viola Davis and Venetians are also just like Viola Davis.

Romans are beautiful, adding a touch of class to any room, just like Viola Davis would should she ever pop in for a cuppa. And Venetians are incredibly versatile, just like EGOT winner Viola Davis.

Romans vs Venetians score: 1-1

Romans Blinds vs Venetian Blinds aka adaptability vs speciality

Venetians can do almost anything, in any room. Need some light while maintaining some privacy? Venetian slats can be positioned at the angle that best suits your needs for that moment. With Venetians being so perfect for a variety of spaces, should you even bother with Romans? Of course, you should, especially if you don’t have to be practical. Instead, you get to sit back and enjoy the sheer luxury of Roman blinds.

For instance, perhaps privacy isn’t an issue if the room in question isn’t overlooked. You may even want a clear view of whatever lies outside your window, in which case, Roman blinds may be the beauty you’re after. As Romans gather at the top of the window, they need not block any of your view, depending on how much room you have between the top of the window and the ceiling. A Roman installed closer to the ceiling will cover less if any of your window when the blind is fully opened. When closed, especially if the Roman blinds have been installed outside of the window’s recess, these revealing blinds can also act as blackout blinds, completely covering the window, allowing for total privacy and darkness for a good night’s sleep.

This is a rare occasion where the Venetian blinds are pipped at the post. With all the holes for the cord, pinholes of light will always find their way through. The cord can be replaced by tape, but the Romans still win the blackout challenge.

Roman Blinds vs Venetian Blinds score 3-2

Romans vs Venetians: Romans take a beating

The kitchen and the bathroom are two rooms where once again practicality will win. With the dampness, the heat, the steam, the moisture, and the oftentimes extreme swings between hot and cold, it’s Venetian blinds’ time to shine. Faux wood and aluminium slats are the most durable blind material out there, with aluminium being resistant to warping too. Venetians are also easier to clean, especially in an environment where creams, lotions and potions are routinely sloshed around the place.

In the battle of Roman Blinds vs Venetian Blinds, the score is now 3-3

Roman Blinds vs Venetian Blinds – a call for peace with the best of both worlds

When it comes to the best blinds for your home, it will depend on the room and how the space is used. Ideally, you can have the right blind for the right space. For instance, if you have a kitchen-diner arrangement, Romans are going to look cosy and stylish in the dining area, while the resilient Venetians do all the hard work in the kitchen. Hopefully, you’ll be able to let each blind, whether Venetian or Roman, play to its strength.

And there’s no reason why Romans and Venetians can’t get along and share the same recess. You can double up and have Venetians to control the light and Romans for the beauty and the blackout. That way you can enjoy the light, the privacy, and the blinds, any way you wish.

Roman Blinds vs Venetian Blinds final score 4-4. There will not be a rematch.

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