Roller Blind

Follow Up on the Roller Blinds
I promised you a follow-up write up on my roller blinds installation. Here it is ~
The "measurer" came 5 mornings ago and took the measurements of all the windows that needed the roller blinds. (I have er...... 13 panels to install, 7 alone are in my MBR).

Tip 1: - Accurate Measurement
Close all the windows when the measurement is taken. That will be more accurate. And, sweetly ask him to take the measurements in your presence so that you may verify it against your own measurements.

If you have a window ledge or bay window and you plan to place fixed cushion on it, factor that in for the height of the blinds.
PS: Roller Blinds and bay windows match like Lamb and Mint sauce.
If you want a more cozy look, choose Fabric or Silk Roller Blinds or the Panel Blinds. If you want to make the rooms "taller", use shutters blinds. I agreed that curtains and window ledges are like durian and blue cheese -- must be eaten SEPARATELY.

Most windows have 2 panels with a divider in the middle that is about width 2.5 cm, that make allowances for 2 roller blinds to be placed, side by side. The question is : how wide is that divider in your window? You may have to get thiner roller blinds (read:the more expensive type) so that light penetration is minimized. Measure that divider and ask the shop to recommend more choices to you. Do not let his limited stock cramp your style.

Tip 2: - Minimize Gaps in L Section
The way to minimize the gap in between a L section is to reverse the roller blinds that are 90 degrees to each other --- think clockwise and anti-clockwise.

But I did not do that because it is UGLY.
I have chosen to have all the rolls in same direction so that it is more uniform. My reasoning is --- I only use the blinds in the morning so that the morning glare can be reduced and Mrs Piggy me can sleep a little more.
Most of the times, I usually lift the blinds to see the views outside. So, please choose what is important to your lifestyle (read my previous post on FUNCTION) and make the calculated decision, best suited for your needs, okay?

Tip 3: - To invest or not....
Silly me wanted no problem after installation so I bought a higher than necessary brand (Solaris - usually used in commercial buildings). I am told that the "WHITE color" blind materials for this brand does not discolor easily in the strong UV light and the pulley system inside is very very sturdy. I also plan to bring it along with me, when I move house again - that was why I invested in a better than average brand.

But you dont have to get so high end type, JUST do not buy the cheapest one either. On average, Roller Blinds ranges in prices from S$800 to S$3,000 for a HDB 5 room's windows.
I would say something around S$1,500 would be fair and reasonable and that should get you an average Japanese brand quality.

Tip 4: - Love your Country !
There are 2 types of Roller Blinds's mechanism -- I bought the type that raises like a flag because that kind of mechanism can last you decades. Motorized is nice to have but not necessarily for daily home use. Remember --- simple things always last longer than fanciful ones.

You can check out these shops in Tanjong Katong Complex -- Cheap and good is Jimmy & Average Joe is J&S. I bought mine from an IMM shop (no GST -- ) - H.M Deco. Call Peter : 98821497

Always pay for a good pulley system - Insist on "Made in Japan" or "Made in Germany/UK". Korean brands are coming up but I tried pulling Korean pulleys in these shops and I find that it is not as smooth as the Japanese pulleys when you pull UP. Letting down is the same but pulling up is a bit of struggle for the Koreans.

Tip 5: - Blind materials

There are many variations out there. Many colors to choose from, many degree of black out (Ranging from 50% to 100%), many texture (PVC, Silk, Fabric, Vinyl) and many patterns (plain to very arty-farty ones). When choosing the right type, remember the word, ACE.

A - Affordability : Latest trendy materials are often more expensive.
C - Coordination : Make sure it does not clash with the other styles in the room.
E - Effectiveness : Does it effectively achieve your function/purpose/goal/look ?


Okay, GOOD LUCK to all of you. Remember, Window Dressing is very important - it sets the mood for the room.

--- let me hear all of you say it, loud and clear ------
Yes, "Stay Happy and Enjoy Life".

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d. Roller blinds

The simple things in life are often the best, and nowhere is this clearer than with roller blinds. The design of the roller blind hasn’t really changed since its beginning — it’s still fabric wrapped around a roller — but new technology has resulted in a wider choice of fabrics and materials and increased sophistication of the roller mechanisms (which range from the standard roller to a mechanized, remote-controlled type). Roller blinds can be made to fit almost any size window and can be custom made in a fabric to suit virtually any decor. Roller blinds are also available in new UV-resistant materials. Roller blinds are relatively easy to maintain but offer little in the way of insulation.


(And this is what I installed. I will let you know in 2 weeks’ time how the workmanship is).