How to clean your roller blinds.

Tips and tricks for cleaning your indoor blinds.

If you have chosen the sleek, clean lines of roller blinds for your home — you’ve made a great choice! Roller blinds look great in every room, adding a minimalist and modern feel to your space.

But how do you keep your roller blinds looking clean? While these durable blinds are suited to high-traffic areas and are extremely low-maintenance, over time some stains or dirt patches may start to appear.

Depending on the type of stain and the material of your blinds, there are different methods of cleaning them. Here are a few of our tried and tested ways for maintaining and restoring the cleanliness of roller blinds. That way, you can continue to enjoy their blind-ing beauty.

Why should you clean your roller blinds?

Roller blinds are a highly appealing and functional form of window covering. As they are often used in high-traffic areas such as kitchens and bathrooms, they can become dirty after a while. Keeping them clean will maintain their lustre and have them working as they should. Thankfully, roller blinds are extremely easy to care for, and only require a spot clean for most marks and stains.

How to clean roller blinds.

When it comes to cleaning roller blinds, you have to be mindful of the type of fabric you’re working with, along with the severity of the stain. Most roller blinds can be cleaned easily with a duster or vacuum. Sometimes, however,  hard-to-remove stains such as dirt, makeup, bugs, and mould can leave a lasting mark that requires further attention.

Most manufacturers warn against using strong detergents and solvents, or scrubbing your blinds because it can damage the coating of the fabric, crease it or disfigure it altogether. Generally, a hand clean with a warm, damp cloth, is all that’s needed to keep roller blinds blemish-free. 

Whether you just want to do a quick touch-up or a deeper clean of your blinds, the following methods should prove effective in keeping them looking brand new.

1. Use a cloth or vacuum

For most light stains, dust, or hand marks, using a duster or soft lint-free cloth, or the dusting brush nozzle of your vacuum cleaner will do the trick. A white eraser can often be effective for removing hand marks too! Just remember to do it gently. 

Roller blinds that are coated or have a glossy surface, may also tolerate a damp cloth or sponge without any risk of discolouration. Using warm water with mild laundry detergent, spot-test an inconspicuous part first – and if it’s safe, simply dip your cloth or sponge and ring it out, before gently buffing away at the stain. Wait to let the blind dry completely before rolling it back up, as you may run the risk of mould developing if it remains damp. You can always use a hairdryer on the lowest heat setting to speed up the drying process.

For dust build-up, simply use a vacuum with the upholstery attachment. With blinds fully extended, hold the end taught toward you as you work the vacuum nozzle from bottom to top.

It’s recommended to vacuum your roller blinds at least once a month to keep them free of dust and dirt build-up.

2. Deep cleaning for stain removal

To remove tough stains from your roller blinds, a more invasive method of cleaning may be required—however, we do recommend the use of warm-soapy water rather than any commercial chemicals.

Depending on the stain and the fabric of your blinds, you may attempt spot-treating using a stain remover. Following the directions as outlined on the stain removal product, spot test first – then apply to the blemish and gently scrub using an old toothbrush.

You can then follow with a cloth soaked in warm soapy water and apply as needed.

If you are unsure what material your blinds are made of, or what type of stain remover can be used, contact your blind’s manufacturer and follow their instructions for safe stain removal.

3. Removing mould from roller blinds

Mould on blinds is common, particularly if they are suspended over a drafty window susceptible to condensation or within a damp or humid environment. Sometimes mould can appear if a window was accidentally left open during a rainstorm and didn’t have the chance to completely dry.

If you have noticed mould on your blinds, the best course of action is to dismantle them from your window and take them to a dry cleaner for professional removal.

If the mould growth is minor, you can try spot cleaning where necessary by gently scrubbing with a toothbrush. Once cleaned, hang on a drying rack to fully air dry before re-assembling.

There are also commercial mould removers available that you can use to treat mould and mildew on your blinds. Always read the label to ensure it’s safe to use on roller blinds or fabrics before using.

What next?

If you’re in need of some inspiration, visit our gallery or Instagram page for ideas and real-life photos from our customers.  Once you’ve decided which product you prefer, make use of our free fabric samples. They will allow you to see and feel the fabrics before selecting the one you like best.

So, if you’ve got a home that could benefit from a refresh, let us help you! The DIY process is easy to follow, and it will make a world of difference to your home, we promise.

Need some help? You can either Contact our customer service team or book in a free design consultation with me.

Thanks for reading!
Cheers, 

Mike Gubby. 

Here’s why sheer curtains are perfect for all styles of homes.

Sheer curtains can complement many different aesthetics. Whether you want to achieve a crisp modern style, a vintage theme or a contemporary and practical style, sheer curtains can enhance your rooms.

With sheer curtains in place, you can let in the light throughout the day while remaining comfortable within your home. Sheer curtains are one way you can express your style. If you are unsure whether sheer curtains are the best window treatment for you, it’s worth considering the benefits. Here are eight reasons why you might like to choose sheer curtains for your home.

Installing sheer curtains yourself is easy with iSeekBlinds. We’ll guide you through the process, from fabric selection to final installation.

Maintain privacy in your home with sheer curtains.

Sheer curtains create a sense of privacy indoors. Sheer curtains can create privacy in rooms facing the road or where neighbours may have visibility. Blockout roller blinds or curtains prevent neighbours from looking in at night. However, during daylight hours, you may want to benefit from natural light.

Sheer curtains have transparency that allows natural light to fill a room while preventing anyone outside from seeing in. With sheer curtains, you maintain privacy within your home during daylight hours whilst ensuring you benefit fully from natural light. At night, you’ll still need blinds or blockout curtains to create privacy — the sheer privacy effect applies when it’s brighter outdoors than inside.

Create a soft light profile in spaces for rest and work.

In Australia, the summer sun can be bright, making it very difficult to view screens or read newspapers, magazines or books. Sheer curtains soften the light as it enters, enabling you to go about your day without the harsh glare of the sun.

If you are working from home, sheer curtains can soften the light in your study or workspace so you can see your screen more easily. The beauty of sheers is that they filter the light, enabling natural light to illuminate your face during those video calls.

Create gentle waves to add movement.

Sheer curtains are more dynamic than transparent blinds. S-fold curtains add vibrancy and motion to a room. Sheer curtains with generous fullness will create elegant waves that grace the window space.

A wall of sheer curtains can add elegance while still allowing architectural features to show through. This style is perfect for covering a sliding door entrance or simply creating a striking effect along a stretch of wall space.

Sheer curtains are perfect for layering

When you need your window treatment to perform multiple functions, the best way to achieve this is to layer curtains or combine curtains with blinds.

Sheer curtains can be paired with blockout curtains to achieve a layered, luxurious look. This style is perfect for bedrooms and formal living areas.

For contemporary living spaces, try layering sheer curtains with external or internal roller blinds. Combining block-out blinds with sheers will allow you to darken the room at night and enjoy privacy during the day.

Sheer curtains add a stylish finishing touch to your interior.

Sheer curtains create a sense of softness and delicacy that a bare window space doesn’t have. Whether you choose a patterned or plain fabric, you can highlight your windows and add texture with sheer curtains.

Dark-coloured sheer curtains can provide contrast in a modern room or office space. Dark-coloured transparent fabric will provide visual contrast while creating an indoor environment that’s suitable for viewing screens. Dark sheer curtains with S-fold tracks are a modern twist on more traditional curtains, bringing softness while creating visual flow.

You can achieve elegance in every room by keeping your sheer curtains simple. Let the curtains fall gracefully to the floor in an even S-fold style, without tiebacks or frills, for a tasteful result.

Protect interior items from fading with sheer curtains.

Hanging sheer curtains in bedrooms and living spaces can help to protect your interior decor from fading in the sunlight. Sheer curtains soften the natural light, so the full force of sunlight doesn’t hit your furniture, flooring, cushions and throws.

Link your outdoor and indoor spaces.

Natural-coloured sheer curtains can create a seamless flow from outside to inside, perfect for those summer evenings or warm afternoons. Curtains don’t have to hang at the window height. You can hang sheer curtains above the window or even from the ceiling to add length. Hanging curtains higher adds the illusion of vertical space

Sheer curtains can bring romance into your home.

Last, sheer curtains provide a touch of whimsy and romance that you can’t achieve with standard blinds. Whether you choose natural coloured fabric or darker colours, the softness of sheer curtains will complement soft nighttime lighting or morning sun.

Choosing high-quality, custom-made sheer curtains can transform the ambience of your home. You can even install S-fold sheer curtains yourself for a DIY transformation of your living spaces.

What next?

If you’re in need of some inspiration, visit our gallery or Instagram page for ideas and real-life photos from our customers.  Once you’ve decided which product you prefer, make use of our free fabric samples. They will allow you to see and feel the fabrics before selecting the one you like best.

So, if you’ve got a home that could benefit from a refresh, let us help you! The DIY process is easy to follow, and it will make a world of difference to your home, we promise.

Need some help? You can either Contact our customer service team or book in a free design consultation with me.

Thanks for reading!
Cheers, 

Mike Gubby. 

You don’t need architraves to install roller blinds. Just pretend you do.

So, you need new roller blinds, and to maximise the blockout result you want to outside-mount them. But wait! You have square-set windows with no architraves. Whatever will you do? 

The trick to measuring for an outside-mounted roller blind when you have no architraves is to pretend you do. It’s that simple. Let me explain 

Measuring the width

A single roller blind bracket needs at least 20mm of flat surface to be mounted safely,  so what we like to do is place a piece of masking tape on the plaster at least 20mm from where the window starts on each side. Stand back and take a look. “Hmmmm” you say, “I’d like it to be further out.” That’s ok, just move the tape. 

When you order with us, the width you provide is the bracket-to-bracket measurement and the fabric always starts anywhere from 15mm to 18mm inside the brackets on each side. 

So knowing this, you could for example measure the window opening, and add an extra 30mm to each side. Then come installation time, you will have approximately 15mm of fabric overlapping the window on each side. 

However – there is one critical piece of advice to remember here …

When measuring your width, choosing 30mm on either side is all well and good, but you need to ensure that there are timber studs at this location. Your blind brackets must be installed into timber studs for support—not just screwed into the plasterboard. Therefore, when calculating your blind width, locate your studs with a stud finder prior to taking your measurements.  This will give you the best, and safest, end result once you come to install it. 

Measuring the drop 

Your drop (the height of your blind) is simply the distance between where you want the roller blind to start, to where you want the bottom rail to sit when the blind is down. Keep in mind you can add a little more to the drop if you want to be safe but you cannot make a blind longer after it has been manufactured.

Choosing the roll direction

An outside-mounted roller blind is always best made in the back-rolled position. Not sure what this means? A back-roll will roll towards the wall or window and drop down from underneath, close to the wall or window surface. If it’s front rolled, it will roll from the top over the front (find info on this in our Product Specifications here).  

The reason we use a back-roll position for an outside-mounted roller blind is to bring the fabric closer to the window opening, reducing the light gaps and increasing the insulation benefits. This does leave the roll visible though and not everyone likes that look. Not to worry, you can add a Pelmet 95 and this will hide the visible roll. The pelmet works particularly well with square set windows as it frames the window where the architrave normally would.

Motorise your roller blinds

Motorisation is the cherry on top of your gorgeous clean-lined windows! There will be no chains hanging down, keeping your square-set windows nice and neat. At the touch of a button, all of your blinds can raise up or come down, or you can connect them to your home automation system and operate them via voice control.

Find out more about our Automation options here. 

My 5 top measuring tips

Remembering these top tips will make measuring and installing your blinds that much easier:

• Always use a steel tape measurer for accuracy. Make sure the tape measure is straight and tight when you take your measurements.  
• Always measure in millimetres (mm).
• Remember to locate your studs, and measure from their location for a secure installation.
• All blinds over 1800 mm wide should be ordered with a spring assist (for chain-driven operation).  This will ensure your blinds glide smoothly up and down with minimal effort and will limit wear and tear on the components.
• Consider finishing off your blind with a Pelmet 95.  Not only will it look great, but it will also hide the tube, and stop dust from collecting on top of the blind. 

What next?

If you’re in need of some inspiration, visit our gallery or Instagram page for ideas and real-life photos from our customers.  Once you’ve decided which product you prefer, make use of our free fabric samples. They will allow you to see and feel the fabrics before selecting the one you like best.

So, if you’ve got a home that could benefit from a refresh, let us help you! The DIY process is easy to follow, and it will make a world of difference to your home, we promise.

Need some help? You can either Contact our customer service team or book in a free design consultation with me.

Thanks for reading!
Cheers, 

Mike Gubby. 

A how-to guide for cleaning common curtain types.

Taken the plunge and invested in some new curtains? Considering buying some new curtains and wondering what kind of curtains are the easiest to keep clean? Curtains are a huge part of the look and feel of your home, and even though they are not an item you might think requires regular cleaning, treating them well and giving them some TLC, will keep them looking fresh and beautiful for many years to come. 

In this handy guide, we are going to go into the finer points of how to clean your curtains, and then provide you with some advice on what styles of curtains will work best for your home.

Looking for high-quality curtains? Curtains from iSeekBlinds are your first choice for premium Australian-made curtains. Contact our friendly team today to discuss your options or to ask questions. 

Cleaning your blackout curtains.

Blackout curtains are an obvious choice for many homeowners who want to enjoy privacy and a reduction in sunlight, without compromising on the style and aesthetic appeal of a high-quality curtain. Blackout, or blockout, curtains are named because they eliminate sunlight from a room by the nature of their construction.

Many blackout curtains are made from thick fabric and have a durable acrylic coating on the back to achieve maximum insulation. Some blackout curtains are not able to be machine washed, and so require hand washing instead. 

Cleaning blackout curtains requires a gentle approach:

• Get a gentle fabric cleaning solution or some diluted sugar soap. Soak a foam sponge in the mixture and then wring it out well.
• You can either spot clean or give your curtains a full going-over if you prefer.
• For a full clean, start from the top of each curtain, wiping the front and back of the curtains, ensuring you focus on any areas where the curtains touch the floor as these spots will be particularly dirty.
• Keep the bucket of cleaning solution fresh by changing it whenever it looks dirty. You don’t want to undo all of your hard work by smearing dirt onto your clean curtains!
• Depending on what type of curtain fabric you have, you may be able to pop your curtains in the wash — ensuring they are on a very gentle setting and low temperature.
• Speak to one of our friendly team about washing your blackout curtains to find out what will work best for you.

Cleaning your sheer curtains.

Sheer curtains add style, elegance, and aesthetic appeal to any living space or formal area. A sheer curtain is not going to add a whole lot of privacy, but what it lacks in privacy it makes up for in appeal. Sheers are a great addition to an existing blockout curtain where you want to provide daytime privacy without blocking out a view or sunlight. Many people choose to put sheer curtains on the second level of their home facing out to a view, or to their backyard. You may also want to combine a sheer curtain with a blind or other more private option. That way, you can enjoy a sheer curtain when you want one but also benefit from more seclusion when you need it. 

Cleaning your sheer curtains is a fairly straightforward task, provided you are able to machine wash them on a delicate setting. Otherwise, a spot clean or hand wash is a safer, more gentle option. 

Here are our top tips: 

• Hand washing is the safest option for sheers, as the fabrics are often quite delicate. 
• If machine washing your sheer curtains, opt for a cool or cold wash and use the most gentle setting possible.
• Do not leave your curtains too long between washes. Dirt and dust will build up on the fabric and the natural oils present in the dirt will begin to break down the delicate fabric.
• Set yourself a reminder on a calendar or make a note to wash curtains once every four-to-six months. That way your sheer curtains always look their best.
• Do not tumble dry your sheer curtains — use a flat or line drying method and ensure you take your curtains out of the machine as soon as they are done.

Cleaning your curtain tracks.

Cleaning curtain tracks is commonly known as the bane of any cleaner’s existence. These pesky grooves often accumulate a range of dust and debris and it is difficult to get the right tool to clean your curtain tracks. We have a range of suggestions:

• Buy some large pipe cleaners from your local fabric store and bend these into the shape of your curtain tracks to really get a good clean.
• Make up a mixture of diluted gentle detergent and dip the pipe cleaner into the solution to dislodge any stubborn dirt.
• Use a dry pipe cleaner to go over the curtain tracks again to ensure you haven’t missed any areas.
• Again, as with any other cleaning job, it is important to stay on top of cleaning your curtain tracks. That way you won’t find yourself with a far bigger job than you can tackle

How to clean different curtain fabrics

Curtains made from a durable fabric are going to prove easiest to clean and will last the longest – but provided that you take care of sheer curtains well, they are going to provide you with years of enjoyment.

There are so many different curtain fabrics out there; the best way to know what works for you is to speak to someone in our team today about what kind of curtains you need and then go from there.

What next?

If you’re in need of some inspiration, visit our gallery or Instagram page for ideas and real-life photos from our customers.  Once you’ve decided which product you prefer, make use of our free fabric samples. They will allow you to see and feel the fabrics before selecting the one you like best.

So, if you’ve got a home that could benefit from a refresh, let us help you! The DIY process is easy to follow, and it will make a world of difference to your home, we promise.

Need some help? You can either Contact our customer service team or book in a free design consultation with me.

Thanks for reading!
Cheers, 

Mike Gubby. 

—

What are the best blinds for wide windows, sliding doors, bi-fold and stacking doors?

Have you got wide windows, sliding doors or bi-fold doors and you’re just not sure what the best window covering solution is? It can be tricky to work out what will work best over these openings, yet still give you the ease of access that you require. 

Sliding, bi-fold and stacking doors allow you to enjoy the best of the outdoors without compromise. You can open doors up and enjoy seamless access to a verandah or outdoor area, but also close them to enjoy protection from the elements with an unobstructed view.

• The style of blinds that you choose will depend on the size and access to your doors and windows and what type of opening you have.
• A popular choice for many homeowners is to invest in a fixed single roller blind in a blackout fabric, as it allows you to adjust the level of light that you allow in.
• Linked roller blinds are our favourite choice and can be adapted to fit practically any style of door or window configuration. Linked roller blinds are especially suited to wide windows, sliding doors, bi-fold doors or stacking doors. 

New Single Roller Blind options now available for windows wider than 3000mm

Mike has come up with a perfect solution for those wider windows, particularly in bedrooms, that would be more suitable for a single blind than a linked blind format to ensure 100% light block capability.  Using a special sun bloc fabric, you can now order blinds wider than 3000mm.  The roller blind featuring in this video is 3360mm in width.

It is recommended to operate these blinds with a Motor control due to their weight, and make it an effortless solution for your windows.  Our battery operated motors are easy to install and an affordable motorised option for everyone.  

And how gorgeous is the result when a blockout roller blind is paired with a ceiling mounted Sheer Curtain, giving the room an elevated sense of height and a soft and gentle finish.

Not currently available to order on the website, if this is an option you might be considering, book a FREE 30 minute video consultation with Mike to discuss your requirements.

How do Linked Roller Blinds work?

Linked Blinds allow you to follow the flow of your sliding doors, bi-fold and stacking doors, or wide windows whilst offering multiple options for functionality over an exit door. These roller blinds enable you to place blinds side by side, keep control chains clear of the centre and reduce the gap between the blinds with easy-link linking brackets. The Easy-Link system has been designed to allow for individual or multiple blinds to be controlled using a single motor or chain control operation. The intermediate brackets reduce the gap between blinds from 35 mm to just 19 mm, ideal for greater light control & privacy. 

What kind of fabric should I choose for my blinds?

You can choose from any of our fabrics when designing blinds for sliding doors, bi-fold doors and stacking doors.

• Blockout roller blinds offer the best thermal and privacy control (think keeping out the hot sun in summer and prying eyes at night time). 
• Light Filter roller blinds will gently diffuse the natural light and reduce glare, whilst providing a good level of privacy.
• Sunscreen blinds are ideal for filtering bright daylight, retaining your view of the outside yet also offering daytime privacy. 

Layout options for wide windows and sliding door blinds.

Our linked layouts give you the option to link up to 2 blinds, depending upon your requirements. These blinds are placed alongside each other across the window up to a maximum width of 6,000 mm.  If you require more than 2 blinds in a link Layout, book a FREE video call with Mike to discuss your options to link up to 4 blinds across your windows.

Add the finishing touch to your sliding door blinds.

Want to install outside-mounted roller blinds, but you don’t want to see the tube and reverse side of the fabric? Our Pelmet 95 is the perfect solution. 

Sleek, subtle yet distinguished, this roller blind pelmet offers a contemporary look and sits over the top of the roll tube, protecting your roller blinds from dust whilst hiding the roll tube. This blind pelmet is the ideal finishing touch to outside-mounted, back-rolled blinds (please note: it can’t be added to front-rolled blinds). 

Available in lengths up to 4.8 meters long (4800 mm), your blind pelmet can be butt joined together for wider widths if required. This means you can use a “common pelmet” to cover several blinds, making it a fantastic choice for sliding doors and large windows. Available in three colours, you’re sure to find the right match for your blinds and your interior.

How do I order a roller blind pelmet?

Simply add the pelmet to your roller blinds as you proceed through the order process online. You will be given the option to add a pelmet if your blinds meet the correct specifications (outside mounted and back-rolled). 

What next?

If you’re in need of some inspiration, visit our gallery or Instagram page for ideas and real-life photos from our customers.  Once you’ve decided which product you prefer, make use of our free fabric samples. They will allow you to see and feel the fabrics before selecting the one you like best.

So, if you’ve got a home that could benefit from a refresh, let us help you! The DIY process is easy to follow, and it will make a world of difference to your home, we promise.

Need some help? You can either Contact our customer service team or book in a free design consultation with me.

Thanks for reading!
Cheers, 

Mike Gubby. 

Seven handy tips for decorating with Plantation Shutters.

Plantation shutters are perfect for open plan living areas, living rooms, kitchens and even wet areas of your home. Plantation shutters not only give you a beautiful result, but they also help you to achieve better energy efficiency within your home.

Our plantation shutter kits are easy to DIY install — so you get the classic style you’re after without a the hefty price tag!

If you’re new to plantation shutters, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll tell you why we love them and share ideas on how to style your plantation shutters — here are just a few to inspire you.

1. Easy, breezy style that suits any home.

Plantation shutters are an ideal window treatment for Australian homes. Their tropical style suits our climate and outdoor lifestyle and brings a strong architectural aesthetic to both the inside and outside of the home.

Plantation shutters offer the ultimate in flexibility, giving you options to control the amount of light, air and heat entering your room, along with the level of privacy you require.   

When the blades are open, plantation shutters allow air and light to flow through your home – great for those lovely summer days! And you can capture cooling breezes at night whilst still retaining privacy by tilting the blades to the angle you require.

2. Put shutters on every window in the room.

Plantation shutters are a great choice for any room of the home but are especially suited to living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms and laundries.  

Installing shutters on each window in a room ensures consistency and design flow. Each shuttered room will feel complete, cohesive and full of character, and look beautiful too!

Plantation shutters are also a smart choice for those with pets — when you tilt shutters to let the light in, they’ll still prevent your pets from seeing passers-by and breaking the quiet. Or better still, design your shutters with a split tilt, so you can have the top open and the bottom closed.

3. Combine shutters with curtains or drapes.

Shutters are extremely versatile and the perfect partner for other window treatments. So remember, you aren’t limited to just one type of window treatment on your windows!

Plantation shutters don’t completely block out the light. If you’re planning to add them to bedroom windows, you’ll need blackout curtains as well. Ceiling-mounted blackout curtains work well with plantation shutters, allowing easy access to the windows and darkening the room at night.

For older homes with 1950’s style windows, plantation shutters can add architectural shape and modern style. In living areas, adding curtains alongside shutters brings softness. You can even pair plantation shutters with sheer curtains. With the shutters tilted and windows open, sheer curtains provide movement and beauty to your room.

4. Enhance the size of the room.

One of the best things about plantation shutters is that your room will feel both cosy and spacious — a perfect combination!

Brilliant white plantation shutters ensure light enters and bounces around the room while providing privacy. With plantation shutters in place, you may find you don’t require as much overhead lighting.

Using lamps in your shuttered rooms makes the rooms feel larger. An expansive sense of space matters, especially if you spend more time indoors in smaller homes and apartments. 

5. Coordinate furniture and decor.

Our PVC plantation shutters are a brilliant white, designed to brighten and open any room. The plantation shutters’ timeless style will pair neatly with your prints, paintings, curtains and decor.

Whether you have a minimalist or Hamptons-style interior, or a more decorative one, plantation shutters can match any style or colour scheme.

Shutters can be a feature element in the room. You can hang artwork alongside the shutters for a tasteful, well-lit display that seamlessly coordinates with your throws, cushions and furniture. 

6. Use plantation shutters in wet areas or storage areas.

The best part about having plantation shutters custom-made is that you can install them anywhere to complete the style of your home.

Our PVC plantation shutters are popular for wet areas of your home, such as the laundry, bathroom or kitchen. Unlike wooden plantation shutters, these sturdy shutters are resistant to humidity and moisture. You can make a strong design statement even in these functional rooms!

You can even extend your plantation shutters to storage areas within your home. For example, you might use plantation shutters to hide an open laundry or wardrobe. Plantation shutters can also fill a void in a wall, breaking up an open-plan space with multiple purposes.

7. Less is more when it comes to panel layout.

Having your plantation shutters custom-made means you can select the exact layout that will enhance your windows. If you aren’t sure what to choose, always opt for the least complex design!

The first step in selecting your panel layout is to follow the window. Following the window will ensure all your windows open seamlessly to let in the fresh air, and your room will have a natural flow.

When selecting your panel layout, consider how the shutters will look from both inside and outside your home. An uncomplicated panel layout will provide the most aesthetically pleasing exterior to give you the full style benefits! Use our handy panel layout chart to guide you, and of course refer to our how-to-measure videos too for more tips and tricks.

What’s next?

If you’re in need of some inspiration, visit our gallery or Instagram page for ideas and real-life photos from our customers.  Once you’ve decided which product you prefer, make use of our free fabric samples. They will allow you to see and feel the fabrics before selecting the one you like best.

So, if you’ve got a home that could benefit from a refresh, let us help you! The DIY process is easy to follow, and it will make a world of difference to your home, we promise.

Need some help? You can either Contact our customer service team or book in a free design consultation with me.

Thanks for reading!
Cheers, 

Mike Gubby. 

Bedroom curtains and blinds are essential for privacy and a good night’s sleep.

We all know that beautiful bedrooms lead to a good night’s sleep. And what’s on your windows makes a huge difference!

Window coverings in any bedroom have two essential functions:

• For peaceful rest, you need to darken the room and keep the room at a steady temperature overnight.
• You also need to ensure you have ample privacy from the outside world.

Plus, it’s a bonus if your windows look great too!  Whether you only use the bedroom for sleep, or your children’s bedooms double as a play or study space, your choices will make all the difference to how the room feels, functions, and serves your needs. 

Below we go through some of the options for bedroom blinds and curtains, to hopefully make your decision easier. 

Bedroom blind solutions

Blockout roller blinds will provide you with a darkened room while taking up minimal space, making them the perfect choice for a minimalist style. Bedroom roller blinds can be single roller blinds that when open, allow full visibility and sunlight to enter during the day. Double roller blinds in bedrooms offer the flexibility of two blinds so you can maintain daytime privacy yet still receive natural light during the daytime.

We recommend face-fitting (or outside mounting) your bedroom blinds on your window frame, to maximise light-blocking in your space. This way, the roller blind covers all of the glass, preventing those strips of light that occur when the roller blind is mounted inside the window recess. 

And if you dream of being able to let the sunlight flood into your room without getting out of bed, then we can help! Upgrade to modern luxury with motorised blinds. Connect the system with your existing devices, and “Hey, Siri”, you’re ready to go. 

Darken and decorate with bedroom curtains

Curtains are the most traditional way to reduce light in your bedrooms, and there are good reasons why they are still so popular today. 

Blockout curtains can stand alone, or be layered with sheer curtains for optimal effect. Layering sheer curtains with heavier drapes will provide privacy during the day and darkness at night — perfect for guest rooms or main bedrooms. Curtains can also be installed floor-to-ceiling, and wall-to-wall, giving you maximum coverage and ensuring that no pesky light sneaks through when you’re trying to sleep. 

Our free fabric samples allow you to see and touch the fabrics before you order so you can choose the one that’s best for you. Plus, our S-fold curtains come ready to install with everything you need to set them up.

Plantation shutters for bedrooms

Plantation shutters are a very popular window dressing that adds particular kerb appeal to any family or holiday home.

Whilst plantation shutters block the majority of light entering a room, it’s best to think of them as “room darkening” rather than full blockout. You will need to accept some light filtering through between the blades, even when they are closed. If you want to avoid all light, you can either layer blockout curtains over the top of your shutters which you can draw closed at night; or, if you have the depth in your window recess, you can install a blockout roller blind behind your shutters for the maximum light block. 

If you’re looking for ways to style your shutters, our gallery has inspiration from our customers. iSeekBlinds plantation shutters are easy to install and easy to maintain. All you need to do is wipe them down from time to time to keep them looking their best.

What next?

If you’re in need of some inspiration, visit our gallery or Instagram page for ideas and real-life photos from our customers.  Once you’ve decided which product you prefer, make use of our free fabric samples. They will allow you to see and feel the fabrics before selecting the one you like best.

So, if you’ve got a bedroom that could benefit from a refresh, let us help you! The DIY process is easy to follow, and it will make a world of difference to your home, we promise.

Need some help? You can either Contact our customer service team or book in a free design consultation with me.

Thanks for reading!
Cheers, 

Mike Gubby. 

Motorise and automate your roller blinds with ease.

Several years ago, we were thrilled to be one of the first in Australia to bring motorised blinds to the online DIY market. Motorised roller blinds are extremely popular as they bring ease and convenience to everyday living. However, many of us are now choosing to take the extra step and automate our blinds via a home automation system. This integration creates the ultimate in convenience and luxury—hello smart blinds! —enabling us to use voice control or set up personalised routines via scenes and timers.

Smart blinds are the way of the future and easily within your reach. In this article we explain the benefits of integrating your blinds with your smart home system, how to go about it and how we can help.

What are the benefits of smart home automation?

Convenience, comfort, safety and energy management top the list as the most desired benefits of smart home automation.

Increased savings with reduced energy consumption

By motorising your blinds and integrating them with your smart home devices, your house will become more energy efficient. Set your blinds to go down during the day to keep the house cool in summer, and warm in winter. Smart Home Automation will greatly assist in reducing your energy usage, delivering savings back to the household.

Convenience & ease

Automating your blinds adds convenience to everyday living at the touch of a button or a simple voice command. Set all your blinds to go down as you leave the house or to open when you get up in the morning. High windows? No problem. Easily open and close your blinds on hard-to-reach windows whenever you want.

Comfort

Set the mood for comfortable living in your home:

• Beautiful morning outside? Say the word and watch all your blinds go up at once to reveal the world.
• Hot afternoon sun coming in and heating the house? Simply command your blinds to go down.
• Cold day? Set your blinds to go down at the same time the heaters go on.
• Watching a movie? Ask for the sunscreen blinds to come down to remove the glare from the comfort of your couch.

Safety

Going on holiday? Set up your automation to open and close the blinds whilst you are away (also incorporating your lights turning on/off) to give the impression that someone is home.

What technology do we use?

At iSeekBlinds, we use market leading Automate technology from Rollease Acmeda. We have plenty of information and resources available on our website, including a series of how-to videos which explain each product and the set-up processes involved. 

You can also visit the Rollease Acmeda website here for further information. 

How to automate your blinds with iSeekBlinds

Motorising and automating your blinds is easy! We explain all the steps on our website, but here are the answers to some common FAQs:

How do I add motors to my new roller blinds?

Simply select “motor” as your blind control method when placing your order online. Our website will automatically select the correct motor for your blind based on the width.

I want to motorise my existing blinds. Can I do that?

Upgrading your existing roller blinds to motorised blinds is easy with our retrofit program. Once you’ve determined that your blinds are compatible, simply order the parts you need from our website then make the switch! Find out more about the process here.

How do I control my new motorised blinds?

Controlling motorised blinds is easy using the Automate Paradigm remote. The same remote can control single or multiple blinds in different zones or within the same room. The 15-channel remote is simple to program and easy to use, and you can add it to your order as you complete the buying process. FInd out more here.

How do I add my blinds to my home automation system?

To control your blinds via home automation, you will need the Automate Pulse 2 Wifi Hub. This hub connects to home networks to unlock the luxury of automated blinds. Experience customisation with scene and timer options as well as voice control via Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa and Apple Homekit. Find out more about the Pulse2 hub here.

How do I set up the Pulse 2 Wifi Hub in my home?

The Pulse 2 hub is a wireless controller for all motorised blinds in your home with a range of up to 30 meters. For the best results, the manufacturer recommends:

• Medium to large homes will require more than one WiFi hub to control all blinds.
• For an average sized 4 bedroom single-level home we suggest a 2-hub set-up for uninterrupted coverage.
• If you have a second story it is recommended to install an additional hub on this floor to ensure a consistent signal is sent to all your motorised blinds.
• Larger properties may require up to 5 WiFi hubs. 

For more information, please visit our website here or view the manufacturers handbook here.

Set-up of the WiFi hub is easily done using the Automate app:

• You are in complete control of your smart blinds; can personalise daily routines, organise and group your blinds and automate your window coverings with Automate Scenes and Timers.
• The Pulse 2 allows your blinds to adapt to your day and move with your climate, schedule, and preference, completely autonomously.
• Simply set your preferred daily routines and watch your blinds do the rest.
• Automate blinds can also shift with the movement of the sun, with the built-in sunrise/sunset feature, ensuring optimal, automatic sunlight and privacy control.

Motorising your blinds and curtains will enable you to take home living to the next level adding ease, convenience and comfort; and bring a touch of luxury to your everyday living. By integrating them with your smart home devices, not only will it greatly assist in reducing your energy usage but prepare your home for the future. And, you’ll be surprised at just how affordable it is too!

So go ahead – open up your world of possibilities! We are here to help, and have the right products, solutions, and information to guide you on your automation journey.

Need some help? You can either Contact our customer service team or book in a free design consultation with me.

Thanks for reading!
Cheers, 

Mike Gubby. 

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*Image credits: Rollease Acmeda & iSeekBlinds
Visit their website for more information
 

Whether you choose blinds or plantation shutters, bathroom window coverings need careful consideration.

Bathroom and laundry windows don’t have to be bare or boring!  These hard-working spaces are all about functionality, and the window coverings should be practical and easy to look after as well. But whatever window treatment you choose, it will need to stand up to humidity and dampness.

Our top choices for laundry and bathroom windows would have to be PVC Plantation Shutters and Roller Blinds.  Let’s explore both of these further, and see what will work best in your home.   

Bathroom Roller Blinds

Roller blinds in a bathroom provide privacy, control the amount of light and also look great.  With many colours and designs to choose between, you can decorate your laundry and bathroom windows to suit your taste and style. 

We recommend choosing mould and mildew-resistant fabrics for these wet areas to minimise the risk of your blinds deteriorating from exposure to humidity. Visit our fabrics page to view the mould-resistant options within our ranges. 

For homes where privacy isn’t a huge requirement, you could consider a sunscreen blind that allows you to retain your view. Alternatively, light filter blinds are the perfect in-between solution – gently diffusing the light yet offering privacy too.

In the image below, our customer opted for a blockout roller blind in a colour that coordinates with his bathroom tiles and fixtures.  

Bathroom Plantation Shutters

Plantation Shutters are a customer favourite for bathrooms and other wet areas such as the laundry, and our PVC Shutters are resistant to moisture, making them the ideal solution for bathrooms and laundries. Providing privacy while still letting in the light, our easy-to-install plantation shutters are a practical and stylish choice.

Resistant to moisture and humidity, they are perfect for wet areas such as bathrooms, kitchens and laundries as well as warmer, tropical climates. Our PVC shutters have an aluminium core within each blade to provide additional strength and durability, ensuring they won’t warp or crack. And with a 5-year warranty, you can’t go wrong.

Are you worried about losing your view? Don’t be. Our clearview shutter design enables maximum visibility between the blades , so you’ll retain the optimal view from your window. With split-tilt flexibility, you can open the upper section to let in light, keeping the lower shutters closed for privacy. You’ll need to specify this when designing and ordering your plantation shutters on our website. 

Curtains for bathrooms

Many modern bathroom windows have frosted glass, making a window treatment a personal choice rather than a necessity. If you’re looking to improve your bathroom or ensuite windows, you may want to keep your bedroom curtain style flowing through the interior. You may have seen this around as a popular new option, especially in larger bathrooms or those that are open to the bedroom. They can also be used in conjunction with roller blinds or plantation shutters to soften the look. 

Curtains should only be used in bathrooms that have excellent ventilation, so that mould or mildew growth on the fabric won’t become an issue. Aim to keep curtains away from wet areas too, as in this photo below. Our customer installed them on a window near the doorway, well away from the functional areas of the bathroom. 

What next?

If you’re in need of some inspiration, visit our gallery or Instagram page for ideas and real-life photos from our customers.  Once you’ve decided which product you prefer, make use of our free fabric samples. They will allow you to see and feel the fabrics before selecting the one you like best.

So, if you’ve got a home that could benefit from a refresh, let us help you! The DIY process is easy to follow, and it will make a world of difference to your home, we promise.

Need some help? You can either Contact our customer service team or book in a free design consultation with me.

Thanks for reading!
Cheers, 

Mike Gubby. 

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*Cover image: Courtesy of Katrina Chambers (customer, DIY expert & blogger) 
Visit her Instagram & Website for more great content & DIY tips!