How to stop the light coming through the sides of roller blinds.

Ensure seamless cover from your roller blinds with these handy tips

Not a fan of light peeking through the edges of your roller blinds? You’re not alone!

A key concern that many of our customers have is whether their blinds are going to provide the kind of sun protection and light elimination they are craving. Blinds are not like curtains, in that your blinds only cover the specific rectangle they are cut to – so there is a risk that you may have some light spilling around the sides of your blinds.

We have been helping our customers measure, order, and install their blackout blinds in Melbourne, Victoria, and across Australia for long enough to have a few tricks up our sleeve about how to keep the sun and light out. Read on for tips and tricks to keep the light from coming in around the sides of your blinds for a better night’s sleep. Then, if you would like to DIY your own blinds, fit for your specific need, then take a look at our range.

Tip #1: Install curtains on the sides of your blinds.

A simple but effective way to keep the sunlight from coming in the side of your blinds is to place a set of blockout curtains over the top of your blinds. This handy combination not only works a treat to keep the sunlight from streaming through the sides of your blinds but helps with insulation, and looks great too!

Installing curtains to cover the side of your blinds is as simple as taking a look at our curtain fabrics and learning how to measure. If you have specific questions, we can advise you on your options and figure out what will work best for your home. Just contact us for help.

Tip #2: Outside-mount your blackout blinds

Blackout blinds are by their very nature designed to keep maximum light out. When we have customers who want to keep the maximum amount of light out of their homes, we recommend outside-mounted blackout blinds for the ultimate in light reduction.

Outside-mounting means the blind is installed across the front of the window, rather than inside the recess. This effectively prevents light gaps at the edges of your blind. Our blinds are completely customisable by you, so you have ultimate control over how they will look and work. For example, do you want single or double roller blackout blinds? Do you want to operate your blinds with a chain drive or – for the ultimate in luxury – motorised blinds?

Whatever configuration you end up opting for, outside-mounted roller blinds are a highly effective way to stop light from coming through the side of the blinds. Our team is available for extra guidance, or you can see our how-to guides here.

Tip #3: Add light blocker strips to your windows

A simple ‘hack’ that stops light from coming in the side of your roller blinds is to install light blocker strips on your windows.

These simple strips are especially handy if you have inside-mounted roller blinds as they sit on the sides of your windows and block the light gaps. If you have installed your blinds and found that you have a slight gap letting light in, a light blocker strip may be the simple answer you are looking for. You can usually find these in hardware stores or online. 

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. 

Discover the benefits of insulation with curtains in your home.

If you are looking for an easy and cost-effective way to keep your home warm in the colder months, you might want to consider curtains. While there is a slew of home improvements you can make to enhance the warmth of your home, such as double-glazed windows and insulation, the perfect solution can be as simple as investing in some quality curtains. Plus, curtains have the added benefit of being an attractive addition to your home, as well as adding value.

Do curtains keep you warm in your home? Read on to find out — and then explore our range of high-quality, Australian-made curtains to choose your perfect fit.

Do curtains keep you warm in the home?

Unless you already have double glazing or some kind of insulating film on your windows, there will likely be a fair bit of heat transfer taking place through the glass. What this means is that plenty of the warmth within your home will be lost as it comes into contact with the chill of the outside via your windows. You can protect against this happening with a very simple solution: curtains!

• At iSeekBlinds we offer a range of high-quality curtain fabrics, many of which offer insulation properties so that you can retain the warmth of your home with ease.
• We offer free fabric samples to every customer, and we recommend that you get some free samples of our fabric just to feel the thickness and softness of our curtain options.
• Plus, you can choose from our range of colours and ensure that the curtains you choose perfectly match your home.

What kind of curtains do I need to choose for the best warmth?

At iSeekBlinds we offer a range of curtains and blinds, with a range of fabric options available.

• We recommend that if you are seeking insulation properties and looking for the greatest heat retention you opt for the thickest possible fabrics.
• Many of our blackout curtains and room darkening curtains offer the added benefit of enhanced insulation, along with the benefit of a darkened room for better quality sleep.

Should I layer curtains for the best warmth retention?

An option for customers who are looking for added insulation is to double up on the curtains in their home. For example, you may already have sheer curtains in part of your home.

• Doubling up on curtains is great for insulation, as even a thin layer of fabric can enhance the insulating capacity within your home.
• With another layer of curtains on a separate set of curtain tracks, you can enjoy the best of both worlds – sheer and blockout.
• You can also layer curtains with roller blinds, to give you the ultimate in practicality, flexibility and insulation benefits.
• Double curtains allow you to enjoy the daytime sunshine with your sheer curtains and then trap in the heat of the day with blackout curtains which can be pulled shut at night

Tips for the best fitting curtains

When you are looking to enhance the insulating properties of your home, it helps to ensure that your curtains fit your windows well. Take measurements of your windows and ensure that you have got the size of your windows just right.

When you choose iSeekBlinds you are choosing high-quality and affordable curtain options which make getting the perfect curtains for your home, easy. We have a range of instructional material on how to install your curtains including these guides:

• Explore our range of instructional videos to find out more about how to correctly measure up your windows for your curtains.
• Take a look at our installation instructions and download your free guide for how to get the perfect fit.

We are also available to help you with any questions you may have and are happy to chat about your options.

Why choose curtains from iSeekBlinds?

Winter in the southern end of Australia can get pretty cold, so if you’re looking for an affordable and attractive way to gain greater insulation in your home, choose thick and luxurious curtains from iSeekBlinds. We are a Melbourne-based business with all of our curtains made to your exact specifications right here in our Melbourne warehouse. You can be assured of high-quality curtains and friendly service when you choose us for your curtains.

Curtains in the home offer a huge range of benefits, including:

• Greater insulation and protection from those cold winter nights
• Privacy and comfort in your home, knowing you are protected from view
• An attractive and affordable way to enjoy greater comfort
• Added value to your home

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. 

Get your best night’s rest with blackout curtains for your bedroom.

If you are someone who struggles with getting enough shuteye of an evening you might need to consider if there is something in your bedroom preventing you from having a restful night.

So much of our sleep is determined by the conditions we create within our bedrooms, and the routine we engage in before we go to sleep. In this short article we are going to go through some of the environmental factors that can give you a better night’s sleep. We are also going to explore some actions you can build into your evening routine to ensure that by the time your head hits the pillow you are primed and ready for a full eight hours of rest!

Looking for a high-quality set of blackout curtains to block the sun of a morning? iSeekBlinds have a great range of blackout curtains in various colours and fabrics to ensure that your bedroom is a plush and comfortable retreat.

Make your bedroom a haven

The first thing you want to do in ensuring that your bedroom is set for the evening is to make sure that you are blocking out the light. You want to keep your bedroom as dark as possible so that you can rest and relax. If you have a streetlight that shines into your room, invest in some blackout blinds or curtains to keep the light out. Or, if you have a bedroom that cops the full heat of the sunlight in the morning, use blackout blinds to keep the sun away.

Why not also consider investing in some essential oils and a diffuser, and load it up with your favourite nighttime blend? A soothing mix of lavender and some natural Australian scents is always a winner for nighttime.

Consider investing in motorised blinds or curtains to make waking up in the morning a lot easier. If you have a habit of snoozing in the morning you will find it a whole lot harder to stay sleeping if the sunlight is pouring into your room. You can even set your motorised blinds to open at a set time with home automation – and that is one way to wake up on time!

Full disclosure – if the reason you are not getting enough sleep is that your significant other snores loud enough to wake the neighbours, then there is not a lot a set of blackout curtains will do to silence them. However, it can’t hurt!

Do blackout curtains help sleep?

Ultimately, anything to keep the light out of your bedroom is going to help you sleep better. Studies have shown that we operate with a circadian rhythm, that is, we rest with the sunset and wake with the sunrise. Only in today’s world, we are going to bed long after sunset and waking up generally after sunrise. So if you can keep the light out of your bedroom, you are effectively tricking your brain into thinking it’s still dark, and thus enjoying better sleep!

Here are some tips to maximise the light blockage in your bedroom:

• Run your curtains as far past the edge of the window/architraves as your space allows.
• Opt for a wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling curtain installation.
• For roller blinds, opt for an outside-mount installation to avoid light gaps at the edge of your blinds.

For more tips and tricks on getting the most out of your blackout curtains, get in touch with us. Our friendly customer service team are happy to help.

Bedtime routine tips.

A key part of getting enough sleep is your routine prior to bedtime. So in addition to ensuring that your room is dark enough thanks to your blackout curtains or blinds, we recommend following a few key tips:

• Wind down – an hour before your intended bedtime, start to wind down and get into a relaxed frame of mind. You might like to try meditating, or simply pop on some comfortable clothes and read for a while.
• Remove blue light – this means get rid of the device at least twenty minutes before bed, or if you can’t do that invest in some blue light blocking glasses.
• Listen to relaxing music – pop on your favourite chilled out Spotify playlist while you’re winding down for the evening and enjoy some mellow relaxation.
• Warm bath/shower – finding it hard to wind down? If you have time in the evenings you might like to have a warm bath or shower with your favourite bath or shower gel. There are plenty of sleepy-time products out there which are infused with lavender and other gentle fragrances, so give one a go.
• Get ready for bed – Once you have had your shower, put on your comfiest bedclothes and, if you feel like something sweet before bed why not make a mug of soothing nighttime tea with a small spoon of honey or maple syrup? This concoction can help you drift into a relaxing frame of mind and get you ready for sleep.

Create your custom blackout curtains today.

When you are ready to invest in high-quality blackout curtains or blinds, get in touch with us at iSeekBlinds. Don’t struggle with sleeping or staying asleep because of poor quality or ineffective blinds or curtains – speak to us today about your options and find the perfect solution for your bedroom. We love helping our happy customers enjoy a great night’s sleep and we would love to do the same for you!

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.