A guide to living room curtains and blinds.

How to choose between living room blinds, curtains and shutters.

A living room is a place we go to connect, relax, and unwind. It’s often the first room we consider when redecorating!  If you’ve just moved into a new place or you’re ready to update your living room, selecting the right window treatment will set the room’s tone.

You might choose to allow plenty of natural light to enter during the day, filtered by elegant sheer curtains or light-filtering blinds. In the evening, privacy is paramount. Stay cosy inside by closing heavier curtains or blinds. 

Stylish living room blinds.

Blinds are a practical and modern choice for busy living spaces. Easy to maintain and clean, blinds tend to blend in and complement other living room decor.

Double roller blinds allow you to let in just the right amount of light at any time of day, as you can choose between blockout and sunscreen or light-filtering blinds, depending on your needs. With this flexibility, you can’t go wrong.

If you’re looking to add modern luxury to your living room, there’s also the option to upgrade to motorised blinds.

Our custom-made, linked roller blinds allow the flexibility to use your windows and sliding doors easily while still maintaining maximum privacy and comfort inside.

Cosy curtains for all-day comfort.

Transform your living room with our custom-made blockout and sheer curtains. With no compromise on quality, our living room curtains are made with only the highest quality fabrics.

The best place to start when selecting curtains is to decide what you need them to achieve. While curtains serve to add texture and style to any room, they also need to be practical! For example, in living areas, you may want to achieve privacy during the days and evenings. Lighter fabrics and sheer curtains are practical, giving you the flexibility to design the room in your style. Install roller blinds behind them to give you nighttime privacy and insulation during summer and winter.

Blockout curtains will provide excellent protection against the winter cold and harsh summer sun and have always been a popular option for living room windows.

To help with the DIY process, I have prepared an extensive how-to video library. You’ll find information on different fabrics, and videos on how to measure your windows as well as how to install your new living room curtains. Find them on our website here.  

Tip: We highly recommend ordering free fabric samples to see the fabric before placing your order online. This will give you confidence in your colour and texture selection.

Statement living room plantation shutters.

A fantastic option for any home, plantation shutters are a classic window treatment that’s super-easy to maintain. Shutters bring architectural structure and stunning style to your space. Our shutters are designed in clear-view style, so you have the best possible view from your window when the blades are open.

Our website has plenty of handy videos and instructions to help you DIY assemble and install your shutters, allowing you to enjoy these premium products at an affordable price.

Choose the panel layout that will complement your window and place your order online. Your living room shutters are custom made to your exact specifications in just a few weeks.

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. 

No matter which window covering you choose, kitchen blinds need to be functional and practical.

Whether you’ve just moved into a new place or you’re ready to update your old kitchen, the blinds you choose need to not only look good but be practical too. There are a few factors to consider, as well as options to choose from, so let’s get started!  

Kitchen windows don’t have to be bare or plain, but they do need to be practical. No matter what kitchen window covering you choose, you’ll need to cover these essentials:

Water resistance

As kitchen windows are often behind the sink, blinds need to be able to withstand moisture, steam and the occasional messy splash of food! So, you’ll need durable kitchen blinds that can stand up to a lot of heat and moisture. Be sure to check the details of any blind you choose, to ensure that the fabric is suitable for wet areas and is able to withstand moisture and humidity. 

Easy to clean

Kitchen blinds that are durable and easy to clean will make your life much easier. Look for fabrics that are mould resistant, or at least those that are easy-care. Plain, smooth polyester fabrics will be easier to look after than those with textures, and you should be able to wipe them clean with a damp cloth if needed.

Functionality

No matter which window covering you choose, kitchen blinds need to be functional and practical. Make sure you can easily open and close blinds without leaning over benches or sinks and that they fit your window well. You may also need protection from the summer sun and heat, as the sun can cause harsh glare especially if your window is near the sink. Privacy might also be key, especially if you are close to your neighbours.

So, once you’ve taken these factors into consideration, let’s look at popular window coverings for kitchen windows. Our blinds, curtains and shutters are all custom-made, so you can confidently fit even non-standard kitchen window sizes.

*Customer image: Diane Brady | Blockout Linked Roller Blinds and Plantation Shutters

Kitchen roller blinds

Roller blinds are an ideal kitchen solution. Perfect above the kitchen sink, you can select from our range of easy-care blockout fabrics or opt for a sunscreen blind to reduce the glare, especially if you have a west-facing window. Many of our roller blind fabrics are mould and mildew resistant, offer insulation properties, privacy and light control and you can simply wipe them clean with a damp cloth.

Motorising your kitchen blinds is a great idea too. You’ll increase the safety in your space by not having to lean over the sink or bench to operate the chain. You can find out more about our motorisation options here. 

Kitchen plantation shutters

Resistant to moisture and humidity, our PVC plantation shutters will take on splashes and can easily be wiped clean. A strong and hardwearing material, each blade is reinforced with an aluminium core to ensure this durable material won’t warp, crack, peel or fade. 
PVC shutters provide insulation benefits and with the versatile option of a split tilt, you can open the top section of the blades to let in light whilst the bottom section stays closed for privacy. Plantation shutters will also completely transform your kitchen adding instant style and sophistication. Beauty and practicality in the one hit!

Transform your open-plan kitchen with curtains

Perfect for kitchens adjacent open plan living areas, our S-fold sheer curtains add a luxurious yet relaxed look and are guaranteed to soften and instantly transform the look of any room.It is important to consider the drop effect (finish) if using sheers near your kitchen. For practicality, a hover finish (where the curtain sits above the floor) is great for cleaning and also convenient if your curtains are placed over an exit door.

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. 

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!