Get Window Ready For Christmas!

Your Step by Step Guide

Christmas!  It may seem like it’s a while away yet, however before we know it, Christmas is upon us!  And for some reason this happens year after year! To avoid last minute stress and to feel ready, prepared and amazing, it will pay dividends to start getting organised now.   

When it comes to your new window coverings, ordering them well before you actually need them will ensure you will receive them prior to Christmas.  In addition,  you’ll have time to install them, avoid any last minute delays and be totally guest ready! To help get you started, we put together a few steps to consider:

Step 1 – Plan Ahead: 

You wouldn’t believe how many customers place their order just a few weeks before Christmas, not realising their blinds won’t be made until the new year.  For the blinds industry, the months leading up to Christmas are the busiest times of the year.  Production schedules fill up well in advance, pushing normal manufacturing times out from a few days to a few weeks!  We need to navigate suppliers’ backordering stock of the most popular fabrics and components, we experience delivery delays, and there are always last-minute fires to put out.  In addition, as manufacturers, we need to put ordering cut off dates in place almost a month out from Christmas.  So we can fulfil our promise to the customers who have already placed their orders, their blinds will be delivered in time. 

Step 2 – Choose your window coverings: 

Decide on the type of window coverings you want.  Roller Blinds, Curtains and Plantation Shutters all play a slightly different role when it comes to functionality and aesthetics.  Consider your style preferences, the room type, privacy needs, light control levels, whether to automate and your budget.   Can’t decide? Combinations of blinds, curtains or shutters not only give you a stunning outcome, but cover multiple functional requirements as well!  When it comes to budget, by ordering from iSeekBlinds and DIY measure and install, you will be able to get exactly what you have always wanted – stunning custom-made blinds, curtains or shutters for a LOT less than traditional retailers.   Oh, and Australian Made too!

Make sure you review all the available options for each product by checking out our Product specifications guide

Step 3 – Order Free Fabric Samples

Now you’ve decided what sort of window coverings you want, its time to select from our wide range of fabrics and colours for both Roller Blinds and Curtains.  At iSeekBlinds, you can order unlimited samples, and we express post them free, so  you get them fast!  Included in your sample pack are handy check measure work sheets , as well as a reply paid envelope.  Once you have made your selection, simply send your unwanted samples back to iSeekBlinds, reducing landfill and enabling us to recycle them.

Step 4 – Measure Up

DIY is so easy with iSeekBlinds.  Using our handy check measure work sheets included in your sample pack (or you can download them from our website), visit our How To Measure video gallery to see just how easy it is to measure your windows.  Worried about getting your measurements wrong? Don’t be!  If you follow the easy to understand How to measure steps, we know you will get a mm perfect fit for your windows!  Budget conscious?  Busting out some DIY moves, you will save $$$$.  Celebrate! ( oh and then consider to Automate with your savings!)

Step 5 – Not sure where to start, got tricky windows or just have a few questions you need answered?

Mike is offering Free Video Consultations!  When you book your 30 minute online video chat with Mike, (yup that’s the guy from the video’s!) he will answer all your DIY questions, review your windows with you, give you the best product advice, and ensure you not only save money, but get the best outcome for your windows!  With spots filling fast, Book in now

Step 6 – Place your order online

Ready to checkout? Review your product order details carefully to ensure everything is correct. Once your order is placed, you’ll receive an instant order confirmation. When your order is processed, (that same day) it will be placed into our production schedule.  We will send you an email update to let you know the proposed manufacturing date. Generally, your order is then shipped the following business day. Now you have an indication of when you need to set some time aside to install your new blinds! 

Manufacturing Time Lines – 

Normally our Roller Blinds are made in 3 – 5 days, Curtains within 10 days and Plantation Shutters 2 – 3 weeks.  In the months preceding Christmas, these lead times tend to blow out with the increased demand for Christmas orders. Order now to ensure your spot in our production schedule for delivery prior to Christmas.

Step 7 – Your order is on its way

When you order is shipped, you will receive an email with your tracking information.  Your location will determine delivery time, usually 1 – 5 days. Please note that over the Christmas period, (mid to late November, all of December) huge volumes of freight will be moving all around the country – there is a risk that some orders can get delayed or go missing.  As we use 3rd party couriers, this is outside of our control.  The earlier you place your order, the greater the chance you have, of receiving it in full in time for Christmas. 

Step 8 – Get ready to Install

Now you know when your blinds, curtains or shutters will be arriving, it’s time to get ready to install!  At iSeekBlinds our aim is to make this as easy as possible.  Our numerous customers often can’t believe what they have achieved and just how easy it was by watching out How To Install videos.  Starting with mm perfect measurements, you will stand back in awe and admire your handy work, whilst doing a little jig about how much money you saved in doing it yourself!

Step 9 – It’s Christmas!

Enjoy your special time with friends and family.  Relish in their envy at your awesome new window coverings, WOW them with your smart home automation (for those of you who chose to motorise your curtains and blinds – nice one!), try to get the house guests to leave, or even out of the spare room (they won’t want to with those stunning sheer curtain, roller blinds or shutters!!) and most of all, take the time to congratulate yourself on a great DIY job!  Oh and if you have time, take some photos of you fab new window coverings and enter our Annual photo competition – Launching in mid Dec!

Remember those guys in the Colourbond ads standing outside their houses admiring the roof?  Well that will be you (and your guests) transfixed at your beautiful window coverings! Nudge them to get a move on to the Christmas table 🙂

From our family to yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year – (Can’t believe I just wrote that already!!)

Thanks for reading!
Cheers, 

Mike Gubby. 

Here’s how you can save money – and the environment – by reducing your household energy use and carbon footprint.

When winter hits, staying warm and heating our homes is something we all like to do. Whether we have ducted heating, split systems or wood fires—keeping our homes and our families warm is of utmost importance during these chilly months. But heating our homes can be an expensive exercise, especially if we don’t have good insulation or the resources to ensure we are being as energy efficient as possible. So how do we keep your home energy costs down?

While there are many options for enhancing the warmth of your home, such as double-glazed windows and insulation, the perfect solution can be as simple as investing in some quality window furnishings. Plus, they are an attractive addition and add also value to your home. But how do these additions help to keep your energy costs down?

Here’s how window coverings can help you save money

Energy Efficiency

One of the primary benefits of window coverings is their ability to improve energy efficiency. In Australia, it is widely reported that up to 40% of a home’s heating energy can be lost, and up to 87% of its heat gained, through windows. It’s a scary thought, isn’t it? So 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. 
Well-insulated window coverings, such as thermal or blockout curtains, double curtains, thermal blinds, blockout blinds or double roller blinds, can help prevent heat loss during winter, and heat gain during summer. By effectively controlling the transfer of heat through your windows, these coverings can reduce the load on your heating and cooling systems. Consequently, you can save on your energy bills by relying less on artificial heating or cooling. But remember, the efficacy of your window coverings will be gauged by how well they fit your windows. Custom-made window coverings will give you the best results, and we can help you with that. See our online how-to-measure guides and tips below for more information. 

Sunlight Control

Window coverings also allow you to control the amount of sunlight entering your home. Direct sunlight can increase the temperature inside, which is ideal in the winter months as your heaters won’t have to work as hard to heat your home. By using coverings like blinds, shades, or curtains, you can adjust the amount of sunlight entering your rooms. This can prevent overheating in summer, and reduce the need for excessive heating in winter, ultimately saving on your energy costs.

Privacy and Security

Window coverings offer privacy by reducing the view from the outside in. This can eliminate the need for exterior window treatments or privacy films, saving you money. Additionally, coverings such as roller blinds or plantation shutters can act as an additional layer of security by preventing potential intruders from peering into your home and deterring them from attempting a break-in.

Protection for Furnishings

During the warmer months, UV rays from sunlight can cause fading and damage to your furniture, carpets, and other interior decor. Window coverings like roller blinds, plantation shutters or curtains with UV-blocking capabilities can help protect your furnishings from harmful rays, thereby extending their lifespan. By reducing the need for premature replacements or repairs, you can save money in the long run.

Insulation and Noise Reduction

Some window coverings, such as heavy drapes or layered curtains, can provide additional insulation from the cold and help dampen external noises. Improved insulation helps maintain a consistent indoor temperature, reducing the workload on your heating systems and lowering energy expenses. Moreover, reducing noise infiltration can enhance your comfort, making it unnecessary to invest in soundproofing solutions.

Remember, choosing the right window coverings and utilising them effectively based on your climate and preferences can maximise their cost-saving benefits. So what options can iSeekBlinds offer you? 

Layering curtains for warmth retention

An option for customers who are looking for added insulation is to layer their window furnishings in their homes. For example, you may already have sheer curtains, but you might consider adding a blockout curtain or blockout roller blind for extra insulation. Doubling up on your window furnishings is great for insulation, as even a thin layer of fabric can enhance the insulating capacity within your home.  

• Our 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.
• You can also layer curtains with roller blinds, to give you the ultimate in practicality, flexibility and insulation benefits. This is a favourite with iSeekBlinds customers! And the combination is up to you. You can choose blockout roller blinds with sheer curtains, or sunscreen roller blinds with blockout curtains. Both are effective and will really help you keep your energy costs down. 

Sometimes trying to match the perfect blind and curtain fabric can be tricky. So, to make things easier, we have developed fabric combinations that complement each other.  Not only do they provide you with a beautiful layered window covering solution, but one that is functional and affordable too. 

• Bali Blends range: This best-seller consists of coordinating thermal blockout roller blind and sheer curtain fabrics in a variety of colours, suitable for any interior style or space.
• Linesque range: An iSeekBlinds customer favourite, Linesque offers a unique linen-look and soft, textural finish on both the blockout roller blind and sheer curtain range.
• Australian Made fabrics by Wilson Fabrics: Coordinate our Australian-made sheer curtain fabric, Whitsundays, with your choice of six blockout roller blind styles ranging from versatile plains to sophisticated textures and weaves. With a wide selection of colours inspired by the Australian landscape, you’ll be sure to find a combination that suits your home perfectly. Only available online exclusively through iSeekBlinds.

Tips for the best fitting window furnishings

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

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

What next?

Decide on your product

If you need some inspiration, visit our gallery or Instagram page for ideas and real-life photos from our customers.  

Order your free fabric samples
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. Not only are our samples FREE, but we also Express Post them to you so you get them super fast.

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

Place your order
Simply jump on our website and place your order via our easy online ordering system.
Need some help? You can either Contact our customer service team or book a free design consultation with me.

Thanks for reading!

Cheers, 
Mike Gubby. 

Sunscreen roller blinds really come into their own during summer and will make a huge difference to your home during these brighter, warmer months. But just why are sunscreen roller blinds so popular, and what advantages do they offer? We offer some advice and answer some of the most frequent questions below. 

Can you see through sunscreen blinds?

Yes, you can! Not only will you retain your view to the outside but sunscreen blinds also allow the natural light to flood your space. This will keep your rooms well-lit with a softly filtered light that’s easy on the eyes and the furnishings! Sunscreen blinds also provide you with daytime privacy – you’ll be able to see out, but people won’t be able to see in. Perfect for bedrooms and windows that face the neighbours or the street. Our fabrics offer different levels of openness too, some being more transparent than others. View our fabric choices and order some free samples to decide which one is best for you. 

Do sunscreen blinds reduce heat?

Sunscreen roller blinds have excellent insulation properties, so are ideal for keeping your rooms cooler in summer. They will prevent the heat from entering your rooms by providing a barrier at the window – either reflecting or absorbing the heat, depending on the colour you choose (see more on colour choice below). They excel in controlling the glare entering your room, so are perfect for north and west facing rooms. With an approximate 95% UV protection rate, they’ll also help to protect for your furniture and flooring from sun damage. 

Does fabric colour make a difference?

The fabric colour you choose will determine how the blind performs and what results you’ll achieve once you’ve installed it. It’s always best to work out what you need the blind to do, then make that your primary reason for choosing the colour. For example – do you need to maintain excellent visibility to the outside, or perhaps increase the brightness of your space?  Don’t just opt for which colour works best with your interior. There is more at play here. 

Light colours will reflect the light and heat whilst maximising the brightness of your space. This can make them a little harder to see through when the sun is shining brightly outside. Darker colours offer excellent visibility from inside to out and tend to be a little easier on the eye as they absorb light and heat. This absorption may make the room feel a bit warmer though, so just be aware.

Layer up your windows

Sunscreen roller blinds are perfect for layering with blockout roller blinds or blockout curtains. 

They are most commonly installed behind a blockout roller blind, providing you with both privacy and insulation options. Raise your blockout blind during the day and let the sunscreen blind do the hard work of reducing the glare and giving you daytime privacy. And of course, at night (and in winter) your sunscreen blind will provide you with an additional layer of insulation against the cold air outside, helping to reduce your energy bills. 

You can also install a sunscreen roller blind behind blockout curtains – achieving the same results as mentioned above. Not only does it look great, but it gives you the best of both worlds – the beautiful luxury of blockout curtains, with the practicality of the hard-working sunscreen blind behind them. The perfect solution for bedrooms! 

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. 

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. 

—

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

Roller blinds and double roller blinds are affordable and practical options when thinking about window treatments for your home. They are simple to install, look great and don’t take up too much space. But why do we love double roller blinds so much? Our friend Katrina Chambers shared the below article with us many years ago, but it’s still so completely relevant today, that we thought we’d revisit it (plus add a bit more in) and share the gold with you all!

Roller blinds boast clean lines and a minimalist appeal.

Roller blinds are known for their ease of installation (think DIY!) and simplicity. Roller blinds are a regular feature in many Australian homes and remain one of the best selling window furnishings today. I have a few in my home which I purchased via  iSeekBlinds. Any style, any budget – I promise you’ll find something to suit to your own home.

Come and check out some ideas with the photos below…

Popular at the moment is a sheer curtain over the top of a roller blind. Like this photo above. Such a soft and inviting space.

This window above makes use of the double roller blind system. The sunscreen underneath with a blockout on the top. That’s a clever idea and perfect for controlling light levels and privacy within your home at any time of day.

Why double roller blinds?

Combine the best of both worlds with double roller blinds (also called dual roller blinds or day and night blinds). This innovative blind system includes two different types of blinds on a single bracket. With double roller blinds you can switch between blockout blinds for complete privacy and darkness, to transparent sunscreen blinds that let in natural light whilst preserving your view. It’s the benefit of the dual roller blinds system. Our day night blinds are the perfect solution for 24 hour coverage.

There are 3 types of fabrics you could use for a roller blind.
Sunscreen Blinds

Retain your view, reduce the glare factor and protect your furnishings and flooring from sun damage with sunscreen fabrics.  I have these all across the back windows of my house (my house below). Love them!

Light Filtering Blinds

Light Filtering fabrics gently diffuse the light, whilst ensuring both day and night time privacy.  Add an extra layer of decorative privacy to a frosted window or hide an ugly view whilst adding warmth and retaining your natural light.

Blockout Blinds

Blockout blinds come into their own when it comes to ensuring the perfect light control within your home. They maintain excellent insulation and offer 100% privacy, plus we have plenty of styles and colours to choose from on our website here. 

Motorisation – the finishing touch.

For a touch of luxury,  motorise your blinds or finish off your look with one of their beautiful pelmets!

All of these blinds are so easy to measure and install by getting your DIY on! And saving loads in the process. So jump to it! ????

Katrina & the iSeekBlinds team x