How to choose the width of a roller blind for a window, do-it-yourself cutting methods

• Types and sizes of roller blinds
• The size doesn't fit. How to trim a roller blind with your own hands? How to shorten the length
• How to cut a roller blind to width

Roller blinds are one of the most common options for decorating a window opening. They perform both decorative and practical functions. This compact and stylish sun protection system fits perfectly into almost any room, reliably protects from sunlight, is convenient to use, and easy to manage.

Roller blinds are a structure made of fabric, a rotating shaft and a special mechanism that ensures that the fabric is wound onto a roller. Unlike blinds, their fabric is continuous and there are no gaps, which ensures complete darkness in the room when the curtains are lowered. Compared to conventional curtains, roller blinds are more compact, weigh less, can be rolled up, and are easier to care for, since due to special impregnations they do not collect dust and are less dirty.

Width calculation

The dimensions of the curtains depend on the size of the window and the shape of the sashes. The length of the rolled web is not so important when choosing, because it is standard and adjustable. The standard height of the curtain is 180 cm, the width of the curtains is from a minimum of 25 cm to a maximum of 300 cm. The measurement is always made according to the width indicated on the packaging, taking into account the shaft.

For standard windows, you can select ready-made curtains with instructions and a specified mounting location, but for atypical windows or irregularly shaped windows, you must select the width of the curtain yourself or make an individual order.

To correctly measure a plastic or wooden window for installing curtains you need:

1. Measure the width and length of the glass to determine the minimum required roller blind size.
2. Calculate the depth of the glazing bead (the parts between the glass and the window door). If the glazing bead depth is 1.5 cm or less, the “Mini” roller blind system is suitable. If the size is larger, then the Uni system is suitable.

Rolled fabric, which is attached directly to the sash, shades the room well and when rolled up goes unnoticed.

How to properly shorten roller blinds on guides

Such curtains are shortened in the same way as regular ones, the only difference being that they must first be pulled out of the guides that hold the fabric against the glass when the curtains are lowered.

The guides are mounted so that the fabric does not sag during vertical ventilation. Then the curtains block the sun better, and the window looks neater.

It is very easy to pull the fabric out of the guides, as it can be slightly deformed and then regain its shape. You need to be especially careful with rattan and bamboo curtains so as not to damage the edges.

In all other respects, the process of shortening curtains is no different from what we described above in this article.

MINI system

To calculate the width of the Mini roll sheet for installation on the sash you need:

• Measure the width and height of the glass in mm. Add 40 mm to the resulting width and 120 mm to the height.
• decide on the location of the mechanism for lifting the rolled web, the best option is on the side.
• choose a mounting method, it can be adhesive tape, screws, or a bracket.

The standard width of the roll sheet for mounting on the sash is 9 centimeters greater than the width of the glass. “Mini” curtains are fixed to the sash without drilling, but with the help of plastic fastening, Velcro, and staples.

Reducing horizontal blinds

The designs of models from different manufacturers may differ, but all products have some elements: brackets, cornices, slats, devices for lowering/raising panels, a handle for turning, a cord for moving the canvas up/down. Strips of horizontal blinds are made of plastic, aluminum, and wood.

For work you will need: a pencil, panel fasteners, a hacksaw, a file/sandpaper.

How to cut to width, step by step:

1. Remove the plug and protective cover from the cornice;
2. The cord system and adjustment mechanism move to the center of the product;
3. The excess part of the structure is marked on the cornice;

4. The strips are assembled and tightly fixed;
5. The unnecessary part of the product (cornice with canvas) is sawed off with a hacksaw;

6. The cut is rounded - processed with a file/sandpaper;
7. All removed elements are installed.

When working with metal or wooden panels of horizontal blinds, you will need a milling machine (to accurately process the cuts). In the absence of a clamp to secure folded blinds, you can cut each lamella separately using a suitable pruning shears, since in any case post-processing of the lamella cut will be required.

It is also recommended that the wooden strips be additionally coated with a special compound and possibly tinted.

UNI system

The Uni system fits into any interior. The roll is hidden in a box; it can be mounted at any level, on the sash or on top of the window opening. Mounted with self-tapping screws.

To calculate the width of roller blinds for installation over an opening you need:

• measure the external dimensions of length and width, using these data, taking into account the dimensions of the guide roller blinds, select a model.
• the height is equal to the sum of the external size of the window and the height of the box 7 centimeters (UNI 2).

The standard width for mounting on a wall above a window opening is 10 centimeters greater than the width of the window opening, so that the panel is lightproof.

Roller blind measurement, UNI 1 system

Roller blind measurement, UNI 2 system

Popular color schemes for unique sun protection products

Do not forget that curtains in a room should not only protect from the sun, but also please the eye. Achieving a harmonious combination of the decorative design of curtains with other interior items is possible only with the correct selection of the color of the sun filter.

• For small rooms, curtains in the color of the walls or as close as possible to the main shade used in the decor are suitable. But if the room is very long and the window is located on the narrowest wall, it is better to give preference to bright materials. This will not add space, but it will make the room more harmonious and cozy.
• Positive reviews speak in favor of contrasting curtains. True, this option is applicable only in spacious rooms. If you introduce several supporting parts into the interior to maintain the color scheme of the curtains, the room will look very stylish.
• Day-night roller blinds have a striped pattern and combine fabrics of different textures. The introduction of a pattern or ornament will overload the image.

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You can follow the recommendations of professionals and use one of the following ideas, which are based on the functional purpose of the room:

1. Calm but rich shades of green, blue, pink, and orange are suitable for the kitchen.
2. Mint, aquamarine, beige and lavender look harmonious in the bedroom. For a more glamorous interior, coffee, wine, and purple colors are suitable.
3. It is better to decorate the living room with noble metallic, pastel or chocolate colors.

The main thing to remember is that the shades of the curtains should be supported by several elements from the main decor.

Conclusion

Roller blinds, designed in a “day-night” shape, are unique products of their kind and, when used correctly, can significantly decorate any interior.

Another point that you need to pay attention to when choosing designs is the specifics of the material. It is better to give preference to fabrics treated with special impregnations

This will preserve their appearance and practical qualities for a long time.

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Table of minimum and maximum sizes

Introduction to curtains

In order not to get into trouble during manufacturing, and not to regret the decision for a moment, it is better to get acquainted in detail with the new design, operating principle, and varieties of these curtains.

How does the roll mechanism work?

The main element of roller devices is a rod with a circular cross-section, its task is to raise or lower curtains: partial or complete. This is achieved using a cord that drives the shaft. To fix the straightened fabric, a weighting agent is provided in the design. Cords, ribbons or other similar elements act as garters. The location of the bar may vary. In some models it is located at the bottom, simultaneously serving as a load; in other designs, the shaft is attached to the frame or cornice.

Despite the same principle of operation, roller blinds are somewhat different in design. Some models are equipped with additional elements that are designed to improve the appearance and make operation more comfortable. To protect the fabric from dust, some models are equipped with closed boxes for the roller. No less popular are practical roller shutters, which contain magnetic tapes or guides that prevent distortions of fabric rolls.

What will outweigh: pros or cons

Before planning to construct a mechanism for roller blinds with your own hands, you need to comprehensively evaluate the feasibility of such a solution. Therefore, it would be useful to show the advantages of roller blinds, but at the same time point a finger at their disadvantages. Advantages that many will agree with:

• reliable protection from prying eyes due to the tight fit to the opening;
• ease of installation on the cornice or frame of any window: both plastic and wooden;
• maximum free space, which traditional curtains cannot boast of;
• roller blinds play two roles at once, because in addition to curtains they are used as fabric blinds;
• the possibility of combination with other similar products - lambrequins, curtains, tulle.

This also includes savings if you plan to make roller blinds yourself, since very little materials, including textiles, are required.

Disadvantages, alas, are present in everyone and everything, roller shutters are no exception. Among the “flies in the ointment”:

• insufficient variability in light intensity adjustment, which distinguishes roller blinds from blinds;
• potential malfunctions if a simple model without guides is selected.

These disadvantages are unlikely to outweigh the mass of advantages; this difference is the secret to the success of these designs. Roller shutters can be found at every step: in apartments, private houses, shopping centers, enterprises and offices.

Types of structures

When planning to build a mechanism for roller blinds with your own hands, you need to become familiar with the design features of roller blinds in advance. There are several types of lifting devices, each of them has both advantages and disadvantages. Their types:

1. Spring. These mechanisms can be installed from the bottom or top of the curtains. The advantage is that there is no need to manipulate the holders, since all the work is done automatically - using a spring. However, the downside lies precisely in these parts; they wear out quickly, so they will require frequent replacement.
2. Chain ones are the simplest, practically fail-safe designs. The curtains in them are adjusted manually - using a rope, a plastic chain or a cord. These elements, thrown over the bar, are fixed in the lower part of the structure. When the rope is pulled, the roller begins to rotate, lowering or raising the fabric. In this case, holders (garters, clips) are needed to fix the canvas in a certain position. Here it is the simplicity of the design that guarantees its durability. Another plus is the low cost.
3. Electric drive systems. It is quite difficult to make such a mechanism for roller blinds with your own hands, since the design is equipped with an electric motor that opens and closes the curtains. Manipulations require a remote control or switch. The advantage is ease of operation, the disadvantage (besides labor intensity) is the high cost. Such lifting mechanisms are the only option for large openings - on panoramic or roof windows.

This roller category mistakenly includes another type of curtains - Roman curtains. However, despite all the external similarity, the difference is still great: roller shutters have a shaft onto which the fabric is wound, while the “Romans” are simply assembled in folds.

How to cut the width of a curtain (photo instructions)

You can handle the task of cutting the width of the curtain yourself and without special tools. To take all measurements you need to use a length ruler or construction tape.

You can shorten the width of the roll as follows:

1. Cut off the shaft. To do this, subtract the thickness of the bracket from the width of the roll. Measure the required length of the shaft, cut off the excess and install a special plug on it.

2. Lay out the curtain and mark the desired width using a rail.
3. Cut the fabric with a knife.

4. To install the material on the shaft, you need to remove the film from the self-adhesive strip of the shaft. Make sure that the roller blind is wound onto the shaft from the side of the window opening. Check where the curtain lift mechanism will be located. The curtain must be fixed on the shaft strictly in a horizontal direction to avoid distortions. Bend 5 centimeters from the top of the roll to form a fold. Attach the shaft into the fold with the self-adhesive side up.
5. Roll the shaft to the top of the canvas, wrap the roller blind, leaving ¼ of the free edge, and fix the bottom rail.

6. Installation on the bracket has the following sequence: first the edge with the mechanism is inserted, then the other.

It is not difficult to initially correctly measure the width based on the mounting location on the window if you initially select a curtain system model and take measurements from the window opening or sash. But if there is a need to trim the width of the roller blinds, then you can do it yourself.

Recommendations - how to easily shorten vertical blinds

The product includes: load-bearing and decorative cornices, runners (the slats are hung on them), a lower connecting chain, weights (they add weight to the elements of the canvas), a chain and control cord, slats. Strips of blinds are made of fabric, plastic, aluminum, bamboo.

To make work easier, it is advisable to shorten the elements of the canvas in the upper part. To carefully remake blinds with fabric panels with your own hands, you will need the following tools: pencil, ruler, scissors/utility knife, matches, iron.

1. The details of the curtains are measured and the amount by which the product will be shortened is determined. It is taken into account that a gap of 10-20 mm is left between the lower edge of the strips and the surface (window sill or floor);
2. The panels are carefully removed from the runners. Since the runners are made of plastic, you should not use excessive force at this stage of the work, as the parts may break;
3. Plastic strips (with ears for hooks) are smoothly removed from the panels;
4. All strips are cut evenly and along the same line with sharp scissors/stationery knife. For the hem, leave an additional 20-30 mm. To prevent the cut from fraying, you can melt the edge of the canvas made of synthetic materials over a fire (use a match, a candle, or a lighter);
5. The edges of the strips are tucked in. The folds can be fixed with a hot iron and special glue, and the composition is applied very carefully so that stains do not form and the appearance of the product does not deteriorate. Small holes for ears are formed in the middle of the strips;

6. A plastic strip is inserted into each canvas and all parts are hung on the cornice.

Professionals will tell you how to shorten vertical blinds with aluminum, plastic or bamboo panels in height. Perhaps in these cases, it will be cheaper to buy a new product with the required dimensions.

Tips for choosing

Blinds and roller blinds are important not only for protecting the room from bright sunlight and prying eyes, but also for complementing the interior. The right curtains affect the entire ambience of a room by bringing design elements together. By what criteria should you choose zebra curtains?

To size. There are several types of curtains:

1. Mini. This is a small model with minimal equipment. It will look compact in the smallest spaces. Such curtains are attached to the window sash using plastic elements. It is the least expensive of all types of zebra curtains.
2. Universal. Lightweight, practical model with aluminum frame and guides. These curtains come in a wide range of sizes, making them suitable for use in a wide variety of spaces. They are attached to the sash of a plastic window using adhesive tape or double-sided tape.
3. Standard. A reinforced model that is attached to the ceiling or wall with self-tapping screws. This is a very reliable design, so the canvas can be made from the heaviest fabrics. Such curtains are suitable for mounting in non-residential premises and large rooms.

By fabric type. Day and night curtain strips can be made from natural materials such as linen or silk. Synthetic fibers (for example, polyester) give the canvas additional strength and durability. Transparent stripes are sewn from ordinary tulle. The material is coated with a special antistatic compound.

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By shade. When choosing the color of zebra curtains, be guided by your own taste and interior design. Curtains should be combined with wallpaper and furniture. Their stripes can be plain, have a pattern or coating that imitates various materials, for example, metal. It is better to choose curtains in the color of the interior (for small rooms) or, conversely, in contrasting colors (for a large room or to add originality to the design). Neutral tones that will suit any style are white, cream, and light beige. Remember: the smaller the room, the lighter the shade of the curtains should be. How to choose the color of curtains depending on the function of the room?

• A canvas of juicy lime flowers, pine needles, autumn foliage, roses, sea water is suitable for the kitchen.
• In the bedroom, curtains in mint, lavender, sand, beige shades or deeper tones: cherry, wine, coffee, chestnut, purple will look harmonious.
• For the living room, choose curtains in noble colors: silver, platinum, vanilla, bronze, chocolate.

According to the method of fastening. Day-night curtains can be attached to the wall above the window, directly to the frame or to the ceiling. When choosing a fastening method, consider the size of the window opening. Curtains should not touch the wall or radiators. It is necessary that both closed and open curtains do not interfere with the ventilation of the room. If you are not sure that you can hang the curtains yourself, contact a specialized company.

Zebra roller blinds are practical, aesthetic and functional. They are easy to operate and easy to maintain. A variety of color options allows them to be used in any room of a residential building, store or office

When purchasing them, you should pay attention not only to the texture and color of the fabric, but also to the size of the fabric in accordance with the window opening and area of ​​the room, as well as the method of its fastening

The main disadvantage of such models is the fairly high price. The cost of curtains depends on the quality of the fabric, type and size of the fabric. However, do not regret the money spent: the functionality and design of the “day and night” model will satisfy any, even the most demanding, requirements.

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