If you’re looking to buy or build your roller blinds, knowing what fabric to choose and its benefits is essential.
You can choose from two main materials for roller blinds: polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyester. You can also get blended fabrics. These are usually 80% cotton and 20% polyester or PVC with fibreglass. You can also choose from a range of linings, so you can convert your rollers to thermal or blackout shades, according to your requirements.
There are many fabrics available, despite the limited choice of materials. We have broken down four of the most popular fabrics to help you choose a material that is suitable for your home.
The use of Polyester
Polyester is the most common material used in roller blinds that are made by consumers or sold at retail. For Gloucester Blinds, visit a site like https://laskeys.com/blinds/blinds-gloucester/
The fabric’s durability is one of its most prominent features. The fabric is highly resistant to stretching, tears, piling, and abrasion. Roller blinds made of polyester are more likely to be durable.
Polyester is not waterproof but it tends to be water resistant and wick away moisture. Polyester-cotton mixes are common and cotton is a fabric that absorbs moisture and holds it in the air.
Advantages:
- Durable
- Moisture-resistant
- Wrinkle-resistant
Disadvantages:
- Coarse
- Non-biodegradable
PVC
Roller blinds that are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) enjoy durability as the most important benefit. The material is waterproof and flame retardant. It also degrades slowly over time. Although it is practical, the material is less luxurious than polyester.
PVC is not biodegradable and emits toxic fumes when it’s produced. The material is durable and safe to use in the home. It can also be recycled at the end.
Advantages:
- Durable
- Waterproof
- Flame Retardant
- Easy Wipe
Disadvantages:
- Coarse
- Non-biodegradable
Voile
The voile fabric is made of polyester or cotton, and can sometimes be a mixture. The name comes from the French for veil, and it is also the fabric that is used to make wedding veils.
Its exact characteristics will vary depending on the material used, but voile is known for its lightweight nature, ability to reduce glare, and capacity to block sunlight without darkening a space. These properties are why homeowners layer heavier fabrics with voile.
Voile’s breathable and sparse nature makes it a poor thermal insulation material. The heavier fabric will provide the most benefit, even when used in conjunction with other blinds and curtains.
Advantages:
- Lightweight
- Glare-reducing
- Layering
Disadvantages:
- Thermal insulation is poor
- Light transmission levels high
