How to choose roller blinds for the balcony and install them?

Among the owners of city apartments, the insulation of loggias and balconies is widespread. This allows you to expand the usable area of ​​\ u200b \ u200bthe living space and use the vacated square meters for a study, a recreation area or even a bedroom. After such reconstruction, in order to increase comfort, light-protective systems are used, roller shutters are in constant demand.

Roller blinds are rectangular light-shielding fabrics. They are made of fabric coated with dust-, water- and dirt-repellent compounds. They can have a variety of textures and colors. A distinctive feature is considered to be a special shaft that operates either electrically or manually.

In the simplest models, the canvases hang freely over the sash of the window. More sophisticated and expensive options include a weight bar. At the same time, the sides are tucked into plastic guides - such a design ensures the most tight fit of the curtain to the sash.

When organizing a balcony space, roller blinds are popular due to their undoubted advantages.

• Modern manufacturers in the manufacture of roller blinds use canvases of different types, textures and colors. Therefore, each user can choose a model that harmoniously fits into the interior of the balcony space.
• The roller blind, placed inside the sash, looks good as part of a window opening. Depending on the size of the latter, you can choose standard size roller shutters or order a model according to individual measurements.
• Roller blinds are available in stores in a wide price range. The simplest model for a typical sash can be bought for 500-600 rubles, so everyone can choose an option that suits their budget.
• Roller shutters can be mounted on plastic, wood and aluminum window structures. Moreover, all the work can be done by hand; this does not require a special tool. The only thing you need during installation is a screwdriver.
• The roller shutter mechanism, unlike all other light protection devices, can be fixed on the sash of the window, on the upper slope and even directly in the ceiling. This significantly expands the functionality of roller shutters and provides users with maximum opportunities for choosing an ergonomic decor.
• Rolled curtains are fixed to the sash. Thus, their canvas does not go beyond the plane of the window opening. Accordingly, it does not "eat up" the space. This is especially true when it comes to small balconies.
• The most modern models have an automated control of the roll system (by means of an electric motor). This allows you to use the remote control, as well as set the closing and opening times of the curtains. Some models provide for communication of electronics with light level sensors - thanks to this, the canvas can automatically open / close depending on the time of day.
• Rolled curtains have a perfectly flat surface. Due to special impregnations, the materials are moisture and dirt resistant. They are not afraid of moisture, they are easy to care for.
• And finally, if the roller shutter is wider than the window opening requires, it can be reduced by simply cutting off the extra centimeters with a painting knife or scissors.A section of an aluminum pipe can be easily sawed off with a simple hacksaw for metal.

However, the design is not without its drawbacks.

• Fastening mechanism most models are made of durable plastic, so it rarely breaks. But the fabric curtain during operation can break or lose its aesthetic appearance under the influence of ultraviolet rays.
• Rolled cloths require dry cleaning from time to time. This can be done with a vacuum cleaner or by knocking out.

Roll-up curtains can have a variety of modifications.

• MINI is the most primitive and cheapest construction. It does not have a decorative box and vertical guides on the sides. The upper strip is fixed over the plastic glass unit, so the curtain does not cover parts of the window. Metal devices are used here as a weighting; if necessary, magnets are installed in the lower part of the sash.

• UNI 1 - these models include a metal curtain rodand there are vertical guides on the sides of the curtain. The rolled cloth is fixed within the glass unit. The guides give a slight bend, thanks to which the curtain can be set in different positions when the sash is open.

• UNI 2 - this system resembles the previous one. However, it is mainly used for fixing on frames with atypical glazing beads and non-standard windows. The metal guides here have a C-shape, due to which they form a solid system completely independent of the design features of the window.

• STANDARD - these roller shutters have a reinforced structure. They are designed for wall or ceiling mounting, as well as in arched openings. Fixation is carried out using brackets.

In the simplest designs, the closing of the curtain and its lifting are carried out by manually displacing the plastic chain. In more modern models, the movement of the shaft occurs due to an electric motor, its activation is controlled by an external control panel or a switch placed in a separate block.

Many roller blinds have a spring-loaded lowering mechanism. It lacks a side chain. This greatly increases the comfort of using the system when the sash is tilted.

Depending on the purpose, roller curtains can have different light transmittance. According to this criterion, they are divided into several varieties.

• Translucent - usually have a low density and perfectly transmit the sun's rays. Rather, they are used for decorating a balcony block, and not for full protection from ultraviolet radiation.

• Reflective - have a special impregnation that reflects UV rays. Such solutions are optimal for use on southern and southeastern balconies.

• Scattering - these roller shutters gently scatter light rays and thus create a shading effect.

• "Day Night" - one of the most demanded models. In it, translucent and dense cuts alternate. Thus, the ability to adjust the lighting parameters on the loggia itself and in adjacent rooms (bedroom, hall, nursery or in the kitchen) is greatly facilitated.

• Dense - such curtains fully reflect light and create maximum blackout.

The main advantages of any roller shutters are their ability to be attached to the window sash at the moment of lowering. Usually, one of the following web fixing techniques is used for this:

• placing the side edges inside the vertical guides;
• from below, a metal weighting agent with small ears is fixed to the matter, it, in turn, is passed through a thread evenly stretched vertically on the sides of the curtain;
• at the bottom of the window leaf, a magnet is mounted, and the curtain itself is equipped with a metal weighting agent so that at the moment of lowering the sash it is attracted by a magnetic retainer.

The main types of fabrics that are used for sewing roller blinds are linen, jacquard, as well as cotton or silk. The modern blackout canvas is very popular. It is indispensable in cases where you want to create 100% sun protection.

Mixed canvases are widely used. Visually, they are no different from their natural counterparts, but at the same time they surpass them in many respects in terms of wear resistance.

In recent years, bamboo and other natural materials have become popular. Roller shutters made of them are practical and durable. They are not difficult to care for and at the same time are environmentally friendly.

Models made of PVC are in high demand. It is a hydro-resistant material that absorbs and reflects the rays of the sun. Such curtains serve for a very long time.

When ordering roller blinds, there are important factors to consider.

• For miniature balcony windows, curtains with large patterns and prints will be the best choice. On the large ones, on the contrary, small ornaments look more organic.

• If the balcony faces the brightly sunlit side, do not use overly dark shades of curtains. In this case, they will contribute to excessive overheating of the room.

• For a balcony block facing north and west, it makes sense to purchase roller curtains made of low density fabric. In such rooms, there is a lack of natural light, and translucent curtains transmit light rays well and increase the level of comfort on the loggia.

• Give preference to products from bona fide manufacturers who have a good reputation in the market. Thanks to the dust and water-repellent impregnation in the fabric, their products last much longer.

• On the balconies and loggias of the lower floors, it is better to use roller shutters with a small pattern (line, cage or ornate floral ornament). This will create effective protection from prying eyes.

There are many techniques for fixing roller shutters. They can be overhead or fixed in a window frame. These types of fasteners are divided into open and closed. The type of fastener can be narrow or wide. Installation of curtains directly on the glass is allowed. In the case of balcony doors, such curtains are mounted in the opening.

Installation includes several main stages:

• first, the box should be fixed with special clamps;
• brackets are fixed to the clamps;
• after that, the curtains are unwound from the roll, and the control chain is put on the roll mechanism;
• it remains only to close the plugs on both sides and firmly fix the canvas on the brackets.

Reviews of roller blinds are rather positive. Due to the tight fit of the canvas to the windows, they do not hide the useful space. This makes them the optimal solution for small loggias, where literally every centimeter counts. Due to the variety of textures, colors and prints on sale, you can always choose a model that will organically fit into any interior.

However, roller blinds are not recommended for areas with leaky windows and high humidity. Among the shortcomings, they also note the impossibility of fixing on sliding windows.However, this drawback applies equally to other similar devices - Roman blinds and blinds.

In order to choose the right curtains for a small room, it is important to think over their color scheme. Roller shutters of nude colors have become widespread. They fill a small space with home warmth and coziness. Beige paints refresh the interior, make it lighter and more airy.

For energetic people, light green colors are suitable. They bring a feeling of freshness, cleanliness and a positive charge to the balcony block.

White roller shutters will be a win-win option. They add lightness, volume and a feeling of weightlessness. Snow-white roller blinds organically fit into any stylistic design of the balcony room.

Rolled canvases are often decorated with colored prints that give them a unique look. So, floral and plant ornaments are suitable for creating an exquisite design. They bring a touch of romanticism to the atmosphere and create a playful mood.

Simple, but at the same time stripes look quite original. This is a beautiful print. In addition, he has the ability to visually change the space, making it wider or higher.

One of the original trends of recent years is roller shutter photo printing. It helps to make the decor colorful and colorful and gives it a completely unique look. The flight of fantasy here is not limited by anything - it can be a city, a beautiful landscape, animals or fairy-tale characters.