Elevate the natural light in your interior space with blinds

Not only do window furnishings determine the level of privacy and light within a space, they also contribute greatly to the overall aesthetic. This means it is crucial to consider window furnishings during the design phase of a build to create a harmonious space.

There are many different types of products to choose from today, though, from shutters to modern roller blinds with blockout fabrics. So, which is right for you?

Manufacturing and supplying shutters and blinds for projects of all sizes, Shade Elements has window furnishings to suit all tastes and styles. We spoke with Alex Bull, Shade Elements’ interiors divisional manager to learn more about the options available.

A popular choice for both old and new homes, shutters are versatile, long-lasting, and can set the mood for an entire space.

“Shutters are also excellent and adaptable for light control and privacy,” says Alex. “Angled shutters allow full sunlight while maintaining privacy – great for those colder days.

“Alternatively, swap the angle and your shutters can soften the glare in the summer and keep your room cool. Shutters can be custom made to fit any window, providing an excellent solution for irregular shaped windows and renovation projects.”

The modern roller blind can be humble or bespoke, its slim and minimal profile lending an open feel to the room. The wide range of fabric colours, textures and styles integrate easily and elevate any home; existing or new.

“At Shade Elements, our range of roller blind fabrics include full privacy, blockout and partial privacy with various degrees of light filtering. Homeowners can choose a fabric that helps the blind blend into the space or create a bold statement.”

“These are a great solution for bedrooms where you need to completely darken your space,” says Alex

“The texture combines the soft feel of a curtain with the functionality and clean finish of a roller blind. Blockout fabrics often have a complimentary light filter, which allows light to be diffused evenly into your space, whilst retaining some privacy.”

He explains that woven sun filtering fabrics also filter the light, with soft visibility: “Sun filtering fabrics let you leave your blind down and retain the view. Combine a blockout fabric with a light filter or sun filter fabric on a day/night bracket to give your space even more options.”

Of course, technology is now also available to enable the automated operation of blinds – bringing a sense of ease and luxury to the home, allowing homeowners to open all blinds in a room or even the whole house with the touch of a button.

“This translates well into commercial settings such as offices and retail properties,” says Alex. “Adding a motor not only adds to the functionality of the blind, but modernises the look by removing the need for a chain, resulting in a child-safe window furnishing.

“This automated ease can be taken a step further by linking the blinds to a mobile app, allowing for a preset schedule for opening and closing the blinds and contributing to the security of the home.”

For new-build projects, motors can be hardwired into a space at the building phase by an electrician. Or, if you are looking to upgrade existing window furnishings with motorised roller blinds, these can be installed with battery powered motors without the need for an electrician.

“Battery powered motors have rechargeable batteries, only needing charging every 12–18 months.”

Learn more about window furnishing options from Shade Elements.