There are many types of blinds available from Sartorial Soft Furnishings.
The most well known is the Roman blind, others available include Austrian, Festoon and London.
Key points to know about your blinds made by Sartorial Soft Furnishings
All Roman blinds made by Sartorial Soft Furnishings have an aluminium bottom bar and fibreglass rods to maintain their shape. The rods are placed in pockets formed in the lining. When using a sheer fabric the rod pockets are formed in the main fabric.
Most blinds are lined, and if required interlined for extra thickness and insulation. Blackout lining can also be used to prevent light showing through.
To maintain my level of quality, I use small secret stitches to join the layers together which are almost invisible.
Blinds are fixed to wall along the top edge and have cords spaced across the width to pull up the fabric. There are different mechanisms available to carry out this task ranging from a simple wooden batten with screw eyes to a sophisticated self contained cassette system.
I would recommend a chain driven headrail but can choose which mechanism is most appropriate for you and your budget.
Roman Blinds
The contemporary Roman blind can be as simple as a plain piece of fabric or, with the addition of trimmings or design detail, can become very elaborate.
The blind is weighted along the bottom edge and has rods to keep the folds on place when being raised and lowered.
Because this blind uses a minimal amount of fabric it is a good solution for keeping costs down, why not treat yourself to an expensive designer fabric for a touch of luxury.
Austrian and Festoon Blinds
Austrian and Festoon blinds are very similar in design, varying in the amount of fullness in the length of the blind; an Austrian is full across the top whereas a Festoon is gathered throughout length as well as the top.
They are a very traditional blind that can be seen throughout history but the current uncluttered style means that they are quite unusual.
Other Blind styles include:
- London Blind – This blind is a combination of the other styles with flat panels and pleated sections. It is most suitable when the window just requires dressing to soften the edges as the pleats need reforming each time the blind is raised or lowered.
- Reefed or Rolled Up Blind – This blind is rolled up around a dowel in the hem with the cords that show on the outside. As the back of the blind is seen from the front this blind is particularly suited to fabric that doesn’t need lining or by making it a feature with contrasting lining.
- Roller Blind – A very simple blind which is a stiffened piece of fabric attached to an inner roller. They can have a spring or cord mechanism
- Relaxed Roman Blind – A softer version of the Roman blind made without the rods so that the pleats hang in a swag.
Blind cord Safety
New regulations regarding blind cords are now in place and you can be assured that all blinds supplied by Sartorial Soft Furnishings will conform to these regulations.
Metal headrails will have a breakaway device fitted onto the continuous chain, and wooden batons with cords will be fitted with a breakaway cord connector. All blinds are fitted with orbs on the pull cords that slip when under pressure.
Depending on where your blind will be fitted we will also advise on any other safety issues such as cleat height.
For more information please see this leaflet from the British Blind and Shutter Association.