Page 106 - Ideal Home - UK (April 2020)

REAL HOME
Make it work for you
JANE’S CHOICE: BLINDS
Choosing a window treatment can be more complicated than
you’d think. Get it right, though, and it will unify your room…
The best blinds should
offer privacy, practicality
and personal style. They are
particularly effective where
you’d like to keep the sills
or space either side of the
window clear – such as a
kitchen or bathroom window.
Q What are the main
types of blinds?
Rollers are usually the least
expensive and, because they roll
tight to the top of the window,
afford the best views outside.
Romans offer a more upmarket
look, and as you see more of the
fabric, they are more decorative.
Venetian blinds are affordable
and can be wiped clean. They
are designed to be left down, and
the slats are twisted via a cord
to adjust light levels and privacy.
Q Should I get them
made-to-measure?
If your window isn’t a standard
size a custom blind will provide
the best fit. Roller blinds are easy
to cut to size with a hacksaw and
scissors. Ditto Venetians. The
benefit of made-to-measure is
you’ll get a wider choice of fabrics.
IDEAL HOME LOVES… READY-MADE ROMAN BLINDS
EASY FIT
All you’ll need is a
lightweight curtain pole.
Damasco blackout,
H170xW80cm, £99.99, Wayfair
104 APRIL 2020 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK
Q How do I measure
for new blinds? Go for blinds
in a contrasting
Stockists provide detailed
shade for
measuring instructions – many maximum impact
have online tools to help. Decide
whether you want the blind to
fit inside or outside the window
recess. Inside requires a more
precise fit but can look neater.
To get a good inside fit, measure
the window in three places, for
both width and drop, and use
the smallest measurements.
Q What features are
worth having?
Blackout lining, which shuts
out the light, is definitely worth
the extra pennies, especially in
bedrooms. Windows account
for 20% of heat loss in homes,
so thermal lining will help
keep your home warm. If
your window is hard to reach,
consider an electric blind. BEST FOR…
TOP BRANDS
Layering blinds with voiles or Fashion Interiors
“ makes rollers and
Romans using
curtains in a toning or contrasting fabrics from
shade will make a greater impact at the companies such as
Sanderson, Scion
window than a single recessed blind ” and Designers
Guild. Delivery is
YVONNE KEAL, SENIOR PRODUCT MANAGER, HILLARYS super-quick and
sewing is faultless.
HOME CALL
Hillarys takes all
the hassle out of
measuring and
fitting as expert
advisers will come
to your home and
recommend the
best designs.
PRETTY TEXTILES
Vanessa Arbuthnott
BORDER CONTROL COTTAGE CHARM blinds are pricey, but
Contrasting panels lend Pretty monochrome blooms skilfully handmade FEATURE LINDA CLAYTON
a designer edge. add a country feel. using beautiful
Shawford blackout, H140xW60cm, Vintage floral 812-214, sustainable textiles.
£40, John Lewis & Partners H140xW60cm, £45, Next Home