Roman blinds as an element of an energy-saving building

Wednesday, November 2, 2022

When looking for an alternative to cassette roller blinds, it is worth getting interested in the possibilities offered by Roman blinds. These attract attention mainly due to the fact that they are an interesting arrangement element in subsequent interiors. However, it is difficult to underestimate their role also when they are referred to in the context of an element supporting an energy-efficient building in the performance of its tasks. Many people who still think that Roman blinds are primarily an alternative to curtains and curtains, may be surprised how much potential this solution has.

Roman blinds - an attempt at definition

People trying to define Roman blinds often pay attention to the fact that it is a solution that combines the expectations of fans of classic blinds as well as curtains and curtains. They fit into almost any interior, while introducing them into the living room or bedroom, you do not have to worry that they will give the impression of stylistically mismatched solutions. They are used primarily to darken the room, thus ensuring a peaceful sleep and isolating from the eyes of the neighbors. However, it is difficult to talk about Roman blinds and not mention the fact that after rolling the roller blinds, the material fits fantastically and is a window decoration.

Roman blinds made to measure at Knall are made of natural fabrics. This gives them a lightness that is difficult to talk about in relation to classic curtains and curtains. Their appearance is also a break with the severity that makes many people willing to give up classic blinds. They warm up the interior, making it more cozy. Their careful workmanship also means that they can protect them against heat loss in winter. They provide up to 30 percent more energy savings than windows without window covers. Their purchase may therefore be an introduction to savings in the future.

What distinguishes Roman blinds from other window covers?

Roman blinds differ in several ways. The main thing is that the fabrics from which they are sewn do not always transmit light to the same degree. Therefore, there are not only models made of the most delicate fabrics, but also those that attract attention due to the possibility of creating a complete blackout. The latter are particularly popular in energy-efficient buildings. After all, they contribute to the fact that subsequent rooms do not heat up on hot days. A well-thought-out choice of fabric may mean that in the summer months it will be possible to dispense with the use of air conditioning.

It is worth mentioning that the source of the diversity of Roman blinds is the extensive color offer. Delicate fabrics usually have lighter shades. Denser fabrics that provide excellent blackout are usually sold in shades of gray, red, beige, and even black. Of course, this is not a rule. The fabric itself does not have to be dark at all, so as not to let sunlight in. There is no better news for those people who have to accept that their bedroom will, by necessity, also serve as a living room.

When talking about the thickness of the materials from which Roman blinds are made, one cannot forget that it also affects the way the blinds are designed. Today, both muntin bars and without them are available for sale. The muntins are bars that are inserted into channels prepared in the fabric. They are responsible for its stiffening. They are second to none, especially when it comes to thicker fabrics, which we require to fit nicely on the window. The decision whether it is better to choose models with muntin bars or free from them also depends on how large the window is. Larger roller shutters will therefore perform their functions well, especially when they are equipped with muntins. In windows with a smaller area, however, this solution can be dispensed with.

Roman blinds control options

Roman blinds can be controlled in one of several ways:

• String system – it works well when the roller shutter is suspended on a rail equipped with Velcro, and the pulling lines are mounted on special eyelets in its rear part. Mostly it is used in smaller sizes of blinds, especially if they are made of fairly light fabrics. Not everyone is its supporter, primarily because the long string used to control the blind does not look aesthetically.
• Chain system – it is much more modern than the string system. It consists of a cassette made mostly of aluminum, and in it - rollers responsible for winding the roller blind lines. At one end of the cassette there is a bead chain and it is through it that the roller shutter is controlled. Importantly, the roller shutter itself can be set at any height.
• Electric system – it is the most expensive, but it is highly appreciated above all because it is comfortable. Depending on individual preferences, control can be done with the use of a remote control or a wall switch. It can also become part of a smart home. It is possible to automatically control one and several roller shutters. The solution is appreciated especially when the windows are located at a great height and when we are dealing with windows of large dimensions.

Do Roman blinds match a modern interior?

Roman blinds are often advertised as an alternative to curtains and drapes. So a question arises whether they can also be used in modern interiors where classic window covers are out of the question? It turns out that it is. Of course, in this case we are not dealing with roller shutters in their classic version, but with solutions that become part of the smart home system.

What draws attention to them in the first place is the ability to move them even when they are not physically in the room. The blinds go up and down, and the position of the fabric strips in relation to each other also changes. A house with blinds used in this way gives the impression of being inhabited regardless of the time of the day. It is hard to find a more effective solution increasing the level of security.

However, it should not be forgotten that electric shutters in an intelligent home can minimize the consumption of heat energy. After all, you can make settings that will change their position automatically to adapt to the changing temperature and level of light intensity. Thanks to this, the roller shutters will protect the room even better against heat loss in winter and against its excessive heating in summer. This will allow you to reduce bills for heating and air conditioning, and at the same time increase the comfort felt by people staying in it.

It is worth mentioning one more advantage of Roman blinds in a modern home. Electric models that go to it can be controlled from anywhere with a remote control. You don't even have to approach the window to raise and lower it, so you don't have to worry that a little carelessness on our part will damage the system.

Will Roman blinds be energy-saving?

When choosing window covers such as Roman blinds, we do not focus only on their decorative function. Yes, it is important, but we must not forget that it is equally important that they increase the comfort of the household. This goal can be achieved in many ways, and one of the more common questions in this context is whether Roman blinds are energy-efficient. The answer is yes.

Of course, the heat saving guaranteed by this type of roller shutter is not always the same. It depends on:

• type of fabrics used in their production,
• type of control (models with automatic control, with elements of the so-called weather automation will provide a higher level of protection),
• diligence in execution.

The last aspect deserves special emphasis. We can often hear that a certain shortcoming with roller shutters is the limited availability of those that are already ready and just waiting to be installed. However, it is worth remembering that such solutions, although cheaper, will certainly not serve us as those that provide perfect thermal insulation. Only the careful measurement of the length of the windows, and then the preparation of roller shutters made of the highest quality fabrics, will prevent the heat from escaping outside the house in winter. Customized blinds are often considered an unnecessary expense. However, they are actually an investment that is known to pay for itself in the near future.

Are Roman blinds suitable for atypical windows?

We associate Roman blinds primarily with classic windows, which can usually be found in a bedroom or a living room. It turns out, however, that they can also be counted on where non-standard solutions are preferred. This is an ideal option for semicircular windows, which we deal with relatively often. One part of the custom-made Roman blinds has a shape that is perfectly matched to the window frame. The other part is pulled up and lowered down with strings. By covering the arch, the window does not look as original inside the house as it does outside. The high quality of fabrics used in this type of blinds may, however, compensate for any losses. As if that was not enough, Roman blinds on atypical windows prevent them from losing thermal energy. It is hard to underestimate it not only in the winter months.

Summary

Roman blinds are fashionable, eye-catching, durable, and are able to improve thermal insulation in the interior. You can also easily match them to the style in a given room, regardless of its specificity. No wonder that they have been referred to for a long time as solutions that work perfectly with modern energy-efficient buildings.

Blog