Over Rolled Blinds vs Under Rolled Blinds
Should you over roll or under roll your blinds?
What is Over Roll and Under Roll?
Which way round do roller blinds go? There is no wrong or right answer to this question. Remember the good old debate regarding the correct way to place a roll of toilet paper on the holder? We know for a fact that there’s a right and left wing believers when it comes to that. Whichever way you place it, it will still function the same way though. Much the same as Over rolled Blinds vs Under rolled blinds.
Under rolled blinds are also known as reverse roll blinds and over rolled is sometimes called forward rolled.
When roller blinds are assembled a piece of fabric is attached to a top tube. Over roll refers to the way in which this fabric is attached to the top tube. Over roll means the fabric rolls over the top tube. Under roll means the fabric rolls under the top tube.
If you look at the picture you will see an under rolled blind. As the blind is under rolled the fabric sits closer to the window. If the blind was over rolled the fabric would sit further away from the window.
Which Fabric Orientation Is Right For You?
Most of the time it all comes down to your personal preference, much like the debate regarding toilet paper and scrunchers and folders.
However, Roller blinds do require planning for each room and each window as you may be limited to only being able to fit over roll or under roll depending on the following circumstances:
Privacy and Light
The first consideration is Privacy and Light. For example, if you are installing a roller blind on the front of your window in your bedroom, an “Face Fixed Over Rolled Blind” will position the fabric roughly 55-70mm away from the window. Mounting the blind and its fabric this far away from the window will allow light to enter at the side of the blind, and can also let people outside to see in your home through the gap.
On the other hand, an under rolled and face fixed blind will position the fabric closer to the window and which will do a better job at blocking out the light and provide more privacy with no-one being able to see inside your home. Usually, people who work night shifts and sleep through the day, or those who like to sleep an and are sensitive to light are better off under rolling the fabric, so less daylight enters the room while you sleep.
The protruding window winder from this awning type window will require an over rolled blind if the blind as to be installed inside the window frame.
Obstructions and Window Clearance
Perhaps the most common reason people need to over roll a blind is to clear an obstruction on the window such as a Bar on the window, Sliding door handles, and Awning window winders to name a few.
Visual Aesthetics & Coloured Backings
Having your roller blinds under rolled can also have a visual impact. Many textured fabrics have a white backing to them and when the blind is under rolled the white can be seen at the top of the tube.
Some fabric suppliers try to use a backing colour that is similar to the primary/front fabric colour. For example, a textured brown fabric may have a plain brown backing however, it’s still quite distinguishable on an under rolled blind.
There are methods of hiding this such as getting pelmet boxes installed. If your blinds will not be concealed or you are not having a pelmet box then over roll may be a more suitable option for you.
Still not sure which one is right for you?
Don’t stress about over rolled blinds vs under rolled blinds! Decisions are not easy especially when you only plan on making them once. Feel free to call a member of the Flush Fitment team on 0484 561 107, and we would be happy to further discuss fabric orientation with you.
