Amid all the discussion around blind types and blind mechanisms from roller blinds to dual roller blinds to motorised or chain operated, it’s important not to forget one of the most essential elements of choosing the right blind; the fabric!

Fabric plays a crucial role in creating blinds that will not only function well but will look right in your interior.

Most retailers and suppliers will offer a range of innovative fabrics, many of them Australian made. There’s a wide variety to choose from, each offering a different aesthetic and function, so it pays to research your options extensively before making your selection.

Fabric plays a crucial role in creating blinds that will not only function well but will look right in your interior.

Most retailers and suppliers will offer a range of innovative fabrics, many of them Australian made. There’s a wide variety to choose from, each offering a different aesthetic and function, so it pays to research your options extensively before making your selection.

Block out fabrics are one of the most popular blind fabrics in the Australian market, and are great for blinds in rooms with a lot of exposure to sunlight, while also offering good insulation. They offer complete privacy, day and night. Another good option in rooms where solar glare protection is needed but an outside view is also preferred, sunscreen fabrics allow for the control of heat and light as well as an outside view.

Translucents and sheers are also in high demand for blinds, for both aesthetic and functional reasons. Translucent fabrics provide daytime privacy whilst screening out harsh light and diffusing the light entering the room. Sheer fabrics are lightweight open weave fabrics that create softly filtered light.

When it comes to the appearance and fashion element of your blind, colouris key. Naturals and neutrals remain ongoing favourites, but if you’re after something with more impact, colours and patterns are also very workable for most blinds. And of course, if you opt for a plain colour, remember that plain doesn’t have to mean boring; many plains are available in a variety of textures, with stripes and patterns woven into the fabric.

Patterns are a great way to make a statement with your interior décor and are certainly making a comeback. Botanicals and florals remain classic favourites, while geometrics are currently on trend. Depending on the scale of your blinds and the size of your room, you may want to opt for larger scale patterns or smaller, more detailed ones.

Stripes are another favourite that won’t go out of fashion easily and are also helpful in creating clever illusions. For example,vertical stripes are a great way to give the impression of height to a room, while similarly horizontal stripes will make the windows and the entire interior appear wider.

Aside from their functional and visual benefits, fabrics are should usually be expected to adhere to certain standards. Most good quality blind fabrics are designed to withstand Australia’s harsh climate and can usually be expected to feature; a five year warranty, fire retardant and non-flammable properties; dust resistance, stain resistance, UV and fade resistance, bacteria and mould resistance.

The great thing about the fabric ranges on offer these days is that they’re usually specifically designed to offer matching blind and curtain fabrics, enabling you to coordinate your fabrics throughout your home décor scheme.