Frequently Asked Questions

It all depends on where you are hanging them and what you need to use them for. Roller blinds are great options for bedrooms because they can be pulled quickly into place and provide the utmost in privacy. Horizontal blinds with slats can be a perfect fit for living spaces where you want to control the level of light coming into the room as the day (and the daylight) progresses. Vertical blinds are a quick and easy option to operate in front of sliding glass doors since they provide fast access to the outside while preserving privacy and light control when you need it.

You can, but that’s what we’re here for. Our team will measure your windows to ensure that you get an accurate and exact fit for your window treatments, every time.

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No window treatment stands out as particularly better or worse than another by themselves. It all comes down to the aesthetic you are trying to achieve and the functionality you want for the space. Curtains have a traditional and softening affect on a room and come in a variety of fabrics that can allow you to go super custom with the look and feel of your space. Blinds may come in fewer colours than curtains, but they’re typically better at light control in a space because of their built-in functionality. And keep in mind, there’s no reason why you can’t use the two together!

Not necessarily. They get their name from the function they serve: to block out all of the light of the sun so that you can have a dark, or near black, room. They’re most common in bedrooms where you’ll want to be able to have comfortable and adequate darkness to sleep in. While black is a common colour in blackout blinds, you can also find them in a variety of fabric colours including white.

This has to do with the direction that the blinds roll in when they are retracted or opened up. Front roll. Blinds roll forward into the room whereas back roll blinds come from the backside of the roll itself.

If sun protection is top on your list, you can also address that with roller blinds. Light filtering fabrics can also filter out up to 95% of UV light and heat, making them energy efficient for your home as well.

They certainly don’t have to. There are a variety of options when it comes to fabrics and materials when choosing roller blinds. For example, you can choose to have very opaque blinds that give you maximum privacy and protection from light. Or, you can go with light filtering roller blinds that provide added privacy while still letting a controlled amount of light into your space. This way you can see out during the day, but pesky neighbours or passers-by won’t be able to see in.

When it comes to window treatments, roller blinds are among the easiest or most straightforward to install. Of course, if you go with a motorised option, you may be looking at a little longer for the assembly to be completed. On average, an experienced installer will take no more than 30 minutes per window to install your roller blinds.

Which reminds us to point out: while you can attempt to install your own blinds, it isn’t recommended for a number of reasons. First, you could void any warranties you get with your new window treatments by installing them improperly by yourself. There’s also the level of skill required to hang the blinds evenly and level within each window frame without damaging the housing or the frame itself. You’ll want to make sure you go with the pros, and that any quote you get for custom blinds also includes the installation.

Which brings us to the next question we’re often asked: what about cost?

There are so many different factors that affect this that it’s hard to provide an estimate. For example, different size windows will require different amounts of material, which then affects the price.

The actual material you choose the blinds to be made out of will also affect the price, with sheer or light filtering often being a bit more affordable than opaque or custom fabric installations. Add motorisation or automated components, and the price might continue to climb. That said, you can expect to spend between $200-$400 per window for your blinds.

First of all, roller blinds can be custom ordered to fit nearly any size window, so you’ll never have to worry about them actually fitting your windows.

Many homeowners find roller blinds to be a convenient way to add privacy and style to their home décor. Roller blinds will offer your new home a great option in window coverings. With low maintenance, low cost, motorisation, and flame retardant fabrics that will actually help to lower your heating and cooling costs. Roller Blinds are a solution that is suited to all homes and offices.

They’re also extremely easy to operate. Simply pulling up or down on the blinds can retract or unfurl them to give you the privacy you are looking for. Motorised options are available through our economically priced Automate and Somfy motor brands. Both the Automate and the Somfy brands offer the Li-ion rechargeable battery motors and the more traditional hard-wired option. These can be operated via handheld RTS remote controls, smart devices, and wall switches.

Most are made from either wood, faux wood or metal (such as aluminium). These different materials also allow for different homeowners with different budgets to take advantage of the style and functionality of plantation shutters at different price points.

Plantation shutters are unique from other window treatments, especially blinds, in how they operate. The shutters are made with slats, or louvres, that are fitted to a frame that is attached to the inside or outside of a window sill.

The louvres are designed to be operated by hand or can be motorised. The frames themselves can be operated like doors with hinges, allowing them to be fully opened rather than retracted.

Not for the experts. Most plantation shutters are custom-measured, fit, and installed by a professional provider to ensure that they actually fit the space they’re intended for. The shutters need to be hung properly in order for them to be level and operate as expected.

There’s also quite a bit that goes into securing them to the window frame itself for the permanent installation. While the pros will be able to do this with finesse, it will also take them about an hour per window to get the job done right.

A number of factors go into determining the cost of a plantation shutter. First of all, your entire project will be determined by the total quantity of shutters you need, affecting both material and installation costs.

From there, it comes down to the details including:

Material: Woodlore, Woodlore plus waterproof, Brightwood and Normandy
Louvres: There are different options for different-sized slats which can affect material costs.
Size: Larger shutters require more material and more time to install.
Finishes: Custom colours and finishes are going to cost more than stock options.
Operation: Motorisation can make them easier to use but comes at an extra price.

Yes, curtains, especially sheers, work well with various other types of window furnishings, like blackout curtains and plantation shutters. For example, by combining soft sheers with a roller blind, you can create a modern feel and add some texture and movement. It also helps you to control the amount of light that enters your space more effectively while creating optimum privacy.

Absolutely. You can, for example, hang a curtain fitting on the wall above the bay window. Alternatively, if the ceiling line flows into the bay window, you can mount a track on the architrave or directly off the ceiling. This way, you can also create the impression of a higher ceiling.

Yes, with the right hardware and track, you can automate your curtains. By installing motorised tracks instead of traditional tracks or a curtain rod, you can operate the curtains (open as well as close them) with a click of a button. What’s more, as it will come with a remote control, you’ll be able to operate them from anywhere in your home.

There’s no reason not to get “veri” excited about Veri Shades if you’re exploring window treatments. They give the effect and versatility of vertical blinds without all of the trappings of cords and weights that can get in the way. Veri Shades can also be opened up and walked through from anywhere, contrasted with vertical blinds and other curtains that have designated splits and entry/exit points. No more having to retract or roll up blinds just to be able to access your outdoor living spaces or let in a little bit of light. 

The soft mesh fabric is paired with opaque panels that give the effect of blinds and curtains at the same time. Veri Shades have a modern aesthetic that many homeowners find appealing. Add onto that the fact that they’re so easy to use, and there’s nearly no home that wouldn’t be a fit for Veri Shades. 

You’re likely going to want to rely on your window treatment professionals for this one. While Veri Shades aren’t necessarily more difficult to install than other types, a degree of precision and accuracy is required especially when it comes to the track. You’ll also want to make sure to take advantage of any warranties that the professional installers offer on the installation itself, to confirm that your blinds are hung properly and made to last. 

If you’re worried about timing, don’t be. While it can take up to four weeks for custom orders to come in and be ready for installation, the installation itself can usually be completed in just a day. 

Like with most custom window treatments, the price is going to vary. This is largely a factor of how large of a window you need to cover, since that dictates the amount of material and fabric needed. However, the most common application is to install Veri Shades across a sliding backdoor, which on average costs $1,500 for materials and installation here in Melbourne.

Veri Shades come in a variety of colours and styles to meet nearly any home aesthetic. Currently, customers can choose from four different fabric types in 19 colours, most of which are neutral to give them a timeless and easy to match versatility. The tracks also come with four different options and in up to six different colours, allowing for different configurations and operability. 

Since every Veri Shade installation is measured specifically based on your space, every installation is a custom one. You’ll choose the combination of fabric and track operation that suits your space best. Professional installers will also measure and quote you on your project before anything is ordered so that you’re clear on exactly what to expect. 

While they might not look like it at first, in a closed position, Veri Shades can block out a room with room darkening panels. Since the panels are separate from one another, it’s possible that a little bit of a light can filter in through gaps from time to time. 

Separate panels can be taken down from the track and washed by hand with a mild detergent if needed. Just be sure to let them air dry before hanging them again on the track. You can also purchase replacement panels if any are severely damaged. 

They can be manually operated or they can be motorised if you prefer a more hands off approach. 

While they can be used anywhere you need floor-to-ceiling coverage for a window, sliding doors make the best fit. That’s because Veri Shades are so easy to walk through and access outdoor living spaces. 

Absolutely. You can order your shades in a variety of colours, fabrics, materials, sizes, and operability options to create a truly custom look for your home. In fact, most installations for honeycomb blinds are considered custom since they are measured specifically with your windows in mind.

You may find that your new shades require occasional dusting since the pleats can welcome dirt and dust to rest on their edges. Aside from this, you should not need to maintain your honeycomb shades.

There are options for lift and lowering available depending on your needs and most often work by raising the blinds from the bottom up. These are typically battery operated, so you don’t have to worry about wiring or consulting with an electrician for the installation. Not all blinds can be motorised, so if this is important to you, be sure to mention it during your consultation.

Not in the least. In fact, they’re a compact system that is designed for easy installation. That’s not to say you shouldn’t rely on the experts for your installation, since they’ll be able to ensure a level mounting and proper functionality based on years of experience.

That said, cellular shades are typically installed as an inside mount within the frame of the window, although options are available for outside mounts as well. Just be sure to specify your needs when ordering. Mounting brackets are used to secure the shade to the window frame, with the proper number provided in your installation kit. With the mounting hardware in place, the head rail of the shades can simply snap into place. The shade can now be lowered and raised to ensure that everything works great.

A form of indoor blinds, honeycomb shades get their name from the distinct shape of the material, which creates separate geometric pleats that can resemble a honeycomb. Also known as cellular shades, since the pockets of material create individual cells or pockets, this design is functional as well as amazing looking.

The pleats in the shades that give them their geometric shape serve to trap air at the windows. This has an insulating effect that can help regulate the temperature in your home and even reduce your heating and cooling bills.

This energy efficient options for your window treatments can also provide a large degree of privacy with light filtering and opaque material options and no holes for light to filter in through. Options for top-down or bottom-up functionality give you control over how much light to let into a room. There are also options to motorise them using remote controls or smart phone apps.

Since they come in such a wide variety of styles, it’s fair to assume that outdoor blinds will vary when it comes to installation. For most installs, especially where motorisation is involved, it’s best to leave it to the experts and allow a professional to hang or install your blinds. For someone with years of experience working with awnings and zip screens, the installation itself shouldn’t be a challenge.

What the install could be is time consuming. Most installs can take the better part of a day depending on the size of your materials and the number of panels involved.

That depends on how you option them out. Most blinds, shades, and awnings made for the outdoors come in a variety of mechanisms. Manual operation is often a cheaper alternative and includes pulley or cord systems. There are also options for motorisation and automatic retraction if that’s something you’re interested in.

You shouldn’t have to worry too much about maintenance when it comes to your outdoor window furnishings and awnings. If you’re concerned about dust or dirt build up, you can generally wipe them down with a soft cloth and a bit of water.

Not all of them are waterproof, but most are water resistant. You’ll want to check with the specific blinds or awnings you have in mind to make sure you choose the material that best suits your needs.

Sheer curtains come in a variety of colours and styles, making them a popular choice for nearly any space and any design aesthetic. You can create a softened backdrop in nearly any area of your home by adding sheers to your windows. They can be paired with blackout curtains to optimise light control and temperature during the day and night hours as needed.

They’re also versatile when it comes to the different styles. You can find sheer curtains in either s-fold or pinch pleat headings, which can completely change the look of the curtains as they hang from a rod or track. S-fold curtains have a softer wavy look to them, while pinch pleat curtains are bunched together to give a more formal or traditional look.

Sheer curtains are a great choice when layering window treatments. They’re also much more private than you might think. Linen and voile panels are designed to filter light but make it hard for people on the outside to see into your home during daylight hours.

This depends slightly on the type of hardware that you’re using, but in either case, sheer curtains are typically straightforward to install. You’ll need to have, or purchase, either a rod or track system to hang the curtains from. A rod is the easier of the two to install since it just requires brackets at either end for the rod to suspend from. The curtains are then hung with rings or slid into place using a gusseted pocket in the curtain itself.

Track system are a little more complex since they require the track to be affixed to the window casing or ceiling above the window itself. From there, the curtains are installed using hooks in the track that suspend them and make them easier to move into opened and closed positions.

Depending on the type of mounting hardware you’re installing, sheer curtains can take just an hour or so to hang per window.

Absolutely. In fact, sheers make a great option for pairing with everything from blackout curtains to roller blinds. This can help you control the level of light in your space without sacrificing on style. You’ll just need to let your window treatment professional know you’d like to layer your sheers so that they can be sure to quote you for the right hardware for installation.

You certainly don’t have to. Sheers already provide daytime privacy by filtering in light while giving you privacy from the outside. Of course, when it comes to night time, you will want to have a back up plan, which is why sheers pair so well with other window treatments. Many customers choose to go with a layered approach to indoor blinds that gives them options for privacy and options for texture and movement as well.

Depending on the hardware and track you choose, yes. You can opt for motorised tracks that come with remotes and allow you to operate the open and close function of your sheers from anywhere in your home.

Absolutely! Our range of high-quality folding arm awnings are available in a variety of timeless colours, fabrics and finishes so you can create the perfect awning to suit your unique property and needs. You can choose how much area they cover and even opt for a fully enclosed awning for total protection of your outdoor space.

You can also choose whether you’d like your awning to be crank operated or motorised. Both options guarantee smooth performance so it comes down to what works best for you and your property. We also offer pitch control which allows you to adjust the angle of your blind to match the angle of the sun promising shade all day long.

If you find where you’d like your blind to roll up is exposed to the elements, we can even provide a cassette that will protect it from the harsh Melbourne weather and ensure your awning has the longest life possible.

With moving parts located out in the great outdoors, you can’t expect your awning to last forever. But what you can expect is for it to last a very long time. Most folding arm awnings last upwards of 15 years when cared for properly (i.e. don’t leave it open during a wind storm).

The best window treatment companies will also offer workmanship guarantees on top of the fabric and product warranties that come with the actual awning installation.

Yes. Automated models come with a backup manual override option to allow you to retract the awning during bad weather.

You can choose how much of the folding arm awning you want to extend depending on your needs. Some options, like pitch control, may only work when the awning is completely extended.

Not all of the fabrics used in creating custom awnings will keep you dry. They might be water resistant and designed to stand up to the elements, but they might not be waterproof. So, it’s important to consider this when choosing your fabrics.

If sensors are important to you, you’ll want to make sure to say so up front so you can get an accurate quote from your vendor. That said, you can equip folding arm awnings with a variety of sensors including sun sensors that extend the shade automatically. There are also rain and wind sensors that can retract the awning automatically so it is not damaged in inclement weather.

Zipscreens are versatile and custom ordered to fit any space indoors or outdoors. They’re most commonly used in porches, patios, and pergolas to help extend outdoor living space with an indoor flair. They can be made as wide as 5 metres and as long as 4 metres in residential applications. Commercial grade components for larger openings are also available in the Zipscreen Extreme model, which spans up to 7 metres in width and a 5 metre drop.

Both choices of Zipscreen come with a range of control options that you can select from. Manual operations like the spring or crank are cost effective and a breeze to use. You can also opt for motorised control and enjoy the freedom of being able to remotely control your blinds. You can even pair it with your smart devices which means you don’t even have to lift a finger, just simply use whatever voice control your device has installed.

Absolutely. While they’re often used to cover up large swaths of outdoor or open-air space, many homeowners love the sleek and modern look of Zipscreens indoors for their window coverings.

Yes! We know that not every outdoor space is 100% level and squared up. And while Zipscreens rely on a lot of equipment for the header and track, they are also built with an Ultra Lock weight bar that helps achieve coverage for uneven floors. You even have the option to choose a weight bar or a weather seal strip at the bottom of your screens depending on how the space is designed and subjected to the elements.

Most of the screens come in neutral colours that are designed to match any outdoor aesthetic. Choose from lighter shades such as Pure White or Anodised Grey for a lighter feel in your space and lower light filtration. Colours such as Monument Grey and Black will add to the privacy and light filtering you’ll experience. There are also a variety of midtones and cream colours to match other types of facades. They also come in clear or tinted PVC.