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Window coverings have come a long way since The Luxaflex® brand first went to market in Australia back in 1954. Today, with so many factors to consider and just as many options available, selecting the right window coverings solution can sometimes be overwhelming.
One area in which many ask for guidance is regarding the choice between roller blinds and Softshades. While our experienced consultants are happy to walk you through the specific differences, and make a recommendation based on your specific needs, this quick overview may also help.
Roller blinds are one of the most popular types of window coverings, and have a traditional bottom-up format. They have a sleek, sophisticated look, are available in a range of styles and prints to suit any interior, and can be operated either manually or automatically.
Softshades are a newer type of blind innovation and function as somewhat of a screen – letting light through but still providing all-important privacy. Some of the most popular Luxaflex shades include Silhouette® Shadings, Pirouette® Shadings and Luminette® Privacy Sheers.
Pirouette® Shadings provide softly curved, elegant horizontal fabric vanes attached to a sheer backing for an enhanced way of controlling light and privacy for you and your family. They have a classic look, and the delicate folds appear to float above the window, allowing light to filter through, or to be completely closed for total privacy.
Silhouette® Shadings are made from an innovative material that allows you to see outside, while still restricting the view from the outside to the inside. They are made from 100% anti-static, dust-resistant polyester, and are durable and easy to clean. They also come in two opacities - translucent and room-darkening.
Luminette® Privacy Sheers combine the timeless beauty of a sheer curtain with the superior control of a blind. They feature a softly curved, vertical design with integrated fabric vanes for a striking interior statement.
How do you want to control your blinds?
With roller blinds, you can choose the operating system that's right for your window/s. There's a classic chain drive, which allows you to manually open and close your blind, as well as a linked system, which allows you to control up to three blinds at once. There's also the option of a dual bracket, which lets you combine the functionality of two different fabrics in one system. Plus, you can even control your roller blinds using motorisation, such as the revolutionary app-driven PowerView® Motorisation system.
With Softshades, you also have several options when it comes to control.
With Pirouette® Shadings, operation systems include EasyRise, a continuous cord loop system; as well as PowerView® Motorisation.
With Silhouette® Shadings, you have the option of PowerView® Motorisation, as well as EasyRise, LiteRise, or ULTRAGLIDE® Lifting Systems to make it easy and safe for the household.
Luminette® Privacy Sheers can be drawn open like curtains, with the use of a cord loop, or rotated like blinds, with a simple twist of the wand – all from a single control. Or, you can step into the future of blind technology and use PowerView® Motorisation.
How much flexibility do you need when it comes to light?
Roller blinds are ideal for rooms or spaces in the home where you want to be able to control the light differently depending on the time of day. In a bedroom, for instance, you may want to close the blinds during the evening to create a completely dark and tranquil space, but then open them to let light flow in during daylight hours.
Softshades enable even more flexibility when it comes to controlling the flow of light.
With Pirouette® Shadings, a revolutionary Invisi-Lift System suspends the shadings' soft vanes for variable light control, allowing the vanes to be fully raised and lowered without obstructing the view.
Silhouette® Shadings, for instance, come with the Luxaflex signature "S-Vane". This unique product offers a huge range of colours in both room-darkening and translucent fabrics. They can be opened for a full, soft focus view, closed for privacy or tilted for light control.
Luminette® Privacy Sheers are ideal for expansive windows or sliding doors as they allow for privacy and light control by allowing a soft and flattering light to filter through to any room, while still maintaining your essential privacy.
What sort of design look are you going for?
Thanks to a partnership with Signature Prints and the Whitehouse Institute of Design, Luxaflex roller blinds are available in a range of smart and unique design options that can add flair and personality to any space. There is also a Kids Print collection with four gorgeous designs – a lively mix of animal block prints, pastel colours and striking motifs.
While Softshades aren't available in any artistic prints, they do come in a range of different styles and fabrics designed to aesthetically enhance your home and offer superior functionality over roller blind fabrics.
What type of fabric suits you and your home?
Luxaflex® roller blind fabrics are available in a broad range of fabrics, depending on your light, glare, heat and privacy needs. There is also a range of low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) textiles for those sensitive to the smell of fabrics. Many fabrics are also sanitised for optimal hygiene and treated with DURAGUARD® Fabric Protector to repel most stain-causing agents.
With Softshades, you also have a range of options when it comes to fabrics and their level of opacity. Translucent fabrics gently filter light to provide a warm glow while protecting furnishings from UV light, whereas room-darkening vanes provide complete privacy without totally darkening an environment.
Interested in finding more about Luxaflex custom window coverings?
