Roller blinds “day-night” for plastic windows: in the interior, choice of design, installation

You can easily shield a room from the bright rays of the sun or blinding night lights with one of the types of curtains. Of course, curtains and tulles will always remain a classic option for window decoration, but they are not suitable for every room and not every interior.

If you are looking for a more modern and practical solution, pay attention to day-night roller blinds. The variety of models in terms of functionality and appearance allows you to choose an option for both home and office, store, cafe, etc.

What are day-night roller blinds?

This type of curtain is often called “zebra” - unlike ordinary roller blinds, they have alternating translucent and opaque stripes. This effect is created thanks to two different types of fabrics on a canvas thrown over a roller.

It is thanks to these stripes that day-night curtains perfectly regulate the amount of sunlight in the room.

You can easily open the curtains completely during the day, dim the lighting if you leave the house, or hide the bright light of night lights before going to bed. Another feature is that it is not necessary to completely lift the canvas or move it to the side to look out into the street; To do this, just combine two transparent stripes.

Types of window roller shutters

There are 2 groups of structures: closed, open. Externally, these curtains are similar. If you study their structure more carefully, you can see the difference in the design of the moving element - the shaft is closed by a box. This does not affect functionality. The canvas moves freely, regulates the illumination of the room, but the appearance of a closed structure is sometimes more preferable, which is determined by the style direction of the room’s interior.

Open

The fabric is located on a movable shaft, the structure of which remains visible. This helps reduce the cost of curtains. In addition, the lower part of the canvas is not fixed in anything. A weight bar may be provided. The principle of adjusting the light intensity is standard: transparent and opaque stripes move until the appropriate lighting mode is selected.

The control mechanism for open Day-Night curtains can be of 2 types: chain, spring. The last of them is used to decorate attic window openings or other rooms where installation at an angle is provided. An open system is considered universal, because it can be fixed on a wall, a plastic window profile, or inside an opening.

If opening doors are not provided, you can choose the first installation method. When there are several opening sashes in the opening, roller blinds are installed on a plastic profile.

The disadvantage of such designs is their simple appearance. If when decorating a room the emphasis is on modernity and chic, this option will not work.

Open roller blinds.

Closed

The design is in many ways similar to open curtains, but has additional elements:

box – covers the movable shaft;
guides - installed on the sides, their main function is to fix the edge of the canvas when moving.

Some models provide not only a box for the movable shaft, but also protection of the edge of the curtain on the sides (in the form of slats), and a lower weighting material of a more complex configuration (the lower edge of the curtains is contained inside).

The advantages of this option:

improved protection from dust and other contaminants;
closed curtain designs are represented by automated models, using a remote control method - via a remote control;
The cassette mount allows you to position the canvas as close as possible to the plastic profile, thereby reducing the risk of penetration of sunlight along the perimeter of the curtains;
uniform lifting, since the material is securely fixed along its entire length, this eliminates the risk of the web moving in jerks;
more attractive appearance.

If the curtains are designed to be fixed on a plastic profile, and the canvas is protected by boxes around the perimeter, such a system is called a mini-cassette. In terms of functionality, it is not inferior to standard closed roller blinds.

This design option is used when there is not enough free space to mount the movable shaft inside the opening or on the wall above the window. The mini-cassette version of the curtains is fixed on the sash. If the color of the boxes matches the tone of the plastic profile, it may seem that the structure of the boxes is built into the window block.

How zebra curtains work

Roller blinds are not as complex a mechanism as it might seem at first glance, but they are very functional.

There are several types of mechanisms for them:

cassette, which is mounted on a profile, and the curtain opens thanks to an aluminum cassette moving along a guide;
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spring, where the curtain closes and opens due to a slight impact on the mechanism, have a short service life;
chain, in which the curtain is wound around a tube with clamps and moved using a chain;
automatic with electric drive and controller, with which you can remotely open and close curtains.

The design of any roller blinds also includes the canvas itself and a plumb line that does not allow the fabric to develop in a draft and wrinkle during use.

Day-night curtains are most often made with a chain or automatic mechanism, which is very convenient for use in any room.

Many models can be fixed both in the opening and to the ceiling or wall near the window. A variety of options allows you to combine roller blinds with tulle on the curtain or other types of curtains.

Day-night system

Correct installation of roller blinds will allow you to effectively control the flow of light. You can do the whole process yourself thanks to short instructions. Fastening occurs as follows:

one edge is attached to the shaft (rotating);
the second is passed through the bottom and attached to the rail, which must first be fixed;
if installed correctly, the bottom bar will allow you to lay a two-layer curtain;
the mechanism is checked by a chain that controls the entire system.

If all manipulations are carried out according to the instructions, then it will be possible to regulate not only the overlap of layers on top of each other, but also the lifting height. The lock, which is built into the system for selecting the length level, is very easy to operate. For more information about window measurements and installing curtains, watch this video:

Another positive feature is the regulation of each element separately, that is, the ability to layer layers on top of each other.

Types of day-night roller blinds

Depending on how you want to secure the roller blinds and for which window to use, you should choose one type of curtain or another. There are several types of them:

Open - they represent a shaft with a cloth wound around it and an attached opening mechanism;
Cassette - in this option, the shaft with the fabric is hidden under a semicircular or rectangular box. The whole design looks very neat and modern;
Mini - have the same box, but have the dimensions of the opening and are mounted in its space, and not above the window;
Read also: Gothic style of clothing: the fetish of death or the charm of the Middle Ages
Rollo - here the curtain moves along the side guides. This type of construction is most often used for skylights, since they do not “hang” from an inclined surface;
Large rolls - used for decorating large windows, shop windows, etc.

Each of these options can be used at home, in the office, in a cafe or store. A wide selection of prints and colors will help create the right atmosphere in each room, for example, adding coziness to the bedroom or emphasizing the strict lines in the study.

How to choose material for blinds?

When creating the interior of rooms, you can order roller blinds for each room, differing not only in color, but also in fabric. There are 3 main types of material for roller blinds:

Transparent. They have the ability to perfectly transmit sunlight, scattering it throughout the room. Best suited for rooms located on the shady side of the house. Despite the fact that this is a transparent fabric, during the day it will reliably protect you from the gaze of passers-by. At the same time, it will maintain a good view from the window. And in the dark, with artificial lighting, it will only allow you to see the silhouettes of the people inside.
Opaque. They are characterized by a wide variety of materials, textures and degrees of density. Depending on the type of fabric used, you can achieve twilight or simply hide from prying eyes.
Darkened. They do not allow light to pass through at all thanks to the rubberized base. Ideal for rooms that require complete darkness: studio, bedroom, recreation room.

Materials for double roller blinds

When it comes to construction materials and mechanisms, manufacturers give preference to high-quality plastic. It produces practical and inexpensive parts that can easily be replaced yourself if the roller blinds break down.

But the choice of fabrics in this case matters. The most commonly used are linen, silk, polyester, cotton, viscose, and tulle.

Of course, synthetic fabrics are most often used because they are easier to care for. Synthetics are also added to natural materials to improve their qualities. Before installation on the roller, any canvas is coated with Teflon impregnation, which gives it antistatic properties.

If you are a lover of environmental friendliness, order roller blinds made from natural fabrics. But it is worth considering that they can no longer be cleaned with a simple brush.

Materials for the manufacture of roller blinds, appearance and degree of protection

Linen and cotton. Curtains made from this material are purchased by people who live in country houses to cover windows in bedrooms or kitchens. It is not recommended to use in rooms with high humidity (if moisture gets in, they shrink).
Polyester. This is a durable synthetic material, products from which reflect light well and are easy to clean from dust and dirt.

Synthetic fabrics are ideal for the kitchen
Polyester and cotton. The combination of these 2 materials gives the fabric durability and increases wear resistance. Not suitable for baths and saunas, it can be used in residential areas.
Polyester and viscose. This combination is suitable for decorating rooms in Japanese style. Its texture resembles rice parchment.
Polyester and satin. The combination gives the curtains a silky shine. The material does not lose its color in damp rooms.
Fiberglass and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Suitable for rooms with high humidity, the fabrics of these materials are very durable and reliable. They are fire resistant and reflect light well.

A curtain made of moisture-resistant material can be used as a screen to protect against splashes

Day-night curtains in the interior

In order for this version of curtains to fit well into the interior, it is important to choose the right not only their type and design, but also the color.

Here are some tips for color schemes for different rooms:

rich and bright colors (lime, orange, yellow, etc.) are best left for the kitchen or dining room. Such shades awaken the appetite, help you wake up faster in the morning, and improve your mood;
In the bedroom it is better to place curtains in more muted shades, pastel colors. This is especially true in cases where the curtain occupies the central space in the design of a wall with a window;
for living rooms, the choice of color can be any, the main thing is that it suits the specific style of the interior;
in the nursery, you can give free rein to your imagination and choose curtains with bright prints, for example, with your child’s favorite cartoon characters or cute little animals.

As for office premises, it is better to choose monochrome versions of roller blinds or, again, calmer shades.

Prints fit perfectly not only into children's bedrooms. If your room has a specific theme, it can be emphasized with one or another pattern on the day-night curtains.

Caring for roller blinds

Proper and timely care of day-night curtains will help extend their service life, preserve their appearance and rid the room of dust.

Tips for caring for roller blinds:

When washing windows, curtains should be raised all the way and not lowered until the window is completely dry;
To clean the canvas itself, you do not need to remove it from the window;
Dust can be easily removed using a soft brush or a special attachment on a vacuum cleaner;
Dirt and stains can be cleaned with an ordinary sponge dipped in soapy water. After cleaning, the contaminated area should be washed with a sponge with clean water and left to dry;
Do not rub the fabric, crumple it, wring it out, or use products with abrasive particles or hard sponges for cleaning.

The plastic base of the zebra curtains can be simply wiped with a damp cloth to remove dust.

Attention! Under no circumstances should you use cleaning products containing chlorine to care for roller blinds - this will damage the delicate fabric.

Blackout roller blinds: types of fabric

This fabric is made of 3 layers:

the first serves to reflect sunlight;
the second gives the fabric the desired shape;
the third serves as a facing on which a design or color is applied.

For complete light protection of the room, the curtain fabric must be made of special fabric

The light Blackout design, which consists of 3 layers (main, front and reflective) is made in bright colors.

The dark blackout design comes in dark colors (brown, grey, blue or burgundy). This is a dense woven fabric that provides reliable protection from sunlight.

After several washes and scratches, the coating wears off and loses its aesthetic appearance. Dark fabric has soft and flexible properties and is more resistant to external influences.

Positive qualities and applications of Blackout

Advantages of Blackout roller blinds:

the first quality is light resistance (90% protection from sunlight);
the density of the material provides good sound insulation, even with the window open;
flexible and dense fabric adapts well and retains its shape and durability;
the thickness of the material protects the room from the penetration of cold air;
does not have a toxic or allergenic effect on the body, is resistant to fire (can only melt at high temperatures);
minimal accumulation of dust, which eliminates the need for regular cleaning or washing;
wide selection of different colors and patterns.

Please note that complete light-tightness is ensured only when installing side rails, without which gaps will be visible on the sides of the curtain, as in the photo

Blackout is used to cover windows in ordinary homes (kitchens, bedrooms and living rooms), offices, entertainment venues, hotels and inns, and projector rooms.

Blackout curtains are perfect for decorating windows in a home theater

Tips for choosing zebra curtains

In order not to make a mistake in choosing a manufacturer and model when buying “day and night” curtains, just follow simple advice from experts.

When purchasing, it is important to consider:

size and type of window - for example, roller shutters with side guides are more suitable for folding sashes;
the color and material of the fabric should be combined with the interior style of the room;
In office and other crowded rooms, it is better to install cassette roller blinds, since the fabric under the frame will retain its attractive appearance longer.

Self-tapping installation

Break off the upper part from the adjustable throw-on brackets. Drill 2 holes with a diameter of 3 mm on the protrusions of each bracket.

Insert the MINI brackets into the throw-on brackets. The holes must match.

Mark the proposed mounting locations for the brackets. The brackets must be installed horizontally. When lowered, the fabric should cover the light opening. Screw the brackets with screws so that the protrusions of the throw-on brackets for attaching the additional profile are located at the bottom.

Install the inserts into the control mechanism and into the plug in the pipe. Insert the product into the brackets. The roll of fabric should be visible.

1. Selecting curtains by size (diagram 1).

The selection of curtain size is done according to the following rule:

the required width of the curtain = the width of the glass of your window + a margin of 2-4 cm.

It is also necessary to take into account the overall width of the curtain. The overall width is 4 cm wider than the width of the curtain (fabric width + adjustment mechanism). This must be taken into account so as not to exceed the dimensions of the window frame when installing on tilt-and-turn windows or in a window opening.

2. Completeness of the product and designation of parts on the diagrams (diagram 2).

1 - curtain (1 pc.)
2 — chain mechanism (1 pc.)
3 — roller (1 pc.)
4 – clip (2 pcs.)
5 – upper window clip (2 pcs.)
6 – mechanism bracket with lock (lock 6.1)
7 – mechanism bracket (1 pc.)
8 - adhesive tape
9 – washer (2 pcs.)
10,11,12 – weighting agent
13 — upper bar (1 pc.)
14 – string (1 pc.)
15 – screws (4 pcs.)
16 – adhesive tape
17 — chain lock
18, 18.1 – upper string clamps (2 pcs.)
19 - adhesive tape for string fixation
20 – fastening the string clamp (2 pcs.)
21 – string clamp housing (2 pcs.)
22 – fastening (bracket) of the string clamp (2 pcs.)
23 – lower string clamp (2 pcs.)
24 – cover of the string fastener housing
25 fasteners (4 pcs.) Fasteners are selected depending on the materials and design of the mounting location and are not included in the kit !
instructions

3. Select the installation option that suits your conditions (diagram 3, 4)

for tilt and turn windows
to the ceiling
on the wall
installation using adhesive tape or clip.

5. installation on tilt-and-turn windows (diagram 4)

— the mechanism bracket with the lock (position 6) must first be inserted into the top curtain bar (position 13). Secure the bracket (pos. 6) with the clamp (pos. 6.1).

— install the upper window clips (pos. 5) on the top bar of the curtain (pos. 13).

— we attach the assembled curtain with window clips onto the tilt-and-turn window.

— install the lower string clamps (21,23,24) according to the preferred option (lower part of diagram 2).

— divide the string (pos. 14) into 2 parts, pass it with restrictions through the upper string clamps (pos. 18) and, after adjusting the strings along the length, secure them to the lower clamps.

When choosing options for fastening with adhesive tape, after gluing it is necessary to leave it without load for 24 hours!

6. installation of curtains on a fixed frame, wall or ceiling (diagram 3)

— when mounted on a fixed plastic frame, it is possible to attach it with adhesive tape.

— when installing on a wall and ceiling, clips (4) and fasteners are used. When using the clip (4), first insert the top curtain bar (13) into the top of the clip (4), press firmly on the bottom of the clip with your finger, then press the bar (13) until it clicks. To remove, also press on the bottom of the clip with your finger, then pull the bar (13) towards you.

— the assembly of the curtains, in addition to the process of attaching them to the frame, wall and ceiling, is described in the installation option for tilt-and-turn windows (diagram 4).

More complete installation instructions are included in the kit.

How to install roller shutters with your own hands

Installing roller blinds on a window is not the most difficult task. If you know how to use a screwdriver and a tape measure, there will be no problems.

The installation process begins with markings. There are several nuances to consider:

If the curtain covers a window opening, then at both edges the structure should extend beyond the opening by 4-5 cm. From the bottom edge, the opening should be covered by approximately 10 cm with the canvas;
When installing a curtain inside an opening, its edges, on the contrary, should retreat a couple of centimeters from the edges of the opening on the sides and bottom.

Don’t forget to check whether the window sashes open normally with this arrangement of roller shutters!

Description of the installation process of zebra roller blinds:

First of all, we apply markings based on previously taken measurements. At this stage, it is better to double-check everything again, since remaking holes for fasteners can be problematic;
Holes are drilled according to the markings and dowels are inserted into them;
Brackets are screwed into the resulting holes;
12 cm is measured from the place where the roller shutter control chain is located, then an additional fastening is installed in this place;
The structure is installed on the side of the control mechanism. A click will indicate the correctness of the action;
At the last stage, the canvas is adjusted and the correct operation of the day-night system is checked.

This is the easiest way to install such curtains - even a beginner can handle it. If you have purchased roller blinds with a more complex fastening system or a large curtain and are not sure that you can install it correctly on the window, the right decision would be to seek the help of specialists.

How to assemble roller blinds, watch our video:

Day-night roller blinds: advantages and disadvantages

Roller blinds have a high price, but they regulate the flow of light into the room well.
Roller blinds are one of the best products for protecting from sunlight. Unfortunately, such products have one drawback - high price. But because of their advantages, the choice falls on this type of decorative products. The main positive factors are:

Adjusting the lighting level.
Maintaining a view from the room.
A combination of the characteristics of tulle and curtains.
Visualization of space.
A protective function against direct rays, which has a positive effect on maintaining optimal temperature in the room.
The design allows you to complement any interior.

Despite the price, many people choose day-night roller blinds. They are the best of all their representatives.

Expert opinion

Smetanina Diana, sales manager for roller blinds “Zebra” of the manufacturing company OLEKSDEKO
Roller blinds “Zebra” are a clear example of how general advantages are complemented by individual advantages. Roller shutters of the “Day-Night” system boast all the “bonuses” of roller curtains, including an affordable price. They do not deform, do not accumulate dust, do not require special care and allow you to quickly and effortlessly open/close the skylight of the window.

The main advantages of the “Zebra” model, based on which I recommend these roller blinds to our clients, lie in something else. Roller blinds “Day-Night” not only conveniently regulate the level of illumination, but also open up scope for design experiments. For example, an interesting solution would be a combination of clear horizontal stripes on fabric and wallpaper with a vertical pattern.

A combination of light-colored roller shutters with thick curtains made of dark fabric will allow you to visually expand the window and increase the height of the ceiling. “Zebra” will be an excellent addition to the interior of a child’s room: an effective way to change the light mode “plus” an educational and playful element for the child.