Choosing fabric: Which is best for roller blinds?

Whether you're looking to make roller blinds or buy a new pair, it's vital to understand what fabric to use and what its benefits are.

But first, let's make the distinction between fabric and material. When we say fabric, we mean cotton, polyester, PVC, rayon, faux velvet, tulle, and so on. But this is different from material, which is the main component that makes up the fabric.

For example, jeans are denim, and denim is made from cotton.

When it comes to roller blinds, you mainly choose one of two widely used materials: polyester or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). You can also choose blended fabrics, but these tend to be 80% polyester and 20% cotton or PVC plus fiberglass. There are also various linings to choose from, which means you can transform your roller blinds into blackout blinds or thermal blinds if you need them.

While the material selection is limited, the fabric selection is vast. Below, we'll look at the four most common fabrics to help you choose the right one for your home.

1. Polyester
Most roller blinds made at home or purchased through retailers use polyester.

It was first patented in 1941 by British scientist John Rex Whinfield, aiming to compete with nylon. Today, it is one of the most widely used synthetic materials in the world and is widely used in home decoration.

One of the most notable features of this fabric is its durability. Polyester resists stretching, tearing, pilling, and abrasion. If you use it for roller blinds, the roller blinds will likely last a long time.

While polyester is not completely waterproof, it tends to be moisture-resistant and can wick away moisture. However, polyester-cotton blends are very common, and cotton can absorb and retain moisture from the air.

We recommend recycling polyester roller blinds at the end of their useful life. They are not biodegradable and can remain in landfills for decades or even centuries.

Pros:
Durable
Moisture-resistant
Wrinkle-resistant
Cons:
Coarse
Non-biodegradable
To summarize

It is safe to say that polyester is the top choice for roller blinds.

2.PVC
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is another synthetic material widely used to make roller blinds.

German inventor Friedrich Klatte first patented PVC in 1913. Waldo Semon later commercialized PVC by using plasticizers, lubricants, and other additives to change its properties.

The most notable advantage is its durability. It is waterproof, flame-retardant, and degrades less over time. It is practical, but not as premium to the touch as the more versatile polyester.

There are some environmental issues with PVC, especially the toxic fumes produced during production and the fact that it is not biodegradable. PVC is suitable for everyday household use, is very durable, and can be recycled at the end of its life.

Advantages:
Durable
Waterproof
Non-flammable
Easily wiped
Disadvantages:
Coarse
Non-biodegradable
General

PVC roller blinds are best used in bathrooms, kitchens, or commercial buildings and are a practical choice.

3. Voile
Voile is a thin tulle made of cotton or polyester (sometimes a blend of the two). Its name comes from the French word for veil, the same fabric used for wedding veils.

The specific properties of voile vary depending on the material, but the most notable features are that it is lightweight, breathable, and reduces glare without blocking out the sun. Because of these properties, homeowners often use thicker shade cloths.

Due to its sparse, breathable nature, voile has poor insulation properties. Even when paired with other blinds or curtains, most of the benefits come from the heavier fabric.

Pros:
Lightweight
Reduces glare
Layered
Cons:
Poor insulation properties
High light transmittance
General

All in all, voile roller blinds can make a stylish addition to your home.

4. Imitation Silk
Real silk is an expensive and luxurious material made from boiled silkworm cocoons - gross! There is silk that is made without harming the silkworms, but this type of silk is rare and more expensive.

In contrast, most "silk roller blinds" are synthetic silk, a fabric made from rayon, cotton, polyester, or a blend of these materials. We make ours with high-quality polyester to create a luxurious feel similar to real silk.

Unlike natural silk, which fades in sunlight, artificial silk retains its color longer. Fabrics that retain their color in sunlight are essential to the longevity of your roller blinds.

Pros:
Cheaper than silk
Does not fade in sunlight
Does not harm animals
Cons:
Fewer fabric options
Not biodegradable

Overall, artificial silk is the best choice for roller blinds.