What are the differences between high-quality fabrics and those of lower quality?

You say "Fabric like fabric". Everything looks similar, so what could be the difference. But beware, there can be a lot of differences, and buying poor quality blinds could unnecessarily cost you.

"We're not so rich that we can afford cheap things"

This proverb sounds good at first, but it makes sense. If you buy a cheap thing, it wears out, breaks, and you'll have to buy the same thing again, in the end, buying 2 cheap things is more expensive than buying one expensive and high-quality item. Yes, in many cases, it really doesn't matter whether you buy a consumer item for €5 or an overpriced one for €20 due to a marketing campaign. But for many products that you use for years, it's worth choosing quality over price.

What to look for first in blinds?

• Shading Efficiency: An important factor in assessing the quality of fabrics for blinds production is shading efficiency. Fabrics must be dense and high-quality enough to effectively block light, heat, and sunlight. These properties should be tested in the laboratory or under real conditions.
• Durability: Quality fabrics must be durable and resistant to wear, high temperatures, sunlight, moisture, and other external influences. The fabric's ability to withstand UV radiation is also important.
• Aesthetic Appearance: Fabrics for blinds should have an aesthetic appearance that meets customer needs and preferences. They should be available in different colors and patterns, providing a wide range of options for selection.
• Safety: Fabrics should be safe for indoor use and should not contain hazardous chemicals. They should be tested and certified according to relevant safety standards.
• Easy Maintenance: Easy maintenance and resistance to stains and color fading are important.
• Price: Price is also an important factor in assessing fabric quality. Fabrics with higher quality and performance usually cost more than those with lower quality. However, it's important to find a balance between quality and price and choose fabric that meets customer requirements at a reasonable cost.

Fabric makes up the majority of blinds

With poor fabrics and inadequate workmanship, the edges of the blind will quickly fray, the fibers can be damaged and separate, creating unwanted holes in the fabric. The fabric can also stretch in a certain direction, causing uneven winding of the blind. The fabric can fade and tear due to sunlight exposure.

The quality of the fabric is ensured primarily by the material used and its processing. This determines how long the fabric blind will stay in perfect condition, how often you can use it, and what shading properties it will have.

Let's take a look at fabrics used for shading from various angles and find out how to recognize quality fabric.

What data can tell you about fabric quality and properties?

1. Density/Weight - Fabric density is usually measured in g/m2 or oz/yd2 (ounces per square yard). Fabric density can affect its transparency, shading efficiency, strength, and other properties.
2. Transparency - how much light the fabric allows to pass into the interior. The value indicates the amount of light that passes through the fabric into the room. The higher the transparency value (transmittance), the brighter the room will be under daylight.
3. Absorbance - how much light the fabric absorbs - the value indicates the amount of light absorbed by the fabric (absorption). Absorbed solar energy is usually converted into heat.
4. Reflectance - how much light the fabric reflects - the value indicates the amount of light that is reflected from the fabric. The more sunlight is reflected (reflection), the less will remain in the room, and the room will not heat up as much.
5. Thickness - Fabric thickness is important for determining fabric transparency and durability. Thickness is usually measured in microns (μm) or millimeters (mm).
6. Cycles/Turns - Cycles indicate how many times the fabric can be bent/wiped without being damaged. In the shading area, fabrics with at least 50,000 cycles are commonly used.
7. UV Resistance - Fabric's resistance to UV radiation is important to prevent fading and fabric degradation due to sunlight exposure.
8. Certification - Certification can be awarded by various certification organizations or institutions and serves to demonstrate that the fabric meets specified requirements.
9. Fire Resistance - Refers to their ability to resist burning and fire propagation. Fire-resistant fabrics are often made from materials with reduced flammability and may be coated with special protective coatings or chemicals that slow down combustion.
10. Dust Resistance - Dust resistance of fabrics concerns their ability to resist dust or other impurities penetrating the fabric, or settling on the fibers (this can be achieved through special impregnation). This property is important, especially in environments with high dust concentrations or for people with allergies.
11. Water Resistance - Water-resistant fabrics are usually made from materials with a hydrophobic surface or are coated with water-repellent coatings. This property is important, especially for fabrics used in outdoor environments exposed to rain or humidity.

Materials for fabric shading

Roller blinds and pleats are made from various types of materials that differ in appearance, purpose, and properties. What materials can be used for interior shading fabrics?

Cotton: Cotton fabrics are very popular for making fabric blinds. They are soft, pleasant to touch, and can be easily dyed in different colors. Cotton blinds create a cozy atmosphere and fit into different interior styles.

Linen: Linen fabrics have a unique texture that adds elegance to the interior. They can have a natural, rustic appearance or be more refined and luxurious.

Polyester: Polyester fabrics are durable and easy to maintain. They are available in a wide range of colors and patterns. Polyester blinds are often used in offices and commercial spaces due to their practicality.

Viscose: Viscose or rayon blinds are known for their silky appearance. They can imitate natural fibers like cotton, silk, and wool. Viscose blinds are less resistant to sunlight and moisture.

Acrylic: Acrylic fabrics are often used for outdoor blinds or in high-humidity environments. They are resistant to mold, mildew, and UV radiation.

Blended Fabrics: Blends of different fibers, such as polyester and cotton, can combine the properties of both materials. For example, the blinds can have the softness of cotton and the durability of polyester.

Blackout Fabrics: These fabrics are specially designed to block out light completely. They usually have a layer of foam or other light-resistant material.

Translucent Fabrics: These fabrics allow light to filter through while maintaining privacy. They often have a light and airy appearance.

When choosing fabric for blinds, it's important to consider the location of the blinds, the desired level of light and privacy control, and the overall aesthetic of the room. Consulting with professionals in the field can also provide valuable guidance in making the right choice.

Conclusion

Fabric quality plays a crucial role in the performance, durability, and overall aesthetic of blinds. When choosing blinds for your interior spaces, it's important to prioritize quality over price. High-quality fabrics ensure effective shading, durability, and easy maintenance, making them a cost-effective and functional investment.

When evaluating fabric quality, consider factors such as density, transparency, absorbance, reflectance, thickness, UV resistance, and certifications. Additionally, choosing the right material for your blinds, whether it's cotton, linen, polyester, or others, can further enhance the appearance and functionality of your space.

Ultimately, investing in blinds with quality fabrics will enhance your living or working environment and provide you with lasting satisfaction for years to come.