Which Way Round Do Roller Blinds Go?

It’s a question we get asked all the time by customers looking to fit a blind: which way round should I install my roller blinds? Well, the solution is straightforward.

Generally speaking, the roller blind fabric should be as close to the windowpane as possible. It reduces the chance of sunlight leaking through gaps in the side and prevents anyone from looking in from seeing anything. Some people dislike this way, however, as it can mean that the barrel becomes exposed if the blind is fully unrolled. Below is an example of a back rolled blind (named after how the fabric comes off the back of the barrel), with the fabric close to the windowpane. The easiest way to identify a back rolled blind is to raise the fabric and the bottom bar will hang behind the barrel.

If you have window handles in the way, which could obstruct the back rolled blind, then changing the way the blind is rolled is a sensible option. This is known as reverse rolling, which will be explained in just a moment.

When you come to place your order for a roller blind with us, you’ll be prompted to let us know which side you would like the control to be located (you may want the chain to go on the left side of the blind, for example). If there is no specific reason for needing the control on one side or the other, you could simply turn the blind round to have a front rolled blind. You should make sure you're familiar with how to fit a roller blind before you begin to make sure you can get easy access to change the way the blind is rolled once the blind is fitted.

Yet, if your control needs to stay in the same place, you will need to reverse the roll of the blind to make it a front rolled blind. This is straightforward enough to do at home by yourself. Unroll the blind until you can see the fabric attached to the barrel and then begin to turn the barrel in the opposite direction. This will roll the fabric so that it hangs over the barrel on the opposite side.

So to recap on the terminology:

Front Roll:

Also known as an Over Rolled blind, the fabric hangs over the front of the barrel. This creates greater distance between the blind fabric and the window, which is useful if there are objects in the way, such as handles for the windows.

Back Roll:

Also known as an Under Rolled blind, the fabric runs off the back of the barrel, hanging close to the window. This is ideal for reflecting heat and keeping exterior light from getting into the room.

There you are, an over rolled blind, free to move without obstruction. Got a question you want to be answered? Get in touch and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can!

In conclusion, there is no right or wrong way to decide which way round a roller blind should go, simply your preferences and the environment in which you are fitting the blind. Take a look at our selection of roller blinds today!

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