Window-Blinds-Compared-Roller-vs-Zebra-vs-Vertical
16 Oct
Blog

Roller Blinds vs Zebra Blinds vs Vertical Blinds

Picking the right blinds can completely change how your space feels and works. Zebra, roller, and vertical blinds all have their own perks, it’s really about what fits your lifestyle. Zebra blinds, sometimes called dual-layer shades, have alternating sheer and opaque stripes, so you can easily adjust light, privacy, and your view. Roller blinds keep things simple, budget-friendly, and are perfect when you need a total blackout which is great for kitchens or bedrooms. And then there are vertical blinds, the timeless choice for big windows and sliding doors. In this guide, we’ll walk through how each type works in different rooms, so you can find the one that’s just right for your 2025 home update. 

Understanding the Basics: Zebra, Roller, and Vertical Blinds 

Before delving into specific window solutions for your home, understanding the fundamental differences between various blind types is essential. Each option brings unique benefits suited to specific spaces and lifestyles. 

Zebra Blinds: Dual-layered light control 

Zebra blinds feature a distinctive design with alternating stripes of sheer and opaque fabric that operate much like roller shades but with enhanced functionality. Their unique dual-layer construction allows for precise light management through adjustable fabric strips.  

By aligning the solid stripes over sheer ones, you can easily transition between filtered light and privacy. This innovative mechanism lets you maintain your view outside while still enjoying privacy, simply by adjusting the stripes to create your desired ambience. 

The appeal of zebra blinds extends beyond functionality; they offer a sleek, contemporary aesthetic that complements modern interiors. However, they generally come with a higher price tag compared to standard roller blinds. 

Roller Blinds: Simple and effective 

For straightforward window coverage, roller blinds remain a popular choice due to their clean lines and uncomplicated operation. Made from a single piece of fabric that rolls up neatly, they provide excellent light blocking capabilities while maintaining a minimalist profile. Their space-efficient design makes them ideal for smaller rooms or areas where window space is limited. 

Roller blinds excel in versatility, available in blackout, dim-out, and perforated options to suit various needs. The blackout variants are particularly effective for bedrooms or media rooms, whilst perforated styles offer a clean look with daytime privacy. Furthermore, they’re remarkably easy to clean, a quick wipe with a damp cloth keeps them looking fresh. 

Vertical Blinds: Ideal for large windows and doors 

Vertical blinds stand out for their practical application on expansive windows and sliding glass doors. Unlike their horizontal counterparts, these blinds feature vertical slats that can rotate up to 170 degrees and move from side to side, offering superb control over light penetration and privacy. 

Design and Aesthetic Fit for Different Home Styles 

Blinds don’t just block light, they set the mood for your entire space. Pick the right style, and you’re not just dressing a window, you’re finishing the room. 

Modern Interiors: Zebra blinds for layered texture 

If your home has that clean, contemporary vibe, zebra blinds are a perfect match. Their sheer-and-opaque stripes add depth and movement, almost like a design feature on their own. Stick with neutrals like white, grey, or black for a subtle look, or go bold with blues or greens if you want them to pop. 

zebra blinds

Design and Aesthetic Fit for Different Home Styles 

Blinds don’t just block light, they set the mood for your entire space. Pick the right style, and you’re not just dressing a window, you’re finishing the room. 

Modern Interiors: Zebra blinds for layered texture 

If your home has that clean, contemporary vibe, zebra blinds are a perfect match. Their sheer-and-opaque stripes add depth and movement, almost like a design feature on their own. Stick with neutrals like white, grey, or black for a subtle look, or go bold with blues or greens if you want them to pop. 

Minimalist Spaces: Roller blinds for clean lines 

Love the “less is more” approach? Roller blinds keep things simple and clutter-free. They sit neatly against the frame, making rooms feel open and airy, especially in light colours. For the ultimate sleek finish, go cordless or motorised and lose the dangling chains. 

Traditional Rooms: Vertical blinds for classic appeal 

For homes with a more timeless style, vertical blinds just fit. Their tall, orderly lines bring a sense of formality and work beautifully in dining rooms, studies, or anywhere with big windows. Warm wood tones or rich colours like navy or burgundy instantly add that classic, refined touch. 

Room-by-Room Recommendations Based on Daily Routines 

Your daily routines often dictate the ideal window coverings for different rooms. Selecting blinds that align with how you use each space ensures both functionality and comfort throughout your home. 

Living Rooms: Balancing light and privacy 

Living spaces require versatile window treatments that adapt to various activities. Roller blinds with light-filtering fabricsexcel here, allowing natural sunlight while maintaining daytime privacy. For maximum flexibility, consider dual roller systems that combine sheer and blockout options on one bracket. This setup permits adjustable privacy and light levels as your needs change throughout the day. 

Bedrooms: Prioritising blackout and sleep quality 

Quality sleep demands effective light blocking. Blackout roller blinds provide excellent room darkening capabilities, creating the perfect environment for restful sleep regardless of time.  

As the saying goes, “The moon shining into your room might look beautiful. But if you prefer good sleep with no interruptions, block-out blinds could be the answer”. 

Kitchens and Bathrooms: Moisture resistance and ease of cleaning 

High-humidity areas require specialised solutions. PVC blinds top the list for wet environments as they won’t warp or crack. Their non-porous surface prevents mould growth, making them ideal for spaces exposed to cooking vapours or shower steam. For kitchens, consider easy-clean roller blinds with water-resistant fabrics that withstand splashes by the sink. 

Home Offices: Glare control and natural light 

Productivity depends on comfortable lighting. Light-filtering roller blinds effectively diffuse harsh sunlight without darkening rooms excessively. For computer work, these blinds reduce screen glare while maintaining adequate natural light. Vertical blinds offer precise control over light direction, allowing you to redirect glare away from workspaces. 

Sliding Doors and Large Windows: Vertical blinds for coverage 

Vertical blinds remain the optimal solution for expansive glass areas. The vertical slats rotate up to 170 degrees, offering excellent control over light penetration and privacy.  

vertical blinds

Cost, Maintenance, and Long-Term Value 

Investing in window treatments requires consideration beyond aesthetics and functionality. Understanding the long-term implications for your budget and lifestyle is essential when comparing window covering options. 

Initial Cost: Roller vs Zebra vs Vertical 

When examining upfront expenses, roller blinds consistently emerge as the most budget-friendly option. Typically, roller blinds cost 20-40% less than zebra blinds of comparable dimensions and quality.  

This price difference stems from manufacturing complexity, as zebra blinds require dual-layered fabric and more intricate mechanisms to align the stripes properly.  

Vertical blinds generally fall between these two in terms of pricing, offering a cost-effective solution for covering large windows and sliding doors. 

Cleaning and Upkeep: Which is easiest to maintain? 

Roller blinds rank highest for maintenance simplicity. Their single-panel design can be wiped clean in seconds.  

Conversely, zebra blinds demand more attention as dust settles between their dual fabric layers and on delicate sheer stripes, often requiring a feather duster or vacuum with soft brush attachment.  

Vertical blinds, with their vertical orientation, naturally collect less dust than horizontal alternatives, making them relatively low-maintenance options, especially in PVC form. 

Durability and Fabric Longevity 

Quality roller blinds typically last 7-10 years with proper care. Their straightforward mechanism with fewer moving parts reduces the likelihood of mechanical failure.  

Zebra blinds, despite being more complex, offer similar longevity when maintained correctly.  

Vertical blinds are durable for high-traffic areas and large windows, with PVC or fabric vanes that resist warping and slats that are easy to replace.  

For moisture-prone areas like kitchens and bathrooms, faux wood and PVC options provide superior durability against humidity. 

Smart Home Compatibility and Motorisation Options 

Both zebra and roller blinds utilise identical tubular motor technology, making them equally suitable for motorization.  

Modern options integrate seamlessly with major smart home systems through Matter standards, supporting Alexa, Google Home, and Apple Home.  

Motorised blinds not only add convenience but can extend overall lifespan by preventing over-stretching of cords.  

Conclusion 

Choosing the right blinds comes down to your lifestyle, space, and budget. Zebra blinds offer premium light control and modern style, roller blinds provide affordability and low maintenance, and vertical blinds excel for large windows and sliding doors. With smart home compatibility now standard, each option delivers convenience and durability. 

Transform your windows with the perfect blend of style, function, and value. Shop the full range now. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Which type of blind is best for modern interiors?

Zebra blinds are excellent for modern interiors, adding layered texture and sophisticated light control. Their alternating stripes create visual depth, complementing contemporary design elements and open-concept layouts. 

How do these blinds compare in terms of cost and maintenance? 

Roller blinds are typically the most budget-friendly and easiest to maintain. Zebra blinds are more expensive but offer superior light customisation. Vertical blinds fall in between for cost and are relatively low-maintenance, especially PVC options. 

Which blind type is most suitable for bedrooms? 

Blackout roller blinds are highly recommended for bedrooms. They provide excellent room darkening capabilities, creating an ideal environment for restful sleep regardless of the time of day. 

Are these blinds compatible with smart home systems? 

Yes, all three blind types offer motorisation options that can integrate with popular smart home systems. They support voice control through platforms like Alexa, Google Home, and Apple Home, adding convenience and potentially extending the lifespan of the blinds. 

 

15 Oct
Blog

Expert Guide: Site Measurement for Custom Blinds (What Professionals Don’t Tell You) 

Measuring for custom blinds might feel daunting, but most homeowners get it right on their first try. With accurate measurements, you’ll avoid gaps, cut energy costs, and ensure a polished look. This guide breaks down the process step by step, so your blinds fit perfectly every time. 

Decide on Mount Type First 

Before grabbing your measuring tape, you must first determine how your blinds will be installed. The mount type is the foundation of your entire project and directly impacts both the measuring process and final appearance of your custom blinds. 

Inside mount vs outside mount: what’s the difference? 

Inside mount blinds fit neatly within the window frame, creating a clean, built-in appearance that showcases your window trim. The brackets attach to the “ceiling” or sides of the window opening, allowing the blinds to sit flush with the wall or trim when properly installed. 

Outside mount blinds, conversely, are installed either on the wall above the window or directly on the window trim. These blinds extend beyond the window opening, typically overlapping the window frame by several inches on all sides for complete coverage. 

How mount type affects your measurements 

The mount type changes how you measure for custom blinds. For inside mounts, measure the exact window opening size from edge to edge. At Newlines, we make the necessary adjustments during production to ensure a precise, smooth fit. 

For outside mounts, the process is different. Measure the size you want your blinds to cover, usually adding 2 to 3 inches on each side of the window opening for better light control and privacy. Accuracy is especially important with inside mounts, since even the smallest variation in width, height, or depth can affect the fit. 

When to choose inside or outside mount 

Most homeowners choose an inside mount because it provides a sleek, built-in look that highlights the window frame. At Newlines, we usually recommend this option whenever the window has enough depth, as it ensures a neat fit and modern finish. 

 Inside mount works best when: 

  • Your window frame has sufficient depth (typically at least 2-2.5 inches) 

  • You want to showcase decorative trim 

  • Your window has a clean, even surface 

Outside mount is the better option when: 

  • Window frames are too shallow for hardware installation 

  • Obstructions like cranks, handles, or alarm sensors exist 

  • Your window opening isn’t perfectly square (more than ½ inch difference in diagonal measurements) 

  • You want to make small windows appear larger 

First-time buyers often worry about making the wrong choice. Rest assured, there’s no universally “better” option, the right mount type depends entirely on your specific windows and preferences. 

Essential Tools for Accurate Custom Blind Measurement 

Gathering the right tools is the initial step towards successful site measurement for custom blinds. Without proper equipment, even the most careful person might make errors that lead to ill-fitting window treatments. 

Steel tape measure vs cloth tape 

The single most important tool for custom blind measurement is a steel tape measure. Unlike cloth or fabric alternatives, steel tapes provide significantly greater accuracy. This isn’t a minor difference, cloth tapes stretch over time, potentially leading to measurement errors that can make your custom size blinds unusable. 

Steel tape measures hold their shape without sagging or bending while measuring awkward angles or recesses. This rigidity ensures much greater precision, particularly important since you’re often dealing with millimetres rather than centimetres. When mounting blinds inside window frames, place the base of the tape measure on one side, then extend the metal tip to the other remembering to add the size of the tape base to your overall measurement. 

Why a level and ladder might help 

For taller windows or high-mounted frames, a step ladder becomes essential. Rather than balancing precariously on furniture (which is neither safe nor precise), a sturdy ladder provides stable access to all parts of your window. 

A spirit level or digital level serves as another valuable ally. This tool helps verify whether your window frame is perfectly horizontal or vertical, especially important for inside mounts where slight variations can dramatically impact the final fit. By checking for plumb lines, you’ll know if adjustments are needed to ensure your blinds hang straight. 

Recording tools: pen, paper, or phone 

Never trust your memory when taking measurements. While some people prefer recording dimensions on their phones, a physical notepad offers distinct advantages. It allows you to quickly sketch window layouts and reduces the risk of accidentally deleting crucial information. You can also cross-check measurements at a glance. 

Whichever recording method you choose, maintain a systematic approach. Label each window clearly alongside its corresponding dimensions to prevent costly mistakes when ordering. For added confidence, many professionals recommend measuring twice, a few extra minutes spent double-checking can save hours of frustration later. 

Site Measurement for Custom Blinds steps by steps

Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring Your Windows 

Getting accurate measurements stands as the foundation of properly fitting custom blinds. With steel tape measure in hand, let’s tackle this process methodically. 

Step 1: Choose Mount Type 

Decide whether you want an inside mount or an outside mount. Inside mounts fit neatly within the window frame for a sleek look, while outside mounts cover beyond the frame for maximum light control and privacy. At Newlines, we guide you on the best option based on your window type and design preference. 

Step 2: Measuring for Inside Mount Blinds 

  • Width: Measure across the top, middle, and bottom of the frame. Record the smallest measurement. Do not make deductions—Newlines will adjust for clearance. 

  • Height: Measure from the top inside edge to the sill on the left, centre, and right. Use the longest measurement. 

  • Depth: Check the depth of the window frame to confirm the blinds can fit, and look for obstructions such as handles or locks. 

Step 3: Measuring for Outside Mount Blinds 

  • Width: Measure the exact width you want the blinds to cover, then add 2–3 inches on each side (4–6 inches total) for better coverage. For vertical blinds, add 3 inches on each side. 

  • Height: Start measuring from the point where you plan to mount (often 3 inches above the frame) down to the sill or desired length. 

Step 4: Write Down Your Measurements 

Always write down width first, followed by height (e.g., 36″ W x 72″ H). Double-check your notes to avoid mistakes. 

Step 5: Choose the Side for Controls 

Decide whether you want the cord or wand on the left or right side. Choose based on convenience and accessibility in your room layout. 

Once you’ve got your measurements, share them with us at Newlines and our team will help you craft the perfect custom blinds for your home. 

What Professionals Don’t Tell You (But You Should Know) 

Many DIY enthusiasts encounter unexpected challenges when measuring for custom blinds that professional installers rarely mention. These insider secrets can make the difference between perfect-fitting treatments and costly disappointments. 

Why measuring each window separately matters 

Even windows that appear identical often vary by several millimetres due to settling, construction tolerances, and frame warping over time. Surprisingly, windows installed during the same construction project can differ by up to ¼ inch in width or height. Measuring each window individually prevents frustrating mismatches. 

How small errors can lead to big problems 

In reality, a measuring error as small as ⅛ inch can cause significant issues. Blinds that are even slightly too wide won’t fit into inside mounts, whilst too-narrow blinds create unsightly light gaps. Height measurement errors might mean blinds hitting windowsills or leaving large gaps at the bottom. 

Understanding manufacturer deductions 

Most manufacturers automatically subtract a small amount (typically ⅜ inch from width and ¼ inch from height) from inside mount measurements to ensure proper operation. Double-checking a company’s specific deduction policy prevents surprises when your blinds arrive seemingly “too small.” 

Tips for avoiding light gaps and poor fit 

For optimal results, measure to the nearest ⅛ inch rather than rounding up or down to whole numbers. Additionally, when ordering multiple blinds for adjacent windows, consider consistent outside mount dimensions for visual harmony. Finally, always note which measurement is width versus height, a commonly overlooked detail that causes most ordering errors. 

Conclusion 

Accurate measurement is the key to blinds that look great and work perfectly. With the right steps, you can avoid costly mistakes and achieve a professional fit on your own. Thousands of homeowners do it successfully, and you can too. 

At Newlines, we offer a full range of indoor blinds Roller, Vertical, Venetian, Zebra, Roman, Honeycomb, Panel, Ripple, and Sheer Shades as well as outdoor systems like Outdoor Roller Blinds and Zip Blinds. Whether you’re refreshing a single room or upgrading your entire home, our team is here to guide you from measurement to installation. 

Double-check your measurements, choose your preferred style, and let Newlines craft blinds that fit your windows flawlessly. Contact us today for personalised advice or to get started with your order. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose between inside and outside mount for my blinds?  

Inside mount is ideal for windows with sufficient depth (at least 2-2.5 inches) and clean, even surfaces. Outside mount is better for shallow window frames, windows with obstructions, or when you need maximum light blockage. Consider your window's characteristics and your aesthetic preferences when deciding. 

What tools do I need to measure for custom blinds accurately?  

Essential tools include a steel tape measure for precise measurements, a sturdy ladder for tall windows, and a spirit level to check if your window frame is perfectly horizontal or vertical. Don't forget a pen and paper or your phone to record measurements. 

How do I measure for inside mount blinds?  

For inside mount, measure the width at three points (top, middle, bottom) and use the smallest measurement. For height, measure at left, centre, and right, using the longest measurement. Don't make any deductions yourself, as manufacturers will adjust for proper clearance. 

Why is it important to measure each window separately?  

Windows that appear identical can vary by several millimetres due to settling, construction tolerances, and frame warping over time. Measuring each window individually prevents mismatches and ensures a perfect fit for your custom blinds. 

How precise do my measurements need to be for custom blinds?  

Measure to the nearest ⅛ inch for optimal results. Even small errors can lead to significant issues, such as blinds not fitting into inside mounts or creating unsightly light gaps. Always double-check your measurements and clearly label which dimension is width and which is height to avoid ordering errors.