Blocking out the sun

SHAW

SHAW has arguably the most extensive and versatile range of blackout fabrics in the Australian and NZ market. From Vibe, which continues to lead the direct coated fabric market as the only truly matt finish, to Linesque with its natural linen look in line which is on trend with upholstery finishes. All with trending colour palettes. Shaw ensures every blackout fabric added to the range has a point of difference. New product initiatives and modifications are very much the result of customer inspiration and consultation during the development process.

In addition to new fabrics, existing Shaw blackouts have evolved in response to customer feedback. Vibe was relaunched in six widths, and Palm Beach was re-engineered to become the iconic plain that it is today. Icon was widened to 3.2 and treated to pass international flame retardancy standards with two options for white or dark backing, perfect for the commercial market.

Shaw works closely with manufacturing partners through the development process and then to maintain quality control with on-going production. Their products are highly specified with Greenguard and Greenguard Gold certification, and testing to achieve safety standards for fire resistance and harmful chemical content.

Environmental and economic pressures currently surround the need to be energy efficiency and reduce the need for air con to maintain an ambient temperature all year round with a building. Blackout blinds contribute to this cause by reflecting heat in the summer and in preventing heat escaping during cooler winter months.

Whilst dual blinds remain popular, there has been a significant increase in layering on the windows with a roller and sheer curtain, which combines the functionality of the blackout roller blind with the soft aesthetic and daytime privacy given by a sheer drape. This concept is currently being promoted by TV shows, social media and printed interior design publications, leading consumer buying activity. In response to this trend, Shaw has developed several drapery sheers to co-ordinate with their blackout roller blind fabrics, in texture and colour.

“The recent SuperExpo gave us an invaluable opportunity to discuss our concept fabrics and receive feedback on what the window blind industry is looking for from blackout fabrics. We took on board this information and the coming 12 months will see our customer’s wish lists coming to fruition!” say Mark Lewis, Head of Division, Shaw Performance Fabrics.

WARWICK

Cameron Warwick, Joint Managing Director of Warwick Fabrics confirms Twilight, released in June, includes a UV stabilised feature that helps protect against UV deterioration for longevity of the fabric.

Twilight is described as transitional and contemporary a plain four pass coated drapery range that is smooth in touch and features practical benefits. With a continuous 300cm wide width, “Twilight’s versatility allows it to be used as a standalone block-out drapery or utilised as a lining behind a more sheer or decorative drape in both residential and commercial spaces alike.

The fabric is continuous with a generous 300cm wide and an AS1530 fire rating. Twilight is Oeko-Tex certified as well as UV stabilised and can be used to create sophisticated drapery and roman blinds with light0blocking properties in both residential and commercial interiors.

In a palette of 11 core neutrals, the collection’s colourways are designed to tie back with commercial sheers, making customisation simple and effortless. Platinum, Shell and Cream offer solid whit end off-white options, while Bone, Dune and Stone are warmer in tone. For moody greys and darker alternatives, Elephant, Rock and Basalt provide sophistication. Lastly Glacier and Champagne are fashion colours intended for a modern space.

The launch adds to established releases including Belmore, Gambier/ Noble, Lavish, Bounty (UV stabilised and Pinnacle/Compass (UV Stabilised)

“Driven by function, features such as continuous, and 100% blockout, paired with a versatile and usable colour palette, are key elements that fulfill the requirements for this type of drapery application. This category of drapery is foremost about performance,” says Warwick.

BM BLINDS

Michelle Macready – Sales Manager at BM Blinds tells WFA, “Within the roller blind market, we are always looking for things that offer a point of difference however this difference must be tied in with a feature.

“It was with this in mind that we decided to add the Sierra range to our fabric folders.

The Sierra range is a full blockout fabric that has an acrylic coating, making it totally PVC free. With 10 decorator colours and co-ordinated backing colours, the Sierra range has quickly become one of our most popular blockout fabrics for both roller and vertical blinds.

The addition of the colour coordinated backing, gives end users the chance to match their colour schemes both internally and externally. The modern and unobtrusive self-pattern of the Sierra range gives a more contemporary feel without distracting from their client’s interiors.

With colours in the lighter tones such as Irish Linen, Dover and Sesame moving into the mid tones of Harbour, Fossil and Storm through to the darker and tones of Newport, Gunmetal, Aniseed and Pitch.

“With the influx in soft furnishings, we are seeing many blockout roller blinds being motorised and sitting behind sheer curtains. This gives a fuss free look with day and night-time privacy. This can also be achieved on dual roller blinds when Sierra is coupled with the ThermoView or Uniview sunscreen ranges.”

“As windows within clients’ homes continue to become larger, the 3000mm width of Sierra makes it the ideal solution for a seamless look. The Sunboss roller blind system that we offer at BM Blinds also makes linking blinds a quick and easy option. If your clients prefer both linked blinds to be operated off one chain, or they would simply prefer one centre bracket with two independently operated blinds, both these options are available with the Sierra range.

“Sierra is also suitable for vertical blinds, a welcome addition as it has been a while since a self-patterned fabric with a coordinated back has been available to the vertical blind market. The biggest advantage of this backing is that when a vertical blind is tilted, the back of the slat is seen. If you are choosing a darker shade such as Sierra Pitch, a white back would stand out whereas the coordinated backing adds a level of cohesion seldom seen.”

RICKY RICHARDS

Block out fabrics are specifically designed to block light and UV penetration while withstanding the elements; Outlook Mode Zero does just that. Outlook Mode Zero is a visual block out mesh fabric with zero % openness, meaning it provides the highest rate of sun protection and privacy. Ideally used for external awnings and blinds, Mode Zero can create a safe outdoor environment, free from dangerous UV rays, light winds, and rain.

Outlook is not your average block out material – it possesses many benefits that differentiate it from others on the market, one of which being is that Outlook Mode Zero is Green Guard Gold certified. Products with the GreenGuard Gold standard are lower Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emitting and contribute to cleaner air, making the fabric perfect for indoor use and the perfect addition to schools, health care centres, homes,and commercial buildings.

Mode Zero is mould, mildew, and bacteria resistant, because it’s treated with Microban, an antimicrobial technology that ensures longevity and performance of the textile.In addition to the above, Mode Zero is incredibly durable and easy to maintain, only requiring the occasional clean using a mild detergent then rinsing with clean water. Mode Zero is supported by a 10-year warranty which covers changes in its physical properties. It is available in six colour options and 320cm lengths.

BLINDS BY PETER MEYER

“While this year has seen more innovation and changes in its light filtering and sheer fabric collections, Blinds by Peter Meyer has made noteworthy additions to its blockout fabric offerings,” says Managing Director Simon Meyer.

“Introducing the Murray range, Blinds by Peter Meyer presents customers with an impressive selection of 16 colour variations. From bold and vibrant hues to subtle and understated tones, there is something to suit every taste and interior design style. The extensive colour palette ensures that customers can find the perfect blockout fabric to complement their existing décor or make a statement in their space.

“In addition to the wide array of colours, Blinds by Peter Meyer has also introduced four of its most popular colours with a charcoal backing. This innovative addition allows those seeking a darker blockout facing on the outside to achieve a sophisticated and contemporary look.  This 100% polyester fabric is available in Roller, Roman, and Panel Blinds, catering to different preferences and window types.

“Crafted with an acrylic foam coating, the Murray blockout fabric offers durability and a luxurious feel. Its composition of 100% Polyester ensures that it retains its shape and integrity over time. Additionally, the Murray fabric boasts excellent colourfastness, scoring six on the Blue wool scale, ensuring that the colours stay vibrant and true for an extended period.

“The Indy blockout from Blinds by Peter Meyer’s Basics V.3 collection is certainly worth a closer look. With a new colour range and a refreshed palette, customers now have a more tailored selection to choose from. Notably, the introduction of a new whiter white called Whitewash showcases Blinds by Peter Meyer’s commitment to staying on top of design trends and ensuring its blockout fabrics seamlessly blend with modern interiors.

“Suitable for Roller, Roman, and Panel Blinds, this entry level blockout fabric offers versatility in its application. With a maximum width of 3000mm, it provides a practical solution for various window sizes. The Indy blockout fabric is composed of 100% Polyester, providing durability and longevity. Its Acrylic foam coating enhances its resilience and texture, ensuring a soft and smooth touch. The combination of these features guarantees that the Indy fabric maintains its appearance and performance over time, making it a reliable and cost effective choice for customers seeking both style and functionality.

“As mentioned, the light filtering and sheer fabric collections by Blinds by Peter Meyer have seen more advancements this year. The release of Reflekt, a silver-backed range, not only enhances privacy but also reflects light with its 3% aluminised backing, creating an aesthetically pleasing and energy-efficient solution.

“Furthermore, the expansion of the Eden 2 collection to a width of three metres demonstrates Blinds by Peter Meyer’s commitment to providing convenience and flexibility to customers. This wider option ensures a seamless and uninterrupted appearance for larger windows and openings, creating a visually pleasing and cohesive look within any interior space.”

WILSON FABRICS

“The new wide width blockout drapery and sheer collections including Ayers, Hayman, Palm Cove and Whitsundays have been designed as co-ordinates to the existing blind fabrics Uluru and our Whitsunday’s sheer has been developed with our unique Colour Flow concept that ties all our collections together giving our customers the only Australian Made “one-stop-shop” complete window solution,” says Peta Fitzgibbon – General Manager Sales and Marketing

Wilson Fabrics has solved the eternal problem of finding the perfect colour co-ordinate for plain & textured Blind and Drapery fabrics to meet every customer’s needs.

“Being an Australian Made Licensee represents trust, quality, reliability and supports local jobs, all values we take very seriously and align with everything we stand for.”It also comes with the responsibility to meet higher standards to ensure we remain competitive on value, rather than price. We are very proud to be able to use this logo and it’s a great way to differentiate our products and highlight the value of being Australian Made.

“Our new Wide Width Blockout collections Ayers Hayman and Palm Cove are manufactured locally at our mill in Wangaratta to the highest quality standards to achieve our customers’ expectations and carry our core features and benefits; Wide Width Continuous, Pitch Black Blockout Coating, Fade Resistant, UPF50+, FR AS1530.3, 5-year Warranty and Greenguard Accredited.

“Whitsunday’s Sheer is also manufactured locally at our Mill in Wangaratta and is the only Australian Made Sheer available in the market, this Sheer is key to our range as it’s been specially developed with co-ordinating colours that work back with our entire collection of Blockout Drapery, Blockout Blinds and Translucent Blinds.”

CHARLES PARSONS INTERIORS

“The right drapery can enhance the aesthetics of a room while also serving a practical purpose. This is why Charles Parsons has developed Kendrick, a remarkable drapery product that effortlessly blends beauty and functionality into one exquisite package.”

Kendrick is described as “a beautifully textured three-pass coated drapery fabric with exceptional blockout qualities.” Why is this important? This means that not only does it add elegance to your living space, but it also ensures you can enjoy blissful darkness in your bedroom. The benefits of a good night’s sleep are well-known, and Kendrick allows you to create a serene sanctuary where you can rest undisturbed.

“What sets Kendrick apart is its intricate weaving technique. It is crafted using different sized yarns, resulting in a soft textured surface. The fabric has a dry and slightly organic feel, adding a touch of natural sophistication. The attention to detail in its creation is evident, and its high-quality construction promises durability and longevity.

“One of the key strengths of Kendrick is its versatility. It is available in an adaptable collection of colours, carefully curate to complement the wider Charles Parsons range. Whether you’re looking to create a cosy haven with warm and earthy tones or aiming for a sleek and contemporary ambiance with cooler shades, Kendrick has you covered. The ability to seamlessly integrate with existing décor and design schemes makes Kendrick an ideal choice for any home.”

“Charles Parsons has a well-deserved reputation for providing exceptional drapery solutions, and Kendrick is no exception. The company’s commitment to quality shines through in every aspect of this product, from the choice of materials to the meticulous attention to detail in the manufacturing process. With Kendrick, you know you’re investing in a product that will not only enhance the beauty of your home but also stand the test of time.”