Made to shade

Blinds by Peter Meyer

Blinds by Peter Meyer has expanded its Basics fabric range with the release of Baxter – described as “a stylish new blockout fabric” designed for Roller, Roman, and Panel blinds. 

“With a fine organic texture and a soft matte finish, Baxter brings contemporary character to any space,” says Simon Meyer – Managing Director Blinds by Peter Meyer. “Reminiscent of Shaw’s Linesque, it offers a design-forward look at a more accessible price point, thanks to its inclusion in the GP5 Basics collection rather than the GP3 Signature range.

“Designed with today’s interiors in mind, Baxter suits both clean-lined modern architecture and softly layered heritage interiors. Its subtle texture delivers a refined finish that works beautifully in light-filled living areas, bedrooms, and commercial spaces alike – blending effortlessly into both minimalist and nature-inspired design schemes.”

“Backed by commercial-grade performance, Baxter is 100% polyester with a colour-coordinated foamed acrylic blockout backing that eliminates the need for reverse rolls or pelmets. With a wide width of 3000mm, it’s ideal for expansive windows or floor-to-ceiling installations, and delivers full blockout performance in line with AS 2663.3:1999 standards.”

“Environmentally and health-conscious by design, Baxter is PVC-free, lead-free, and VOC-free. It is Greenguard and Greenguard Gold certified, making it safe for use in sensitive environments such as aged care, healthcare, and education. It’s also compliant with the Building Code of Australia (AS1530 Part III) for Class 2–9(a) buildings.”

“Baxter is offered in a palette of 11 purposefully curated colours – from warm whites and calming neutrals to on-trend tones like Eucalypt, a fresh biophilic green; Flagstone, a soft grey-beige ideal for polished concrete interiors; and Cashmere, which pairs beautifully with timber and natural finishes. With a Blue Scale light fastness rating of 6 and backed by a 5-year warranty from Shaw, Baxter is as reliable as it is stylish.”

“In a market that increasingly demands affordable yet design-conscious window furnishings, Baxter fills the gap between budget and elevated style. Its blend of performance, safety, and timeless aesthetic makes it a compelling option for both residential and commercial projects – perfect for designers, renovators, and builders looking to offer more without exceeding the budget.”

“With demand for high-performing blockout fabrics growing across the residential, hospitality, and healthcare sectors, Baxter arrives at just the right time – delivering a well-priced, high-spec solution without compromising on beauty or functionality.”

Wilson Fabrics

Peta Fitzgibbon, GM – Sales & Marketing at Wilson Fabrics notes that for many consumers, finding ways to minimise energy consumption and reduce environmental impact is more important than ever. 

“One often-overlooked solution lies in the use of specialised fabrics for blinds and draperies, particularly Blockout fabrics,” says Fitzgibbon.

“Blockout fabrics are designed to effectively prevent light from penetrating, providing exceptional insulation during those chilly winter days and nights. Our innovative Pitch Black coating exceeds the Australian standard for Blockout performance, ensuring that homes benefit from superior insulation.”

“Our fabrics are proudly Australian Made, are PVC & Lead Free and Greenguard Gold accredited making them a healthier choice for people and the planet. Wilson Fabrics is committed to environmental excellence and sustainable manufacturing practices.” 

“Incorporating Blockout fabrics in window treatments is a simple yet effective way to enhance the home’s energy efficiency. By doing so, users are taking meaningful steps towards reducing their carbon footprint.” 

Shann

“In the ever-evolving world of interior design, the function of window furnishings has expanded far beyond simple light control, says Melissa Vine, National Product Manager at Shann. “Today’s consumers demand products that harmonise aesthetics, performance, and sustainability. As the trend toward tailored, wellness-focused spaces intensifies, internal blockout blind fabrics have emerged as essential elements of modern interiors, offering a fusion of privacy, thermal comfort, and visual appeal.”

At the forefront of this shift are meticulously curated collections like Castille, Laurent, and Savannah, representing the pinnacle of design-led performance in blockout fabrics, says Vine. 

“Driven by shifts in lifestyle and architectural design, the internal blinds sector is experiencing a renaissance. Open-plan living, minimalist aesthetics, and the need for multi-functional spaces –especially in the wake of hybrid working models – have influenced demand for versatile and elegant solutions.”

Vine notes that a recent surge in energy-conscious living has also placed greater emphasis on thermal regulation. According to industry data, thermal-efficient blockout blinds can reduce indoor heat gain by up to 45%, positioning them as a key tool in sustainable home design.

“This confluence of form and function is why designers and specifiers are turning to premium blockout fabrics like those from Shann.”

“The Castille range offers a fresh take on timeless texture. Its subtle crosshatch weave provides a sophisticated linen-like appearance that complements both contemporary and classic interiors. The elegant palette is inspired by natural stone and soft neutrals and has been enriched with four new colourways, Oat, Fog, Pale Oak, and Marble, Castille evokes calm and comfort – qualities that are increasingly valued in interior environments.”

“Designed for light elimination, Castille is ideal for bedrooms, media rooms, and commercial settings where ambience and privacy are paramount, making it as practical as it is beautiful.”

“For those seeking a bold yet refined design statement, Laurent delivers a luxurious solution. Its delicately embossed surface brings a sense of depth and sophistication to any room. With colourways ranging from rich charcoals to warm bronzes, Laurent is particularly favoured in high-end residential and boutique hospitality projects and is made in Australia.”

“Its blockout performance is uncompromised, offering complete light control and UV protection –making it a stylish yet functional option for diverse applications.”

“Blending organic texture with a minimalist sensibility, Savannah is a designer favourite for creating warm, tactile interiors. Inspired by woven natural fibres, Savannah captures the look of handcrafted textiles with the durability and consistency of a modern PVC coating.”

“Its neutral tones are perfectly suited to the popular Japandi and biophilic design trends, which favour natural materials and serene spaces. Like the rest of Shann’s blockout range, Savannah is engineered to offer long-lasting performance and ease of maintenance.”

“Across the entire collection, Shann Window ranges exemplify a commitment to high-performance textiles that don’t compromise on aesthetics. Each range is PVC-free and Greenguard certified, reflecting growing consumer and commercial demand for low-VOC, environmentally responsible materials.”

“These fabrics also cater to the technical needs of the trade—offering dimensional stability, easy fabrication, and compatibility with roller, panel glide, and vertical systems.  For interior designers, architects, and blind manufacturers alike, Castille, Laurent, and Savannah offer a comprehensive toolkit for creating elevated, high-performance interiors that meet the demands of modern living.”

Ricky Richards

A category leader in block-out mesh, the Outlook Zero and Zero Stripes ranges stand at the top of the class, engineered for total privacy without compromising on aesthetic or performance.

“With 100% shade cover, this range is ideal for those looking to eliminate glare, protect interiors, and maximise thermal comfort. Whether it’s a residential alfresco area, a café fit-out, or commercial façade, Outlook Zero offers exceptional UV protection and insulation.”

“Backed by a world-leading 15-year warranty, and manufactured with Dow Ecolibrium bio-based plasticisers, the fabric is as environmentally conscious as it is functional. It’s Greenguard certified, lead-free, and equipped with Microban antimicrobial protection, helping inhibit the growth of mould, mildew and bacteria even in humid, exposed environments.”

“The block-out range is also fire retardant, UV stabilised, and solvent and UV printable – giving installers and fabricators versatility across applications and branding needs. With 15 options to choose from, including Colorbond-inspired options, it meets performance and design goals in one go.”

“Designed with durability in mind, Outlook Zero also meets the demands of installers and end users who expect consistent performance year after year. From high-end residential projects to commercial-scale applications, it’s a solution that reflects both premium quality and sustainable thinking.”

Shaw

After a focused period of product rationalisation, Shaw is re-energising its blockout fabric program with the launch of Endota, and the upcoming release of Yaringa ahead of the 2025 season, as Shaw Marketing Manager Sarah Harris confirms. “These additions reflect Shaw’s continued commitment to listening to customers, monitoring design trends, and delivering products that meet the evolving needs of the window furnishings industry.”

Endota is a wide-width blockout fabric with a colour-matched backing, designed for trouble-free manufacturing and a refined finish. Following closely is Yaringa, which captures the textured elegance of raw silk while offering the practical benefits of a direct-coated blockout, also with a colour-matched backing. Both fabrics share Shaw’s hallmark technical specifications – balancing style, durability, and ease of handling.

“These new releases are part of a broader strategy to strengthen the Shaw collection, offering greater choice, consistent quality, and competitive value. Each product is designed with the installer and manufacturer in mind,” says Harris. 

She adds that Shaw’s customer-centric approach is backed by a national call centre and a robust distribution network across Australia and New Zealand. Close collaboration with manufacturing partners means innovative ideas quickly become reality and product quality remains consistent.

“In Shaw’s opinion, blockout fabrics remain core to the industry, offering high performance in light and heat control and privacy. Shaw notes that the trend of pairing blockouts with sheers continues, blending functionality with decorative softness for both residential and commercial spaces.”

“With additional product expansions planned in the new year, Shaw reaffirms its position as a forward-thinking leader in the window furnishing sector – delivering the fabrics professionals rely on, right when they need them.”

Norman

“If you had to guess what’s hanging in most Australian bedrooms, chances are you’d land on a blockout roller blind. Their popularity is no mystery. They’re affordable, fast to supply and simple to install, a reliable go to for retailers and consumers alike. But as expectations for comfort, aesthetics and performance continue to rise, the real question is whether a roller blind can still deliver the full blockout experience today’s customers are looking for. 

“While standard blockout rollers remain widely used, their performance can be inconsistent, especially when fabric and hardware choices aren’t optimised. This is where newer materials, innovative products and smarter hardware are lifting what blockout can really achieve. Norman has raised the bar with a major expansion of its Soluna Roller Shade range, designed to help retail partners deliver on rising customer expectations.

“Over the last six months alone, 90 new fabrics have been introduced to the Soluna portfolio. Nearly half of them are engineered for blockout performance. Among these the new Elements range stands out. Unlike conventional blockout fabrics that feature a decorative front and a white backing, Elements offers colour and fabric consistency on both sides. This makes it ideal for street-facing windows and other high-visibility settings where consistency matters. Available in a curated suite of on-trend neutral tones, Elements supports a cohesive look throughout the property, inside and out.”

“Of course fabric performance is only part of the blockout story when it comes to roller shades. Without the right hardware even the best fabric can fall short. That is why Norman developed LightGuard 360, a fully enclosed headrail system with precision fit side and bottom channels, all lined with black bristles to block light leaks. It is a serious step up in blackout performance, particularly in bedrooms, nurseries and media rooms where full control over light is a must.”

“Demand for blockout roller shades continues to surge, a trend we have been tracking closely through feedback from retailers. In response Norman has significantly expanded its fabric portfolio, giving partners the depth and flexibility needed to meet growing expectations. The interest is not just stylistic, it is increasingly driven by health and lifestyle awareness. As sleep quality becomes a higher priority for consumers, more people are seeking out furnishings that help block light effectively. Roller shades remain a familiar and trusted starting point but expectations around their performance are higher than ever. Increasingly, those expectations extend beyond just darkness.”

“With energy costs on the rise, blockout fabrics are proving their worth in more ways than one. Beyond darkening a room they act as a passive insulator, helping to trap warmth indoors during winter and reduce reliance on heating. When fitted well they can make a noticeable difference to comfort and energy use, especially in homes with older glazing. It is a simple upgrade with real impact and a reminder that the right window covering can do more than just finish a room.”

“Another way to enhance the versatility of roller shades is by combining a blockout fabric with a light filtering, sheer or solar screen in a dual roller system. To support this Norman’s expanded Breeze collection offers coordinated colours across multiple opacities, making it easy to pair fabrics while maintaining a consistent high-end linen look aesthetic in popular neutral tones. For even greater flexibility the brand-new dual bracket system now supports both standard and reverse rolls on the back shade. This enables you to configure Soluna Roller shades to suit different window types and installation requirements with ease.”

Roller shades aren’t the only blockout solution in Norman’s toolkit. For spaces that call for more flexibility or a softer aesthetic, products like PerfectSheer and SmartDrape offer a more nuanced approach to light control. 

“PerfectSheer’s layered fabric transitions smoothly between sheer and room darkening, making it well suited to rooms that experience changing conditions throughout the day. It’s also available with LightGuard for greater light blockage. SmartDrape stands out in large openings or sliding door applications, offering the ability to toggle between sheer and room darkening modes without compromising on walk through access or visual appeal. Both options also perform well in narrow reveals where dual treatments aren’t feasible but layered functionality is still needed.”

“Honeycomb Shades offer a compelling option where insulation and light control are required. Their cellular design supports thermal efficiency, while the broad fabric palette makes it easy to integrate with different interiors. With a wide range of operating styles, they adapt easily to both standard and more complex window configurations. For added versatility, the Day and Night configuration combines two fabrics in one shade, typically a light-filtering material for daytime use and a room-darkening layer for night, supporting flexible comfort and privacy throughout the day. As the definition of blockout continues to broaden, so too do the opportunities to match the right product to the right space, with smarter options now available for nearly every room and requirement.”