Rolling on

SHAW

Shaw’s Ben Hayek says the recently released Internal Roller Blind System comprising roller blind components and tube is “perfect for small and medium sized roller blinds,” with key features including interchangeable components to minimise stock holding and smooth operation.

With components available in four colours; black, white, cream and grey, the system is offered with 38mm and 43mm chain mechanism and bracket sets in 1:1 and 1:1.5 options with 38mm to 43mm adapter, for stock holding reduction.

Other highlights include multiple anchoring options for securing operating chain, a multi-functional link system; simple installation and narrow light gap when recess fitted.

It’s now also possible to purchase online via Shaw’s Online Ordering Module and the product is delivered from nationwide distribution centres. The system carries a five year warranty.

The company confirmed its development of this program was based on customer requests.

“Roller blind components are a core component for the window blind industry and remain the most popular window shade in residential and commercial settings.”

“Roller Blinds have always been the most popular internal window shade, but during the past 18 months there has been a significant increase in home improvement, and hence increase in roller blind component sales.”

BLINDWARE

Grant Norton, Managing Director of Blindware says the company’s offering is well aligned with current trends.

“A cohesive, clean minimalist design is still very much in demand in the interior design market, as it can be used as a blank canvas to allow furnishings to have more of an impact. For example, when window coverings incorporate more dramatic colours, they can truly become a statement piece in and of themselves. The right roller blind system can give users the ability to match their window furnishing to their décor perfectly.”

“Blindware’s SunBoss C70 Cassette provides the ultimate in versatility – a one-piece cassette profile that is easy to make, easy to install and appealing to the eye. The softly rounded profile has been designed to be easily fabric wrapped to maintain connection with the blind fabric and overall interior décor. Alternatively, the cassette can be used unwrapped for a more minimalist look.”

“We are all about making the installation of our products quick, easy and fault-free,” says Norton. “We have designed the cassette so it can be fully fabricated by the manufacturer and sent to site for simple clicking into the pre-fitted brackets. We also offer fully animated instruction videos, so our customers and their installers are really supported from purchase right through to installation.”

“Typical of Blindware’s product suite, the C70 Cassette, which is now available for order, is completely versatile and can be used with SunBoss chain operated clutches, ZeroGravity chainless systems, SunBoss spring return systems or can be easily motorised.”

“The interior of the cassette provides generous space to house full drop blinds on 38mm, 43mm and even 50mm tubes, plus includes grooves for use with Zebra blinds if required. This is a truly flexible product that combines function and beauty in one small profile.”

SCOTT FREE

Scott Free’s Ultra 2.0 Roller system has been enhanced and improved, adding additional colours and options, says Mike Taylor – Scott Free (Aust) BDM Queensland

“Available in geared or direct drive, in fixed or rotatable versions, the system includes a blend of components to suit all manufacturers. Bracket covers for single and double applications are included, with the main feature of the system being a three-stage extended pin/idle end for complete flexibility.”

“Our Ultra 2.0 system fills the gap between durability, cost effectiveness and versatility. As the roller blind market evolves and develops, clients require our roller systems to offer different features and benefits to suit a vast array of applications.”

Scott Free has now four Roller blind systems available, Taylor says.

“The manufacturer is covered with all applications, coupled with our tapes, splines, child safety items and warning labels, we have the complete roller blind solution from one supplier, with fabric through to roller blind systems.”

“With the constantly growing range of fabrics on the market, one thing that has been continuing to develop alongside the roller blinds systems, are the splines and tapes used to apply fabric to tubes or bottom rails to complete the roller blinds.”

“Various fabric types and construction create the need to always seek the best options for manufacturers who want to ensure their products perform optimally.”

“At Scott Free we offer various options to cover the challenges our clients face in the day to day running of their business, extending beyond fabric and roller systems, through to material handling roll lifters and external awning systems,” he says.

TOSO AUSTRALIA

Toso Australia Managing Director Malcolm Young provides an overview of key markets, confirming that the “serious impact” of Covid-19’s 106-day shutdown on the Sydney market looks set to be offset by a “bumper last few months of the year as everything starts to open.”

“The commercial market was affected by construction being closed for a two-week period, and then restrictions on number of people on-site, and restrictions on those contractors that lived in LGA’s of concern, and this has pushed back the completion date of many projects.”

“With regard to residential it was only very recently that showrooms were allowed to reopen, and most pricing during that period would have had to be done through client measurements.”

“Meanwhile, our customers in Melbourne have faced a tougher time,” he says, although the situation is now looking more hopeful.

Toso is the supplier of componentry of the premium Japanese Mytec 01 roller blind system, which Young describes as “ideal for commercial, high end residential and aged care applications.”

“The Toso Mytec 01 was designed for a Japanese woman to operate, with only three kilos of pressure being applied to the chain to both raise and lower the blind, which is like using your fingertips in operation.”

“Each blind has a spring assist, with the size of the spring dependent on the size of the blind, with eight different sizes, A through to H. This, combined with a geared chain housing, allows the blind to be raised or lowered, with fewer pulls of the chain, and is up to 70% quicker than a standard blind system. Also, with its fast gearing, it is possible to have the chain ending 1600mm off the floor, thereby alleviating the need of installing a safety restraint.”

These features are very beneficial in the aged care and over-55 sectors, where Toso is achieving success, he says, both in new builds and refurbishments. “It is a gap in the market that no other roller blind can fill.”

Young notes a new trend with some interior designers, where roller blinds are now being combined with curtains on the same window in residential settings, with the blinds being used during the day, and the curtains closed at night.

“Retailers love having the system in their showroom, as it is giving them the opportunity to upsell to their prospective customers a superior blind system, and this can be easily achieved when both a standard system and the Toso Mytec 01 sit side by side, and the respective chains are pulled at the same time.”

Young says it also gives retailers a point of difference from their competitors who only offer one standard system in their showroom.

ROLLEASE ACMEDA

Rollease Acmeda is highlighting the functional, style and safety benefits of its Easy Spring Ultra (ESU) and Dual Headbox,asAndrew Robinson, National Sales Manager confirms.

“It’s easy to overlook potential hazards for children, especially when their natural curiosity can lead them to explore every crevice and corner of a home. At Rollease Acmeda, child safety is important to us, so we offer a variety of solutions to ensure every home and family is safe from hazardous, loose hanging cords or chains.”

“Our latest chain-free system, Easy Spring Ultra, provides the perfect solution, for a smooth ascent, aesthetically pleasing look, and improved functionality. Traditional spring-loaded systems tend to come with a variety of drawbacks including the lack of correct spring tension, noisy components and fly-away shades that are uncontrolled when they rise.”

Easy Spring Ultra features Auto-rise technology with a built-in decelerator to assist the shade in coming to a controlled stop at the desired top limit setting, creating an improved user experience, Robinson tells WFA.

“And there’s no need to worry about lack of tension in the spring. Easy Spring Ultra has been tested up to an impressive 7,000 cycles to maintain spring tension, which translates to just under 20 years of daily usage, offering real peace of mind. The slim components allow for minimal light gap and the colour matched bracket covers provide a neat overall finish.

“For hard-to-reach applications, such as over kitchen counters or when lounge suites are in front of shades, you can easily switch the spring control unit out with our wand control unit. The child safe wand is easily reached to conveniently open and close the shade.”

“For a stylish and premium look, easily pair ESU and ESW (Easy Spring Wand) shades with our range of cassettes and side channels for an improved light block-out solution. Choose to enhance a single shade with our CF90 headbox, available in round or square, fascia and fully enclosed variations, our P95 semi-cassette, or Mounting rail system upgrades.”

These optional upgrade solutions offer the advantage of pre-assembly offsite, ensuring an easier installation, he adds.

“Simply mount brackets onto the wall and clip on the cassette, fascia or mounting rail – it’s as simple as that. Our CF90 Cassette and P95 fascia upgrades can also be fabric wrapped for an enhanced aesthetic to match your surrounding décor.”

“For day/night shades you can also opt for our innovative unique Dual cassette. The contemporary slimline aluminium cassette neatly houses two shades (measuring only 100mm x 135mm), concealing components and maintaining a neat over-all look.”

The cassette is completed with colour-matched covers and slimline mounting clips for a seamless finish and minimal light gap, says Robinson.

“This innovative dual cassette also complements our Aero Dual shades and boasts an ‘Anti-rattle’ design providing quiet operation for a pleasant user experience.”

NORMAN

Norman Australia, the distribution arm of Nien Made, one of the largest window furnishing manufacturers in the world, continues to build on the launch of Soluna Roller Shades late last year.

The company confirms the introduction of Soluna Roller Shades is part of a longer-term strategy to expand the product range available to Norman’s Retail Partners. Soluna was released to the U.S. market several years ago and is now one of their fastest growing products.

“Roller shades have seen a bit of a renaissance since the various state lockdowns with consumers taking the opportunity to update their living and home office spaces. Roller shades offer a cost-effective option to cover a window in fabrics from sheer to room darkening. Norman offers some great innovative options that are not widely available in the market.”

Eric Massey, one of Norman’s Business Development Managers, says; “There are some great features and unique benefits that make Norman’s Soluna Roller Shades not just another roller blind, but a product that allows retailers to differentiate themselves.”

“Norman has won awards for its roller shade systems with the introduction of cordless shades. One of the pet hates of installers is due to child safety legislation having to install chain keepers.”

“Not unlike a traditional Holland blind but much more advanced, PrecisionLift is Norman’s cordless roller shade option and has to be seen to be believed. This shade stops exactly where you want, without having to catch the right spot in the roller revolution. The roller shade has come full circle but with 21st century innovation. Importantly Soluna PrecisionLift gives retailers an alternative for the ultimate in child safety, eliminating the traditional chain operation altogether.”

“If you need a chain for a specific reason, a great Norman innovation is SmartRelease, where with one light pull on the chain, the blind lowers quietly and can be stopped at any point on its journey. This product was recently enhanced with the use of Norman’s innovative raceway system.”

“Top treatments have been revolutionised with the use of a unique raceway as well. This system not only makes fitting the shade easier, but also allows simple attachment of the top treatments, with easy adjustment, which saves time and money.”

“Light Guard is another great option without having to go to full channels on the sides, as the Light Guard fits easily behind the shade and the top, creating a much better light reduction than without and minimising the visible gaps.”

“If you did want the ultimate in a full channel system, Norman has that covered as well with their LightGuard 360 release this year. A feature of this product is the ease of installation and the elimination of light all around the shade.”

“Soluna offers a huge selection of fabrics, with many fabrics in the range being Greenguard and NFPA certified, including a 100% polyester sunscreen range avoiding the use of PVC, which reinforces Norman’s commitment to sustainability and safety.”

“The Paladian shelf is also a fantastic solution when you have no horizontal fixing on an arched window for example. The concealed fixing of the Paladian shelf each end along with a wide range of colours solves a tricky problem.”

LUXAFLEX

Luxaflex has launched a sheer roller blind fabric range in response to market demand, driven by renewed interest in the domestic sphere.

“With more time spent at home, homeowners are looking for and using high quality interior products that are aesthetically pleasing and can cater for different lifestyles. One of the latest trends which is in high demand is sheer fabrics. Not only do they add interest to a room, but it also harnesses natural light.”

“Due to the popularity of sheer fabrics in the market, we have added the new Thessa Sheer range to the Luxaflex Roller Blinds Classic Series. Thessa Sheer has the unique ability to effortlessly transfer light into a room and is all about encompassing comfort, tranquillity, and calmness, as we are craving personal comfort zones within our homes.”

The Thessa Sheer range caters for a range of individual preferences and styles “with its gentle and timeless monochromatic colour palette. The fabric range is available in five colours; Arctic White, Swan, Clay, Titanium and Caviar which blends effortlessly with any interior, from contemporary to classic. The Thessa Sheer range is available for Luxaflex Roller Blinds and Panel Glide Blinds.”

“Australian made Luxaflex Roller Blinds are produced with patented Edge Technology to provide a stylish appearance and smooth operation, combining sophisticated technology with high quality fabrics such as Thessa Sheer. Luxaflex Roller Blind fabrics range from blockout to light filtering screens. It is designed to suit each homeowner’s light, glare, heat and privacy needs.”

For a complete window solution, Luxaflex Roller Blinds are available for operation with standard chain and Luxaflex PowerView Motorisation. By using PowerView Motorisation, homeowners can adopt a smart environment that works with their own lifestyle, giving them the power to control their home’s privacy, light and temperature with ease.

Each individual window covering can be powered at the touch of a button with a selection of stylish remotes, smartphone apps, and integration with third-party systems such as Google Home and Amazon Alexa, according to preference.

“Pre-program blinds to operate on their own throughout the day to create scenes in line with the sun’s movements, such as raising to let the light in at dawn, or closing whilst you’re at work to keep the heat locked in during winter. Customise your scenes to suit your lifestyle and daily schedule, and enjoy seamless, whole-home integration including voice control and smart phone control.”

Thessa Sheer is also available for application with Luxaflex Panel Glide Blinds.