Screening for excellence

Norman

The latest addition to Norman’s range of sunscreen fabrics in the Soluna Roller Shade program are the 1% and 3% Breeze Screens. 

“Featuring a sophisticated linen-look finish, these PVC-free solar screen fabrics are lightweight for easy operation while maintaining durability and environmental friendliness. The range offers seamless colour-matching across multiple opacities, including light-filtering and room-darkening options, making it ideal for dual-roller setups. 

“Our new fabric is crafted from a blend of polyester and linen, offering a natural, sophisticated look that aligns with current interior trends. With the ability to coordinate seamlessly with colours from our Breeze Light Filtering and Room Darkening ranges, it provides retailers with a versatile option for cohesive shading solutions. Featuring a stable yet soft feel, a wide span width, and a PVC-free composition, this fabric is both environmentally conscious and ideal for meeting customer demand for stylish, functional window furnishings.

“This product addresses the demand for a more luxurious and natural alternative to traditional PVC screens, which can have an unpleasant smell, plastic-like feel, and a less premium aesthetic. Offering a high-quality, PVC-free solution with a sophisticated texture, the product elevates the appeal of sunscreen fabrics. Additionally, seamless coordination across the Soluna range enhances its versatility, making it a more valuable and functional option for both retailers and consumers.

“The market for solar screens is robust, with demand driven by their ability to provide effective vision, light, and UV control—key features for modern home designs. Consumers are increasingly seeking versatile solutions, particularly for dual roller setups, where screens pair seamlessly with light-filtering or room-darkening fabrics. This functionality makes screens a compelling choice for balancing style, practicality, and comfort in contemporary living spaces.

“The current market is leaning heavily toward soft, natural textures, with linen-inspired fabrics leading the way. Subtle, innovative textures paired with a natural colour base – featuring earthy tones and touches of grey – are highly on-trend. These elements reflect a growing preference for understated sophistication and timeless appeal in interior design.

Norman notes a clear trend towards sustainably produced screen fabrics as Australians become increasingly informed and discerning in their choices. 

“Consumers are seeking healthier, more natural materials with appealing textures, steering away from PVC-based screens that can feel flat, emit unpleasant smells, and raise health concerns. Recognising this market trend, we’ve focused on offering high-quality, PVC-free fabrics that provide a more luxurious and natural alternative to meet this growing demand.”

Silent Gliss

Blinds by Peter Meyer Managing Director Simon Meyer confirms that the company, in partnership with Silent Gliss, brings a world of innovation and precision to Australia with a premium range of screen fabrics. 

“Manufactured in the UK and seamlessly integrated into Silent Gliss systems produced locally, these fabrics are designed to deliver unmatched functionality and style for both residential and commercial interiors.

“The Silent Gliss journey began with a groundbreaking invention: the world’s first silent Curtain Track. Since then, the company has evolved into a global leader in bespoke window treatment systems, renowned for cutting-edge technology and engineering excellence. Their commitment to creating the quietest, smoothest Gliding Blinds and curtains sets a benchmark in the industry.

Silent Gliss screen fabrics are engineered to provide a perfect balance of light control, energy efficiency, and privacy in contemporary interiors, Meyer says. 

“Designed with precision and innovation, these fabrics address the specific needs of modern residential and commercial spaces. From managing glare in workstations to reducing solar heat gain in south-facing rooms, Silent Gliss offers tailored solutions that combine aesthetics with functionality. Their metallised and antimicrobial options further extend their application, meeting the demands of even the most challenging environments while seamlessly integrating with Silent Gliss systems manufactured locally in Australia.

The Silent Gliss range includes a number of innovative options. 

“Aluscreen Futura combines high performance with sleek design. Its aluminium backing reflects solar rays, significantly reducing heat absorption and glare. Suitable for both residential and commercial spaces, Aluscreen Futura is flame retardant, antimicrobial, and ideal for humid areas. With a maximum width of 245cm, it integrates seamlessly with Silent Gliss Roller Blinds, Panel Glide systems, and Skylight systems. Available in five stylish colours, this semi-transparent fabric ensures optimal light control while enhancing energy efficiency.

“Alutex offers a natural linen texture and aluminium backing for enhanced solar reflection. Its dense weave delivers superior shading and acoustic properties, making it a perfect choice for rooms with hard surfaces or high ceilings. Alutex is available in four elegant colours and supports applications in Silent Gliss Roller, Vertical, and Panel Glide systems. Flame retardant and suitable for tropical climates, this semi-transparent fabric blends style with functionality.

“Atracor features an innovative black core yarn, providing exceptional solar protection even in lighter colours. Optimised for computer work areas, it reduces glare and maintains a comfortable indoor environment. Flame retardant, antimicrobial, and suitable for high humidity environments, Atracor is available in three sophisticated colours. With a maximum width of 245cm, it supports applications in Silent Gliss Roller and Panel Glide systems, combining practicality with elegance.

“Basicscreen offers versatile light control with three openness factors (1%, 5%, and 10%). Its flame retardant and antimicrobial properties make it a durable and safe choice for workstations and humid areas. Available in four versatile colours, it fits a range of residential and commercial applications with Silent Gliss Roller and Panel Glide systems. Basicscreen ensures a balance of privacy and natural light management.”

Meanwhile, Multiscreen is “a top choice for superior light control and glare reduction,” Meyer says. 

“Available in three openness factors (1%, 5%, and 10%), it provides tailored solutions for varying light and privacy needs. With a wide width of up to 245cm, Multiscreen supports Silent Gliss Roller, Panel and Vertical systems (5% only), and Silent Gliss Skylight shading systems (5% only). Flame retardant and suitable for humid areas, it offers durable performance and contemporary style.”

“Newlifescreen Alu fabric is an eco-friendly, PVC-free option made from 100% recycled PET bottles. Its aluminium backing enhances solar reflection, making it ideal for office stations and muggy climates. Flame retardant and available in four natural colours, Newlifescreen Alu fits seamlessly into Silent Gliss Roller Blinds and Panel Glide systems. This sustainable fabric offers energy efficiency without compromising on style.”

“Safescreen is crafted from glass fibre, delivering maximum daylight while minimising glare. Its flame retardant and antimicrobial properties make it suitable for environments with stringent hygiene requirements. Available in seven colours and a maximum width of 245cm, Safescreen supports Silent Gliss Roller Blinds, Panel Glide systems, and Skylight shading solutions, offering functionality and durability.”

“Triscreen balances light control and privacy with three openness factors (1%, 3%, and 5%). Featuring a white backing for a uniform external appearance, it offers high solar reflectance and glare reduction. Triscreen is flame retardant, suitable for tropical and humid climates, and available in widths up to 245cm. It supports Silent Gliss Roller Blinds, Panel Glide systems, and Winter Garden systems, combining practicality with a cohesive aesthetic.”

“Silent Gliss Versascreen fabric offers superior light management with four openness factors (1%, 2%, 5%, and 10%). This semi-transparent fabric is flame retardant, antimicrobial, and suitable for moist environments. With applications in Roller Blinds, panel Glide systems, and skylight shading systems, Versascreen delivers versatility and precision light control for modern interiors.”

As sustainability becomes a priority in modern design, Silent Gliss fabrics, including the eco-friendly Newlifescreen Alu, reflect a commitment to reducing environmental impact, Meyer says. 

“By offering a range of recyclable and PVC-free options, Silent Gliss empowers architects and designers to create spaces aligned with zero-carbon goals.

“With precision-engineered Silent Gliss systems manufactured in Australia, these fabrics are seamlessly integrated into Silent Gliss Roller Blinds, Panel Glide systems, and Skylight shading solutions. The result is a harmonious blend of cutting-edge technology and premium fabric performance, tailored to meet the needs of contemporary interiors.”