As with any type of blind, take your time to select the colour, pattern and texture of your roller blinds, where possible order a sample swatch so you can compare the colours with the items already in your room, the décor, the furniture and rugs and curtains. Also think about whether you need to buy a black-out blind or not. Once this has been decided you might think about adding a Scallop with a Pole and a Finial. What is a Scallop you ask?
A Scallop is the term we use for the shaped bottom of a roller blind. There are several popular patterns from the lazy curve of the 'Classic' style scallop to the stylish 'Colonial', the Coronet is a regular zig- zag shape and the Castille is a regular castellated square cut out shape. The Crest style uses the full width of the blind and creates a lazy curve from each end that meet in the middle. Some Scallop styles also require poles to allow them to function as a blind these would be the Arch which has an arc cut from the centre and a quarter arc cut from each side to show the pole and finials, the Castille, Colonnade and Temple are all designed to show more of the pole and finials. Other Scallops include the square holes and the round holes, although not technically Scallops as the end product isn't a shaped bottom but shaped holes punched from the bottom of the material they never the less appear in the scallop selection. They really do add a touch of personality to a blind, some Scallops can also be finished with a stitched tape to add an extra touch of style.
What are Poles & Finials?
They sound slightly east-European but Poles and Finials are actually related to Roller blinds, more specifically the scallop bottom to the rollers. Poles are made from either wood or polished metal and come in a variety of styles, walnut, beech, white, brass, chrome, stainless and black are the common choices. During the process of buying a Roller blind you can choose to have a fancy shape to the bottom of the blind, and some of these fancy shapes require a pole. End caps can then be selected to go on each end of the pole - and these are called Finials.
Finials range from simple ball shapes to carved acorns, twisted metal filigrees, cones, cylinders, wedges and even shaped crystal. You should think carefully about which pole and finial you choose as they can change the look of your window dramatically. Also think about how the blind sits within your window, will the blind be inside the window frame so the pole and finial rests on the windowsill or should the blind be placed outside the window frame to the pole and finial rest on the wall?
They really make a big difference to your blind and you know what the best bit is? Ill tell you - they are usually included in the price of the scallop bottom. Even the expensive looking Crystal ones. So next time you buy a roller blind - why not add a pole finial and scallop.
Martyn Brook writes the text and articles for the blind factory website.
http://www.TheBlindFactory.co.uk
