What is the difference between inside and outside mount?

Inside mount means the blind fits inside the window recess, sitting flush with the frame for a clean, architectural look. Outside mount means the blind is fixed to the wall above the frame and overlaps the surround - it covers more glass, makes the window look larger, and works where there is not enough recess depth for an inside mount.

Can roller blinds completely block out light?

A blackout roller blind blocks roughly 99% of light through the fabric itself. Some light can still enter around the edges where the blind meets the frame. For a true blackout result, choose a blind with side channels (cassette style) that seal the edges, or pair with curtains.

Which blinds are best for a bathroom?

Aluminium Venetian blinds and moisture-rated PVC roller blinds are the two best choices. Both can be wiped clean and are not damaged by steam or humidity. Avoid fabric roller blinds and real wood Venetians in bathrooms - both are susceptible to moisture damage over time.

How do I clean roller blinds?

For light dust, wipe with a dry microfibre cloth while the blind is rolled down. For marks, use a lightly damp cloth and mild detergent - work from top to bottom and allow to dry fully before rolling up to prevent mould. Do not machine wash or soak roller blind fabric.

What blinds work best for a sliding door?

Vertical blinds are purpose-built for sliding doors. The slats draw to one or both sides to match how the door opens, and the span can cover very wide openings. Roller blinds can be used for sliding doors but require a separate blind per panel or a very wide single blind, which can be heavy.

Does Venetian slat width make a difference?

25 mm slats suit smaller windows and give a finer, more detailed look. 35 mm is the most versatile and the most common choice. 50 mm slats are a statement look that suits large windows and contemporary interiors - they also let in slightly more light when open because there are fewer slats per metre.

Are blinds better than curtains for Cape Town UV?

Blinds and curtains both protect against UV, but in different ways. A blackout or light-filter roller blind with UV-resistant coating provides direct protection for the window. Curtains with a lining protect the fabric itself but the lining does the UV work. For maximum protection on north and west-facing windows, pairing a roller blind with lined curtains gives both UV control and insulation.

Can blinds be motorised?

Roller blinds are the easiest to motorise - most manufacturers offer motorised options that work via remote, wall switch or smartphone app. Venetian and vertical blinds can also be motorised, though it is less common. Motorisation is particularly useful for high or hard-to-reach windows.

Blind Buying Guide

Everything you need to choose the right blind for Cape Town homes - types explained, light control compared, how to measure, and which blind suits each room.

The three types of blind

Almost every home in Cape Town uses one of three blind types. Each works differently and suits different rooms and window sizes.

Roller

A single piece of fabric that rolls up onto a tube above the window. Clean, versatile and the most popular choice for Cape Town homes.

✓Available in sheer, light-filter and blackout
✓Suits any room
✓Easy to wipe clean
✓Inside or outside mount
✓Motorisation available

Best for: Bedroom, lounge, kitchen, bathroom

Venetian

Horizontal slats in aluminium or real wood that tilt to adjust light without losing the view entirely.

✓Precise angle control for light and privacy
✓Durable and long-lasting
✓Aluminium slats wipe clean
✓Three slat widths to suit any window

Best for: Kitchen, bathroom, office, study

Vertical

Vertical fabric slats that draw to one or both sides. Purpose-built for wide windows and sliding doors.

✓Ideal for sliding doors
✓Handles very wide spans
✓Individual slats replaceable
✓Draw to one or both sides

Best for: Sliding doors, wide windows, large lounges

	Roller	Venetian	Vertical
Light control	3 opacity levels	Adjustable angle	Open or closed
Blackout available	✓	–	–
Wide windows / doors	–	–	✓
Moisture-safe option	✓	✓	–
Motorisation available	✓	Limited	Limited
Inside mount option	✓	✓	–

How much light does each blind block?

Light blockage varies by blind type and fabric opacity. The chart below shows approximate figures - darker colours on the bars reflect how much light is blocked in practice.

Approximate % of light blocked by blind type

Loading chart...

Figures are approximate. Actual results vary by fabric, colour and how well the blind seals at the edges.

Edge light note: Even a 99% blackout roller blind lets light in around the sides where the fabric meets the frame. For a true blackout result, choose a cassette-style blind with side channels, or pair with lined curtains.

Venetian slat widths - which to choose?

Venetian blinds come in three standard slat widths. The width affects the look, the amount of light when open, and how they suit the window size.

Standard slat widths

Loading chart...

25 mm

Fine, detailed look. Suits smaller windows and spaces where a light, less bulky blind is needed.

35 mm Most common

Versatile and the most popular choice. Works in kitchens, offices and bedrooms.

50 mm

Bold, statement look. Suits large windows and contemporary interiors. More light passes through when open.

Not sure which blind type or opacity level is right for your room? We are happy to advise - no obligation.

Get free advice

Which blind suits each room?

The right blind depends on moisture, light control needs, and window size. Use this as a starting point.

Room	Roller	Venetian	Vertical	Note
Bedroom	●●●	●●●	●●●	Blackout roller for full darkness. Venetian if you want adjustable light without full blackout.
Kitchen	●●●	●●●	●●●	Wipe-clean surfaces only. Aluminium Venetian or PVC roller - avoid soft fabrics near cooking areas.
Bathroom	●●●	●●●	●●●	Moisture-resistant materials are essential. Aluminium Venetian or moisture-rated PVC roller blind.
Lounge	●●●	●●●	●●●	Roller or vertical for large spans. Venetian for a more structured, adjustable look.
Sliding door	●●●	●●●	●●●	Vertical blinds are built for this. They track with the door opening and close the full span.
Office / study	●●●	●●●	●●●	Venetian gives the most precise angle control to manage screen glare throughout the day.

●●● ideal · ●●○ good · ●○○ not recommended

How to measure for blinds

Blinds can be fitted inside the window recess (inside mount) or over the frame and surrounding wall (outside mount). The measuring approach differs for each.

Inside mount

Blind sits inside the window recess. Clean, flush look. Requires at least 50 mm of recess depth.

Outside mount

Blind overlaps the frame and wall. Makes the window look larger. No minimum recess depth needed.

Measuring checklist

1.Decide inside or outside mount before measuring.
2.Inside mount: measure width at top, middle and bottom - use the narrowest. Measure height at left, centre and right - use the longest.
3.Outside mount: add 50–75 mm to each side of the frame. Decide how high above the frame to mount and how far below the sill to extend.
4.For vertical blinds on sliding doors: measure the full door span plus 100–150 mm each side.
5.Provide your measured figures - we handle manufacturing tolerances and clearance deductions.

Cape Town-specific considerations

Cape Town's climate affects blinds differently than it affects curtains. Two factors matter most.

UV fading

Cape Town's UV peaks at index 14 (Extreme) in summer - among the highest UV readings in the southern hemisphere. Standard PVC and aluminium blinds are largely immune to UV fading. Fabric roller blinds in direct north or west-facing sun should be UV-treated or in polyester. Plain cotton or linen roller fabrics will fade within 2–3 years in direct sun.

Coastal humidity and salt air

Homes within a few kilometres of the ocean experience salt-laden air that accelerates corrosion. Choose aluminium over steel components. Avoid real wood Venetians in coastal bathrooms or kitchens - they absorb moisture and warp over time. PVC roller blinds and aluminium Venetians handle coastal conditions well.

Cape Doctor dust

The strong SE wind (September–March) carries dust that settles on horizontal surfaces. Venetian slats collect dust more than roller blinds - a smooth roller surface is faster to wipe clean if your home is exposed to the Cape Doctor. Cape Flats and Northern Suburbs homes without mountain shelter are most affected.

Summer heat

A light-filter or blackout roller blind on a north or west-facing window significantly reduces heat gain compared to leaving the window uncovered. For maximum insulation, pairing a roller blind with lined curtains creates an air gap that keeps rooms noticeably cooler in the Northern Suburbs and Winelands where temperatures climb highest.

Can you use blinds and curtains together?

Yes - and it is one of the most practical combinations for Cape Town homes. A roller or Venetian blind handles the functional work (light control, privacy, UV), while curtains on either side add softness, insulation and a finished look.

Bedroom

Blackout roller blind for darkness, sheer curtains to soften the window when the blind is up. The most popular combination for bedrooms.

Lounge

Light-filter roller blind for daytime privacy, full-length lined curtains for evening warmth and a formal finish. Works well in Northern Suburbs and Winelands homes.

Study / office

Venetian blind for precise angle control of screen glare, with a curtain pulled to the side to soften the room when you're not working.

Thinking about combining blinds and curtains? Our Curtain Guide covers fabric types, lining options and heading styles in detail.

Frequently asked questions

Ready to choose your blinds?

Send us your window measurements or a photo and we will recommend the right blind for your room - free, no obligation. We supply and install across all Cape Town suburbs.

Get a Free Quote

See our installation gallery · curtain guide · rail & rod guide · curtains by room · care guide · pricing guide · check your area