When it comes to choosing blinds, most people think first about colour and style. While those choices are important, the reality is that choosing the best blind material in South Africa often comes down to climate. Intense sun, fluctuating humidity, and everyday dust can either shorten the life of your blinds – or help them last for years.

At Fix A Blind CC, we’ve seen firsthand how the wrong material can warp, fade, or crack too soon, costing homeowners more in the long run. That’s why selecting the right blind material is about more than aesthetics; it’s about durability, comfort, and long-term value – especially in areas like Johannesburg, Pretoria, and across Gauteng, where summer heat can be unforgiving.

Key Climate Factors to Consider (Before You Choose a Material)

Heat + UV Resistance (High Priority in Gauteng)

In cities like Johannesburg and Pretoria, strong sun through north-facing windows can cause fading and brittleness. UV-resistant materials help prevent discolouration and can reduce heat build-up in the room.

Moisture + Humidity Resistance (High Priority In Coastal Areas)

In places like Durban and Cape Town, humid air can cause certain materials (especially untreated wood) to swell or warp. Moisture-friendly materials are essential for long-term performance.

Dust, Durability + Easy Maintenance (Important Nationwide)

Dust is part of daily life in many South African homes. If your blinds are difficult to clean, they become a frustration fast. Materials that wipe down easily tend to look newer for longer with less effort.

Popular Blind Materials Compared (What Works Best in SA)

PVC Blinds

Practical, budget-friendly, and ideal for moisture-heavy areas like kitchens and bathrooms. They’re also easy to wipe clean – a big win for busy households.

Aluminium Blinds

Lightweight, durable, and resistant to both heat and humidity. Aluminium is also a great choice for modern interiors and spaces where you need adjustable light control.

Wooden Blinds

Timeless, warm, and great for insulation – helping rooms feel cooler in summer and cosier in winter. Wood requires more care in humid environments, so placement matters.

Fabric Blinds (Roller, Roman, Vertical)

Fabric adds softness and style and can offer excellent light control. The trade-off is that fabric tends to attract dust more easily, meaning it needs more regular cleaning.

At Fix A Blind CC, we often help clients find the sweet spot between style and practicality – so your blinds look great and stand up to your local climate.

Best Blind Materials by Room (Quick, Practical Guide)

Kitchens and Bathrooms

Choose PVC or aluminium - moisture-resistant, easy to clean, and built for daily use.

Bedrooms

Focus on privacy and insulation. Wooden blinds or layered fabric options can create a restful feel while helping with temperature control.

Offices and Studies

Glare control is key to productivity. Aluminium Venetians are ideal because you can fine-tune light levels throughout the day.

Matching the right material to each room helps you get better performance, better comfort, and better value overall.

Maintenance Tips to Make Your Blinds Last Longer

Even the best blind material needs basic care to stay in top shape:

• Dust weekly (or do a quick wipe-down for PVC/aluminium).

• Use gentle cleaners – harsh chemicals can damage finishes over time.

• For wooden blinds, use a light polish occasionally to protect the natural finish.

• Fabric blinds benefit from gentle vacuuming to reduce dust and allergens.

If your blinds need deeper cleaning or servicing, it’s often worth using professionals – it protects your investment and prevents accidental damage. Take a look at our Vertaflex Cleaning Company.

Choosing the Right Material = Better Value

At Fix A Blind CC, we encourage clients to see blinds as a long-term investment, not a quick purchase. When you choose materials suited to South African conditions – heat, humidity, and dust – you get blinds that look better, last longer, and perform properly.

If you’re unsure what will work best in your home or office, browse our online range of window blinds and book a consultation. We’ll help you choose blinds that match your décor and handle your local environment – from Gauteng heat to coastal humidity.

Why Johannesburg Homes and Offices Are Upgrading to Smarter Window Coverings

Technology is changing how we live and work – from security to lighting, appliances, and now window treatments. Across Gauteng, more homeowners and businesses are choosing smart blinds and motorised blinds in Johannesburg for comfort, safety, and day-to-day convenience.

At Fix A Blind, we’ve seen this demand grow fast, and it’s no longer limited to luxury homes. Families, professionals, and small businesses are embracing automation because it simply makes life easier.

What Are Smart Blinds and Automated Shades?

Smart blinds are window coverings you can operate without manual effort. Instead of cords or chains, they can be controlled using a remote, wall switch, smartphone app, or voice control through compatible smart systems.

Automated shades take it further by allowing scheduled routines. For example:

• Open in the morning to bring in natural light

• Close in the afternoon when the sun is hottest

• Adjust automatically to reduce glare during work hours

This level of convenience is becoming increasingly accessible in Gauteng homes – and it’s a practical upgrade, not just a “nice-to-have”.

Key Benefits of Motorised Blinds

Motorisation isn’t only about luxury – it’s a functional improvement with real everyday value.

Safety First

Traditional corded blinds can be risky for children and pets. Motorised blinds eliminate cords, which means cleaner lines and safer spaces.

Better Energy Efficiency

Automated control helps reduce heat gain in summer and improve warmth retention in winter. Many clients notice a difference simply by programming blinds to close during peak sunlight.

Convenience You Feel Daily

Being able to control multiple blinds at once – or set routines and forget about them – is one of the biggest reasons people switch. It’s smooth, modern, and surprisingly addictive once you’ve experienced it.

Smart Home Integration (Yes, It Works in Real Homes)

Many Gauteng households already use smart devices like security cameras, alarms, and automated lighting. Smart blinds can integrate into those systems, letting you build routines such as:

• Blinds + lights adjusting at sunset

• Blinds reacting to brightness or temperature changes

• Remote control while travelling to make your home look occupied

At Fix A Blind, we’ve helped clients integrate motorised blinds into both new builds and existing homes – automation is possible without major renovations.

Design and Style Options (Motorised Doesn’t Mean Limited)

A common worry is that automation limits style choices. It doesn’t. Modern smart blinds and automated shades are available in a wide range of finishes and fabrics, including:

• Blockout roller blinds (ideal for bedrooms and media rooms)

• Light-filtering fabrics for living areas

• Elegant styles that suit contemporary or classic interiors

In Gauteng homes, we often recommend solutions that balance function and style — especially where heat control, privacy, and glare reduction matter most.

Cost vs Value (What You Get Back)

Smart blinds do require a higher upfront investment than manual blinds. But for many clients, the long-term value makes it worthwhile:

• Less wear-and-tear (mechanical operation can reduce daily handling strain)

• Energy savings through scheduled light/heat control

• Protection of furniture and floors from UV exposure

• Added lifestyle convenience and a modern “finish” to your space

For most people, the real return is quality of life – safety, comfort, and control.

Bringing the Future Into Your Gauteng Space

At Fix A Blind, we believe window treatments should do more than cover glass – they should improve how you live and work. Smart blinds and motorised shades are quickly becoming the new standard for Gauteng homes and offices.

If you’re ready to explore automation, view our motorised options here: (add internal link anchor text: “motorised blinds in Gauteng”).
Or contact Fix A Blind to book a demo and request a quote for your Johannesburg or Pretoria property.

Mini FAQ

Are motorised blinds safe for kids and pets?

Yes – most setups remove cords entirely, making them a safer option for family homes.

Can smart blinds be installed in an existing home?

In most cases, yes. Many systems can be retrofitted without major building work.

Do automated shades work during load shedding?

Some systems can be configured with backup options depending on the motor/setup. Fix A Blind can advise based on your requirements.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Measuring Windows for Blinds

Blinds can transform any space – but only if they fit correctly. Many South African homeowners attempt DIY measurements, only to end up with blinds that are too wide, too short, uneven, or unable to open smoothly.

At Fix A Blind, we’ve found that inaccurate measuring is the most common reason blinds fail to look or function the way they should. This is especially common in older Johannesburg and Gauteng homes, where window frames aren’t always perfectly square.

Taking the time to measure properly saves money, prevents installation issues, and ensures your blinds look custom-made for your home. If you’re based in Gauteng (Johannesburg, Pretoria and surrounds), accurate measurements also help prevent delays when ordering or booking installation.

Tools You Need Before You Start

To avoid mistakes, make sure you have the right tools on hand:

• Steel tape measure (more accurate than fabric tape)

• Pencil for marking

• Notepad or phone to record every measurement

• A level, if your window frame may be uneven

Even a few millimetres can affect how blinds sit inside a frame or recess. Always measure carefully, write everything down, and double-check before placing an order. Tip: take measurements in millimetres (mm) for the most accurate ordering.

Inside Mount vs. Outside Mount – Which One Is Best?

Inside Mount (Blinds Fitted Inside the Recess)

This creates a clean, modern look and works best when the window recess is deep and square. However, accuracy is critical – even a small measurement error can prevent proper fitting.

Outside Mount (Blinds Fixed Above & Covering the Window)

This option covers the entire frame and works well for shallow recesses or when maximum light control is needed. It is also more forgiving if your window isn’t perfectly square.

At Fix A Blind, we help clients choose the best mounting option depending on their home layout and aesthetic preference. For Gauteng homes, we often recommend the best fit based on sunlight direction, privacy needs, and room use (bedrooms vs offices).

Step-by-Step Instructions for Measuring Your Windows for Blinds

Inside Mount Measurements

1. Width: Measure at the top, middle, and bottom of the recess.

   • Use the narrowest measurement to ensure the blinds fit even if the frame is slightly uneven.

2. Height: Measure on the left, centre, and right.

   • Use the longest measurement for full coverage.

Outside Mount Measurements

1. Width: Measure the area you want the blind to cover.

   • Most homeowners add 5-10 cm on each side to increase privacy and block more light.

2. Height: Measure from the top fixing point down to where you want the blind to end – usually below the sill or skirting.

Important: Always label your measurements clearly as width (W) and height (H). Swapping the two is one of the most common and costly mistakes. If you’re sending measurements to a supplier or installer, include the room name (e.g., “Main Bedroom”/“Office”) to avoid mix-ups.

Common Measurement Mistakes – And How to Avoid Them

Even confident DIYers get tripped up by simple errors:

• Mixing centimetres and millimetres

• Rounding measurements instead of recording the exact number

• Ignoring uneven window frames, especially in older South African homes

• Incorrectly measuring bay windows, sliding doors, or angled frames

   

Frames that aren’t perfectly square can make blinds appear crooked even when manufactured correctly. When in doubt, precision and caution are key. If the frame looks skew, use your level and take the “best-fit” measurement (narrowest width for inside mount).

When You Should Call a Professional

Measuring windows isn’t difficult, but it does require accuracy. If your windows are non-standard or you want peace of mind, let a professional handle it.

At Fix A Blind CC, we offer free measuring services to ensure your blinds are made correctly the first time. This prevents unnecessary delays, costly reorders, and installation frustration. We assist clients across Gauteng, including Johannesburg and Pretoria.

Many of our clients say they felt an immediate sense of relief knowing the measurements were handled by experts – especially when investing in high-quality blinds that should fit perfectly.

Book Your Free Measuring Consultation

Don’t risk ordering blinds that don’t fit. If you want a perfect, hassle-free installation, Fix A Blind CC is here to help.

Visit our website to schedule your measuring appointment, or contact our team today to get started.
Perfect blinds start with perfect measurements – let us handle the details.

Are you in a dilemma when choosing between blinds and curtains? After all, there is a constant battle of blinds vs curtains and they each have advantages and benefits.  Whether you are looking for the most effective option or something to suit your home’s interior design, we understand that this is an option that you need to live with and therefore need to carefully think about.

This blog will focus on the advantages of blinds versus those of curtains. This should help you weigh your options and help choose the best option.

Blinds vs Curtains: Things to consider

Light control

Blinds offer more light control options because blinds have vertical or horizontal slats which can be operated in order to control the light. Curtains on the other hand, can filter the natural sunlight coming through the window by using light or sheer curtains and it can also block out natural light completely by using heavier fabrics such as velvet curtains.

Energy efficiency

Cost

The cost of curtains as well as blinds vary based on the quality, materials, and the way these window covers are made – whether ready-to-hang or custom fit.  However, blinds tend to be more cost convenient than curtains.

Lifespan

Whether you’re looking at this from a practical point of view or a style point of view, blinds will stand the test of time with ease. As you may know, curtains become quite dated over the years… what started out as a great pair of simple curtains slowly starts looking like something that looks quite worn and, well, old.

Blinds, however, manage to maintain their simplistic elegance and are incredibly durable so you know they won’t just look good, they’ll still perform well too.

Privacy

Final words

So there you have it… just a few of the many reasons why blinds are better than curtains. If you’re looking for ways to improve the appearance of your interior design, window dressing is one of the most important things to consider. With over 20 years’ experience, Fix A Blind is a top supplier and manufacturer of blinds. Not only do we specialize in the installation of blinds, but our enterprise extends to the servicing, repairing and laundering of all makes of blinds. Request a quote today!

Ideal for business owners, property developers and homeowners, awnings are the most popular feature to add to patios. When you want to enjoy time on your patio during the summer, an awning can be a great choice offering you protection from the scorching sun.

Although most patio awnings are designed for sun protection, some awnings also offer protection against heavy rains and winds.

When considering a new awning, there are two styles of consideration – retractable and fixed. In this article, we will go over the pros and cons of both awnings to help you choose the best awning for your patio and personal requirements.

Fixed Awnings

Fixed awnings are the more traditional and permanent option installed on your building — often used as protection over windows and doors against all bad weathers including direct sunlight exposure. This type of awning offers you a more  permanent installation solution with little maintenance, presenting long-term prominent business promotion and decor and maintaining comfortable shading year-round.

Retractable Awnings

Retractable awnings are the most popular type of awning. They provide a great, space-saving solution, as they can be rolled or folded up when not in use. They also allow you to open or close the structure discreetly during seasonal changes, unlike permanent fixed awnings. Though they block direct sun exposure and keep your outdoor space cool like fixed awnings, retractable awnings are constructed from high-quality outdoor fabrics.

Final Words

Regardless of which awning you go for, Fix A Blind will ensure all your awning requirements are met. We pride ourselves in offering our clients a great selection of quality retractable and fixed awnings, while helping our customers make a statement with stylish and versatile awnings. We have been the most trusted and reliable awning supplier and installation company for over 20 years, throughout the country. 

Easy to maintain

Vertical blinds are the perfect choice for homes as they are easy to maintain. For general daily maintenance, add them into your daily vacuuming routine. Switch your floor vacuum nozzle to a smaller nozzle with a brush to get rid of any dust that has accumulated throughout the day. Other maintenance, such as spot removal, can be performed with the use of a mild detergent, water and a microfibre cloth.

Suitable for large windows

It is not the easiest task to find window treatments for large windows. Thankfully, vertical blinds are a window treatment well-suited to fit perfectly in a large bay window or in front of a sliding door. They can be found in various sizes, making them a great choice for tall windows of any width.

Opening methods

A fantastic feature of vertical blinds is that they can be opened in many ways. These treatments can be opened from either end of the railing, allowing you to let light in from different areas of the window. Two sets of vertical blinds can be placed on the same railing to provide a curtain-like opening effect as well. Not only can they be opened fully, but the layers can be turned as necessary for light control.

Illusion of height

Interior design techniques use vertical lines to give the illusion of height. Vertical blinds are a great way of subtly adding vertical lines to the room to create a feeling of height and space. These beautiful window treatments can do no wrong in the world of interior design.

What are duette honeycomb blinds?

These types of blinds are more versatile than many other blinds the market. Their unique design and cellular nature allows them to be used flexibly. Honeycomb blinds are made from two or more layers of nonwoven polyester that are combined at the pleats to form cellular compartments which trap in air.

This design doesn’t just add aesthetical value, it serves the purpose of efficiency and versatility. Here are the benefits of duette honeycomb blinds:

They offer better insulation

Many other blinds and shades struggle to keep heat in or out of your home. This can be a major drawback considering the erratic nature of South African weather. The cellular design of honeycomb blinds allows them to trap air within them and keep the heat or cold in/out. They’re the perfect solution for a balanced temperature in your home.

Our duette honeycombs blindshave excellent insulation properties and reduce sound reflection. They’re made from a unique antistatic honeycomb fabric with permanent pleats that resist fraying. Check them out!

They are highly versatile and efficient

Duettehoneycomb blinds can beinstalled where other blinds cannot be, such as on skylights. They travel along a supporting rail that prevents the blinds from falling, which allows you to open and close your skylight honeycomb blinds with peace of mind.

They also have dual opening functionality. While most blinds can only be closed from the top-down, duette honeycomb blinds can close from the bottom-up, allowing them to be closed inincrements. This means you can open them halfway if you so wish.

They’re space savvy and financially friendly

Duette honeycomb blinds fold upwards when they’re closed, a feature that prevents them from taking up too much space when closed. Thanks to their cellular design, these blinds can save you on your utilities (heating and air conditioning can be expensive).

Get in touch with us today to learn more about what our duette honeycomb blinds can do for you.

So, for those of you who love to DIY, we’ve put together some tips on how you should measure and install your bamboo shades.

Tips on measuring for bamboo shades

Depth Requirements

You first need to ensure that your window is deep enough for an inside mount. You should know the minimum mounting surface requirements for your product. If you purchase your bamboo shades from us, you’ll have full access to the product’s specifications.

Width Requirements

Using your tape measure, you need to find the exact width (left to right) of the inner edge of your window frame in three places: the top, the middle and the bottom. Choose the smallest of these measurements; if you get a 1/16” or 1/32” increment, you’ll need to round it off to the nearest 1/8”. This is the width you’ll order.

Get in touch with us for more information about how you can measure the width of your window.

Height Requirements

Use your tape measure to determine the height (top to bottom) of the window frame in three places: the left edge, down the centre and the right edge. Choose the largest of these measurements. Should you run into the same rounding off situation as you did when measuring the width, follow the same rounding off procedure or contact us for assistance.

Once you’ve got that value, that’s what you’ll use when ordering your product.

Installation

Now that you have the measurements, you need to order your product according to your measurements. Our range of bamboo roman shades and bamboo roller shades will have you drooling at the prospect of owning them. Check out our stock and let us know what you think!

We found a handy video tutorial you can use to help you mount and install your bamboo shades yourself, but if you shop with us, you won’t need to worry about DIY installations! With over 20 years of experience in this business, it’d be a crime for us not to install your Fix a Blind bamboo shades as well as doing a free quotation where we will take final measurements.

Shutters have the ability to control the amount of sunlight that enters a room as well as the natural ventilation. In addition, shutters provide a sense of enhanced security by eliminating the likelihood of unwanted intrusion or damage to the property. Shutters from Fix-A-Blind contribute to the aesthetic appeal of the room, whether industrial or residential.

The shutter and blinds predominantly consist of a frame and vertical stiles and horizontal rails which can be positioned either horizontally, top, centered or on the bottom. The types of materials the shutters are manufactured with are designed to withstand the harshest weather conditions and exposure to wear and tear throughout utilisation.

Shutters also creates a sense of transparency and privacy to ensure that the homeowners have full visibility of the interior and exterior designs of their home. Shutters are available in different colours and materials including wood and aluminum.

 Contact Fix A Blind for more information.

When it comes to light filtering and privacy, blinds give you a lot of control. The blinds’ slats can be tilted with the use of a rod to let in light as necessary. The blinds can also be lifted completely with the use of a cord to let in a lot of natural light. The slats are usually made of sturdy durable material, making them less prone to wear and tear, although if they are not maintained they may not last long. Blind maintenance is easy. The dust is easily removed with the use of a microfiber cloth and furniture polish.

Shades do not allow much adjustment when it comes to lighting as they can only be open, partially open or closed. This can be done manually, or an automated system can be put in place to lower and lift shades at the push of a button. However, shades do come in different materials, such as transparent and blackout, which gives you more control over the amount of light allowed into a room. Shades are made from soft material that can be damaged easily. When cleaning shades, you need to be sure not to be rough as this will cause wear and tear. Any major cleaning tasks should be dealt with by professionals.

Fix A Blind is a top supplier and manufacturer of blinds. Not only do we specialize in the installation of blinds, but our enterprise extends to the servicing, repairing and laundering of all makes of blinds. Request a quote today!