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Ash

About Ash

https://sensationalinteriors.co.za

Curtains and Blinds consultant

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What type of custom blinds are most popular in 2025 for East Rand home owners

 

What type of Custom Blinds are most popular in 2025 for East Rand home owners

TL;DR: The three standouts for 2025 as seen from our clients are 50 mm eco‑wood venetians (warm, durable), roller blinds (Premweave 5% sheers and blackout, often motorized with Zen systems) and zebra blinds (layered light control). 

Pick by room and daily use, then view samples and test them in the light you live with.

By Ash Carrim – Interior Designer

Date Published: 03 November 2025

Opening note on what type of blinds are most popular right now in 2025?

If you’re choosing custom blinds and feel a bit overwhelmed, that’s normal. 

For over 30 years, I’ve helped many homeowners around the East Rand balance amazing looking custom made blinds with daily life, and the quickest way to a good result is to start with function. 

Ask yourself: do I want darkness, daylight with a view, or quick, precise control? Your answer narrows the field fast.

1. 50 mm eco‑wood venetians 

wooden blinds benoni

Lets start with 50mm Eco Wooden blinds and you may be thinking.. Why do people keep choosing them? 

You see these are a go‑to for living rooms, dining areas and home offices. 

The wider 50 mm slat reads like an architectural detail and keeps lines calm across tall windows. 

Eco‑wood delivers your living room or space the warmth of timber but resists warping and humidity. 

You will notice the practical benefits from the movement they are installed: precise light control, straightforward privacy, low maintenance and easier dusting than narrow slats. 

Choose oak or walnut tones for a classic look; creams and ivories if you want the room to feel airier.

If you work from home and glare is an issue, eco‑wood reduces reflections without looking heavy.

2. Roller blinds and motorized Premweave — simple, quiet, useful 

Next on our list are Rollers blinds and they win here because they vanish neatly when open. 

They’re minimal and flexible. Two fabrics matter most in 2025.

  • Premweave 5% see‑through: keeps daylight and the view while cutting glare. Great for kitchens and casual living rooms.
  • Blockout roller: essential for bedrooms and media rooms where darkness matters and if you love your weekend naps or sleep ins.

Motorization is no longer an indulgence.

Quiet Zen‑style motors allow timers, grouped control and no dangling chains — safer for children and pets.

Motorised rollers also make wide or high windows practical. 

Popular Roller Blinds Samples

From our vast range, the blockout Chicago range (Snow, Cream, Pewter, Tan, Walnut) shows why neutrals sell; Macau’s Champagne and Silver Pearl and Zurich’s Ivory and Champagne demonstrate the soft, dependable tones buyers favour.

3. Zebra blinds — layered light control without fuss 

Zebra (day‑night) blinds alternate sheer and opaque bands so you can fine‑tune daylight and privacy in steps.

They feel modern but simple to use at the same time. 

Zebras are a good compromise when you want the softness of a sheer with the option of privacy. 

Popular samples include Milan (Snow, Mink, Ash) for pared‑back rooms and Amsterdam or Boston varieties (White, Ivory, Gold, Duck Egg, Grey) for gentler palettes. 

Textured options such as Grizle and Athena give a richer effect for a statement window. 

Zebras work well with motors and keep a tidy silhouette whether lowered or raised.

Room‑by‑room, quick guidance on selecting popular blinds for each of your rooms

What custom blinds are popular for Living room and dining rooms? 

50 mm eco‑wood for texture and presence are a popular choice for living rooms; zebra if you want softly filtered light that’s easy to adjust.

What custom blinds are popular for Bedrooms and media rooms?

Blockout rollers, preferably motorized, for reliable darkness and quiet.

What blinds are popular for Kitchens and bathrooms?

Premweave 5% rollers / or Zebras or humidity‑rated eco‑wood for light and cleanability.

What made to measure blind are popular for my Home office?

Eco‑wood for glare control; motorised rollers for fast changes during video calls.

Colour and fabric notes Neutrals dominate – Styles and textures

Your Creams, warm ivories, soft greys and beiges are your go to in 2025 and moving into 2026, these are fabrics that will stand the test of time. 

These backdrops let furniture and textiles stand out. 

Accent colours such as deep charcoal or muted metallics appear where a focal window is wanted. 

For rollers, look for polyester blends that are easy to wipe down. 

For eco‑wood, choose performance finishes that resist moisture and fading. 

Always order swatches and view them in your room at different times of day — light changes fabric tone more than you expect.

Budget and value Eco‑wood tends to sit midrange and offers long life and low upkeep. 

Rollers are cost‑effective at entry level and scale up with motorization. 

Zebras range in price depending on finish and control options.

Motorized systems add upfront cost but reduce wear from manual handling and improve daily convenience.

Practical Final checklist before you buy your custom blinds in the East of Johannesburg 

  1. Define the function: blockout, filtered light, or variable privacy.
  2. Measure carefully and note recess depth and obstructions (we do all this for you)
  3. Order samples and view them at morning and afternoon light.
  4. Consider motorization for large or hard‑to‑reach windows.
  5. Match finishes with furniture undertones, not just wall paint.

The best results from experience that I have seen come from matching the blind type to how the room is used. 

Start with samples, prioritize function, then refine the look. 

Do that and your blinds will work better and feel right for years to come. 

About the Author

Ash is an interior curtain and blinds designer at Sensational Interiors with 30 years of experience in interior design and curtain decoration. Over the last 30 years, he has served many clients across the East of Johannesburg and surrounding areas. 

Custom Curtains / Blinds vs Ready-Made – Which One Wins?

 

Custom Curtains / Blinds vs Ready-Made – 

Which One Wins in 2026?

By Ash Carrim – Interior Designer

Date Published: 24 October 2025

TL;DR: Ready-made curtains and blinds are quick and affordable, but they often fall short on fit, style, and durability in the long run. 

Custom options offer better quality, perfect sizing, and full design control — making them the smarter long-term choice.

Custom options offer better quality, perfect sizing, and full design control — making them the smarter long-term choice.

Let’s Start with the Basics when comparing ready made curtains / blinds against made to measure ones

If you’re shopping for curtains or blinds, you’ve probably noticed two main options: ready-made and custom. One is off-the-shelf. The other is made specifically for your space.

So which one’s better?

Let’s break it down clearly — no fluff, no jargon. With over 30 years in the interiors space, we sure you will come to your best decision at the end of this post.

What You Get with Custom curtains / blinds?

Custom curtains and blinds are made to your exact measurements. 

With ALL made to order curtains and blinds, You choose the fabric, style, lining, and hardware. Everything is built around your space and this the word CUSTOM.

Benefits:

  • Exact fit — no gaps, no bunching
  • Full design control — color, texture, header style, lining
  • Better materials — stronger fabrics, durable tracks
  • Longer lifespan — fewer replacements over time
  • Improved insulation — better energy efficiency

Custom isn’t just about luxury. It’s about getting it right the first time and looking back thinking: “We made the right move”.

What You Get with Ready-Made curtains / blinds?

Ready-made curtains and blinds are pre-sized and mass-produced. 

You’ll find them in home stores, online catalogs, and even supermarkets.

Pros:

  • Lower upfront cost
  • Immediate availability
  • Decent for temporary setups

Cons:

  • Limited sizes — most windows aren’t “standard”
  • Fewer design choices
  • Lower-quality materials
  • Shorter lifespan

They’re fine if you need something quick and fast. But they’re rarely a perfect fit — literally or visually.

 Real Talk from Experience

After 30 years in this industry, I’ve seen it all. 

One client had tall, narrow windows in her lounge. 

She tried ready-made curtains at first — they looked okay, but didn’t block light properly and clashed with her furniture.

We measured, chose layered sheers and blockouts, and installed custom tracks. 

The result? A room that felt finished. Comfortable. Cohesive.

That’s what custom curtains and blinds do. 

It solves problems and elevates your space.

Fit Matters More Than You Think with custom curtains / blinds

Let’s say your window is 2.3 meters wide. 

Most ready-made curtains come in 2-meter or 3-meter panels. 

You’ll either have gaps or excess fabric. Neither looks great.

Custom means precision. Your curtains or blinds will fit edge to edge, top to bottom. 

That improves privacy, insulation, and aesthetics.

Design Isn’t Just Decoration with custom

With ready-made, you’re stuck with what’s in stock. 

Maybe you find a color that’s “close enough.” Maybe the texture doesn’t match your sofa or interior. 

Maybe the header or curtain accessories style feels off.

With custom, you choose everything:

  • Fabric weight and weave
  • Color and pattern
  • Lining type (blackout, thermal, sheer)
  • Header style (eyelet, pinch pleat, wave)
  • Mounting method (wall, ceiling, recess)

It’s not about being fancy. It’s about making your space feel intentional.

Quality You Can Feel with ALL made to order curtains and Blinds

Ready-made curtains often use thin polyester blends. 

The stitching can be basic. The rods and tracks are lightweight.

Custom products use stronger fabrics, reinforced seams, and hardware that lasts. 

You’ll notice the difference every time you open or close them.

And they hold up — year after year.

Let’s Talk Money

Yes, custom costs more upfront. But here’s what you’re really paying for:

Feature

Ready-Made

Custom

Initial Cost

Lower

Higher

Fit

Approximate

Exact

Design Options

Limited

Extensive

Material Quality

Basic

Premium

Lifespan

1–5 years

5–15 years

Energy Efficiency

Low

High

Property Value Impact

 Minimal

Positive

Custom saves money over time. It performs better. And often times than not, it looks better.

Common Scenarios where custom curtains and blinds may be the right choice

Scenario 1: Unusual Windows

Bay windows, floor-to-ceiling glass, or narrow slits? Ready-made won’t cut it. Custom handles these easily.

Winner: Custom

Scenario 2: Style-Driven Interiors

If you’ve put effort into your décor, generic curtains will stand out — and not in a good way. Custom lets you match tones, textures, and themes.

Winner: Custom

Scenario 3: Budget Setup

For short-term rentals or spare rooms, ready-made might be enough. But for main living areas, custom is worth the upgrade.

Winner: Depends — but custom adds lasting value

Questions to Ask Yourself

  • Do my windows need a precise fit?
  • Do I care about matching my décor?
  • Do I want better insulation and privacy?
  • Am I tired of replacing curtains every few years?

If you answered yes to most, custom is the better choice.

Give us a call for any help deciding.. 

To conclude, ready-made curtains and blinds are quick and affordable. 

But they often fall short on fit, style, and durability and that custom look and feel you may have wanted or seen in a magazine or advert. 

Custom options offer better quality, perfect sizing, and full design control. 

They last longer, perform better, and make your space feel complete.

At Sensational Interiors in the East Rand, we help homeowners create window treatments that work — and wow. 

From consultation to installation of all your custom curtains and blinds, we guide you through every step.

Custom isn’t just better. It’s built for you.

About the Author

Ash is an interior curtain and blinds designer at Sensational Interiors with 30 years of experience in interior design and curtain decoration. Over the last 30 years, he has served many clients across the East of Johannesburg and surrounding areas. 

image_2025-09-23_130934298

Best Curtains and Blinds Combo for 2026: Wave Sheers + Roller Blinds

 

Best Curtains and Blinds Combo for 2025 – 2026: Wave Sheers + Roller Blinds

What is the Sheers and Roller Blinds Combo?

TL;DR – You have rollers for the back of your window that when closed, blocks all the light and gives you total privacy and for the day, you have elegant and light looking sheers that lets the breeze in. To complete this unique look, you have a wave type heading.

By Ash Carrim – Interior Designer

23 September 2025

What is the Sheers and Roller Blinds Combo?

Have you ever stood in front of your windows wondering, Do I want soft curtains that let in light, or blinds that give me privacy? 

It feels a bit like choosing between tea and coffee right?—both have their charm, and both serve a purpose. 

But what if you didn’t have to choose? That’s where the wave sheer and roller blind combo comes in.

This Curtain and Blinds Combination is one of home décor trend of 2025 for East Rand home owners and moving into 2026, and for good reason. 

By day, you get the airy elegance of sheer curtains. 

And by night, you can drop the Roller blinds and enjoy full privacy. 

It’s the best of both worlds in one neat, sleek package.

Benefits of This Sheer + Roller Combination

The beauty of this combination lies in its flexibility:

  • By day – Raise the roller blinds, let the sunlight stream through the sheers, and enjoy that soft glow.

  • By night – Lower the blinds, close out the world, and feel completely secure.

  • Energy savings – Sheers help cut glare, while blinds insulate against heat and cold.

  • Style that lasts – This pairing doesn’t date quickly. It works in modern apartments, family homes, and even offices.
    It’s a bit like having a convertible car—you enjoy the breeze when you want it, and you close the roof when you need shelter.

Sheer Curtain Samples for this combination

sheer curtains boksburg

Wave sheers are like the soft background music in a room—they don’t shout for attention, but they set the mood. Their folds fall evenly, creating a modern, flowing look that always feels calm and organized.

When picking samples, think about what feeling you want the room to give:

  • Bright whites – perfect if you love spaces that feel fresh and open.

  • Neutrals like stone or beige – add a little warmth while keeping things versatile.

  • Soft pastels – imagine a hint of blush or pale blue, like adding a whisper of color without overwhelming the room.

  • Linen blends – these add texture, giving your sheers more personality.

A tip I’ve often shared with my past clients: hold the sample against your window in both morning and evening light. 

The same fabric can look dreamy at sunrise and completely different at when the sun goes down.

Best Roller Blinds Samples for This Combination

If wave sheers are main attraction, roller blinds can be seen as the behind the scenes unsung hero. 

They don’t compete—they support. 

Rollers gives you practicality where sheers curtains can’t.

Here are some options that pair beautifully:

  • Blockout blinds – think of them as a full stop. They shut out light completely and keep your nights private.

  • Thermal-backed blinds – great for controlling temperature, especially if you’ve noticed your room gets too hot in summer or chilly in winter.

  • Light-filtering blinds – softer than blockout, they dim the light without closing you off from the world.

  • Moisture-resistant blinds – a smart pick for bathrooms or kitchens where steam and humidity are part of daily life.

Together, the sheers and blinds play off each other. A team that when working in tandem, will give you something for years to come!

Why Wave Headings are the Best for This Combo?

Wave Curtains

Now, let’s talk about the detail that makes this work: wave headings. They’re not just about looks; they make the curtains easy to live with.

Imagine curtains that always fall into place—no bunching, no mess. 

That’s what wave headings do. They create neat folds that glide smoothly, so even if you’re opening and closing them every day, they still look showroom-ready. Plus, they align beautifully with the straight drop of roller blinds, making the combo look intentional, not improvised.

 Can This Wave and Roller Combo Be Motorized?

 Here’s where things get exciting: yes, you can motorize both. 

Imagine sitting on the couch and, with one tap on your phone, the sheers glide across while the blinds lower into place. No cords, no effort.

Modern systems are quiet, smooth, and even work with voice commands. 

If your windows are tall or wide, automation can turn a daily chore into a simple pleasure. And with cordless designs, you also make your home safer for kids and pets.

5 Tips to Combine Sheer and Roller Blinds Like a Pro

Getting the sheer-and-roller combo right isn’t just about picking two products and hoping they work.

Small details make all the difference for your space.

Because NO 2 rooms are the same, here are five tips you can use to nail the look:

  1. Match or contrast with your wall colour – If your walls are light in colour, go with soft neutral sheers and a slightly darker roller blind for depth. For darker walls, reverse it: lighter sheers and blinds keep the room from feeling heavy.

  2. Layer textures, not just colours – A linen-effect sheer with a smooth blockout blind creates richness. Avoid pairing two flat fabrics, or the space can feel flat too.

  3. Think about the view – If you face a garden or pool, keep sheers light and airy to highlight your view, then use blockout blinds for the nights.

  4. Keep hardware discreet – Choose slim tracks or recessed blind fittings so the focus stays on the fabric, not the mechanics.

  5. Use the room’s purpose as your guide – Bedrooms do best with blockout blinds plus soft sheers, while living rooms often shine with light-filtering rollers behind sheers.

This way, your windows don’t just look good—they work with your lifestyle.

Get your free Quote for this amazing combo

The wave sheer and roller blind combo is more than a passing trend—it’s a practical solution that makes life easier while keeping your home stylish. 

It adapts to your rhythm: light during the day, privacy at night, and comfort all year round.

If you’ve ever wished for a window treatment that feels elegant but doesn’t complicate your life, this is it. 

Think of it as the perfect duet—one voice soft and flowing, the other steady and strong. 

Together, they create balance, beauty, and comfort for every room in your home.

About the Author

Ash is an interior curtain and blinds designer at Sensational Interiors with 30 years of experience in interior design and curtain decoration. Over the last 30 years, he has served many clients across the East of Johannesburg and surrounding areas. 

Image source

Choosing the best blinds

10 tips on how to choose the best blinds for your home?

 

10 tips on how to choose the best blinds for your home?

Or take our 2min fun Quiz on how to choose the best blinds for your home?

By Ash Carrim – Interior Designer

Updated March 2025






Find the Best Blinds for Your Home


Find the Best Blinds for Your Home

1. What room do you need blinds for?





2. How much light control do you need?



3. Do you need moisture-resistant blinds?


4. What style suits your home?




5. How important is energy efficiency?



6. Do you prefer cordless blinds for child and pet safety?


7. What is your budget for blinds?



8. Do you prefer light or dark colors for your blinds?



9. How much maintenance are you willing to do for your blinds?



10. How often do you open and close your blinds?




Or view our 5min read here: 10 Tips to choosing your perfect custom blinds

Did you know that custom blinds do more than just cover windows. 

They set the mood, give you privacy, and even help with energy bills.

The right blinds make a home feel cozy, stylish, and practical. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the best ones?

After 20 years of installing blinds, I’ve seen it all—blinds that fit like a glove and blinds that look like an afterthought. And here’s a little secret: custom blinds always fit better than ready-made ones. 

If you want blinds that last and look great, view these 10 tips on how to choose the best blinds for your home?

1. Think About Function First

Before you fall in love with a design, ask yourself: What do I need these blinds to do?

  • Want total darkness for better sleep? Blackout blinds are your best bet.
  • Have a sunny living room? Sheer or light-filtering blinds soften bright light without making the room feel gloomy.
  • Need something for a bathroom or kitchen? Faux wood or aluminum won’t warp from moisture.

I once installed wooden blinds in a client’s bathroom. They looked amazing—until a few months later when the steam made them bend and crack. Lesson learned: match the blinds to the room, not just your style.

2. Get the Right Size

Blinds that are too small leave gaps where light sneaks in. Too big, and they look bulky. Ready-made blinds come in standard sizes, but let’s be honest—most windows aren’t “standard.”

A custom fit looks polished and blocks light exactly where you need it. Plus, you won’t have that annoying gap where the morning sun shines right into your eyes.

3. Pick the Right Material

Different blinds work better in different rooms. Some are easy to clean, while others need more care.

  • Wood blinds – Beautiful, but sensitive to humidity. Best for living rooms and bedrooms.
  • Faux wood blinds – Look like wood but resist moisture. Great for bathrooms and kitchens.
  • Aluminum blinds – Sleek, modern, and super easy to wipe down.
  • Fabric blinds – Soft and stylish but need regular dusting.

A client of mine once picked real wood blinds for her kitchen because she loved the rich, warm look.

A year later, the cooking steam had warped them. We swapped them for faux wood, and she was much happier.

4. Control Your Light

Some rooms need total darkness. Others just need a little filtering.

  • Blackout blinds – Perfect for bedrooms and TV rooms.
  • Sheer blinds – Let in natural light while softening glare.
  • Venetian blinds – Adjust the slats to let in as much (or as little) light as you want.

Think about your lifestyle. 

Do you love waking up to soft morning light? Go for sheer blinds. Hate the early sunrise waking you up? Blackout blinds are the way to go.

View our post on how to combine curtain with blinds

5. Match Your Décor

Blinds should blend into your home, not stick out like a sore thumb. A client of mine once chose bright red roller blinds for her neutral-toned living room. They looked great in the store… but once installed, they clashed with everything.

A safe bet? Neutrals like white, beige, or gray work with most styles.

If you would want to add personality? Try bold colors in small doses, like in a home office.

6. Balance Privacy and Light

If you live near neighbors or a busy street, you don’t want people seeing straight into your home. But you also don’t want to live in a cave.

  • Top-down, bottom-up blinds let you cover the lower half of the window while keeping the top open for sunlight.
  • Dual-layer blinds have sheer and opaque sections, so you can adjust them depending on the time of day.

I once helped a family who had a big front-facing window. They didn’t want people peeking in but also wanted sunlight. Top-down blinds gave them the best of both worlds.

7. Save on Energy Bills

Blinds do more than look pretty. They can help keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer.

  • Cellular (honeycomb) blinds trap air and act as insulation.
  • Reflective blinds bounce sunlight away, keeping rooms cooler.
  • Thicker fabric blinds help block heat in summer and keep warmth inside during winter.

If your electricity bill keeps creeping up, the right blinds can make a real difference.

8. Choose Easy-to-Clean Options

Some blinds are a breeze to clean. Others? Not so much.

  • Aluminum and faux wood – A quick wipe is all they need.
  • Venetian blinds – Need dusting often.
  • Fabric blinds – May require vacuuming or even dry cleaning.

A client of mine chose fabric Roman blinds for her kitchen. A month later, cooking grease had settled into the material. She switched to faux wood, and cleaning became much easier.

9. Keep Kids and Pets Safe

Dangling cords can be a hazard for little ones and curious pets. If safety is a concern, look for:

  • Cordless blinds – No loose strings to tangle with.
  • Motorized blinds – Adjust them with the touch of a button.
  • Retractable cords – If you prefer corded blinds, these stay tucked away.

10. Spend a Little More for Quality

Budget blinds might look fine at first, but they often break, fade, or just don’t work well over time. I’ve replaced plenty of cheap blinds that just didn’t last.

A high-quality set operates smoothly, lasts longer, and keeps looking great. It’s worth the extra investment—you won’t regret it.

Get your Free Quote on any blinds if you are in the East Rand or surrounding areas

Blinds might seem like a small detail, but they make a huge difference in how a home looks and feels. Whether you want better sleep, more privacy, or a stylish touch, the right blinds can transform your space.

And if you’re thinking about ready-made blinds, here’s my advice: custom always fits better. It’s like buying a dress off the rack versus one made just for you. 

The fit, function, and durability are simply unmatched.

So before you make a decision, take a moment to consider your needs. The right blinds will serve you well for years to come.

About the Author

Ash is an interior curtain and blinds designer at Sensational Interiors with 30 years of experience in interior design and curtain decoration. Over the last 30 years, he has served many clients across the East of Johannesburg and surrounding areas.