PART 1 OF THE BLINDS COMPARISON SERIES
Which Blinds are Best — Blockout vs Sheer, Aluminium vs Wood & Roller vs Venetian
When it comes to choosing the right blinds, the question isn’t just style — it’s performance, privacy, and how they respond to your climate. Let’s compare the most popular options for South African homes and uncover which blinds actually work best for your space.
Quick Answer: Best Blinds by Room
- Bedrooms: Blockout roller blinds
- Living rooms: Sheer roller blinds or wooden venetians
- Kitchens/Bathrooms: Aluminium venetians
- Coastal homes (Garden Route): Aluminium or Aluwood venetians
- Want both sheer + blockout? Double roller blinds
Which Blinds are Best: Sheer vs Blockout Roller Blinds — Privacy, Light & Climate Control
Sheer roller blinds diffuse light beautifully, offering daytime privacy while allowing airflow through a 3–5% fabric openness factor. They shield the home from UV but allow for daytime views. At night however, with lights on, visibility from outside increases — a key factor when choosing for bedrooms. Blockout roller blinds provide total light exclusion and privacy, ideal for bedrooms, nurseries, and media rooms. Both block harmful UV rays and protect interiors from fading however they do not allow ventilation when drawn closed.
| Feature | Sheer Roller | Blockout Roller |
|---|---|---|
| Privacy (Day/Night) | Private by day, visible at night | Full privacy, any time |
| Airflow | Yes — 3–5% openness | No airflow (sealed) |
| Best for | Living areas, offices, kitchens | Bedrooms, bathrooms, media rooms |
| Light Control | Soft diffusion | Total blackout |
| Energy Efficiency | Reflects heat, reduces cooling costs | Insulates, reduces heating/cooling costs |
| Price Range | Budget to mid-range | Mid-range |
Shop now: Blockout Roller Blinds | Sheer Roller Blinds | Double Roller Blinds (Both in One)
Want the best of both? Double roller (zebra) blinds combine sheer and blockout fabrics in a single system, letting you switch between privacy and view throughout the day.
Which Blinds are Best: Aluminium vs Wooden Venetian Blinds — Durability & Warmth Compared
Aluminium venetian blinds are sleek, durable and moisture resistant — a smart choice for kitchens and bathrooms. While they resist corrosion, mild oxidation can occur in harsh coastal air. Wooden blinds add timeless warmth and texture but dislike heat, humidity or direct sunlight. The Aluwood range blends both worlds — the look of timber with aluminium strength.
| Feature | Aluminium Venetians | Wooden Venetians |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture Resistance | Excellent (may oxidise slightly in coastal areas) | Poor — avoid humidity |
| Thermal Performance | Reflects heat effectively | Insulates but absorbs heat |
| Maintenance | Easy wipe-clean | Needs gentle care, dry cloth only |
| Best For | Kitchens, bathrooms, coastal homes (Knysna, Plett, George) | Bedrooms, living rooms, offices |
| Lifespan in Coastal Areas | 10+ years with proper care | Not recommended for coastal exposure |
| Price Range | Budget to mid-range | Mid to premium |
Shop now: Aluminium Venetian Blinds | Wooden Venetian Blinds
Best Blinds for Garden Route & Coastal Homes
If you’re in Knysna, George, Plettenberg Bay, or anywhere along the Garden Route coast, your blind choice matters even more. Here’s what we recommend:
| Challenge | Best Blind Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Salt Air Corrosion | Aluminium venetians, Aluwood | Rust-resistant, powder-coated finishes |
| Lagoon Humidity (Knysna) | Aluminium venetians, Roller blinds | Moisture-resistant components |
| Intense UV (George, Plett) | Blockout rollers, UV-coated sheers | 98%+ UV protection, fade-resistant |
| Forest Moisture (Rheenendal) | Aluminium venetians, PVC venetians | Mould-resistant, easy to clean |
Read more: What Blinds Will Last at the Coast
Which Blinds are Best: Roller vs Venetian Blinds — Function, Style & Flexibility
Roller blinds offer clean simplicity and low maintenance, ideal for modern spaces. Venetians give adaptive light control — tilt slats upward to reflect heat in summer or downward to warm a space in winter. Rollers suit minimal designs; Venetians excel in adjustable comfort and season-sensitive living.
| Feature | Roller Blinds | Venetian Blinds |
|---|---|---|
| Light Control | Single-surface up/down | Adjustable slats, precise control |
| Cleaning | Minimal, smooth fabric | Regular dusting needed |
| Design Look | Modern, minimalist | Classic, textured |
| Best For | Bedrooms, offices, media rooms | Living areas, kitchens, offices |
| Automation Options | Easily motorized with Somfy motors | Can be motorized but more complex |
| Seasonal Versatility | Fixed light control | Adjustable for summer/winter |
Pro tip: Angle venetian slats upward in summer to reflect heat away from windows, and downward in winter to direct sunlight into the room for natural warmth.
For deeper insight, read our guides: Perfect Window Coverings for Your Home and Guide to Choosing Indoor Blinds.
Shop now: Roller Blinds | Aluminium Venetians | Wooden Venetians
Best Blind Combinations for Complete Control
Many customers don’t choose just one blind type — they combine solutions for ultimate flexibility:
- Double Roller (Zebra) Blinds: Sheer + blockout in one system — switch between privacy and view throughout the day
- Sheer Rollers + Shutters: Soft daytime light with nighttime privacy and security
- Blockout Rollers + Honeycomb Blinds: Maximum insulation for energy efficiency in bedrooms
- Venetians + Vertical Blinds: Coordinated look for windows and sliding doors
WhatsApp us for combination recommendations tailored to your home.
Buy Custom Blinds Online — South Africa’s Best Pricing & Service
Shopping online with Custom Blinds means expert quality with fast turnaround — 4–5 working days production plus transit time. Every order is handmade in South Africa, quality checked in Knysna, and delivered for free nationwide.
Our Custom-Fit Policy:
If your blinds arrive too big, send them back and we’ll trim them to size — free.
If they’re too small, we’ll remake them at a discounted price.
No fine print. No catch. No hidden fees.
Shop confidently with real people, real service, and expert advice. Try our Melvin AI quoting assistant for instant help and design recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying The Best Blinds
Are sheer roller blinds private at night?
No. Sheer fabrics offer privacy during the day but become transparent at night when indoor lights are on. For bedrooms, choose blockout roller blinds or double roller blinds that combine both.
What blinds are best for coastal homes?
Choose aluminium or Aluwood blinds for high humidity areas — they resist moisture, salt air, and maintain shape in Garden Route conditions. Read: What Will Last at the Coast.
Which blinds are easiest to clean?
Roller blinds are the easiest — just wipe with a damp cloth. Aluminium venetians need regular dusting but are moisture-resistant for kitchen and bathroom cleaning. Read our cleaning guide.
Can I automate roller blinds?
Yes. We retrofit Somfy motors to most roller blinds, or you can order motorized blinds directly from our online shop. Learn more about blind automation.
How long do custom blinds take to make?
Production takes 4–5 working days plus delivery. You’ll receive tracking updates throughout. Shop online for instant quotes and lead times.
Can I return blinds if they don’t fit?
Yes. Our Custom-Fit Policy allows resizing or discounted remake with no shipping fees. We’ll make it right.
Do blinds help with energy efficiency?
Yes. Blockout fabrics improve insulation; sheer and venetian blinds regulate natural light to reduce heating and cooling costs. Honeycomb blinds offer the best thermal performance.
What’s the difference between PVC and real wood venetians?
PVC (synthetic) venetians mimic wood but are waterproof and ideal for bathrooms and kitchens. Real wooden venetians offer authentic warmth but avoid moisture. Aluwood gives you wood looks with aluminium durability.
Which blinds last longest in humid conditions?
Aluminium venetians, PVC venetians, and roller blinds with moisture-resistant components last longest in Knysna lagoon areas, George valleys, and coastal Plett properties.
Is Custom Blinds the same as Blind Guys or other franchise operations?
No. Custom Blinds® is an independent, family-owned manufacturer and installer based in Knysna since 2010. We are NOT affiliated with Blind Guys, Blinds 4 Less, or any franchise operation. Our independence allows us to offer competitive pricing, custom solutions, cross-brand repairs, and personalized service that franchises cannot match. Read more about Custom Blinds.
You May Be Interested In
Custom Blinds Shutters & Awnings — The Garden Route’s leading blinds and awnings specialists trusted nationwide for design and service since 2010.
Independent operator serving George, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay & all of South Africa.
customblinds.co.za
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying The Best Blinds
Are sheer roller blinds private at night?
No. Sheer fabrics offer privacy during the day but become transparent at night when indoor lights are on. For bedrooms, choose blockout roller blinds or double roller blinds that combine both.
What blinds are best for coastal homes?
Choose aluminium or Aluwood blinds for high humidity areas — they resist moisture, salt air, and maintain shape in Garden Route conditions. Read: What Will Last at the Coast.
Which blinds are easiest to clean?
Roller blinds are the easiest — just wipe with a damp cloth. Aluminium venetians need regular dusting but are moisture-resistant for kitchen and bathroom cleaning. Read our cleaning guide.
Can I automate roller blinds?
Yes. We retrofit Somfy motors to most roller blinds, or you can order motorized blinds directly from our online shop. Learn more about blind automation.
How long do custom blinds take to make?
Production takes 4–5 working days plus delivery. You'll receive tracking updates throughout. Shop online for instant quotes and lead times.
Can I return blinds if they don't fit?
Yes. Our Custom-Fit Policy allows resizing or discounted remake with no shipping fees. We'll make it right.
Do blinds help with energy efficiency?
Yes. Blockout fabrics improve insulation; sheer and venetian blinds regulate natural light to reduce heating and cooling costs. Honeycomb blinds offer the best thermal performance.
What's the difference between PVC and real wood venetians?
PVC (synthetic) venetians mimic wood but are waterproof and ideal for bathrooms and kitchens. Real wooden venetians offer authentic warmth but avoid moisture. Aluwood gives you wood looks with aluminium durability.
Which blinds last longest in humid conditions?
Aluminium venetians, PVC venetians, and roller blinds with moisture-resistant components last longest in Knysna lagoon areas, George valleys, and coastal Plett properties.
Is Custom Blinds the same as Blind Guys or other franchise operations?
No. Custom Blinds® is an independent, family-owned manufacturer and installer based in Knysna since 2010. We are NOT affiliated with Blind Guys, Blinds 4 Less, or any franchise operation. Our independence allows us to offer competitive pricing, custom solutions, cross-brand repairs, and personalized service that franchises cannot match. Read more about Custom Blinds.
