What is the difference between front roll and back roll roller blinds?
On a back roll blind, the standard way, the fabric comes off the back of the tube and hangs close to the glass. On a front roll blind, also called reverse roll, it comes off the front and hangs further into the room, which clears handles and hides the roll behind the fabric.
Back roll (standard roll)
The fabric unrolls from the side of the tube nearest the window. It sits close to the glass or the frame, so the gap between the fabric and the window is as small as it can be. That is better for keeping light out at the sides. From the room you see the roll of fabric at the top.
Front roll (reverse roll)
The fabric unrolls from the room side of the tube. It hangs further from the window, by roughly the thickness of the roll, which lets it clear window handles, winders, tiles and deep sills. The fabric falls in front of the roll, so the tube is hidden from the room. The fabric sits further from the window, so more light gets past at the sides.
It is chosen when the blind is ordered
The roll direction is part of the order. The face of the fabric looks into the room either way. Changing it afterwards is not always a simple swap, so ask your retailer before assuming it can be done.
How to choose
- Back roll where you want the least light at the sides and nothing is in the way.
- Front roll where handles or sills would catch the fabric, or you would rather not see the roll.
- In a shallow recess, check which way gives the brackets and the roll enough room.
A blind retailer will look at your handles, sills and reveals and tell you which roll suits each window, then measure and quote. Speedy Blinds makes roller blinds for retailers and does not sell to the public.
Other ways people ask this
What is a reverse roll blind?
A front roll blind. The fabric drops from the front of the tube.
What is a standard roll blind?
A back roll blind. The fabric drops from the back, next to the window.
Which roll is better for blockout blinds?
Back roll, where it fits, because the fabric sits closer to the window.
Can I have front roll on some blinds and back roll on others?
Yes. It is chosen for each blind.
This answer is general information. For your own windows, your retailer's advice and your order with them come first.
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