Window coverings have evolved significantly since the Luxaflex® brand first launched in Australia in 1954. Today, with so many design considerations and an ever-growing range of products, finding the right solution for your home can feel overwhelming.
One of the most common decisions customers ask about is whether to choose roller blinds or SoftShades. While a Luxaflex consultant can guide you through the options in detail, this quick overview may help you understand the key differences from the outset.
Roller blinds are one of the most popular window covering styles. They operate in a classic bottom-up motion, offer a clean and sophisticated appearance and are available in a wide range of fabrics and designs. You can choose manual operation or upgrade to motorisation for added convenience.
Softshades are a more contemporary style of window covering. They function almost like a fabric screen — allowing light to enter while still providing privacy. Popular Luxaflex SoftShades include Silhouette® Shadings, Pirouette® Shadings and Luminette® Privacy Sheers.
Pirouette® Shadings feature gently curved fabric vanes attached to a sheer backing. The floating, sculptural folds control light beautifully and can be fully opened or completely closed for privacy.
Silhouette® Shadings use an innovative material that offers view-through to the outside while limiting visibility from the outside in. Made from durable, anti-static polyester, they come in both translucent and room-darkening opacities.
Luminette® Privacy Sheers blend the softness of a sheer curtain with the functionality of a vertical blind. Their curved, vertical vanes create a refined architectural look while delivering excellent light and privacy control.
Roller blinds offer several operational choices:
Chain drive for simple manual use
Linked systems to operate multiple blinds at once
Dual brackets that combine two fabrics in a single system
Motorisation, including PowerView® Motorisation for app-based control
Softshades also offer flexible operation depending on the style:
Pirouette® Shadings: EasyRise or PowerView® Motorisation
Silhouette® Shadings: EasyRise, LiteRise, ULTRAGLIDE® or PowerView® Motorisation
Luminette® Privacy Sheers: Open like curtains with a cord loop, rotate like blinds with a wand or operate via PowerView® Motorisation
Roller blinds are ideal when you want to vary light levels throughout the day. Bedrooms, for example, may require full darkness at night and bright natural light in the morning.
Softshades offer even more nuanced light control:
Pirouette® Shadings use a patented Invisi-Lift System that suspends the vanes without visible cords, allowing seamless adjustment.
Silhouette® Shadings feature the signature S-Vane, giving you the ability to open, close or tilt for precise light filtering in both translucent and room-darkening fabrics.
Luminette® Privacy Sheers are perfect for wide windows or sliding doors, filtering soft light while maintaining privacy.
Luxaflex® roller blinds are available in a range of fabric patterns and prints thanks to collaborations with Signature Prints and the Whitehouse Institute of Design. There’s also a playful Kids Print collection featuring vibrant, child-friendly designs.
Softshades, while not offered in printed designs, provide an elegant and refined aesthetic with fabrics and textures crafted to elevate your home’s interior and deliver superior functionality.
Luxaflex® roller blind fabrics come in a wide selection of options depending on your needs for light control, glare reduction, heat management and privacy. You can choose low-VOC fabrics for reduced odour sensitivity, and many fabrics are sanitised or treated with DURAGUARD® Fabric Protector to help repel stains.
Softshades also offer multiple opacity choices:
Translucent fabrics that filter light gently while providing UV protection
Room-darkening vanes that deliver full privacy without creating a completely dark space
Interested in finding more about Luxaflex custom window coverings?
