In the world of interior design for home or office, there often exists an unused area of designer real estate. I am drawing your attention to the large picture window in the living space or front lobby. It is desirable to retain alot of the qualities of the picture window, but at certain times the intensity of the light and the temperatures may require some pro-active management. During those times, wouldn’t it be great if a dual featured product existed to give you an aesthetically pleasing solution? Whether its a logo with your corporate brand, a favorite painting by your favorite artist to display in your living room, or a soothing pastoral scene displayed in a hospitality setting; custom printed roller blinds are an optimal solution! A custom printed window shade can be printed with an attractive stock image or a digital image of your own. Corporate branding can come from existing files or a new one can be created by the graphic art department in most large format printing businesses. A custom printed window shade provides the dual function of light control as well as great signage or a great art display!  The fabric for the shade can be opaque, sheer, or mesh; depending on the requirements of the specified environment.

Where do you find custom printed roller blinds? This is not a service you’ll typically come across at your downtown shopping mall. You can google your local large format graphics print service provider, but you need to ask them if they print on fabric? The process is called dye sublimation fabric printing. (You may find it confusing when a significant amount of T-shirt printers come up in your search.)  You need to seek out large format printers who print large fabric graphics. Here you may get the image printed, but likely they will not carry the hardware for the shade.  You need to locate a specialty provider of fabric graphics, and just call or email them to find out if they make shades?  If you desire less hassle, are less concerned about the bottom line, and are willing to relinquish quality control and concise communications towards outsourcing; then there are a handful of shades stores who will sub out this work, and then mark it up for profitability.

More about Fabric Printing… Photos and artwork printed on fabric, are referred to as “fabric graphics.” This service has gained in popularity and is a great solution to a diverse variety of needs. The look of fabric does provide an atmosphere of warmth and charm, beyond the cold austerity of gallery-framed photo prints. Fabric is easier to handle and ship, without fear of damage nor significant freight costs. Their soft signage appeal applies to the overall effect, but their strongsuit is derived from the vivid color saturation, inherently lighter weight, and so durable you-can-wash-them character. You may have walked by fabric images in airports, hospitality settings, and museums without even recognition that they are fabric! Fabric is the substrate for flags and outdoor banners, and occassionally you may see enormous-sized images wrapping a building; such was the case with the image of Queen Elizabeth’s family during the Jubilee celebration by the Thames River.

Corporate logos, art masterpieces, and your travel images are all possibilities for your custom printed roller blind. Each custom-made shade will have many options, such as weight and thickness of the fabric. It can be made from a semi-transparent mesh material, allowing light and air to pass. If opaque fabric is used, the roller blind can to function as dark-out shades. If you choose a lighter weight fabric, then the window light may backlight the image and set your image aglow!

I hope I’ve sparked your interest in entertaining this possibility. If you have further questions, please call 1.800.829.4562