
If you have ventured inside a contemporary home in Bathurst or the Blue Mountains recently, you may have noticed a change. The era of clunky, rattling metal blinds and heavy drapes that tend to collect dust is moving further into the background. Instead, we are witnessing a new era of a more fluid, intelligent, and “breathable” style.
And this is precisely what Blinds by Design has witnessed over the years. No longer is the consumer satisfied with merely a way of keeping sunlight out, but they want a “vibe”. They want a window solution that is not only a work of art, but also has the capability of saving them money on their utility bills. The new window shading styles, like the fabulous Pirouette window shades, have changed the industry completely.
But what is it that has really made these window styles superior to the traditional ones? It is not just that they look “fancy”.
Before we get into the “why”, let’s talk a little bit about the “what”. If you’re not familiar with these types of window treatments, a Pirouette window shade is basically the high-end love child of a traditional Roman shade and a sheer curtain.
They have horizontal fabric vanes that are connected to a single sheer material. When you open the shade, the vanes “contour” or fold away from the sheer material. This lets natural light filter in while still keeping some privacy. When you close the shade, it looks just like a high-end fabric shade.
A Pirouette shade is different from traditional venetian blinds. While those have visible cords or tapes to hold the slats, pirouette shades use an innovative system called “Invisi-Lift”. This makes the vanes look like they float in mid-air, enhancing the window’s beauty. It’s clean, it’s minimalist, and that’s exactly why you’ll find these in any one of our Blinds by Design showrooms.
The old window treatments were either open or closed. If they were closed, you were sitting in the dark, basically throwing away the beautiful Australian sunshine. If they were open, you had a “fishbowl” effect where everyone could see inside.
New innovative window treatments have changed this. Pirouette window shades are designed specifically for diffused light. Instead of a harsh glare on your television or computer screen, the sheer backing turns the sun’s glare into a soft, ambient light.
Expert Tip: Light diffusion not only adds a touch of beauty, but it also has a practical advantage. It makes a room feel larger. Light diffusion eliminates shadows, thereby providing an airy feel.
Of course, we are all well aware of the Australian sun and how unforgiving it can be. It’s the number one enemy of your beautiful hardwood floors, your leather lounges, and your prized artwork. In a typical home, the damage caused by the sun’s UV rays can be considerable in as few as three years.
Window treatments are one of the best ways to reduce solar heat gain and UV damage. Our innovative window shades, like the Pirouette Window Shades, can block up to 81% of harmful rays, even when the vanes are open. And when closed? That number rises to a staggering 99%.
This, of course, is a huge victory for homeowners everywhere. They can continue to enjoy the view of the garden or the rolling hills of the Central West without worrying that their carpet is slowly fading away behind them.
Needless to say, when you are looking to sell your house or even maintain the equity you have in your house, every decision counts. We are often approached by clients from the Central Tablelands region asking us what renovations actually add the most value.
It is a well-established fact that high-quality custom window treatments are considered “fixtures” by appraisers. This means that this is not a piece of furniture you take with you; this stays with the house. Of course, if you want to know more about the local market, we encourage you to read our article “Which Window Treatments Add The Most Value To Bathurst Houses“.
Innovative window treatments such as the Pirouette line can speak volumes to a potential buyer. This is the “wow” factor that can set a house apart from the competition.
How about we talk numbers? Heating and cooling make up about 40% of an average Aussie home’s total energy consumption. Windows are essentially big holes in your insulation. In winter, heat goes through the glass, and in summer, the sun beats through your windows.
Pirouette window shades feature fabric vanes that provide a thermal barrier through an insulating layer of air between the room and the window.
| Shading Feature | Impact on Home | Energy Benefit |
| Air Trapping | Creates a buffer zone | Reduces heat loss in winter |
| Solar Reflection | Bounces heat away | Keeps rooms cooler in summer |
| Automated Timing | Closes when sun is peak | Maximises passive cooling |
Our clients have significantly cut back on air conditioning during those hot February afternoons. This is a sustainable option that will actually pay for itself over time due to the cost savings on utility bills.
In 2026, traditional houses will fade away. They’ll be replaced by smarter, more efficient homes. One of the main reasons why our customers at Blinds by Design fall in love with the latest innovations in window shading is the PowerView Automation.
Just think of lying in bed and asking your window shades to open by simply saying the words out loud or by pressing a button on your phone. You can even programme them to follow the movement of the sun throughout the day.
Current interior design styles are moving away from the flat, clinical “all white” look of early 2020s designs. In 2026, it’s all about textures and earthy tones.
Innovative shades have a depth that traditional rollers can’t compete with. The gentle curves of the Pirouette vanes also add sculptural interest to the room. Whether you choose a subtle linen weave or a more dramatic fabric with metallic threads, the window becomes a focal point in the room.
We love how these shades look in different lighting conditions. In the afternoon, the way the light plays off the weave of the fabric creates a cosy, enveloping feeling, making a house feel like a home.
At Blinds by Design, we are not simply providing you with a product; we are helping you to create your lifestyle. Being an exclusive Luxaflex showroom, we have access to the best quality pirouette window shades that Australia has to offer.
Our team is familiar with the climate of the area, whether it be the chilly mornings of Bathurst, the dry heat of Orange, or the cold nights of the winter months. We do not simply measure and install; we consult on the best solution for your individual floor plan. We are proud to be your local business that will be here for the long term.
This innovative window shading is not just a fad; it is a smart way of living. Choosing Pirouette window shades is a smart move. They protect your home, save you money, and reduce stress.
Whether it is a heritage cottage in Bathurst or a modern home in Belmont, we would love to show you our Pirouette window shades. There is nothing like seeing the “Invisi-Lift” mechanism at work to understand what makes window shades so popular.
Are you ready to take your view to the next level? Get in touch with us today to book a free consultation at your home or come and see us at one of our showrooms. Let’s make your windows the envy of the neighbourhood.
Not at all. Because they are made of high-quality anti-static fabric, they actually repel dust. A quick once-over with a feather duster or a vacuum on a low-suction brush attachment once a month is all they need.
If professionally installed by a team like ours at Blinds by Design, your shades will have a lifespan of between 10 and 15 years, or even longer. This is because they are built with strong components that will not become brittle in the harsh Australian sun.
Yes! One of the best things about this type of blind is its adaptability. We can make them fit different shapes, like arches and angles. This makes them ideal for those uniquely designed homes, often found in the Blue Mountains.
Absolutely. While the amount of backing provides a view, even in the daytime, once you close the fabric vanes, you have complete privacy. You can even get blockout fabrics if you are a light sleeper who needs a pitch-black room.
Most of our clients answer in the affirmative. In addition to the “cool factor”, it also prevents wear and tear on the fabric by providing a smooth and even motion every time. Not to mention the cost savings from the automated scheduling, which can pay for the product over time.