Front roll or back roll for roller blinds?
Look at the blind from the side and follow the hanging fabric up to the roll. On a back roll, the fabric drops from the side nearest the window. On a front roll, it drops from the side nearest the room.
Back roll
Often called an under roll or standard roll. The cloth sits closer to the window or wall. If a dark blockout fabric has a white reverse, you may see a white band around the exposed roll at the top.
Front roll
Also called an over roll or forward roll. The cloth drops over the room side of the tube, covering the front of the roll. This puts more space between the hanging fabric and the window.
Choosing for your window
Will the blind clear my window handle or winder?
A front roll can move the cloth past a projecting handle. Check the bottom rail as well as the fabric, and try the window in the positions you use. A shallow recess can still leave too little room for the hardware or the rolled-up blind.
Which roll direction lets less light into a bedroom?
On a face fit with enough overlap, a back roll holds the cloth nearer the wall. That can reduce light coming around the edges at an angle. With an inside fit, the brackets and controls still occupy space beside the fabric. Changing the roll direction does not make the cloth wider.
Why can I see white at the top of a coloured blind?
Look at the reverse of your swatch. On an exposed back roll, that reverse can show around the roll even though the coloured face hangs towards you. A front roll presents the room-facing colour across the top. A fascia or cassette changes how much of the roll you see.
Does front roll mean outside mount or a right-hand chain?
These are separate choices. Inside or outside mount describes where the brackets are fixed. Front or back roll describes where the fabric drops. Left- or right-hand control describes the side you operate. Check all three on the quote.
Can the two layers of a double roller blind roll either way?
First decide which fabric you want nearer the glass. Then check the roll direction permitted for each layer by the double bracket. The two rolls and bottom rails need room to move past one another.
Can I change the roll direction after installation?
Some exposed roller systems can be changed. A cassette, the way the fabric is attached, or the hardware can limit that option. Ask your installer to check the specific system before you order or alter an existing blind.