Introduction to Korean Blinds?

Originating in South Korea, Korean Blinds, also known as Combi Blinds, Rainbow Blinds, or Dual Shade Blinds, represent a stylish and practical upgrade in window treatments. Their distinctive dual-layer fabric with alternating sheer and opaque nettings has led to a surge in popularity in Singapore. This unique design offers exceptional flexibility in controlling light and privacy compared to standard roller blinds, making them a popular choice for bedrooms and living rooms. The sheer layer can be lowered to allow natural light to filter into the room, while the opaque layer can be raised to block out light and ensure privacy. Available in a wide array of colors and styles to complement any home décor, they are easy to operate and adjust to meet your specific needs, providing a great option for both letting in natural light and blocking out the sun.

Proper care keeps your blinds looking new for years. As a local installation team, we’ve seen what happens when these are handled incorrectly.

1. The Importance of Precise Levelling

One of the most common installation mistakes we see with Korean blinds is improper levelling. Most ceilings—especially in older HDB flats and condos—aren’t perfectly straight. If the blind isn’t levelled correctly, the fabric will gradually shift to one side when you operate it. Eventually, this causes the material to get caught in the pulley gear, which leads to fraying and tearing.

2. Proper Cleaning Techniques

Because of the delicate structure of Korean combi blinds, you need to be careful with maintenance:

• For the Netting: Use a duster. The light-filtering layer is made of fine strings; aggressive cleaning or rubbing can snap these strings, eventually causing the netting to tear.
• For the Opaque Layers: Avoid water. Since this is a solid fabric, using water often leaves unsightly watermarks and can set stains deeper into the weave.

3. Environmental & Pet Precautions

To prolong the lifespan of your blinds:

• Avoid Strong Winds: Leaving windows open during heavy wind causes constant knocking and vibration, which wears down the netting prematurely.
• Watch for Pets: If you have cats, be aware that their claws can puncture the delicate netting layer very easily.

How to Measure Windows for Blinds in HDB Flats and Condos (Ceiling-Mounted Windows)

• This guide covers the most common window configuration found across HDB flats and condos in Singapore — a window centred on the wall with open wall space on both sides, and a ceiling or structural beam running directly above the window frame.
• For this setup, blinds are mounted on the underside of the beam above the window or the ceiling. Two specific allowances need to be built in to keep light where it belongs.

Measuring the Height

Measure from the underside of the ceiling or beam down to the bottom edge of the window frame.

Add 4 inches (approximately 10 cm) to this figure.

This extra length allows the blind to sit slightly below the bottom of the window frame when fully lowered, preventing light from bleeding through the gap at the base — particularly noticeable in the early morning when the sun is low.

Example: If the distance from the beam to the bottom of the window frame is 50 inches, order your blind at 54 inches in height.

Measuring the Width

Measure across the full width of the window, from the outermost left edge of the frame to the outermost right edge.

Add 3 inches on each side (6 inches total) to this figure.

With clear wall space on both sides, the blind can extend 3 inches beyond each edge of the window frame, blocking the slivers of light that would otherwise slip through at the sides.

Example: If the window frame measures 50 inches across, order your blind at 56 inches in width.

Why These Allowances Matter in Singapore Homes

Singapore’s high-rise environment means direct sunlight hits windows at steep angles throughout the day, especially in east or west-facing units. A blind sized exactly to the frame will almost always let light through at the edges and base. For bedrooms where complete block-out is the priority, consider increasing the width allowance to 4 inches per side for a tighter seal.

Quick Reference

This guide covers windows that sit lower on the wall with a noticeable gap between the top of the window frame and the ceiling. For this configuration, the blind bracket is fixed directly onto the wall above the window — this is referred to as wall mounting.

Measuring the Height

Start your measurement 4 inches above the top of the window frame and measure straight down to 4 inches below the bottom of the window frame.

The 4-inch allowance at the top positions the blind above the window frame, ensuring the rolled-up portion does not block the glass when the blind is raised. The 4-inch allowance at the bottom prevents light from bleeding through the gap between the base of the blind and the window sill when fully lowered.

Example: If the window frame height is 50 inches, order your blind at 58 inches in height (50 + 4 + 4).

Measuring the Width

Measure across the full width of the window, from the outermost left edge of the frame to the outermost right edge. Add 3 inches on each side.

Example: If the window frame measures 50 inches across, order your blind at 56 inches in width.

Quick Reference

If there is anything that you are unsure of, feel free to contact us via WhatsApp.