These have been around for nearly 200 years. Today’s roller blinds are made of opaque vinyl or fabric that is rolled around a dowel. Roller blinds use either a spring mechanism or a cord system to roll the blinds up or down. This type of blind provides excellent privacy, while protecting your furniture from fading. The end of the blinds can be finished with either a straight or scalloped edge and may also be trimmed with braid for added decoration.