Blinds advice & guides
Practical answers to the questions we hear most. No jargon, no sales pressure.
What are the best blinds for kitchens and bathrooms?
Kitchens and bathrooms demand blinds that withstand moisture, steam, and occasional splashes. The three strongest options are moisture-resistant roller blinds, faux wood venetians, and aluminium venetians.
What happens during a complimentary home consultation?
A home consultation is a relaxed, no-pressure visit where we come to your property, present our product range, and take detailed measurements. The appointment typically lasts 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how many windows you wish to cover.
How do you measure windows for bespoke blinds?
Precise measurement is the difference between a blind that fits flawlessly and one that looks compromised. There are two primary fitting approaches: inside the recess and outside the recess.
How long does professional blind fitting take?
Fitting a single blind typically takes 10 to 20 minutes. A full house with eight to twelve windows usually requires half a day — roughly two to four hours including preparation and tidying.
What blinds work best with bi-fold doors?
Perfect Fit blinds are the strongest option for bi-fold doors. Each blind panel is mounted directly into the door leaf, so when the doors fold open, the blinds fold with them. Nothing obstructs the opening.
What are lantern blinds and when do you need them?
Lantern blinds are purpose-built for roof lanterns — the raised glass structures commonly found on kitchen extensions and orangeries. A roof lantern sits above the roofline, typically comprising four sloped glass panels and sometimes a flat top section.
Do blackout blinds truly eliminate all light?
Blackout blinds block up to 99 percent of light passing through the fabric itself. The material is coated or multi-layered to prevent light transmission. Hold a blackout swatch against a lamp and nothing will show through.
Are electric blinds a worthwhile upgrade?
Electric blinds cost more than their manual counterparts, but the premium is justified in specific circumstances. The primary reasons to choose motorised operation are convenience, accessibility, and hard-to-reach glazing.
What are the most effective blinds for conservatory heat?
Pleated roof blinds with a reflective backing are the most effective solution for managing heat in a conservatory. They reflect solar energy before it enters the room, rather than merely blocking light after the heat has already accumulated.
Bespoke curtains vs ready-made — is the investment worthwhile?
Bespoke curtains are cut and sewn to your exact window dimensions. Ready-made curtains come in fixed sizes and frequently need hemming, pinning, or compromise on drop length. The distinction is apparent the moment they are hung.
Which blinds are designed for Velux and skylight windows?
Velux windows require blinds engineered specifically for roof-mounted operation. Standard blinds will not work because they hang away from the glass at an angle. Skylight blinds use tensioned side rails to hold the fabric flush regardless of pitch.
Do pleated blinds genuinely improve insulation?
Standard pleated blinds offer a modest thermal benefit, but honeycomb pleated blinds make a measurable difference. Honeycomb variants feature a cellular structure with air pockets trapped between two fabric layers. Those pockets act as insulation, functioning on a similar principle to double glazing.
Aluminium or faux wood Venetian blinds — how do you choose?
Aluminium venetians are lightweight, slim-profiled, and modern. Faux wood venetians are broader, warmer in appearance, and feel closer to genuine timber. The right choice depends on the room.
Shutters vs blinds — which offers better long-term value?
Shutters carry a higher upfront investment than blinds. A set of plantation shutters for a standard window typically costs several multiples of a roller or vertical blind for the same opening. However, shutters endure significantly longer — often 20 to 25 years with minimal maintenance.
How do day and night blinds actually work?
Day and night blinds employ two parallel layers of fabric, each featuring alternating bands of sheer and opaque material. The layers sit one in front of the other on a single roller mechanism. As you adjust the blind, the bands shift relative to each other.
Can Roman blinds be made with blackout lining?
Yes. Roman blinds can be manufactured with a full blackout lining bonded or sewn to the reverse of the face fabric. This additional layer prevents light from penetrating through the weave.
What are Perfect Fit blinds and how do they work?
Perfect Fit blinds clip directly into the rubber beading of uPVC window and door frames. No drilling, no screws, no wall-mounted brackets. The blind sits inside the frame itself, flush against the glass.
How do you clean roller blinds without taking them down?
The simplest method is a damp microfibre cloth. Extend the blind fully, then wipe gently from top to bottom. Avoid saturating the fabric — excess water can leave tide marks or weaken the coating.
Vertical blinds or curtains for sliding doors?
Vertical blinds are generally the stronger choice for sliding doors. The louvres glide sideways in the same direction the door opens, so nothing impedes everyday access. Curtains, by contrast, bunch to one side and can snag when the door is in regular use.
Are wooden blinds suitable for bedrooms?
Wooden blinds are an excellent bedroom choice because the adjustable slats give you precise control over how much daylight enters the room. They introduce a warm, organic texture that complements most interior schemes.