Bi-fold door blinds are something we rarely consider when we first choose to install a set of bi-folding doors but despite the unbeatable advantages that bifold doors offer, they can offer something of a challenge when choosing which blinds to install on them.

Over the past decade or so, the popularity of bi-fold doors has increased as a much better alternative to traditional patio or French doors. The feeling of linking the home with the garden is unrivalled and it’s easy to see why bi-folding doors have become so popular.

The problem with fitting traditional blinds to a bi-folding door is due to how the door operates when it opens. As each leaf of the doors are folded they have the potential to foul any blinds attached to them. There are times when it is possible to mount a more traditional blind either outside of the recess or above the bi-fold doors assuming that there is enough headroom to fully retract the blind. This is usually a cost effective solution. You can see some examples of this in the gallery below.

Two Viable Choices For Bi-fold Door Blinds

By far the best options are either Intu blinds or Perfect Fit blinds, the latter being the most popular simply because it’s been around longer and more people have heard of the name. The main difference between Intu and Perfect Fit is that the Perfect Fit system has a frame that clips into the gasket of the window whereas the Intu system doesn’t. In many ways, the Intu system is more suited to certain types of bi-fold door on the basis that it’s a much slimmer profile. Our fitters will be able to advise.

Neither system requires any screws, which is something of a comfort when you’ve just invested thousands into your new bi-fold doors. Both blinds use a clever bracket system that slides behind the gasket on UPVC bi-fold doors. If you have timber or aluminium bi-fold doors then there are still options for both blind systems too that again are screw free.

Neither blind system are operated by cords or chains and instead are opened and closed using a discreet tab on the hem bar making them child safe by design.

Energy Saving Blinds

Each bifold blind system is available in a number of styles including pleated, Venetian, roller and day & night. In addition, there are some thermal options available which serve to maintain temperature in the room either by blocking the glare from the sun on warm days or reducing heat loss in the cooler months, given the rise in energy costs, this is good both for your wallet and the planet. When combined with the Perfect fit Konnect system, energy saving fabrics can reduce energy bills by up to 15% helping to offset the initial cost.

Choosing The Right Blind For Your Bi-fold Doors

As you’d imagine, with each choice of blind type comes a wide array of colours and options, from conservative to bold designs and shades, we’re confident that you’ll find a blind ideal for you.  Perfect Fit Blinds also have the option of being motorised. They can be operated by remote control or via an app and can even be voice controlled using Alexa or Google Home devices.

Below is a small selection of some blinds that we’ve recently fitted to bi-fold doors.

As the clocks have gone forward, and the days are getting longer, the late sunsets and early sunrises can play havoc with bedtimes, both for adults and kids alike.

Blackout blinds have a special coating that sun cannot penetrate therefore simulating darker nights and mornings and improving sleep. It’s no fun being awake with the birds when you’ve only had five hours sleep.

What’s more, blackout blinds are great for protecting soft furnishings from sun damage and also reducing glare which allows you to watch your favourite TV shows even when the sun is still shining.

As it’s holiday season, you can even add automation to simulate someone being at home.

Spend over £200 on vertical or roller blinds (or a combination of both) and we’ll upgrade you free of charge to a blackout fabric.

This Offer Is For Made To Measure Blinds Fitted In The Following Areas

• St Helens
• Wigan
• Leigh
• Warrington
• Rainhill
• Widnes
• Billinge
• Tyldesley
• Atherton
• Salford
• Hulme
• Sale
• Lymm
• Altrincham
• Stretford
• Manchester
• Rixton
• Eccles
• Prestwich
• Bolton
• Bury
• Chorley
• Preston
• Sheffield
• Newark

*Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Some fabric doesn't have a blackout equivalent, your fitter will advise a suitable alternative. Automation options not included in the qualifying minimum spend of £200. 

Revamp your space with the timeless elegance of faux wood blinds! Embrace the allure of real wood without breaking the bank. For a limited time, when you purchase three stunning faux wood blinds, we’re thrilled to offer you an incredible deal: get a fourth blind absolutely FREE!

Why compromise on style or quality when you can have it all? Our faux wood blinds are not only a cost-effective alternative to real wood but also offer unparalleled durability. Elevate any room in your home with these versatile blinds that are perfect for nearly every space.

Don’t miss out on this unbeatable offer! Enhance your interior decor with the sophistication of faux wood blinds.

How Much Do Faux Wood Blinds Cost?

As you can perhaps imagine, the size and style of Faux Blinds affect the cost. You can choose to have tapes or strings, you can also choose different size slats depending on the look that you want to achieve and your window type. Our faux wood blinds start from just £29.00 fitted.

Available in a variety of colours and styles, Faux wood blinds are the last word in style.

This blind offer rivals any other that we’ve seen in the area.

• Choice of colours
• Choice of tapes or strings
• Choice of slat width
• Ideal for the home or office

This Offer Is For Made To Measure Blinds Fitted In The Following Areas

• St Helens
• Wigan
• Leigh
• Warrington
• Rainhill
• Widnes
• Billinge
• Tyldesley
• Atherton
• Salford
• Hulme
• Sale
• Lymm
• Altrincham
• Stretford
• Manchester
• Rixton
• Eccles
• Prestwich
• Bolton
• Bury
• Chorley
• Preston

Blinds are not only a practical window covering but also an essential element in maintaining your privacy at home. Whether you live in a bustling city or a serene countryside, finding the right blinds can make a significant difference in keeping your private space truly private. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of different types of blinds commonly used in the UK, including vertical, roller, Venetian (both wood and faux wood), pleated, and Roman blinds, to help you make an informed choice for your privacy needs.

Vertical Blinds: A Stylish and Functional Option

Vertical blinds are still a popular choice in many households due to their versatility, modern aesthetic and of course the fact they provide great value for money. These blinds consist of vertical slats that can be rotated to control the amount of light and privacy in a room.

One of the major advantages of vertical blinds is their ability to maintain privacy while allowing light to filter through. You can adjust the angle of the slats to let in just the right amount of natural light, and you can also slide them completely open to create an unobstructed view. These blinds are ideal for large windows and sliding glass doors.

Choosing a blackout fabric increases the versatility whilst also aiding to keep the room cool in summer and warm in winter, a blackout coating will also help with privacy by preventing shadows that may be visible in a lit room from outside at night. However, vertical blinds may not be the best choice for total blackout or insulation. The gaps between the slats can sometimes allow a small amount of light to seep through, which might not be suitable for light-sensitive sleepers. Additionally, they can be less energy-efficient in terms of insulation compared to other types of blinds.

One little known benefit of vertical blinds is the ability to change the slats with ease. This allows you to buy replacement vertical blind slats whenever you want a change of decor or a refresh, these replacement slats simply hook in place on the existing blind track, making your blinds like new again at a fraction of the cost.

Roller Blinds: Simple and Effective

Roller blinds are a straightforward and efficient option for maintaining privacy in your home. These blinds consist of a single piece of fabric that rolls up and down with a pull cord or a motorized system, depending on your preference.

Roller blinds are excellent for creating a blackout effect in a room, making them a suitable choice for bedrooms or home theaters. They come in a wide range of colours and patterns, allowing you to find the perfect style to match your interior decor. Moreover, many roller blinds can be paired with a second layer of sheer or translucent fabric, providing both privacy and diffused natural light during the day.

However, roller blinds might have some limitations when it comes to controlling the direction of light. Unlike vertical or Venetian blinds, you can’t adjust the slats to filter light at different angles, making them less versatile in this regard.

A variation on roller blinds however is the Day & Night blind. This works in a similar way however the blind fabric is in a continuous loop from top to bottom, in a similar way to those scrolling blackboards. The fabric is in bands of translucent and opaque. As the blind is operated, the user can choose between lining up the blind to increase light and privacy. As this is perhaps difficult to imagine, we’ve included an image below.

Venetian Blinds: Timeless Elegance

Venetian blinds are a classic choice, known for their timeless elegance and versatility. They consist of horizontal slats that you can adjust to control light and privacy.

Wooden Venetian blinds, in particular, have gained popularity in recent years. They bring a touch of natural warmth and sophistication to any room. The grain of real wood blinds adds character to your living space, while faux wood Venetian blinds offer the same aesthetic benefits without the maintenance concerns associated with real wood.

One of the significant advantages of Venetian blinds is their precise control over light. You can tilt the slats at various angles to regulate the amount of light entering your room. Additionally, Venetian blinds can be fully raised to provide an unobstructed view, and they can be fully closed for complete privacy.

Despite their many benefits, Venetian blinds may require more effort to clean, as dust can accumulate on the horizontal slats. Additionally, they are less effective at creating a complete blackout effect compared to roller blinds.

Pleated Blinds: Elegant Simplicity

Pleated blinds are an elegant and minimalist option for those who appreciate clean lines and a contemporary aesthetic. They are made of a single piece of fabric with crisp pleats, which can be raised or lowered as needed.

Pleated blinds offer a high degree of privacy, as they can be fully closed to obscure the view from outside. They are also excellent for diffusing natural light and providing a soft, filtered glow in your living spaces. Moreover, they are lightweight and easy to operate, making them a convenient choice for daily use.

However, pleated blinds may not provide the same level of light control as Venetian or vertical blinds. The pleats cannot be adjusted to allow varying degrees of light into the room. Additionally, they might not be as effective in creating a complete blackout effect as roller blinds.

Roman Blinds: Soft Elegance and Coziness

Roman blinds combine the elegance of drapes with the functionality of blinds. They are made of fabric that stacks up evenly when raised, creating a soft, textured look.

Roman blinds are perfect for adding a cozy and inviting atmosphere to your home. They offer a high level of privacy when lowered and can be customized with various fabric options to suit your decor. Whether you prefer a floral pattern or a solid, neutral tone, Roman blinds can be tailored to your style.

However, Roman blinds might not be the best choice if you want complete darkness in a room. When raised, the fabric stacks horizontally, and some light may filter through. Additionally, Roman blinds tend to be bulkier when raised, which can obstruct the view compared to other blind types.

Conclusion: Choosing the Best Blinds for Privacy

Selecting the best blinds for privacy in your home ultimately depends on your preferences and needs. Each type of blind has its unique advantages and drawbacks, and the choice often comes down to your style, budget, and the specific requirements of each room.

• Vertical blinds offer versatility and modern aesthetics, but may not provide the same level of insulation or blackout capability as some other options.
• Roller blinds are simple and effective at creating a blackout effect, making them suitable for bedrooms and home theaters, but they have limited control over light direction.
• Venetian blinds, especially in wood or faux wood, provide timeless elegance and precise light control, but may require more maintenance and cleaning.
• Pleated blinds offer elegant simplicity and excellent privacy, but they lack the same level of light control as some other options.
• Roman blinds add soft elegance and coziness to your living spaces, but may not provide complete darkness and can be bulkier when raised.

Consider your specific needs for each room in your home, and don’t hesitate to mix and match different types of blinds if necessary.

If you’re looking for a Perfect Fit…

One type of blind that we haven’t touched on yet is known as Perfect Fit. This is actually a brand name and in truth is more of a method of fixing rather than a blind in it’s own right. Perfect fit blinds were originally only available as a pleated blind however as technology has moved on, Perfect fit blinds are also available as rollers, Venetian (both aluminium, wood and faux wood, and more recently, plantation shutters. Perfect fit blinds are made individually for each piece of glass and so on a typical crucifix type window you’d need four individual blinds. The blind fixes to the window by way of clever brackets that simple fit between the rubber gasket and the glass, the frame then clips to the brackets. This removes the need for drilling and screws which is ideal in situations such as a conservatory.

The main benefit of Perfect Fit blinds is that they offer a total blackout solution if you pick the correct fabric such as a blackout roller. They also remove easily to facilitate cleaning.

Arrange a free quote

One of our fitters will call at a time to suit you, they’ll discuss your options, show you various samples and give you a free, no obligation quote.

Book Now

As the days grow shorter and the temperature drops, we find ourselves seeking warmth and comfort within the confines of our homes. Winter brings with it a unique set of challenges, including the need to conserve energy and maintain a cozy atmosphere. One often overlooked aspect of winter home comfort is the choice of window blinds. These seemingly simple window coverings can play a significant role in regulating the temperature and ambiance of your living spaces during the colder months. In this article, we’ll explore the various options and factors to consider when selecting the best window blinds for winter.

Insulation: The Key to a Warm and Energy-Efficient Home

During winter, one of the primary concerns is retaining indoor heat and keeping the cold air at bay. The right window blinds can act as an additional layer of insulation for your home, reducing heat loss through your windows and thus helping to lower your energy bills. Let’s delve into some of the top choices for insulating window blinds.

Cellular or Honeycomb Blinds

Cellular or honeycomb blinds are a top choice for winter insulation. Their unique structure features hexagonal cells that trap air, forming a barrier against heat loss. These blinds provide excellent insulation properties by creating an additional thermal layer between your window and the room. The more cells a blind has, the better its insulation performance. Perfect fit blinds are available in this form.

Roman Blinds

Roman blinds are another option that can offer insulation benefits. When pulled down, they create a solid barrier that helps prevent cold drafts from entering your room. Opting for Roman blinds with a thermal lining can enhance their insulating properties, making them an excellent choice for the winter months.

Shutters

While not strictly blinds, shutters can significantly contribute to winter insulation given their ability to be completely closed. Shutters were often quite expensive when compared to traditional blinds however we now offer Perfect Fit Shutters which provide all the benefits of traditional shutters but at a fraction of the price.

Light Control: Balancing Warmth and Ambiance

While insulation is crucial during winter, you don’t want to completely block out natural light. Natural light can help improve your mood and reduce the reliance on artificial lighting, saving energy. The right window blinds should strike a balance between insulation and light control.

Adjustable Blinds

Blinds with adjustable slats, such as venetian blinds, allow you to control the amount of sunlight entering your room. You can angle the slats to let in more light during the day while maintaining privacy. At night, you can close them to enhance insulation.

Layered Window Treatments

Combining window blinds with other treatments like sheer curtains or roller shades allows you to customize the amount of light and privacy to your liking. During the day, you can draw back the curtains or shades to let in the sunlight, and at night, you can close them for warmth and privacy. Equally so, it’s not always winter and so layering your blind of choice with maybe some heavy curtains that can be closed during the Winter months is perhaps a sensible option to consider.

Material Matters: Choose Wisely

The material of your window blinds also plays a significant role in their performance during winter. Different materials have varying insulating properties, light control abilities, and maintenance requirements. Here are some common materials used in winter blinds:

Fabric Blinds

Fabric blinds, such as Roman shades, are available in various materials, each with its unique properties. Heavier fabrics like wool, felt, or suede provide excellent insulation and light control. However, they may require more cleaning and maintenance due to their texture.

Wood Blinds

Wood blinds, particularly those made from thicker and denser woods like basswood, are excellent choices for winter. They provide good insulation and can be stained or painted to match your interior decor. Keep in mind that wood blinds may require occasional resealing to maintain their condition.

Faux Wood Blinds

Faux wood blinds, made from materials like PVC or composite, offer the appearance of real wood with enhanced durability and moisture resistance. They provide decent insulation and are easy to clean, making them a practical choice for winter.

Aluminum Blinds

While aluminum blinds are not known for their insulation properties, they can still be effective with proper installation and an insulating side track system. They are better suited for those who prioritize light control and minimal maintenance.

Easy Operation: Convenience for Chilly Days

During the colder months, you’ll want window blinds that are easy to operate, especially if you need to adjust them frequently to balance light and insulation. Motorized blinds with remote controls or smart home integration can make this task effortless, allowing you to adjust them from the comfort of your couch.

Conclusion

Selecting the right window blinds for your home during winter can make a substantial difference in terms of comfort, energy efficiency, and ambiance. Remember that the best choice will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Whether you opt for cellular blinds for their superior insulation, Roman shades for their timeless elegance, or another option that suits your style, it’s essential to strike a balance between functionality and aesthetics. With the right window blinds, you can create a warm and inviting atmosphere that will make the winter months more enjoyable and energy-efficient. For further reading, we compare the energy efficiency of blinds in this article.

Arrange a free quote

One of our fitters will call at a time to suit you, they’ll discuss your options, show you various samples and give you a free, no obligation quote.

Book Now

Faux wood blinds are one of our most popular choices, we offer the best value faux wood blinds in the area and we’ve now made our offers even sweeter!

Not only are we continuing to offer 40% off the RRP but we’re now also offering free automation worth £100 on one blind when you order five or more.

Automated blinds are great for security, you can set a time for them to open or close or you can operate them via an app or your smart home devices such as Alexa and Google. Which room will you choose to have yours fitted?

 

This Offer Is For Made To Measure Blinds Fitted In The Following Areas

• St Helens
• Wigan
• Leigh
• Warrington
• Rainhill
• Widnes
• Billinge
• Tyldesley
• Atherton
• Salford
• Hulme
• Sale
• Lymm
• Altrincham
• Stretford
• Manchester
• Rixton
• Eccles
• Prestwich
• Bolton
• Bury
• Chorley
• Preston
• Sheffield
• Newark

It’s a sign of the times that we are now looking at ways to be more energy efficient with every purchase. Window blinds have predominantly been chosen on aesthetics and function but with rising energy costs, it makes sense to consider the efficiency benefits that blinds can offer. Fabric and rail technology has progressed and so we are now able to choose from many options to increase efficiency in the home or office.

Which Blinds Are Most Energy Efficient?

The answer isn’t that simple as different rooms and orientation need to be considered as well as other factors, for instance, is the main function of the blind to retain heat or to keep the room cold or both? Is the room likely to be damp, such as a bathroom or pool area?

Without getting too deep into individual circumstances, lets take a quick look at some options. Our blinds fitters are able to advise further and we offer a free measure and quotation.

By far the most energy efficient blind would be a perfect fit blind with energy efficient cellular fabric. The perfect fit system is designed to fit behind the gasket of your double glazing therefore removing the need to screw into the frames. Thanks to this clever design, there are no gaps around the blind as you may see with more traditional blinds. When the Perfect Fit system is combined with an energy efficient fabric, such as a thermal cellular fabric, which has a honeycomb structure, fuel bill savings of up to 15% can be expected. Given todays energy prices, that’s an incredible saving.

Of course, there are other options that might not be as efficient as what we’ve just looked at but can still offer energy efficiency above standard blinds. Many blackout blinds can offer some thermal benefits, not least in helping to keep a room cool during the summer months, this can save on air conditioning or fan running costs. Even wood and faux wood blinds offer some solar protection and heat retention.

There are many options to explore, we have full ranges of roller and vertical fabrics that have a special solar reflective coating that predominantly stops glare from the sun warming the room but also has some insulating properties.

It’s a matter of matching the aesthetics that you want for your home with saving as much energy as possible and finding a balance between the two.

Automation Saves Energy

Most of our blinds can be automated, this not only gives you the benefit of remote control but also allows you to connect your smart home devices such as Amazon Alexa or Google Home. By adding a temperature sensor, you can leave it to Alexa or Google to automatically open or close your blinds depending on the temperature. Even James Bond would have been impressed with this level of tech. Read more about our automated blinds here. 

 

Arrange a free quote

One of our fitters will call at a time to suit you, they’ll discuss your options, show you various samples and give you a free, no obligation quote.

Book Now

Window shutters or Internal shutters as they are often called were traditionally manufactured from timber so they are often called wooden shutters too, out in the warm climates of the cotton fields timber was an ideal choice of material but plantation shutters in the UK have  more extremes of temperatures and humidity to deal with. On that basis we have teamed up with a designer to produce an ideal faux wood internal window shutter for the UK.

Shutters Special Offer – 25% off RRP

We are proud to be able to supply and fit state of the art plantation shutters. Our window shutters can be installed in any room in the house including damp or humid areas such as bathrooms, kitchens and swimming pool enclosures. This is thanks to our shutters being constructed from reinforced UPVC. This is then coated with a satin white wood effect to give the luxurious look of real wood but the durability of UPVC.

Plantation shutters are child safe as they are free from cords or control wands. Instead, the louvres or slats can be adjusted easily by sliding the cleverly designed integral adjuster. They are also exceptionally easy to clean!

Why not make an appointment for a free plantation shutter quote and see how Just Blinds can help you select your ideal window treatment and save money at the same time!

Just Blinds has fitters covering Wigan, St Helens, Bolton, Warrington, Leigh, Salford, Manchester, Liverpool, Stockport, Bolton, Chorley and Preston. We’ve been manufacturing and fitting window blinds and shutters in the North West for over 20 years. Trust Just Blinds for quality and value.

This Offer Is For Made To Measure Blinds Fitted In The Following Areas

• St Helens
• Wigan
• Leigh
• Warrington
• Rainhill
• Prescot
• Liverpool
• Widnes
• Billinge
• Tyldesley
• Atherton
• Salford
• Hulme
• Sale
• Lymm
• Altrincham
• Stretford
• Manchester
• Stockport
• Oldham
• Rixton
• Eccles
• Prestwich
• Bolton
• Bury
• Chorley
• Preston

This Offer Is For Made To Measure Faux Wood Blinds Fitted In The Following Areas

• St Helens
• Wigan
• Leigh
• Warrington
• Rainhill
• Widnes
• Billinge
• Tyldesley
• Atherton
• Salford
• Hulme
• Sale
• Lymm
• Knutsford
• Altrincham
• Stretford
• Manchester
• Stockport
• Rixton
• Eccles
• Prestwich
• Bolton
• Bury
• Chorley
• Preston
• Liverpool
• Wirral
• Southport
• Ormskirk
• North Wales
• Sheffield
• Nottingham
• Newark

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In addition to our usual special offer vertical blind deals which are plain white or cream:

• 3 vertical blinds from £95

We’re now offering fantastic upgrade blind deals for those wanting a fabric that’s just that little bit more special. Size restrictions may apply.

Upgrade From £10 per blind

For just £10-£20 per blind more, you can upgrade the above offers

They are all a beautiful flat weave jacquard fabric that will add a touch of decadence to any room in your home or office.

Vertical blinds in these fabrics are normally priced in a much higher price band due to their quality.

We’ve also now added Lapwing white and cream to our £10- £20 upgrade offer. These two fabrics are patterned flat weaves and are amongst our most popular.

Finally, we are offering for a limited time, the fabulous Dalia cream or white fabric. Dalia is a simple patterned fabric and so is suitable for any room in the home or office. These represent the lowest price quality fabric vertical blinds offers in the UK at the moment.

There’s never been a better time to buy vertical blinds. This is one of the best offers we’ve had for a long time!

Hurry! Our upgrade offers change monthly!

We now also offer a vertical blind and roller blind mix and match offer

This Offer Is For Made To Measure Blinds Fitted In The Following Areas

• St Helens
• Wigan
• Southport
• Ormskirk
• Leigh
• Warrington
• Rainhill
• Widnes
• Billinge
• Tyldesley
• Atherton
• Salford
• Hulme
• Sale
• Lymm
• Altrincham
• Stretford
• Manchester
• Rixton
• Eccles
• Prestwich
• Bolton
• Bury
• Chorley
• Preston
• Sheffield
• Newark
• Nottingham
• Liverpool