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.
