Types of blinds and knowing what's best for you!

Knowing what type of blind is best for your home is difficult! With so many different options, types and fabrics, it is sometimes overwhelming! Here we are going break them all down for you, with pros and cons so you can come to a decision as to what is the best blind for you.

Intu

An Intu consists of a headrail that clips into the frame, then two side profiles which fit discretely onto the sides of the frame. There are four brackets that are slid into each corner of the window frame, that sit between the glass and seal. They are also available in Venetian, Pleated and Micro to suit whatever design you want.

Pros:

• Brackets and mechanisms hidden to give a sleek and compact look.
• Fits onto most modern uPVC and Aluminium windows and doors.
• ‘Screwfit’ version available for wooden windows and others that don’t have a suitable beading.
• Opt for a ‘Hive’ fabric for increased thermal properties!
• No drilling or screwing required, meaning installation is a breeze!
• Child safe by design with no exposed or dangerous cords.
• Very compact and discreet, doesn’t take windowsill space!
• Intu Micros were specifically designed to have on Bi-fold doors, meaning your doors can fold back flush!
• Being attached to the window means no annoying or fly away blinds!

Cons:

• Can’t have them on sliding doors (you won’t be able to slide them!)

Perfect Fit

A Perfect Fit consists of a frame that clips snuggly onto the window frame by clipping onto four brackets that slide between the glass and beading. There is a range of frame colours available, and you can choose from Pleated, Venetian, Wooden and Rollers (motorised ones too!).

Pros:

• Fits onto most modern uPVC and Aluminium windows and doors.
• No drilling or screwing required; installation is SO easy!
• Made to fit perfectly to your window or door, leaving your windowsill free to decorate!
• Great for French doors, increasing your homes privacy.
• Dual combination of shade and heat control.
• A great option for conservatories and other awkward windows.
• Child safe by design with no exposed or dangerous cords.
• Being attached to the window means no annoying or fly away blinds!
• The Perfect Fit frame blocks more light from coming down the sides than Intu’s, making them a better option if you are choosing a blackout fabric!

Cons:

• Can’t have them on sliding doors.
• Lose about 4mm of window due to the frame (but hardly noticeable).

Verticals

A Vertical blind consists of a headrail and drapes attached to it. They are the most popular and affordable blind type there is! They are simple, but effective at their job! Some people see them as a “boring office” type of blind. That’s not the case at all! There are so many fabrics available that can suit your taste, whether you want a snazzy pattern or a pop of colour; there’s one for everyone!

Pros:

• Lots of fabrics to choose from.
• Different ways to operate- motorisation, wand or cords.
• Control of how much light is let in- can tilt the drapes and open and close them.
• The drapes are easily replaceable, and an affordable way to change up your décor! Simply unhook your drapes, measure them and order them in a new fabric!
• Range of headrails.
• Choose from ‘weights and chains’ or our new ‘chainless weights’ – perfect to stop cats getting tangled up in your blinds!
• Budget friendly.
• Easy to clean.

Cons:

• May ‘flap’ about if the window is open and it’s windy.

Roller Blinds

A Roller blind is essentially made up of your chosen fabric that is wrapped and fitted around an aluminium tube. It’s then fitted into the cassette system and fitted, leaving your window looking stylish and stunning!

Pros:

• Range of colours, patterns and different levels of shading fabrics including blackout.
• Different types of cassettes: 40mm, 70mm and Senses for a super luxurious and polished look!
• Available as standard operation or motorised.
• Motorised are a great way to have full control over your blinds and home! Open and close them from a touch of a button or operate your blinds from your phone when you’re not at home – a great way to keep your home secure!
• Child safe breakaway on all chains.

Cons:

• Even though there are blackout fabrics to choose from, light can seep through the sides of the fabric not making it an effective blackout system.
• If the window is open, the blind can blow around.

Romans

A Roman is a very elegant way to style your home. It usually sits on the outside of the recess, but it can sit on the inside too. When the Roman is rolled up the fabric folds over each other creating the elegant look.

Pros:

• A range of fabrics to suit your home, from velvets to sparkles.
• They give a “soft” look, adding to your décor.
• Luxurious feel.
• Opt for a blackout lining for effective heat retention.
• Child safe by design.
• Great privacy when down.

Cons:

• Less control of how much light is let in- it’s either up or down, not like venetians where you can adjust the tilt of the slats to let in as much or as little light in.
• Maybe not the best option for kitchens or bathrooms- not suitable for moisture and may absorb different cooking scents.

                                                                                        Wooden Venetian

A Wooden Venetian is made up of wooden slats that are strung together by cords, attached to a headrail. There are cords that control the opening and tilting of the blind.

Pros:

• Add decorative tapes to hide the cords.
• They are available in PVC Fauxwood which is more suitable for kitchens and bathrooms, where moisture is generated.
• Increased privacy.
• Easy to clean and dust.
• Different colours and finishes of wood to suit your style!

Cons:

• The wooden slats can warp if real wooden slats are used in warm, south facing rooms or rooms with high moisture levels e.g. Kitchens and Bathrooms.
• The tapes can also get dirty but can be cleaned regularly.

Elevate

Elevate blinds are a free hanging blind incorporated with Pleated or Venetian blinds. Its operated by moving the bottom bar up or down.

Pros:

• Easy to use, simply control with the bottom bar, the blind will ‘magically stop’ when you let go!
• Folds neatly when pushed all the way up to ensure you get maximum sunlight into your room.
• Available in Venetians and Pleated (blackout available).
• Child safe with no exposed cords.
• Can choose from 6 shades for the headrail, with luxurious matching endcaps.
• Variety of fabrics- patterned, neutral or floral.

Cons:

• Won’t be as secure as a Perfect Fit or Intu that is supported with a frame.

Allusion Blinds

Allusion Blinds are one of the most luxurious blind types out there! Think sheer curtains meet day and night blinds, but with individual veins, similar to Verticals. They also share similar properties with Vertical Blinds in the sense that they both move to the side rather than up or down. The fabric is attached to a track and is operated with a wand to manoeuvre it left and right. The fabric can be described as flowy and soft, a great way to add a touch of elegance to your décor!

Pros:

• Individual veins means that you can walk through the blind, even when blind is closed – making them a great option for sliding and bi-folding doors.
• Available up to 4m wide!
• Child safe.
• Can be operated with a wand or motorisation.
• Filters light nicely and provides privacy when closed.

Cons:

• Compared to other blind options, they are a little pricey but this is reflected in the quality!
• Only 10 fabrics to choose from.

If you’re still unsure on the perfect blind for your home, we are always on hand to advise! We have over 20 years of experience in window coverings, so we are happy to share our expertise with you, send us over a photo of your window or door and we can tell you your best options, or even recommend a fabric to match your décor perfectly!

Don’t forget you can order up to 10 free samples too, seeing a fabric in your home really helps make that decision a little bit easier!