Blinds in Milton Keynes

Blinds are a fairly ancient form of window and openings protection. The earliest forms were not roller blinds, venetian blinds, vertical blinds and their like. No, Roman blinds are the closest to what nomadic tribes used: sheets across openings - sometimes soaked to aid cooling. The Egyptians used reed blinds whereas the ancient Chinese used bamboo blinds.

Any type you like; blinds for you!

Blinds have been around quite some time then. While the materials used in the construction of blinds may have changed over time, their purpose - to effectively ‘blind’ someone from looking through a window or opening - has remained, and been refined.

Although blinds can be thought of as having the same primary purpose, they vary enormously in the way that they approach the task. Each window blinds type may have secondary functions that determine their choice over other types. An overriding consideration may be fashion or looks, rather than strict function.

The roller blind - is it function over form?

A roller blind can be 100% opaque to operate effectively as blackout blinds, or use materials such as reed. Bamboo blinds will be roller blinds, although roller blinds may not necessarily be bamboo blinds. Maintenance may be a deciding factor as well as purpose. A roller blind may be made of a wipe clean material that is impervious to moisture, thus making them ideal for kitchen or bathroom use.

Where you will find wooden blinds

Venetian blinds can be quite varied. Basically they allow a high degree of control over the amount of light permitted through them. However, they can use a wide range of rigid materials Such window blinds can use plastic made to look like other materials, or they can be wooden blinds. Venetian blinds can also be used as blackout blinds if the material used for the slats is a total block to unwanted light. Additionally, venetian blinds are often used as conservatory blinds.

Good as blackout blinds?

Vertical blinds, like the roller blind and venetian blinds, have the same basic function to perform: blocks to incoming light and privacy. They can be rigid or flexible, material-wise. However because vertical blinds hang like a curtain and they tend towards the use of more supple materials; fabrics and weaves. Again, vertical blinds can be used as blackout blinds if the material used is opaque enough. Indeed, they may be better as blackout blinds than venetian blinds.

Vertical blinds are also popular for use as conservatory blinds and within offices. This may be because they are easier to maintain from the perspective of dust collection.

Made to measure blinds can be made for you, your windows, and your life

Given the especial popularity and suitability of venetian blinds and vertical blinds for use as conservatory blinds, and the fact that a conservatory is so often built to dimensions specified by the client or demands of the location; made to measure blinds are possibly a requirement.

The roman blind, although based on the earliest principles of windows blinds, nowadays usually has a convenient mechanism to raise or lower it.

If fitting within a window recess, window blinds need to be a good fit in order to ensure that no uncontrolled light passes. This is especially true if there is a blackout blinds function required. To this end, it is worthwhile having made to measure blinds from a specialist.

Unfortunately, in many cases conservatory blinds are sometimes not budgeted for when a conservatory is build. The first sunshine encountered can be a very rude wakeup call to the fact that some form of window blinds are definitely needed.

Are wooden blinds right for what you need?

If using wooden blinds as conservatory blinds, it is possible that they may warp and distort over a period of time, diminishing their effectiveness . Had you used made to measure blinds and not had a window blinds specialist in to measure up for the conservatory blinds, then you may not have received appropriate advice regarding the non-suitability of wooden blinds in such an environment.

Conservatories needing made to measure blinds are calling for a good specialist!

The nature of conservatories is such that conservatory blinds may be required to deal with conditions very specific to them. Light reflection may be as much a part of their job as stopping light from passing them. Ask anyone who has sat in an unshielded conservatory just how much they crave decent conservatory blinds!

A good window blinds specialist can always advise what is most suitable for any circumstance.

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Advice From miltonkeynes.com

So you have a nice house in Milton Keynes and you need to find and fit some new blinds. The first thing to do is to decide where you would like your blinds to hang.
Blinds can be fitted in the recess or outside the window.

Recess Blinds:

A recess blind fitting is where the blind is fitted inside the window frame itself. These are slightly more difficult to fit and can let in a little bit more light than an exact fitting but they look better.

Measuring up for a recess fitting blind:

You will need a metal tape measure, (cloth tape measures will not give an accurate measurement), a pen and paper. Measure across inside the recess from edge to edge in three places (top, middle and bottom) making a note of the smallest figure. This is to ensure that your new window blinds, whether a roller blind, venetian blinds or vertical blinds, will run smoothly. Repeat the process for the drop.

If you have a number of windows that require window blinds, measure each individual window. Make no assumptions because, in many cases, windows that appear to be the same size can have different measurements. Ensure that you make a note of which window the each set of measurements refer to and use them accordingly if you are fitting the window blinds yourself. 

Measuring up for an exact (outside mount)

These are easier to fit and you don't need to be quite as precise in your measurements, probably the safest option for the non-specialist fitting window blinds, and can be better at cutting out more light from your window. Such a fitting method is advised if fitting blackout blinds. Although a roman blind can be fitted as an inside-mount, it is much better suited to the outside-mount method of fitting.

Allow at least an extra 50mm (2”) for the width. Alternatively, if the window has wide mouldings, you can measure so that the window blinds will be flush with the edges. Add an extra 75mm (3”) to the drop, if there is enough room. Remember to allow for the mounting of the top of the window blinds fitting

So if your concerns are aesthetics and neatness, then we recommend a recess window blinds fitting. Circumstances may dictate an outside-mount fitting: the window may be out of true, requiring too much room either side to allow a roller blind to operate. A roman blind style may be bulky and block too much light when meant to be open to allow light through the window.

Be aware and take into account obstacles like tiles and window handles, make a note of where they are and think about how to fit your chosen window blinds with these in mind. If you are unsure, take a sketch or photo to a good window blinds shop in Milton Keynes and ask their fitting specialists for guidance.

Note:

Outside-mounted window blinds are measured from mounting bracket to mounting bracket. For perfectly fitted window blinds and no worries about wasting money though mistakes measuring and fitting them yourself; seek a professional window blinds fitter - especially if made to measure blinds are required. They can save you a lot of grief as it is their responsibility to assure a good window blinds fitting, whether it is an inside-mount roller blind or outside-mount roman blind; whatever your choice!

17/09/2009