Wealden Times | WT197 | July 2018 | Interiors supplement inside

“Sheers are getting very popular. The
net curtain stigma has gone, it’s about
seeing the sheer as a solution in itself,
not just for privacy”
paul jenner of bell house
fabrics & interiors
The new electric blinds
For years electronically controlled blinds
and curtains which open and close at
the touch of a button were the ultraexpensive
preserve of luxury hotels, but
new technology has made them a practical
choice for homeowners. Paul Jenner of Bell
House Fabrics and Interiors explains.
“Electric blinds are becoming very popular
with our clients. Until recently the only
option was to have them in the limited fabrics
the blind company offered. Now you can
choose any fabric, as long as it’s not too heavy.
“We work very closely with the large French
company Somfy, which started making
exterior canopies. Because of the scale of the
business they are driving down prices and
launching new products all the time.
“Previously the question
with blinds was ‘do you want
to tie it off on a cleat or a
chain?’ Now it’s ‘do you want
a chain - or motorised...?’
“You can have them on most kinds of
windows. Some will suit romans better, others
rollers, depending whether you are fixing the
blind inside recesses or outside. Rollers cope
with more weight and are quieter. You can have
blackout fabric on the back of either.
“They are powered by eight double AA
batteries in a tube and you have one control
even if you have a bay with three blinds, you
can operate them all at once, or separately.
“You can also download an app so you can
operate them remotely, which is great for
security, or you can put them on a timer.
“On top of the price of fabric and making
the blinds, it costs £129 per blind for the
motor and battery pack, with batteries. The
remote controls are £29 for a single channel
and £46 for multi-channel, to operate more
than one blind. We keep them in stock and
install them with the blinds.
“We also do electrically operated curtains,
although they are more expensive – but price
reductions are coming, so watch this space!”
Bell House Fabrics & Interiors,
High Street, Cranbrook 01580 712555
bellhousefabrics.co.uk
Top: Harlequin Bottom: Casamance