Blinds & Shutters Buyers Guide 2024

GLOSSARY
MOTORISED BLINDS
Almost all types of blinds can be
motorised.
(See page 25 - Electric Operation)
PANEL BLINDS
Panel blinds consist of large fabric or woven
wood panels that stack neatly behind each
other when open. When closed, a complete
fabric screen is created that combines good
solar shading with very contemporary style.
They can be used as window blinds or room
dividers.
Available in 3, 4 or 5 track options, the
number of panels and panel widths can be
varied to suit individual tastes.
Panels detach easily from the Velcro®
carrier in the top channel and bottom
weight bars are easily removed. Panels
can be operated by hand with a wand
or pull cord operation. Various stacking
options are available. Available in
natural looking fabrics, screens and faux
suedes.
Types and operation
3, 4 or 5 channel track. Cord or wand
operation.
Fabric or woven wood panels.
One way or split draw operation.
Components
Headrail – aluminium.
End caps – plastic.
Dampers – rubber.
Runner wheels – plastic.
End caps – moulded plastic. Fixed at each
end of headrail & used to support the tilt
rod and blind controls.
PVC + Velcro® hook
Panels – looped Velcro® attached to fabric or
woven wood.
L stops/T stops – PVC.
Cord – polyester.
Wand – steel.
Bottom bar – aluminium or wood.
Top fix or extension face fix brackets – steel.
PERFORATED ROLLER
BLINDS
Clean cut square perforations on
100% cotton fabric allow fractions of
|light to pass through the blind and
combine to create a simple modern
look.
PINOLEUM BLINDS
Pinoleum blinds are a traditional form of
shading for conservatories, sun rooms and
Orangeries as the material gently filters the
light.
Pinoleum blinds are available in a
wide range of finishes making them one
of the ultimate bespoke blinds. Wooden
strips are woven together using UV
resistant threads to create an elegant light
filtering blind often used for conservatory
shading.
The reeds are available in a flat as well as
a round finish and can be lacquered, stained
or painted to suit every type of decor and
every taste. Wood weave blinds typically
have an edging braid stitched to the side of
the blind and again these are available in a
range of colours.
It is possible to have some Pinoleum
weaves where the slats overlap providing a
high degree of dim-out and some are
available with a reflective backing making
them ideal for roof blinds.
Pinoleum can be made into shaped
blinds and can be operated in a number of
ways including motorisation by low voltage
motors and remote controls.
For vertical glazing Pinoleum blinds tend
to be made in roller, roll-up or Roman blind
format.
Types
Free hanging - cord operation passing
through a cord lock for operational control.
Roman - operated by cord which is then
secured around a cleat or by a continuous
chain at one side.
Tensioned - to be fitted in a rooflight or
sloping window. They may be cord, wand,
hand draw or operated by electric motor.
Shaped - Most triangular shapes are easily
covered although other shapes may not be
fully operational.
Components
Head and Bottom Rail sections - anodised or
painted aluminium or wood.
Cord - made from polyester.
Brackets - galvanised or painted steel.
Cord lock - locking mechanism to secure the
blind in the raised position.
Cleat - made in a variety of finishes and
used to secure cord instead of a cord lock.
Tension wire - PVC coated steel or Kevlar
coated cord.
PLEATED BLINDS
A pleated blind could be described as a
venetian blind with pleated fabric instead of
slats, giving a softer effect. The pleated fabric,
usually in 20mm or 25mm pleats, is attached
with double sided tape (or similar) to a
headrail at the top and to a bottom rail.
With a standard free-hanging blind, it is
opened by pulling the lift cords, the bottom
rail being raised towards the top rail causing
a concertina effect as it retracts. The lift
cords pass through a cord lock, thus
enabling the blind to be held at any height.
Fabrics
Range from translucent to opaque and
blackout. They are either plain or patterned
(including Jacquard or multi-coloured).
Materials are polyester and celluloseimpregnated
paper. Reflective, metallised
finishes to the external face, flame
retardant, Scotchguard and other
treatments are available.
Types and operation
Free hanging – with cord operation, usually
has a weighted bottom rail which makes the
blind hang better.
Rooflight – with side channels, frame and/or
perlon wires through the fabric. They may
be cord, wand or hand draw operated.
Shaped – most window shapes are easily
covered using pleated blinds e.g. rectangular,
circular, semi-circular.
Dual function – three rails may be used with
a different fabric in each section e.g. with the
mid-rail to the headrail, a “daytime” fabric is
in the window and from the mid-rail to the
bottom rail, a “night time” fabric is viewed.
Brackets
Headrail
Bottom Rail
Cord Lock
Cord
Equaliser
Cord
Acorn
Blinds & Shutters Buyers’ Guide • 2024 9