Blinds & Shutters - Issue 1/2024

Somfy have a wide range of Smart accessories that can benefit your 

customers’ homes this winter, and we’re here to provide the warming 

style to accompany this.

Smart accessories from Somfy: 

Solar panel 

Make the most of the winter sunshine 

by adding a solar panel to electric 

roller blinds - this helps with battery 

life between charges. 

TaHoma Smart Hub 

The Smart Hub can be beneficial 

in customers’ homes in many ways. 

It helps you to program blinds to 

open and close at the times required, 

helping with privacy and security as 

the winter nights settle in. 

The benefits of electric blinds: 

● Child-safe option, no cords or chains 

customers are in full control of who 

operates the blinds. 

● Great for harder to reach windows. 

● 5 and 16 channel remotes available 

to increase ease of control - easy 

to program blinds to open 

simultaneously. 

● A full 24 hour charge will give 

5-7 months worth of use. 

Wall switch 

The wall switch can be a handy tool 

to have in the home. Customers can 

program all of the blinds in their house 

to the switch, so they all close at the 

touch of a button, saving time and 

energy in the darker months. 

Find out more about electric 

and smart solutions at 

arena-blinds.com/products/ 

blinds/motorised-rollers/

Making smarter 

choices with the 

help of Somfy 

OPEN 

TO FIND 

OUT 

MORE 

Find out more about electric and smart solutions at 

arena-blinds.com/products/blinds/motorised-rollers

CONTENTS 

www.blindsmagazine.co.uk 

Regulars 

NEWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 

Lutron has updated its experience centre 

NEW PRODUCTS . . . . . . . . . . . . 60-72 

There are plenty of new products being launched in 2024 

Features and articles 

MARKETING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-36 

With R+T on the horizon it is important to get your message 

out there 

SHUTTERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 

Is real wood the right choice? 

SOLAR SHADING . . . . . . . . . . . . 40-46 

With the world getting warmer it’s time to up your awnings 

and pergolas game 

FABRIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52-55 

We look at the latest interior design trends 

MOTORISATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56 

It’s time to power up! 

PROFILE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 

A look at how Harol does business 

From the editor 

Issue ONE 2024 

As we begin 2024 there is some 

hope that the economy may be 

turning round. 

Interest rates look set to fall and we 

may have just about avoided 

recession. Will this mean that 

households will have more to spend 

on their homes? Let’s hope so. 

In the next few months the biggest 

show for the blinds and shutters 

industry is taking place in Germany. 

R+T promises to be a great place to 

see new products and trends for the 

industry, plus a chance to catch up 

with colleagues and buyers. It is well 

worth the hop over to the EU to see 

what is going on. 

Good luck and best wishes in 2024, 

I hope you have a successful year! 

John Hatcher 

editor 


Cover image: Courtesy of 

Harol 

© Copyright Turret Group Ltd 2024. All rights reserved. No part 

of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any 

means without the prior permission of the copyright owners. 

Opinions expressed in Blinds and Shutters are not necessarily 

those of the publishers or the editor. 

Incorporating The Blindmaker • Est. 1952 • ISSN 0305-733X 

Blinds and Shutters is available to non-qualifying 

readers at a subscription of: 

1 Year – UK £60; overseas £100 air mail. 

2 Years – UK £102; overseas £170 air mail. 

3 Years – UK £135; overseas £225 air mail. 


2024 ISSUE ONE • SPRING 

Editor: 

John Hatcher 

+44 (0)1923 432 705 

j.hatcher@turretgroup.com 

Advertising sales manager: 

Julie Saridakis 

+44 (0)1923 432 705 

j.saridakis@turretgroup.com 

Production manager: 

Carol Baird 

+44 (0)1923 432 705 

c.baird@turretgroup.com 

Circulation: 

+44 (0)20 3409 2974 

circulation@dimensionsuk.com 

Managing director: 

Ian Garmeson 

i.garmeson@turretgroup.com 

Turret Group Ltd 

Cardinal Point, Park Road, Rickmansworth, Herts, WD3 1RE, UK 

Tel: +44 (0)1923 432 705 

Blinds & Shutters • ISSUE ONE 2024 3

NEWS NEWSDESK: mail: j.hatcher@turretgroup.com 

Louvolite awarded OEKO- 

TEX STeP certification 

Louvolite says that its fabric production facility has been 

awarded OEKO-TEX STeP Level 3 accreditation, the very 

highest level, the result of a recent independent audit of 

its operation. This award certifies that all Louvolite fabrics 

are brought to market through ideal implementation of 

best practice, sustainable production. 

OEKO-TEX STeP; standing for 

Sustainable Textile & Leather Production; is 

an independent certification system that 

provides transparency for those textile 

manufacturers making sustainability claims. 

Its STeP award is a comprehensive 

sustainability certification focussing on the 

entire production process, from the 

chemicals used to the environmental impact 

of the plant. 

To achieve the award, Louvolite was 

subject to a rigorous audit process across 

several months with auditors inspecting the 

factory’s production site, processes, waste 

management, quality assurance and social 

responsibility, at every turn testing 

compliance with the strictest of regulations 

set out by OEKO-TEX. 

The benefits of Oeko-Tex Step 

certification are many. For window blind 

manufacturers, this certification assures that 

they can boldly and confidently make 

sustainability claims to the consumer without 

fear of any accusations of ‘greenwashing’. For 

environmentally conscious consumers, 

OEKO-TEX STeP certification guarantees 

that Louvolite fabrics have been produced in 

the most sustainable way, are safe for use and 

are free of any harmful chemicals. 

Louvolite has made sustainability its top 

priority and the OEKO-TEX STeP 

certification is just one of the many 

sustainability initiatives the company has 

implemented. Louvolite uses sustainable 

materials in its products and has reduced 

waste by improving its production processes. 

The company is also committed to reducing 

its carbon footprint. 

NEWS IN BRIEF 

The Stevens trade partner portal has 

everything you need in one place! Login 

to access all your order and account 

details as well as any technical 

information you many require. 

Quotes – create and save quotes 

which you can save with your own job 

references. 

Orders – order all your Made to 

Measure blinds, as well as being able to 

see the details and status of any 

previous orders you have placed. 

Account details – ensure your contact 

details are up to date, including the best 

people to contact for specific 

communications. 

Technical information – find all the 

technical information you require for all 

of our systems and fabrics. All files can 

be viewed online as well as downloaded 

for future use. 

Invoices – see details of all invoices for 

quick reference. 

If you need login details for our trade 

partner portal, please contact the 

Stevens Customer Service Team at 

enquiries@stevensscotland.co.uk. 

4 Blinds & Shutters • ISSUE ONE 2024 

www.blindsmagazine.co.uk

Environmental 

Chemical 

management 

performance 

safety 

Health & 

m 

Quality 

anagement 

Environmental 

management 

Social 

responsibility

NEWS 

NEWSDESK: mail: j.hatcher@turretgroup.com 

Lutron invests in new 

London office to 

support UK growth 

Lutron has opened a new office for its UK, Continental 

Europe and Africa headquarters. The company has chosen 

a 7,770 sqft premises at 51 Lime Street in the heart of the 

City of London. 

The new office greatly expands the number 

of workspaces available to support the 

growing team in the UK. It features 

adaptable desks and diverse meeting spaces, 

designed to enable a more productive 

workplace. 

The space had to match the company’s 

technology by providing a comfortable and 

bright aesthetic. Lutron's new office includes 

enhanced amenities, including greenery and 

art installations, private phone booths, a 

relaxation area and the perfect lighting with 

Lutron’s lighting control and blind 

automation solutions. 

On the decision to move, Ed Blair, 

president, Lutron Electronics, said: “Lutron’s 

new London office represents a significant 

investment in the region, and reflects the 

growing importance of the UK market for 

Lutron internationally. Following on from the 

UK, we’re also investing in international 

expands with new facilities to be open 

before the end of this year in India and the 

Middle East. 

Javier Segovia, senior sales director, UK, 

Continental Europe and Africa at Lutron, 

commented: “This office represents the 

solutions and design we offer to our 

customers. It’s a space with the perfect 

ambience for collaboration.” 

Miguel Aguado, marketing and 

technology manager, UK, Continental 

Europe and Africa at Lutron added: 

“Supporting our international expansion, this 

new office gives us the perfect opportunity 

to install our latest lighting control platform. 

We are very proud of our products and we 

wanted our team to enjoy the benefits of 

our latest innovations the same way our 

customers do. There is dynamic lighting in 

the office to adjust colour intensity and 

temperature throughout the day. The lighting 

control works in combination with our 

automated blinds, to optimise energy savings 

while providing a comfortable and 

productive environment for everyone.” 

NEWS IN BRIEF 

QMotion says that from 1st February 

2024, there will be a price increase of 

6% across all our Blind & Curtain Track 

systems including their controls and our 

Blind Pocket solutions. 

All orders placed and paid for in full 

on or before 31st January 2024 will be 

honoured at the current prices. 

Orders subject to final dimensions will 

also be accepted with full payment on 

or before 31st January 2024. Final 

amendments will need to be confirmed 

for production no later than 1st June 

2024. 

The company is confident that it will 

remain competitive in the market 

despite this increase. 


www.blindsmagazine.co.uk

Introducing new 

Tara Fabrics 

For a low carbon shading system, 

our recycled fabrics perfectly 

complement our blinds, which are 

manufactured using solar power. 

Tara Dimout 

7 colours available 

Tara Blackout WB 


Tara Screen WB 


effective shading 

and privacy 

made from 

post-consumer plastic 

fire retardant, PVC-free 

and moisture resistant 

For more information, visit our website www.yewdale.co.uk or 

email enquiries@yewdale.co.uk if you would like a free sample or a quote.

MARKETING 

Tips for 

design success 

Interior design 

experts reveal 

seven tips to make 

your home stylish 

for less 

Achieving the unique and aesthetic look 

that you’ve been saving on Pinterest while 

managing to keep your wallet from 

emptying isn’t impossible. 

Interior design experts at Porcelain Superstore 

know all about this and have compiled a list of this 

year’s popular trends and ways to achieve the look 

in your home without breaking the bank or 

increasing your budget. 

1. Countertop Refinishing: The Process of 

Resurfacing and Restoring Existing Countertops 

Cheap, renter-friendly solutions are a mustknown 

within the realm of interior designing on a 

budget, and contact paper is one of those. It can 

transform any countertop, coffee table and 

cabinet into your dream material in just a matter 

of hours. 

Some of the most popular effects you’ll be able 

to achieve are wood and stone. And as this last 

one has been highly in vogue this year, sculptural 

tables, dramatic countertops, and eye-catching 

backsplashes made from unconventional stones 

are due to appear in your favourite interior design 

magazine. 

Searches for “stone effect” rose 400% in the last 

month, proving even further the desire to 

recreate the effect, and purchasing a few rolls of 

contact paper with your favourite stone or marble 

design and stick it wherever you’d prefer it, 

couldn’t be easier. 

Contact paper rolls sell for as cheap as £5 on 

Amazon for simpler designs, and while they can 

get to £30 or £40, it’ll always be more affordable 

than buying a £400 stone effect side table. 

2. From Angles to Arcs: 

Exploring the Curves Craze 

in Home Decor 

While geometric patterns were significantly in 

vogue in past years, this year’s trend shifted in the 


continues on page 10

THE 

INTERIOR SHUTTERS 

COLLECTION 

Tropical Blinds are a UK manufacturer offering the trade an independent choice of 

custom blind collections designed for you and your customers. 

Our Interior Shutters Collection are skilfully hand-made by quality craftsmen. 

Your customers can select from one of our many paint or stain finishes or opt for a 

custom colour to complement and enhance their home. 

You can see all our product ranges and first class customer support systems at 

tropicalblinds.com

MARKETING 

opposite direction, as curves come back in 

people’s houses. If you’re a fan of the trend, 

incorporating curved elements couldn’t be 

easier: try painting an arch on a wall for a 

perfect accent detail, or, if you feel 

particularly DIY, you could even try building 

it around an existing doorway. If you choose 

to do it yourself, you'll only need to buy the 

materials such as plywood sheets, concrete 

and paint, which can add up to as little as 

£60-70, while to have this done by a 

professional you'd need to invest around 

£450! 

Moreover, if you have plans for a bigger 

project, you could think of modifying your 

stairwell with softer, curvier lines, as 

Pinterest data show that it’s an ever-growing 

trend, 

Furniture-wise, you could visit your local 

used goods market and charity shops in 

search of curved sofas or armchairs, 

bedframes with sinuous lines, or a particular 

softer vase. 

3. Unleash Your 

Creativity: Revamp Your 

Living Spaces with 

Unique Tiles 

Adding colourful and weirdly shaped tiles 

to your kitchen, bathroom or wherever 

you’d like them most, is another way to 

make your home stylish and unique, and if 

you choose stick-on tiles, the update can be 

renter-friendly and easy to install. 

Pinterest trends show how searches for 

“bathroom tiles” and “kitchen tiles” have 

been high throughout the year, testament to 

a classic and undying trend that can add so 

much to your home for fairly less. 

To do this, Porcelain Superstore can help 

you figure out the prices and the styles that 

might work best for you, as their site lists 

backsplash tiles for as little as £18.90! 

4. Coastal Grandmother 

Aesthetic: Bringing 

Serenity to Your Home 

on a Budget 

Neutral tones, blues, and greens: the 

coastal grandmother aesthetic has been 

taking social medias by storm, and you might 

have noticed that that’s what you’ve been 

looking for, but how do you achieve the 

style in your house on a budget? 

As the aesthetic is all about simplicity and 

order, pillows and throws can be a great 

detail to start from, as a new cream or 

beige pillowcase can be as cheap as £4. The 

same goes for striped white and light blue 

throw or tea towels. 

TikTok creators who have coined and 

popularised the term to describe it have 

compared the style to the vibe of Nancy 

Meyers movies, which have regained 

popularity. In fact, searches for “Nancy 

Meyers” have started to climb again, rising 

316.66% at the end of the summer. 

5. Embrace the 

Maximalist Movement: A 

Year of Kitsch Prints and 

Vibrant Hues 

Are you a fan of kitsch prints and bright 

colours? Then this is your year to shine, as 

Pinterest trends data show that the time of 

minimalism and clean mid-century modern 

style is over, giving way to maximalist trends. 

Searches for the term “maximalist décor” 

peaked at 85.18% in March 2023, remaining 

fairly high throughout the year. 

To achieve the style without breaking the 

bank, consider adding a fresh set of bright 

tiles to your backsplash, as mentioned 

above, or covering your living room and 

hallway walls with an elaborated wallpaper. 

6. The Ultimate Plant 

Decor Hack: Combining 

Real and Faux for Style 

and Savings 

Transforming your house into an indoor 

garden might make your home worthy of 

magazine covers. However, authentic fake 

plants can be pretty pricey, as they can be 

found on Amazon for prices as high as £90 

for more classic styles and as high as £1000 

for more exotic types. 

To avoid this, the logical solution would 

be to adopt natural plants, which are 

cheaper but require maintenance and care. 

If you’re up to the challenge, the satisfaction 

of keeping green friends alive is priceless. 

To make the job easier and spread the 

costs, you should do both and hide cheaper 

faux plants among real ones, elevating the 

whole setting. 

7. Lighting Up Your 

Space: Lampshade Ideas 

As not all homes are blessed with natural 

light, finding lamps that fit your aesthetic is 

important, and while not everyone can 

afford big, noisy chandeliers which we know 

are in vogue this year, it’s still possible to 

brighten up a room without emptying your 

wallet. 

If you’re looking for an idea that is easy, 

cheap, and even renter-friendly, search no 

further, and think about switching the 

lampshades of your home for ones that are 

more to your taste: you could search in 

charity shops, on Etsy and other online 

shopping sites. 

10 Blinds & Shutters • ISSUE FOUR 2023

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LEADING DELIVERY TIMES OF 1-2 WEEKS 

www.tradeshutters.com | 0800 044 8044

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For a one-stop supplier that offers a comprehensive 

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a fantastic service, Green & Brown is your answer. 

For convenient and easy access to a range of premium 

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heart of Yorkshire, plus access to multiple industry leading brands 

without the need for multiple accounts, Green & Brown 

truly are your ‘Single Source Solution’. 

To open an account, call us at 01924 481710 

or email us at info@green-brown.co.uk. 

WWW.GREEN-BROWN.CO.UK

MARKETING 

Trading up 

Bloc Blinds 

empowers retailers 

with trade portal 

With a commitment to excellence, Bloc 

Blinds has grown to become one of 

the UK’s leading designers and 

manufacturers of innovative blinds and skylight 

blind systems. What sets us apart is not merely 

the precision-cut, made-to-measure blinds, but a 

guiding philosophy encapsulated in two words: 

"Live Simple". It’s at the heart of everything we 

do; inspiring us to and develop a series of unique 

blinds and accessories. 

This ethos also fuels our continual dedication to 

all blind’s retailers, empowering them with simple, 

efficient, and pioneering solutions. The Bloc Blinds 

Trade Portal is central to this commitment; 

providing a user-friendly hub that streamlines 

business operations. In addition to placing and 

tracking orders, retailers can access resources and 

tools to assist them with their clients. The Portal is 

regularly updated with new features, simplifying 

processes, and expanding content. 

The new Quote Tool offers the ability to save 

products from the basket to view or order at 

another time. Retailers can save products to a 

quote for 30 days; renewing as many times as 

needed before ordering. This tool creates quotes 

quickly and accurately for retailers to share 

pricing information with customers. Not only 

does this save time but it enhances transparency 

in their sales process as well. 

The Marketing Support hub on the Trade 

Portal has recently expanded with new product 

images and troubleshoot videos. Retailers can use 

this content to promote their business when 

selling Bloc Blinds products. In 2024 new 

campaign materials will be added for retailers to 

effectively market their services on social media. 

With a full roll out planned for 2024 as well, 

the new Remake Tool simplifies and streamlines 

the returns process for blinds. Accessed directly 

from your order history, this tool guides you stepby-step 

through the process for your specific 

order. Retailers can now easily order a remake 

anytime and receive instant notification of its 

receipt. 

We believe that our “Live Simple” ethos is why 

Bloc Blinds have grown to become one of the 

UK’s leading designers and manufacturers of 

innovative blinds and skylight blind systems. Our 

retailers across the world love our series of 

innovative blinds; from our Skylight blinds to our 

award-winning BlocOut blackout blind and the 

straightforward EasyFit roller blind. Finding the 

perfect blinds for your customers couldn’t be any 

simpler than with Bloc Blinds. 

14 Blinds & Shutters • ISSUE ONE 2024

LET YOURSELF BE GUIDED 

TOWARDS A WORLD MORE 

SMAR T 

DISCOVER OUR 

NEW COLLECTION 

S OLAR 

F A BRIC S 

2023 

173 references, 58 new items for an even richer 

and more harmonious range of fabrics. 

Suited to all outdoor solar protection systems 

Folding arm awnings, pergolas, shade sails, vertical blinds. 

4 main colour families 

STONE (grey tones), NATURAL (natural tones). 

SOLAR (warm tones) and POLAR (cold tones). 

A collection that captures the character of DICKSON CONSTANT 

Design fabrics 

Sustainable fabrics 

People-centric 

Edition 10/2022 - SAS DICKSON CONSTANT - capital 12.640.000 euros - 381 347 970 R.C.S. Lille Métropole - Photos : Dickson 

Base Awnings 01922 644429 • sales@basedirect.co.uk 

More information on : dickson-constant.com

MARKETING 

All online 

Eclipse has a web 

portal that can 

save time when 

ordering 

Did you know that you can place your 

orders with Eclipse online? Whether you 

are ordering fabric, components or 

Marketing Point of Sale, you can order it all 

through their online ordering website. 

Available 24 hours, 7 days a week, you can place 

your wholesale and made to measure orders 

whenever it suits you. What’s more, any wholesale 

fabric or component orders placed online before 

12pm will get next day delivery. 

Our Quick order option online makes it even 

faster for you to place your orders – add in the 

product name or partcode and it will quickly 

populate your order for multiple items on the 

same page which you can just check out at the 

end. No need to load the individual items when 

you already know what you need. 

Should you need any help using our site, we 

have a created a page of help videos to help 

answer any questions you might have. 

We know that you often need access to 

technical information, spec sheets or even a price 

list so this is all featured in the Product Information 

section on our website where you can view or 

download any files you require. Each page contains 

an image of the file to make it easier to identify 

what you need. New for 2023, you can now search 

for any files you need in the search bar, so you can 

more quickly locate the info you need. 

During the course of this year, we have been 

working on a lot of changes to our site to 

improve your user journey. We have made some 

site developments to improve the load times and 

website performance. Images and pages should 

now load more quickly, making it easier for you to 

use the website and complete your orders more 

quickly. 

We’ve also added product information to the 

items where relevant, including any fabric 

limitations, spec cards or sample size to give you 

access to everything you might need to know 

without needing to leave the site to ask us for it. 

We have also improved the mobile navigation 

of our site so it will be easier to use for anyone on 

the move. 

If you require any additional information or wish 

to sign up for our online ordering site, please 

contact our Customer Service Department on 

0141 814 3500. You can visit our online ordering 

website here www.eclipseblinds.co.uk. 


Our Quality Builds Your Reputation. 

To find out more 01908 642 888 

homecreationsuk.com 

FAUX WOOD VENETIAN BLINDS

MARKETING 

New additions in 2024 

Lewens will show 

new additions at 

R+T 2024 

In 2024, Lewens will present a range of new and 

improved products at the world’s leading trade 

fair for roller shutters, doors/gates and sun 

shading systems. The highlight of the coming 

season is the new, rainproof all-weather pergola 

Positano. New products have been added to 

expand the design features and options for using 

the Capri and Portofino awning models and the 

Murano series of glass roofs. A sturdy support 

frame enables awnings and glass roofs to be 

installed as free-standing units without any wall 

connection or in front of non-load-bearing walls. 

Rainproof: Positano 

Weatherproof Pergola 

The new weatherproof pergola with 

waterproof cover provides variable rain 

protection for generously proportioned patio 

areas. The cover is not wound on a shaft, but is 

retracted instead segment by segment. Highprecision 

toothed belt technology is deployed for 

this purpose, guaranteeing smooth extension and 

retraction of the fabric segments while ensuring 

good tensioning of each individual panel. 

Rainwater is drained via the surface of the fabric 

into a gutter at the front end of the cover and 

invisibly down the inside of the supporting 

columns. The prototype of Positano received the 

coveted European Product Design Award (EPDA) 

in 2022. 

For large shaded areas: Capri 

Due Roof-Mounted and 

Pergola 

The successful Capri awning model has 

undergone a facelift and modernisation with the 

roof-mounted and pergola variants. During the 

forthcoming season, this new model with the 

name Capri Due will replace its predecessor. The 

guide rails of the Capri Due roof-mounted awning 

can be displaced inwards, so that even hipped or 

angled glass roofs or conservatories can be 

shaded. On the pergola type, the rails can be 

recessed inwards and the supporting columns 

moved backwards to enable the Capri to be 

adapted to more limited patio areas. The uprights 

can also be optionally fitted with new, integral LED 

lighting. 

Zip awning guide: Portofino 

Roof-Mounted 

Lewens now offers a roof-mounted variant in 

addition to the interior and pergola verions of 

the Portofino awning model. Like the other types 

in the series, this variant features a zip guide for 

extending and retracting the awning safely with 

respect to the wind and for eliminating light gaps 

at the sides. The zip guide is additionally 

equipped with patented balancing spring 

technology to ensure consistent tensioning of the 

awning fabric. 

For free-standing sunshades 

and glass roofs: new 

universal support frame 

For the free-standing installation of folding-arm 

awnings, pergolas and glass roofs, Lewens has 

introduced a new universal support frame. It is 

suitable for dual-sided mounting but can also be 

used single-sided in the case of walls that are not 

sufficiently load-bearing, for example on 

prefabricated homes. Roof profiles and cross 

members create a rainproof transition to the 

attached units. The universal support frame is 

available in various designs. Installation widths of 

up to 700 cm are possible with two posts 

externally or laterally recessed, and of up to 1,200 

cm with three posts. LED lighting strips and 

radiant heaters can be installed as optional extras. 

For special designs: Murano 

Modulare Glass Roof 

The new Murano Modulare glass roof model 

permits special designs with chimney cut-outs or 

glass roofs with acute- or obtuse-angled sides, for 

instance. A prototype of the new design, which is 

still in the development stage, will be exhibited at 

R+T 2024. 


SMART TECHNOLOGY 

FOR WINDOW COVERINGS 

Visit us at R+T 2024 

Booth EO300 

Coulisse presents MotionBlinds, the smartest 

way to operate window coverings that works with 

smart home platforms like Apple, Google, Amazon 

and Samsung. With simple setup these smart 

USB-C rechargeable battery powered motors 

offer convenience, safety and connectivity for a 

smarter and more energy-efficient home. 

motionblinds.com

MARKETING 

Are you on trend? 

Here's what will be 

trending in winter 

2023 according to 

Google search 

demand 

As the winter chill approaches and we cosy 

up indoors, it's the perfect time to give 

your living spaces a seasonal refresh. But, if 

you're wondering what's ‘hot’ in the world of 

home interior design this winter, you're in the 

right place to get a head start. 

Swoon, the UK’s leading online design-led 

furniture brand, and its interior expert, Senior 

Designer Sam Greig, have exclusively unveiled the 

top five trends that are set to adorn our homes 

this season and into the New Year, according to 

national Google search demand. From Art Deco 

opulence, to the free-spirited Boho style – here is 

your ultimate AW23 interior edit… 

Embrace the roaring 

twenties revival - Art Deco 

Art Deco originated in the 1920s, at a time 

when glamour was the flavour of the season. 

Characterised by bold geometric shapes, rich 

jewel tones, and luxurious materials - Art Deco 

reflects the opulence and grandeur of the Roaring 

Twenties. 

This winter, the glamour of the 20’s is returning 

to the UK - but in its own, modern way. Searches 

for the style have risen by almost double* in the 



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past three months alone. Driven by a desire 

for decadence and sophistication in our 

interiors, designers are utilising the patterns 

and materials synonymous with the Art 

Deco movement, but in more subtle, 

elegant forms. Think suave sideboards with 

facades of gold, or chic wallpaper with the 

classic geometric pattern, only in more 

subtle tones. 

Sam Greig, senior designer at Swoon, 

comments: "To infuse Art Deco into your 

home, focus on statement pieces like velvet 

sofas, and furnishings that feature brass or 

metallic accents. Don't shy away from rich 

jewel tones like emerald and sapphire – 

although bold, they create a stunning 

statement when placed into neutral 

surroundings.” 

Celebrating eclecticism - 

Boho 

Bohemian (Boho) style has its roots in 

the 1960s and 70s, emphasizing a mix of 

patterns, textures, and global influences - 

creating an eclectic and relaxed atmosphere. 

Think Woodstock ’69, all natural materials, 

and handmade accessories. 

In the coming months, Boho’s emphasis 

on personal expression, and its eclectic 

balance of vibrant colours and natural 

elements will bring the style back into the 

forefront of creative interior design. 

Searches for the style have risen by 52%* in 

the past three months alone. Expect to see 

more modern materials during AW23, such 

as boucle and cord, with rattan style 

furniture also making a return. 

Sam, advises: "Layering textiles, introducing 

macramé, boucle, and velour is an easy yet 

chic way to incorporate Boho design 

principles into your home. Using these 

fabrics in a variety of red based tones, 

including harissa and damson, will help to 

invoke a cosy, festive atmosphere. Even 

better, why not create an inviting, laid-back 

environment with pouffes, a Boho style rug, 

and a chic rattan coffee table?" 

Where minimalism 

meets cosiness: Scandi 

Scandinavian design originated in the 

1950s, known for its clean lines, bright 

spaces, simplicity, and functionality. With a 

focus on organic materials, especially lighttoned 

wood, and a colour palette inspired 

by nature – Scandi style is simple but stylish, 

and always operational. All pieces in a 

Scandi set-up must have a purpose – 

allowing spaces to be simple but still 

effective. 

This winter, the Scandinavian aesthetic 

continues to thrive in its timeless appeal. In 

fact, the style receives almost 3,000 

searches* every single month on Google 

alone. However, its traditional organic colour 

palette will begin to see new neutrals 

emerge. Think sage green, powdery blue, 

and pastel apricot. 

Sam Greig, comments: “To modernise the 

Scandi style, it’s time to embrace new 

neutrals and add a pop of colour into your 

space. Enhance a monotone interior with a 

statement piece in sage green or icy grey – 

such as a comfy armchair, or an ottoman 

with hidden storage. Top with a faux fur 

throw for the authentic Scandi experience, 

and you’re on to a winner. 

“Although Scandi style usually calls for 

light-toned wood furniture, another material 

that is surging in popularity for Scandinavian 

interiors is stone. Think light, polished 

concrete dining tables, and marble pieces 

with wooden accents. Scandi, but elevated.” 

Classic elegance with a 

modern twist: Georgian 

Design 

Georgian design hails from the 18th 

century, characterised by symmetry, ornate 

details, and a sense of grandeur – think the 

Bridgerton’s home and all its majesty. 

Featuring a pastel colour palette, heavy 

woods such as pine and walnut, and an 

abundance of stone and marble accents - 

Georgian interiors were regal, classy, and 

lavish. 

In 2023, the resurgence of Georgian 

design stems from a heavy influence of TV 

and film, inspiring viewers to implement the 

elegance of the 18th century into their 

contemporary homes. The style has risen in 

popularity by 30%* over the past three 

months alone, reaching 1,600 searches a 

month on Google. 

Sam, comments "Georgian design is once 

again surging in popularity, but this winter, 

Brits will be looking to add a modern touch 

into their homes. Georgian homes often 

featured intricate wall panelling and details – 

and this influence has been taken into 

contemporary homes through the current 

‘panelling’ craze. Of course, modern day 

panelling is a lot less complex, however it still 

creates the sense of lavish living that it did 

600 years ago. Create a feature wall using 

classic panelling designs, and add a hint of 

pastel colour for a true Georgian touch. 

“Furnishings with typical Georgian designs, 

such as scroll arms on sofas, or shaped legs 

on storage pieces add a historical element to 

a modern space with style. Consider taller 

storage pieces in dark wood tones, or soft 

coloured seating with traditional shapes.” 

Trending tones – what 

should be your colour 

palette for AW/23? 

If you’re not looking to re-design entire 

spaces in your home, why not refresh your 

abode’s colour palette instead to stay in 

style without a huge spend? Adding a variety 

of deeper hues into a somewhat neutral 

space is an easy way to take a room from 

drab to fab… but what shades are envogue 

this winter? 

• Damson: This rich, plummy tone adds 

depth and sophistication to any room. Use it 

as an accent wall or in upholstery – we love 

a damson velvet piece. With searches up 

309%* on Google, Damson is set to be the 

shade of the season. 

• Mustard: A pop of mustard brings 

warmth and energy, and pairs incredibly well 

with damson. Incorporate it through throw 

pillows, artwork, or even a bold mustard 

seating option. 

• Sage Green: This soothing shade of 

green is perfect for a calm, natural ambiance. 

Use it on walls, bedding, or in decorative 

accents for the ultimate zen space. 

• Black: With an increase in demand of 

over 100%*, black is back, and this time, as a 

statement colour. From kitchen cabinets to 

bathroom tiles, black adds drama and 

sophistication to any space. 

So, whether you lean towards the 

opulence of Art Deco, or the timeless 

elegance of Georgian style – this winter’s 

trends provide something for every interior 

enthusiast or those simply looking to update 

and transform their homes. All that’s left to 

do is start the Pinterest board! 

22 Blinds & Shutters • ISSUE FOUR 2023

NEW 

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Our clic bead-fit and clic SURFACE systems’ ultra slim design has been developed to fit perfectly 

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engineered to fit all window frame depths with a single bracket type. 

clic SURFACE is designed for windows where there is no beading to fit into. 

Its clever, fold away handle makes it ideal to use on bi-fold doors where it is important that the blind 

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MARKETING 

Open all hours 

Morvelle hosts 

successful open day 

to showcase 

innovative 

bioclimatic pergola 

Morvelle, the UK’s leading manufacturer in 

outdoor living solutions, welcomed 

esteemed trade partners to an exclusive 

Open Day at their headquarters in Farnborough. 

The event served as a platform for industry 

insiders to gain invaluable insights into the 

company's ethos, operations and groundbreaking 

offerings. 

Attendees were treated to a tour of Morvelle's 

state-of-the-art factory, providing an immersive 

experience into the meticulous craftsmanship and 

cutting-edge technology driving the company's 

success. 

The highlight of the day was the unveiling of the 

highly anticipated bioclimatic pergola, the only UK 

manufactured pergola, and an excellent addition to 

Morvelle's product lineup. Trade partners had the 

privilege of being among the first to witness this 

innovative structure firsthand and explore its 

dynamic functionalities designed to elevate 

outdoor spaces. 

Throughout the event, key personnel from 

various departments engaged in interactive 

sessions, fostering dialogue and networking 

opportunities. Visitors had the chance to engage 

with Morvelle's experts, gaining deeper insights 

into the design, engineering and applications of the 

bioclimatic pergola. 

"We were thrilled to open our doors to our 

valued trade partners and showcase the 

culmination of our dedication to innovation and 

quality" said John James, Managing Director 

The enthusiasm and positive feedback from 

attendees underscored the success of the event. 

Partners left with a comprehensive understanding 

of Morvelle's commitment to pushing the 

boundaries of outdoor living experiences. 

"The Open Day provided an ideal platform to 

not only introduce our latest product but also 

foster meaningful connections and exchange 

knowledge" added Mike Drinnan, business 

development manager. 

The bioclimatic pergola, now available for 

viewing at Morvelle's Head Office in Farnborough, 

represents a testament to the company's 

dedication to marrying functionality with aesthetics, 

offering a versatile solution for transforming 

outdoor spaces into captivating environments. 


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MARKETING 

World in MotionBlinds 

Coulisse is getting 

set for a mindblowing 

MotionBlinds 

experience at R+T 

2024 

Coulisse is thrilled to unveil its grandest 

showcase at R+T in February 2024. As 

the global leader in window coverings, the 

company is pulling out all the stops for the most 

extraordinary presentation yet. Returning to the 

stage after the successful debut of MotionBlinds at 

R+T Stuttgart in 2018, the company returns with 

its innovative smart technology brand. Located at 

Booth EO300, right by the entrance, the 

MotionBlinds booth promises an unapparelled 

experience with 1100 square meters of eyecatching 

design, complete with an immersive 

room, in-house restaurant, and exclusive product 

launches. Save the date: February 19 - 23, because 

this is where the future of smart window 

coverings unfolds. 

MotionBlinds in the limelight 

In a time of ever-advancing smart homes, 

MotionBlinds smart technology stands at the 

forefront of window coverings. These pioneering 

smart motors made their market debut in 2018. 

Now, with the release of a complete series of 

Matter-over-Thread motors being developed by 

Coulisse in collaboration with Munich-based 

smart home specialist Eve Systems, MotionBlinds 

will be ready to revolutionize the landscape of 

smart homes. These motors seamlessly integrate 

with all major platforms including Google Home, 

Amazon Alexa, Apple Home and Samsung 

SmartThings, making them the ultimate addition 

to any smart home. 

Soaring global success 

MotionBlinds has already captured global 

acclaim, featured by Samsung at IFA 2023, by 

Google at CES 2023, and honored with the 

prestigious 'CES 2023 Innovation Award' in Las 

Vegas. Since its inaugural appearance at R+T 

Stuttgart in 2018, MotionBlinds has continued to 

soar to new heights. This innovative smart motor 

technology has been embraced by partners 

worldwide, receiving acclaim for its cutting-edge 

capabilities and exceptional performance. 

R+T Innovation Awards 

Coulisse is proud to announce its nomination in 

three categories for the R+T Innovation Award 

2024. The nominations include: 

• Eve MotionBlinds Matter-over-Thread Motors 

in the category 'Drive and control systems for 

roller shutters and sun shading systems' 

• Adaptive Shading for Eve MotionBlinds in the 

category 'Building Automation' 

• Motorized Tensioned Pleated in the category 

'Interior Sun Shading Systems' 


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Sustainable focus 

Extensive 

accompanying 

programme at R+T 

2024/Focus on 

sustainability and 

energy efficiency 

R+T will open its doors again from 19 to 23 

February 2024. Experts will finally meet 

one another again in Stuttgart in order to 

discover the latest products and services from the 

areas of roller shutters, doors, gates and sun 

shading systems live and in colour. The varied 

accompanying programme of R+T will also be an 

opportunity for trade visitors to extend their own 

technical knowledge and exchange information 

and ideas directly with industry experts. 

"The entire R+T team is really looking forward 

to this large industry get-together in Stuttgart! 

After this long period of time we can hardly wait 

to offer our visitors programme highlights which 

cover every field of interest," enthused Sebastian 

Schmid, Vice President of Messe Stuttgart. Special 

shows, forums and seminars will impart knowhow 

par excellence and provide information on 

trends and challenges in the industry. This edition 

of the trade fair will focus primarily on 

"sustainability". The motto of R+T 2024 will be: 

Create. Sustainable. Future. TogetheR+T. The 

contents of the accompanying programme are 

strongly oriented towards the main topic and will 

ensure that visitors will be purposefully able to 

extend their own technical knowledge in the areas 

of "sustainability" and "energy efficiency". "You can 

look forward to a wide range of innovative 

solutions and sustainable products from different 

areas, as well as to an extensive accompanying 

programme," said Sebastian Schmid as a foretaste 

of R+T 2024. 

R+T Innovation Award 

"In 2024 one special highlight will also again be 

the R+T Innovation Award," enthused Melanie 



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MARKETING 

Brenner, Manager Exhibitions and Events at 

Messe Stuttgart. The R+T Innovation Award 

provides insights into the latest forwardlooking 

technical developments, superb 

designs or highly sustainable and energyefficient 

products from the world of roller 

shutters, doors/gates and sun shading 

systems. Sebastian Schmid added: "Over 80 

per cent of companies develop their 

innovations for R+T and present them to a 

global audience during the trade fair. R+T is 

and will therefore remain an innovation 

platform for the entire industry. This has also 

already been demonstrated: this year, we 

received the highest number of entries ever 

for the Innovation Award." Out of a total of 

125 products submitted by 79 companies 

from 17 countries, 41 products were 

nominated for a R+T Innovation Award by 

the independent jury. The winners will be 

determined in the next step. The 

presentation ceremony for the Innovation 

Award will be held in the presence of 

selected guests on the evening before the 

start of R+T 2024. All told, awards can be 

presented in eleven categories in the Gold, 

Silver and Bronze Classes, as well as special 

awards for sustainability, energy efficiency 

and design, plus a Craft Youth Award. "The 

excellent innovations can be thoroughly 

examined live and in colour throughout 

R+T. Trade visitors will therefore be able to 

obtain an extensive overview of the 

products and services which can satisfy the 

current high demands," added Melanie 

Brenner. 

ift special show 

"Protection against 

overheating" 

The subject of this year's special show of 

ift Rosenheim at R+T 2024 is "Protection 

against overheating". This special show will 

reveal what sustainable, climate-proof and 

energy-efficient building products look like 

and how they should be identified. The focal 

points here will be lower CO2 emissions 

during manufacture and use, sustainable 

production, easy reparability and 

maintenance, and protection against climate 

extremes. Special attention will be paid to 

sun shading systems as efficient, climateproof 

and sustainable protection of buildings 

against overheating. The special show can be 

visited daily on Stand 9C80 in Hall 9. 

ES-SO Seminar & Campfire Sessions 

R+T 2024 will also include a seminar of 

the European Solar Shading Organisation 

(ES-SO) which will examine the latest 

developments in the area of sun shading 

solutions in relation to energy efficiency and 

sustainability of buildings. The topic of the 

seminar will be "Climate resilience through 

intelligent sun shading systems". Visitors will 

be able to gain valuable insights into the key 

role of sun shading systems in European 

legislation, especially in regard to the 

attainment of climate neutrality by the year 

2050. The seminar will be held in English 

from 09:30 to 12:30 on Wednesday, 21 

February 2024 in the seminar room in the 

VIP Lounge. 

On Thursday, 22 February 2024 and the 

morning of Friday, 23 February 2024, there 

will also be 20-minute Campfire Sessions on 

the topic of "Sustainability through intelligent 

sun shading systems" on selected exhibitor 

stands. "This will be an ideal opportunity to 

obtain further training and inspiration in 

regard to the sun shading industry," said 

Melanie Brenner. 

Programme for 

architects 

R+T 2024 will again offer architects 

numerous opportunities to improve their 

knowledge and examine product 

innovations. Especially on Thursday, 22 

February 2024, different talks and 

workshops will be held for architects and 

planners. The highlight will be the series of 

talks entitled "Building Shells: Integral. 

Foresighted. Permanent.", which will be 

staged in cooperation with the Baden- 

Württemberg Chamber of Architects 

(AKBW). In the morning representatives of 

Behnisch Architekten and the company 

Werner Sobek AG will talk about the Edge 

Elbside Project in Hamburg. In the 

afternoon the speakers from the company 

AMP Ingenieurgesellschaft and OS A Ochs 

Schmidhuber Architekten will focus on the 

building stock in the Incubator Project. The 

Sessions can be individually booked 

beforehand via the R+T website and will be 

recognised by the Baden-Württemberg 

Chamber of Architects (AKBW) with 1 

advanced training hour each after successful 

attendance. This series of events will be held 

from 11.00 to 15.45 on Thursday, 22 

February 2024 in Room C4 in the 

International Congress Center Stuttgart 

(ICS). 

"R+T 2024 will be a genuine source of 

inspiration for architects and planners in 

order to enable them to extend their own 

creative freedom through new materials, 

ideas and technologies. The topics of 

'sustainability' and 'energy efficiency' also 

play an important role in the field of 

architecture and will therefore be addressed 

more widely in the programme for 

architects," said Philipp Götz, Manager 

Exhibitions and Events at Messe Stuttgart. 

"Before and after the two sessions, there will 

also be an opportunity to visit R+T 

exhibitors who will present extremely 

interesting products for architects. These 

products will be identified by the symbol 

'Products for architects‘." 

Doors/Gates Forum 

The Doors/Gates Forum will be held 

again during R+T 2024 and will provide 

visitors with information about the current 

challenges and trends in the door and gate 

industry – from digitalisation in door/gate 

technology, testing and certification through 

to current cases from the expert reporting 

system. The topic of "sustainability" will also 

be examined, for example with the 

presentation of the Energy Label of the 

European Door and Shutter Federation 

(E.D.S.F.) that will be implemented through 

the "Green Deal" of the EU Commission. 

The National Federation of Door and 

Gate Manufacturers (BVT), the Federal 

Association of Drive and Control Systems. 

Doors/Gates (BAS.T), ift Rosenheim and 

two international organisations, i.e. the 

European Door and Shutter Federation 

(E.D.S.F.) and the Italian Door and Shutter 

Association (ACMI), are jointly organising 

the talk programme which will comprise 

different short talks and panel discussions, 

and will take place daily on Stand 10D51 in 

the Paul Horn Halle (Hall 10). 

You can find all the information about the 

accompanying programme of R+T 2024 

online at: www.rtexpo.de/rahmenprogramm. 


Winter Warmers from 

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Curtains 

Curtains instantly make a room 

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Romans 

Adding that softer touch to a window 

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MARKETING 

Fuzzy feeling 

The colour of the 

year has recently 

been announced 

Ultrafabrics is delighted to announce its 

partnership for the second year with 

Pantone for the annual Pantone Color of 

the Year announcement with a bold vision of how 

color can transform environments and encourage 

personal connection, and have brought that to life 

through a beautifully rendered dreamscape. 

Both Ultrafabrics and Pantone’s Color of the 

Year are celebrating their 25th anniversaries in 

2024, and this year’s announcement embodies the 

creativity and possibility of the year to come. 

Pantone has long set the global benchmark for 

color trends and Ultrafabrics has made equal 

strides as the top performance fabric brand across 

11 markets around the world, including 

partnerships with brands such as MillerKnoll, Fitbit, 

Jaguar Land Rover, and Virgin Galactic. Both iconic 

brands are celebrating a quarter century of 

inspiration and innovation, with bold sights on a 

long and inventive future. 

For the Pantone Color of the Year 2024 

PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz, Ultrafabrics 

engaged Belgium-based WeWantMore Studio to 

design and develop visual concepts that show the 

warm, tactile peach color in all its glory. Nestled 

between pink and orange, PANTONE 13-1023 

Peach Fuzz is a velvety gentle peach whose allembracing 

spirit enriches mind, body and soul. 

Using AI as a tool, WeWantMore created this 

powerful image of a dainty bird perched in its 

home – a nest made out of Ultrafabrics – 

surrounded by a dreamscape of flowers. It 

embodies the very essence of PANTONE 13- 

1023 Peach Fuzz, which brings tactility, comfort, 

and warmth. 

Nicole Meier, director of branding at 

Ultrafabrics, says, “As Ultrafabrics celebrates its 

quarter century as a successful business, we are 

thrilled to be working with Pantone for the 

Pantone Color of the Year 2024 as the expert in 

the interior environment. PANTONE 13-1023 

Peach Fuzz is everything that our fabric is about: 

haptics, warmth, and comfort. This color, and its 

meaning, could not be more perfect for us this 



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MARKETING 

year.” 

Barry Silverman, vice president of 

marketing and branding at Ultrafabrics, says: 

“We achieved so much success with our 

brand partnership last year, inspiring 

specifiers and designers in every market we 

serve. This coming year, while celebrating 

both the brands’ mutual milestones, we will 

continue to explore the intersection of 

color, culture, and emerging technology that 

will engage our audience.” 

“The Pantone Color of the Year 2024 in 

its essence fosters community and 

collaboration. We are excited to continue 

our work with industry leader Ultrafabrics 

to explore the application of the Pantone 

Color of the Year 2024 in the interior design 

world and beyond,” says Elley Cheng, Vice 

President and General Manager of 

Pantone.” 

Ultrafabrics will deepen its collaboration 

throughout 2024 with ‘The Nest’, a series of 

global, interactive events. Sharing their 

expertise on how the Pantone Color of the 

Year can be implemented in almost any type 

of space, this offering will also include 

exclusive palettes incorporating a Pantone 

Color of the Year inspired shade that can be 

custom-developed across the Ultrafabrics’ 

collection range. Together, the brands will 

inspire designers with new ways to 

approach and utilize any color in their work. 

Ultrafabrics’ 25th year of business 

promises to be a peachy year indeed. 

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MARKETING 

Expansion plans 

Coulisse expands 

with acquisitions of 

Lienesch and 

Sensuna: Pioneers 

in honeycomb and 

pleated window 

coverings 

Coulisse, will acquire Lienesch International 

BV in Haaksbergen, the Netherlands and 

Sensuna GmbH in Plauen, Germany 

effective January 1st, 2024. The takeovers will 

further strengthen Coulisse's global position in the 

field of honeycomb and pleated textiles and 

systems in the interior shading market. The 

turnover of Coulisse is expected to increase to 

200 million euros in 2024, with around 350 

employees. 

Complete honeycomb and pleated solution 

The acquisitions bring together the longstanding 

knowledge and expertise of Coulisse, 

Lienesch, and Sensuna in developing and 

manufacturing a total solution of honeycomb and 

pleated fabrics, systems, and motorization. The 

extensive global network of distributors, assembly 

partners, and retailers of the three companies 

now has the convenience of sourcing a 

comprehensive product range from a single 

supplier. 

Christiaan Roetgering, CEO at Coulisse: “In line 

with our shared vision, our goal is to offer 

customers the ultimate total solution for 

honeycomb and pleated shades. This collaboration 

is a significant stride towards positioning Coulisse 

at the forefront of the window covering business 

with a particular focus on energyefficient and 

future-proof solutions for smart homes and 

buildings worldwide.” 

Lienesch fabric specialists 

With over twenty years of experience, Lienesch 

has become a pioneering specialist in honeycomb 

and pleated fabrics since it was founded by Bennie 

Lienesch in 2001. Having started working together 

in 2011, the strategic collaboration between 

Coulisse and Lienesch has led to the launch of the 

energy-saving Honeycell® fabric collection. Thanks 

to excellent knowledge of textiles, continual 


MARKETING 

innovation, and close relationships with the 

market, Lienesch offers high-quality and 

inspiring fabrics for interior shading. After 

the acquisition, the textile production 

facilities will remain in Haaksbergen, the 

Netherlands. 

Bennie Lienesch, founder of Lienesch: 

“We are thrilled to join forces with Coulisse 

as it opens up new opportunities for us in 

the global market. Combining our expertise 

in honeycomb and pleated fabrics with 

Coulisse's proficiency in systems and 

smart automation creates a winning formula. 

We eagerly anticipate elevating our business 

to new heights.” 

Sensuna system experts 

To complete the honeycomb and pleated 

total solution, Coulisse will acquire Sensuna 

from owners Hartmut Knauth and Kathrin 

Kaiser in Plauen, Germany. The company 

specializes in the production of made-tomeasure 

honeycomb and pleated blind 

systems, which are delivered to online sales 

channels. With this acquisition, Coulisse will 

partner with Window Fashion AG. All 

previous Sensuna activities and the 

production facilities of Window Fashion AG 

will be transferred into the new jointventure 

Smart Shades GmbH. 

Andreas Schreiber, CEO of Window 

Fashion AG: “This new venture marks a 

strategic investment in advancing our 

production capabilities for honeycomb and 

pleated blinds. With Coulisse, we aspire to 

push the boundaries of production 

robotization.” 

Dual presence at R+T 

2024 

In response to recent developments, 

Coulisse is set to present its latest 

innovations across two booths at the 

upcoming R+T trade fair in Stuttgart in 

February 2024. The Motionblinds smart 

home booth will feature an immersive 

room, smart device room and exclusive 

product launches. Simultaneously, the joint 

booth featuring Lienesch and Coulisse will 

showcase the latest pleated and 

honeycomb fabrics, with a focus on the new 

range of recycled materials. This 

underscores the commitment to 

sustainability and energyefficient solutions, 

aligning perfectly with current market 

priorities. 

Manual or 

Automated 

Venetian 

or Pleated 

YOUR NO.1 CHOICE 

FOR INTEGRAL 

BLINDS 

0113 277 8722 

sales@morleyglass.co.uk 

Blinds & Shutters • ISSUE ONE 2024 37

SHUTTERS 

What’s wood 

got to do with it? 

What material 

would you choose 

for your shutters? 

S:CRAFT shows the 

way forward 

Wouldn't you choose wood at the 

price of MDF? The answer is 

essentially "no" on two fronts. 

Firstly, in our range, nothing is solely MDF. 

Antigua goes beyond MDF; it's an engineered 

wood composite, recognised as "Engineered 

Wood" across all S:CRAFT materials. Antigua 

incorporates top-quality, environmentally friendly 

MDF, utilising up to 95% of each tree. Crafted 

from the wood of fast-growing trees, Antigua 

shutters support rapid tree replenishment. The 

engineered stiles are reinforced with laminated 

veneer lumber (LVL) inserts, providing durability 

and stability. 

There are many instances where you might 

want to choose wooden shutters; large 

installations, special shapes, stain finishes, and of 

course damp environments call for ABS, but 

where you can use Antigua, really, why wouldn’t 

you? Nowhere, in any industry, is pure wood used 

unless it’s absolutely integral to the product – in 

cases where the emphasised grain finish was 

required for example. Why would you buy wood 

and then paint it white when there are better 

materials? Nobody is making pure walnut 

dashboards anymore. 

The second answer is that engineered wood is 

superior 85% of the time. It's more robust, closes 

better, resists warping, and the polypropylene 

wrap enhances damage, fade, and moisture 

resistance. While wooden shutters may be 

preferable in certain cases, Antigua, primarily made 

from real wood, offers authenticity, beauty, stability, 

and longevity. 

Moreover, Antigua shutters are environmentally 

friendly. The wood used is responsibly managed, 

sustainable, recyclable, waste-efficient, 

biodegradable, and non-toxic. Our factory partner 

in China is the only Asian manufacturer publishing 

a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) report, 

emphasising environmental, social, and economic 

impacts. When you sell Antigua, you're offering a 

popular, proven shutter product produced by the 

world's best and most responsible manufacturer, 

committed to socially responsible practices in 

manufacturing and forestry. 


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elements - Sattler's 

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ELEMENTS 

OEKO WEAVE: 

WE BREATHE NEW LIFE 

INTO DISCARDED FIBERS 

With our Cross Fiber Process, we process re-use 

yarns that are made from fibers that were previously 

thrown away in the production process. In 

this way, we start at the second highest point of 

the waste pyramid and use valuable resources 

that would otherwise be lost. 

The result is a fabric that is both innovative and 

sustainable. 

Elements OEKO WEAVE © Sattler SUN-TEX 

Proper waste management is one of the cornerstones for a 

sustainable future. According to the European Waste 

Directive, waste prevention, reuse and recycling are at the 

top of the five-step waste hierarchy. 

The reuse yarns used for our OEKO WEAVE Elements are 

made from fibers that were previously discarded in the 

manufacturing process. This puts us at the second highest point of 

the pyramid and uses valuable resources that would otherwise be 

lost. We continue to use the most durable outdoor fiber, solution 

dyed polyacryl. The resulting durability is one of the strongest 

arguments for sustainability. 

It is not only the fabric itself that meets a sustainable look, but 

also the associated finishes. Elements OEKO WEAVE features a 

new PFAS-free finish in compliance with the new OEKO-TEX© 

STANDARD 100. By avoiding chemicals of concern, we can help 

reduce the burden of PFAS in the environment and in the human 

body. 

SATTLER is OEKO-TEX© STeP certified and therefore also meets 

the OEKO-TEX© Made in Green guidelines. As a result, the associated 

label can also be affixed to the Elements OEKO WEAVE fabric. 

Despite the combination of the Cross Fiber Process and the 

new PFAS-free finishing, the technical properties remain as 

excellent as ever. 

Elements OEKO WEAVE is available in six different trend colors. 

• 100% spun-dyed brand acrylic 

• thereof 30% re-use fibers 

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water repellency 

• OEKO-TEX © STANDARD 100 

• OEKO-TEX © STeP 

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Blinds & Shutters • ISSUE ONE 2024 39 

www.world-of-sattler.com

SOLAR SHADING 

The importance 

of outdoor living 

The rise in outdoor 

living: What is the 

driving force 

behind this growing 

trend? 

As a nation, the global pandemic taught us 

the importance and value of our outdoor 

spaces. For the best part of two years, we 

were forced to re-evaluate the role of our homes 

and gardens, resulting in many of us choosing to 

invest more in our outdoor spaces than ever 

before. 

For UK homeowners, the multiple lockdowns 

reignited our love for the great outdoors, creating 

a “holiday at home” culture that’s continued to 

flourish over the last couple of years, and shows no 

signs of slowing down. This trend has been fuelled 

by several factors including the desire for extra 

living space, an increased focus on health and 

wellbeing and a keen interest in adding to the value 

of our properties in the current volatile housing 

market. 

The importance of green 

spaces 

According to research, approximately 87% of 

British homes have gardens – with 7 out of 8 

households having access to either a private or 

shared garden – equating to around 23 million 

residential outdoor spaces across the UK. 

Another survey carried out by Hamptons – 

“The Home Experts” – revealed that 61% of 

respondents who moved home in the last two 

years stated that outdoor space was a very 

important factor when choosing a property, while 

78% confirmed that they invest financially in their 

garden every year. 



Want to see more? 

Visit us at the R+T show | 19. - 23.02.2024 

Messe Stuttgart | Hall 3, Stand 3 B 32 

www.lewens-markisen.de

SOLAR SHADING 

The demand for homes with larger 

gardens and outside space has increased 

significantly over the past three years, as 

buyers place a greater value on the lifestyle 

and wellbeing elements of a home. Because 

of this, more and more homeowners are 

seeking quality products that allow them to 

utilise their garden by helping to blur the 

boundaries between indoor and outdoor 

living. 

Increased property value 

A well-maintained outdoor space can 

make the world of difference in terms of 

curb appeal and property value – regardless 

of its size. A study carried out by the Post 

Office in 2020 revealed that a landscaped 

garden could add up to 77% to the value of 

a property. 

Whilst a landscaped outdoor space may 

not be within everyone’s budget, there are a 

number of improvements you can make to 

the exterior of your home that are quick, 

easy and affordable and achieve the same 

result. 

Home improvements 

The UK has experienced a significant 

increase in home improvements and a drive 

to create the most stylish and luxury garden 

designs. This drive has been powered 

further by the rise of the ‘home influencer’ 

sharing Instagram-worthy content to inspire 

consumers to renovate and rejuvenate their 

homes and outdoor spaces. 

One of the key reasons behind this shift 

towards outdoor living is the desire for 

additional living areas. Many homeowners 

are looking to create an extension of their 

indoor living space by adding features such 

as decking, hot tubs, outdoor kitchens and 

additional seating areas including pergolas 

and covered patios. These spaces not only 

provide extra room for entertaining friends 

and family but also increase property value. 

For hospitality and commercial 

establishments, previous social distancing 

rules and restrictions meant they had to 

reconsider the use and functionality of their 

outdoor areas, and for many, this is still a 

priority. Today, the commercial sector 

continues to aim to utilise every inch of 

available outdoor space – with year-round 

flexible solutions being a popular option. 

Changing weather 

patterns 

Although the UK isn’t renowned for its 

hot weather, the past few summers have 

been an exception with long spells of 

uncomfortable heat, causing the nation to 

question whether they’re prepared for the 

warmer weather and likely heatwaves the 

country is predicted to experience over the 

coming years. 

On the other hand, as we transition into 

the winter months, it’s important that our 

outdoor spaces are equipped to stand up 

to the UK’s adverse weather conditions, 

including wind, rain and snow. 

This is where premium solutions such as 

all-weather pergolas, louvered roof canopies 

and patio awnings come in. These products 

have the ability to adapt to these changing 

ambient conditions, providing an open-air 

alfresco feel when left fully open, and 

ensuring a completely water, wind and even 

snow-tight roof when closed. No matter the 

size of your outdoor space, these products 

can act as an extension of the roof of your 

property, linking the home and garden and 

making both areas look and feel bigger. 

The homebuilding 

industry 

Just as outdoor living has climbed its way 

to the top of homeowner wish lists, it has 

also become a priority for architects and 

design professionals focused on residential 

design. 

In 2022, the New Home Trends Institute 

(NHTI) published ‘The Future of Home 

Design’ survey which targeted over 300 

industry professionals including residential 

architects, designers and builders. Offering 

insight into a number of home design trends 

expected to rise over the next three to five 

years, 58% of respondents confirmed that 

connection to the outdoors/nature will be 

an important influence on their design 

choices in the coming years, while 45% said 

outdoor entertaining will also receive 

increased attention. 

To conclude, the home represents the 

biggest ROI, with people spending more 

time at home now than ever before. This 

combined with a home improvement sector 

that’s ripe for continued growth means the 

scope for outdoor living and additional 

extended living solutions is huge. 


Kick off the New Year with 

For the last 20 years, we’ve been helping to keep your customers’ homes 

warm with our wide range of shutters that contribute towards reducing 

heat loss. From Engineered Wood to Premium Hardwood, we have only 

the best range to really benefit your customers’ homes this season. 

Shutters can 

help to reduce 

heat loss by 

up to 36% 

Find out more about our shutters range at customwest.co.uk

SOLAR SHADING 

External solution 

Caribbean blinds 

says the UK has an 

overheating issue: 

Why external 

shading is the 

answer 

Although the UK has experienced a 

somewhat short-lived summer – with 

temperatures remaining relatively cool 

throughout July and August – the recent heatwaves 

and devastating wildfires across Europe are not to 

be taken lightly. 

The Met Office reported that June 2023 was the 

UK’s hottest June on record, not only beating the 

previous record set in 1940, but also June 1976 

(currently the second warmest June on record). 

Despite the fact that we’re nearing the end of 

the summer, the subject of overheating in homes 

and workplaces is here to stay. A new report 

shows that up to one third of homes in England 

could overheat in the future, up from one fifth 

currently, while additional research suggests that 

almost a third of the UK’s healthcare facilities will 

be at risk from heatwaves by 2050. 

The effects of climate change 

Climate change increases the frequency of 

hotter, drier weather and the chances of recordbreaking 

temperatures. Our summers are 

becoming increasingly warmer each year, and the 

issue of overheating will only become more 

apparent as time goes on. 

Recent commissioned research carried out by 

the British Blind & Shutter Association (BBSA) 

showed that a block of flats in London had internal 

operative temperatures (the temperature we feel) 

as high as 45ºC in October, when the external air 

temperature was just 21ºC. 

It’s important to remember that overheating 

doesn’t just affect us during the summer months – 

it also happens during the winter too, with indoor 

temperatures rising to uncomfortable and unsafe 

levels that put occupant health at risk. Because of 

this, external shading products and ventilation have 

an important role to play in managing and reducing 

the risk of overheating in the places where we live 

and work. 

The obvious solution 

Not a ‘new’ concept, external shading has been 

used in various forms across Europe since ancient 



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SOLAR SHADING 

times by people trying to block the sun’s 

harmful rays from their homes. Today, these 

shading products can effectively manage a 

number of environmental and financial 

factors that have a significant impact on our 

overall quality of life. 

Not only do external shading products 

such as blinds, awnings and louvered roofs 

add style to your space and provide your 

home with privacy, but they also retain and 

deflect heat whilst controlling light levels 

and glare – all year round. They help prevent 

unwanted solar heat gain during the 

summer months and allow free solar gain in 

the winter. 

Awnings 

Not a new concept to the UK, awnings 

were used on elaborate glass shop 

frontages in the 1800s as a way to passively 

cool the interior of buildings, whilst 

protecting goods from the sun. Today, 

awnings are growing in popularity because 

not only do they offer additional privacy – 

particularly in built-up areas – but they are 

essential for a healthy living environment. 

Awnings act as an extension of the roof 

of your property whilst providing instant 

shade from sunlight; both heat and glare 

(bright light), outstanding UV protection 

(typically 97.5% minimum UV block) and 

shelter from unexpected rain showers. They 

also deliver a much-needed cooling effect to 

the indoor room adjacent to where they 

are positioned, ensuring a comfortable living 

space – both inside and out – whilst filtering 

UV rays to stop fixtures and furnishings 

from fading. 

External blinds 

Whether mounted to sliding/folding patio 

doors, skylights, roof lights or conservatories, 

outdoor roller and roof blinds create a 

barrier in front of all types of glazing and 

can block up to 97% of the sun’s solar heat 

energy, reducing interior room 

temperatures by up to 18°C on even the 

hottest summer days and mitigating the use 

of air conditioning or cooling devices, 

lowering costs and CO2 emissions as a 

result. 

Not only does this particular type of 

shading solution provide an evenly 

distributed natural light source whilst 

maintaining the view and connection to the 

outside, but external blinds also effectively 

regulate light (glare) and UV, whilst 

minimising any unwanted solar heat gain by 

averting the sun’s rays from reaching the 

glass and keeping buildings – and us – cool. 

Bioclimatic pergolas 

Modern pergolas and canopies with 

sliding, retracting or rotating aluminium 

louvered roofs (and sides) play an 

important role in keeping us cool and 

protected from the sun. Suited to both 

classic and contemporary properties, a 

bioclimatic pergola extends the use of any 

outdoor space by providing instant shelter, 

whilst allowing the user to play with light 

and shade. 

Designed to be relatively low maintenance, 

pergolas offer an open-air alfresco feel when 

left fully open, and ensure a completely water, 

wind and even snow-tight roof when closed. 

Whether it’s in the form of a freestanding 

structure within your garden or adjacent to 

the house as a direct extension of the 

property, a pergola is a simple yet effective 

way to give the impression of an outdoor 

‘room’ and provides the ultimate all-weather, 

outdoor living space that gives the customer 

complete control of the elements. 

To conclude, we should be doing all we 

can to ensure our residential and commercial 

spaces are fully equipped to prevent 

unwanted solar heat gain during the summer 

months and allow free solar gain in the 

winter. Adjustable solar shading in the form of 

awnings, external blinds and bioclimatic 

pergolas have an important part to play in 

saving energy and helping our climate 

journey. 

Not only do these products offer an 

abundance of benefits when socialising, 

entertaining and relaxing outdoors during 

the summer months, but they are a quick, 

easy and affordable way to help ensure a 

thermally and visually comfortable, 

sustainable home with lower running and 

maintenance costs – all year round. 


Solar energy is the future 

That 

That 

is 

is 

why 

why 

BREL 

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shutters 

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and 

and 

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These 

These 

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Ion battery and use a small solar panel for charging. The 

Ion battery and use a small solar panel for charging. The 

battery is charged by solar energy. The motor only needs to 

battery is charged by solar energy. The motor only needs to 

be charged once, and it will continue to operate through the 

be charged once, and it will continue to operate through the 

solar panel for the rest of its lifespan. The standard BREL 

solar panel for the rest of its lifespan. The standard BREL 

SOLAR motors are 13Nm and 20Nm. BREL HOME has SOLAR motors are 13Nm and 20Nm. BREL HOME has a 

40Nm SOLAR motor for large screens and folding arm awnings 

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Web: brel-home.com

AWNINGS 

Reducing heat gain 

through glass surfaces 

Awnings from 

markilux make for 

a better climate in 

the Villa Tapas 

restaurant 

Rooms and spaces that feature a lot of glass 

are known to heat up considerably due to 

the heat generated by sunlight. This is 

something the owner of the Villa Tapas, a 

restaurant in the Dutch town of Assen, a good 30 

kilometres south of Groningen, also found out. To 

ensure guests could enjoy the light, open 

atmosphere at more pleasant temperatures, the 

restaurateur had part of the building shaded by 

awning systems from manufacturer markilux. 

Right in the heart of Assen, in the northwest of 

the Dutch province of Drenthe, the modern glass 

building of the Villa Tapas restaurant extends over 

two floors and is reminiscent of an oversized 

greenhouse. Around 170 square metres of glass 

give the building, which seats a good 200 people, a 

transparent, airy character. But the design also 

brings a number of disadvantages with it: it 

became too hot in spring, summer and autumn. 

Awning systems from manufacturer markilux have 

solved this problem and now ensure that less 

energy is required to air-condition the interior of 

the restaurant. 

Several above-glass awnings 

shade the roof 

According to Jan Kattenbeck, head of “markilux 

project”, the project business of the awning 

specialist, the restaurant operator decided to have 

the west-facing glass roof shaded as a first step in 


AWNINGS 

2018. “On a space of 166 square metres, we 

installed seven above-glass awnings of our 

markilux 8800 model, some of which are 

coupled. We first had to design special track 

brackets to make this concept work. The 

new solar protection was already able to 

reduce the heat gain,” explains Mr 

Kattenbeck. The light-coloured awning cover 

means the whole system blends in perfectly 

with the overall look of the location. But this 

solar protection solution did not reduce the 

heat gain enough, which is why, in a second 

step, the entire glass façade to the west was 

also shaded by the beginning of 2022. 

Vertical roller blinds as 

solar protection 

A specialist company installed eight vertical 

roller blinds, each five metres high, over a 

width of 20 metres. “As the blinds feature our 

‘tracfix’ system, which holds the cover firmly in 

the lateral guide tracks, the wind does not 

really have the opportunity to make the 

cover flap to and fro. And that is really 

important, particularly with systems as large 

as these,” stresses the awning expert. Because 

apart from the blinds looking good, the 

material is well protected and the system puts 

paid to any annoying wind noise. To ensure 

guests can continue to enjoy the view to the 

outside, the restaurateur chose a transparent 

screen fabric. “With this combination of 

above-glass awnings and transparent vertical 

roller blinds we were able to maintain the 

friendly, bright atmosphere within the building 

and at the same time provide a better 

internal climate. And that’s something I’m 

really pleased about – both for the guests and 

the owner,” explains Jan Kattenbeck, who is 

consequently also very satisfied with the way 

the project has turned out 

MAJOR SYSTEM 

Dutch Blind 

Extrusions and 

Components 

EXTRUSION. 

ANODISED, WHITE AND 

BLACK + INSERT 

PULLEY BLOCK 

DUTCH COVERBOARD 

6 metre x 200mm 

4 LEG HINGE CORNER INTERNAL MITRE INTERMEDIATE 

BRACKET 

TUNING FORK 

COVERBOARD 

J’ BRACKET 

METRO SYSTEM (DA1) 

CENTRE LEG 

BRACKET 

BACK HINGE PIECE 

CLEAT STRAP HINGE ALUMINIUM PULLEY PLASTIC PULLEY ‘J’ HOOK 

END CHEEK 

FIXING ANGLE 

1” x 1” x 6 metre 

ANGLE 

1” x 1/8” x 6 metre 

BRACING BAR 

DOG LEG BRACKET 

Made from Glass Filled UV Stabilised 

Nylon for strength and durability. 

All components moulded to match the 

colour of the Extrusions. 

Anodised, White, Black (Major system) 

and Anthracite (Metro System) 

EXTRUSION. ANODISED, 

WHITE AND ANTHRACITE 

+ INSERT 

INTERMEDIATE 

BRACKET 

4 LEG HINGE CORNER type 1 CORNER type 2 CORNER type 3 UNIVERSAL BRACE HIDEALL TAPE 

CENTRE LEG 

BRACKET 

EXTRUSION CAP FIXED WALL PLATE DISPLAY STAND T 

CONNECTOR 

Unit 2a, Miglo Ind Est, Paignton, 

Devon, TQ4 7QW 

Tel: 01803 522887 

E: tony@supa-shade.co.uk 

Blinds & Shutters W: www.awningsdevon.co.uk 

• ISSUE ONE 2024 49

AWNINGS 

Weather protection to 

match your building 

Designer awnings 

from markilux 

underline the 

modern style of a 

new building in the 

Freistadt district of 

Austria 

Ayoung family of four from Bad Zell in 

Austria wanted weatherproof shading to 

protect the three patios around their new 

home that also matched the architecture. The 

owners selected awning models from the 

manufacturer markilux. Additional glare and wind 

protection as well as lighting systems and infrared 

heaters have created a number of cosy seating 

areas in the spacious garden. 

A new building in the middle of the countryside 

in Erdleiten near Bad Zell, surrounded by a 

spacious garden, counts as one of markilux's 

special reference installations. Because here, in the 

Mühlviertel area of Austria, a local specialist dealer 

installed three large systems by the awning 

specialist after the building was completed in 

2020. 

Large awning systems were 

needed 

“The Gruber family wanted to protect the main 

patio right in front of the building as well as a pool 

area in the garden and a separate barbecue patio 

from the sun, wind and rain,” explains Christiane 

Berning, Head of the Marketing and Business 

Development Department at markilux. The 

reason being that the family spends a lot of time 

in the garden and wanted weatherproof awnings 

for these rest and leisure areas that would match 

the style of their new house in terms of colour 

and design. Due to the size of the three patios, 

large awning systems were needed. 

More comfort with glare and 

wind protection 

The seating and sunbathing area by the pool, 

with a surface area of 15 square metres, has 

since been covered by the free-standing 

“markilux markant” awning system. In this 

system, the awning cover is pulled along 

horizontal guide tracks. “Additional vertical 

blinds, which can be lowered as necessary, 

provide protection both from the wind and 

glare,” explains Ms Berning. The couple decided 


AWNINGS 

the vertical awnings of the “markilux 

markant system”, the screen fabric in the 

shadeplus provides protection against a 

low-lying sun. But it still provides a view of 

the surrounding landscape. 

on the “MX-1 compact” folding-arm metres. An awning with a stylishly shaped 

awning east anglia for the two blinds_quarter other patios, which page_BLS1-12 cover cassette, 16/12/11 with LED 12:30 lighting, Page infrared 1 

together measure more than 42 square heaters and a shadeplus option. As with 

Expert advice from local 

specialist dealer 

All the awning frames are colourcoordinated 

with the material of the new 

building in light grey/anthracite tones. “The 

light green shade of the awning covers, on 

the other hand, sets a fresh tone and blends 

in well with the surrounding countryside 

which particularly pleases the owners,” 

explains Christiane Berning. They felt they 

had received competent advice from the 

specialist dealer on site and were very 

satisfied with their choice of awning, which 

emphasises the modern style of the house. 

The garden now offers a number of cosy 

seating areas. Whether for shared meals 

with the family, convivial barbecues or a 

time out by the pool. 

Conservatory and 

Window Blinds 

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bend it_quarter page_iss1-19.indd 1 14/12/2018 12:13

SMART BUILDINGS SHOW 

Visit Smart Buildings 

Show in 2024 

Smart Buildings Show 

connects visitors to 

the latest information 

and technology in the 

smart buildings 

industry. 

The show will return 

to ExCeL London on 

9-10 October 2024. 

Over 2000 people visited Smart Buildings 

Show 2023, continuing the event’s 

success story. 

With over 70 exhibitors and four conference 

theatres the show was busy from the moment the 

doors opened. 

Feedback from the exhibitors was extremely 

positive, and as Ian Ellis - Siemens Building 

Products, commented, “This is the one show you 

sector.” 

New exhibitors and sponsors LMG, commented, 

“It’s been a great show, there have been some 

really interesting seminar sessions. We’ll be back 

next year!” 

Claire Hatchett, sales manager at Smart Buildings 

Show, has already seen a strong rebook for next 

year’s event. “The show is going from strength to 

strength and many companies are taking advantage 

of the early bird rate for next year’s show. I 

encourage companies that are thinking of booking 

to contact me as soon as possible in order to get 

the stand position that they want.” 

As Steve Parker from Trend added, “(It’s a) Great 

show – just like last year. Visitors are more 

targeted than other shows and we get plenty of 

great leads. One of the best.” 

Smart Buildings Show will return to ExCeL 

London on 9-10 October 2024. 

really don’t want to miss.” 

The theme continued with Catherine Walker, 

BCIA, saying “Some of the leading names in smart 

buildings technology were in attendance with 

strong interest in what BCIA is doing to drive 

forward the industry and its people. As the unified 

voice for the sector, we are committed to returning 

next year to optimise the opportunity Smart 

Buildings Show gives us.” 

Stacey Lucas from Sontay told Smart Buildings 

Magazine, “Another fantastic show. Our stand was 

extremely busy which is an indication of the 

popularity and potential of the smart buildings 

To secure your stand at the show, contact 

Claire Hatchett at c.hatchett@turretgroup.com 


FABRIC 

New collection 

Chase Erwin exudes 

Parisian chic with 

new couture 

collection 

Chase Erwin’s sumptuous new Couture 

collection is available now. Inspired by the 

French fashion capital and exclusive 

international fashion shows, the new collection is 

available in five sophisticated designs: Coco, 

Nouveau, Seine, Vogue, and Parisienne. Hand 

crafted in a chic colour palette of soft pastels and 

muted neutral tones, the designs mirror the 

elegant and dreamy aesthetic of the city of Paris. 

Available in a range of seven colourways for 

each of the five designs, the glamorous collection 

provides a delectable range of choice, comfort 

and timeless appeal, with charming fabrics that can 

be used for upholstery, drapery and accessories, 

seamlessly co-ordinated into any interior design 

project. The exquisite Couture collection features 

fabrics in a sophisticated mix of yarns including 

wool, cotton, linen, viscose and silk, offering a 

versatile collection of 35 fabrics. The collection is 

designed by Chase Erwin’s creative team and 

skilfully woven in Italian mills by dedicated 

craftspeople. 

Coco 

A hand-woven tweed, available in seven colour 

palettes to reflect the elegance and structured 

designs of Coco Chanel. This fabric has been 

specially designed for drapery, with its sumptuous 

textured weave for a graceful, classic fall and can 

also be used for soft accessories, such as cushions 

and throws. 

Nouveau 

A contemporary double width sheer, with an 

elegant drape that allows soft light to filter 

through, yet with an element of privacy. This 


FABRIC 

delicate fabric is available in a range of seven colours that work 

harmoniously alongside the Coco drapery, for a layered appearance. 

Seine 

Drawing inspiration from France’s renowned river, Seine is a 

double width shimmering fabric with subtle textures and fluid 

movement. A sophisticated drapery for romantic interiors that rests 

nicely with Coco and Nouveau for a layered effect, also available in 

seven colours. 

Vogue 

A versatile fabric, with an iconic name, this multicoloured 

upholstery fabric exudes presence with its twisted yarn, providing an 

edgy tweed like appearance. Available in seven colours that 

complement the full collection, Vogue’s characteristics will transform 

any piece of furniture, new or old. 

Parisienne 

Inspired by the grandeur and romance of the striking facades of 

the city of Paris, this structured upholstery fabric reminds us of 

the tall and narrow architecture from Art Deco to post-modern 

style we see today. 

“We are delighted to introduce our much-anticipated Couture 

collection. This fall collection provides the fusion of interior design 

and high fashion and is the synergy we need in the industry right 

now. As we see more collaborations between creatives and brands, 

we ourselves see the value in the cross over of disciplines. We trust 

that this exceptional new collection will ignite creativity and deliver 

some exciting opportunities for interior projects globally.” comments 

Chase Erwin CEO, Lauren Stonnell. 

The new collection will be available from September 2023 and 

will be stocked in the United Kingdom, guaranteeing fast delivery for 

design projects. For more information on the new Chase Erwin 

Couture collection, please visit the website for details or visit the 

Chase Erwin showroom at the Design Centre Chelsea Harbour. 

Introducing our new 

Honeycell ® collection 

at R+T Stuttgart 

D iscover our new inspiring and sustainable cellular 

fabrics collection at the R+T Stuttgart 2024. 

From classic designs to contempory colours, from 

sheer to black-out fabrics. All enhancing your interior 

and providing you with optimal indoor comfort. In 

addition to these energy savings properties some of 

our best-selling fabrics are updated and made out of 

recycled material. Making Honeycell ® without a doubt 

the best choice in cellular fabrics. 

Find us at the R+T 2024 in Hall 1, booth 2D1! 

Lienesch Ltd 

Unit 2 - Hunslet Trading Estate, 

Severn Road, LEEDS, LS10 1BL United Kingdom 

Tel. 0113 8681066 

info@lienesch.co.uk 


Discover more

MOTORISATION 

Blinds revolution 

Experience the 

revolution of 

motorised blinds 

with Louvolite 

The past few years have brought about a 

revolutionary change in motorisation 

technology. In the past, motorised blinds 

were considered a luxury that required careful 

consideration and a substantial investment. But 

times have changed. 

Today, motorised blinds are not only impressive 

and easy to use, but they also an excellent option 

for child safety. Thanks to advancements in battery 

technology, these once-unaffordable blinds have 

now become a more realistic option to avoid the 

use of loose cords or chains. 

For those seeking the ultimate convenience, 

Louvolite offers the One Touch rechargeable 

battery range. With sleek, modern remotes and 

powerful lithium motors, operating blinds has 

never been easier. The One Touch range covers all 

sizes of blinds, with the 1200 Series Short motor 

covering narrow blinds, the 1200 Series operating 

mid-size and the 1800 Series working wider, 

heavier blinds. 

These motors are compatible with a wide 

range of blind types, including roller, pleated, 

cellular, vision and Roman blinds. Louvolite even 

has a motor that can be retrofitted into 32mm 

tubes, the rechargeable 500 Series. 

To make charging even more accessible, 

Louvolite offers extension leads and solar panels 

that eliminate the need for plug-in chargers. This 

feature is perfect for blinds in hard-to-reach areas 

or for individuals with limited mobility. 

But Louvolite doesn't stop there. It also offers 

hard-wired motor systems, the 1500 and 6000 

Series, for larger installations, ensuring efficiency 

and effectiveness in any setting. And also, its 

motorisation journey extends to vertical blinds, 

allowing you to adjust light and privacy with the 

touch of a button. 

For those with double glazed UPVC or timber 

windows, Louvolite has a slimline motor 

specifically designed for Perfect Fit roller and Vision 

blinds. 

And to bring ultimate control to your fingertips, 

Louvolite offers a Home Hub, allowing remote 

access to your blinds via mobile phone, tablet 

technology and voice control through Amazon 

Alexa, Google Home and Apple Siri. 

With Louvolite, you can always trust in reliable 

service and support. Its wide range of high-quality 

products and finishing touches means that you can 

build your reputation on their reputation. 

The dream of motorised blinds is no longer just 

a pipedream – it is now a reality that is more 

accessible and affordable for all. Join the revolution 

and experience the convenience and elegance of 

One Touch motorised blinds from Louvolite. 


Our Quality Builds Your Reputation. 

To find out more 01908 642 888 

homecreationsuk.com 

R E A L W O O D V E N E T I A N B L I N D S

PROFILE 

Living life well 

Harol says it has 

been providing 

comfortable living 

since 1946 

Since 1946, Belgian-based family business Harol 

has proved to be a well-respected player 

when it comes to enhancing home comfort. 

Its extensive range of innovative high-quality 

awnings, roller shutters and advanced solutions for 

outdoor living appeals to both home owners and 

businesses worldwide. With an eye for detail and 

outstanding craftsmanship, all projects are finished 

with great precision, down to the last millimetre. 

Feeling at home. This has been the focus of the 

products developed by Harol for many years now. 

That feeling of being welcome in a house or 

commercial property where the touch and feel is 

agreeable and exactly spot-on. Our products which 

help create cool or sheltered places, quiet spots in 

and around a property or the right atmosphere in a 

garden, are designed to achieve just that. 

Classic or modern? Large or small? The 

possibilities are endless and can be tailored to all 

building styles and needs. 

We Believe in Natural Cooling 

Inspired by today’s environmental changes and 

eco-friendly technologies and materials, Harol takes 

great pride in developing sustainable, energyefficient 

products that are good for your health and 

overall wellbeing. 


Blinds & Shutters Production 

with 

With a large assortment of cutting tools and accessories, ranging from 

CO₂ laser to drag knife, and from ultrasonic to oscillating knife, the 

SM-375-TA can cut an unlimited range of CAD patterns in a wide 

variety of fabrics and materials and deliver the versatility and 

quality you are looking for. 

A series of specifically developed software programs make the 

SM-375-TA the most efficient and flexible cutting solutions for technical 

textiles currently available on the market, and one of the flagship 

machines in the SolarEdge Automation Machines catalogue. 

Cutting 

Technologies 

Blade 

Ultrasonic 

Different technologies can be installed simultaneously 

Laser 

Automatic Nesting 

The innovative nesting 

software 

automatically calculates the most 

efficient way to place the shapes on the 

cutting area. The software fits the 

shapes like a puzzle and 

reduces 

discards 

to an absolute minimum, 

optimizing the production cycle 

in 

terms of speed and use of material. 

Discover more on 

our website 

Tel: 01274 306060 

Fax: 01274 306065 

e-mail: sales@rhplastics.com 

www.rhplastics.com 

RH Plastics Technology Ltd 

Head Office & Factory: 

Units 15/17 - Pitcliffe Way Industrial Estate, 

off Upper Castle Street, Bradford BD5 7SG 

Official SolarEdge Automation Machines partner for UK

NEW PRODUCTS 

A smarter choice 

with Arena 

The demand for Smart Home technology 

continues to exceed all of our expectations, 

with developments happening continuously 

to create a smarter home. Most excitingly for us, 

the window furnishings world keeps getting better, 

and Arena is here to help, with support from 

market-leading smart technology provider, Somfy. 

Being able to motorise blinds unlocks a whole 

new realm of benefits to the home; increased 

security, convenience, flexibility and personalisation 

to each individual routine. And thanks to Somfy’s 

wide range of accessories, you can upgrade any 

electric blind from Arena’s Aquarius range into a 

Smart blind, giving your customers the ultimate 

choice and home technology experience! 

Motorised blinds are wirelessly controlled as 

standard, but it’s about finding the right solution for 

your customer's home. The 5-channel and 16- 

channel remote allows your customers to control 

blinds with just the click of a button; The solar panel 

prolongs battery life between charges; and the wall 

switch allows all electric blinds to be controlled by a 

single button that can be placed anywhere in the 

home. 

However, the Somfy TaHoma Smart Hub is the 

star of the show! The Smart Hub allows voice 

command and mobile app usage for complete 

convenience around the home. Through this, the 

Hub is fully programmable to the individuals’ 

routine, increasing home security when away for 

long periods of time, and helps with the darker 

nights now that winter is in full swing. Programming 

blinds to close when it starts to cool down at night 

can also contribute to reducing heat loss. 


Sun protection 




Outdoor living 

Roller shutters 

Discover our 

full promotion 

on tailor-made 

solutions at 

www.harol.com 

Roller shutters 

Outdoor living 

www.harol.com

NEW PRODUCTS 

20 year itch 

Custom west are 

celebrating their 

20th anniversary 

20 years ago, the Custom West brand was 

born. 2003 saw the need for a specialist 

shutter supplier to come onto the market 

and lead the way for window solutions, and that's 

where we came in. Two decades later, that demand 

can still be seen. Shutters are more popular in the 

market than they have ever been and are one of 

the best solutions for your windows this winter. 

With Winter in full swing, and energy efficiency 

back at the top of everyone's priority list, customers 

are now focusing on how to keep their homes as 

warm as possible - that's how bringing in Custom 

West experts can help. Shutters have been found 

to reduce heat loss in the home by up to 28%*, 

which is great with keeping the heat in and the cold 

out when homes need it the most. Full height 

shutters and their edge to edge structure are a 

great recommendation to contribute to this. 

Our Shutter and Shade solution also will 

contribute to a reduction of heat loss due to 

increasing the layers at customers’ windows. The 

Duo Pleat blind will sit in the recess of the window, 

providing the first layer of insulation, and the full 

height shutter will sit in front of that. Generally, any 

style of our Engineered Wood, ABS, Basswood and 

Premium Hardwood shutters can be beneficial 

throughout the colder months, as any form of 

dressing at a window can help to keep draughts at 

bay. 

We are passionate about the quality of service 

and product that we provide. With all of our shutter 

ranges being guaranteed for 3 years, and with our 

lead times as low as 3 weeks, now is the time to 

choose Custom West as your shutter specialists. 


HAFREN 

EFFORTLESSLY ELEGANT 

/hav-ren/ Welsh 

noun 

A legendary Welsh Princess who was 

drowned in the River Severn by her stepmother. 

Hafren is the Welsh name for the River Severn. 

RETRACTABLE 

CANOPY 

ABOUT 

A modular electrically-operated retractable canopy. 

Utilises highest quality Makefast sliding roof 

systems. 

Canopy retracts to the rear at the press of a button. 

Marine-grade 316 stainless steel roof frames. 

FEATURES 

Module width up to 4m 

Module projection up to 6m 

All modules can be linked 

Marine-quality waterproof fabrics 

Proudly designed and manufactured in Wales 

info@shashe.co.uk 

01686 629010 

www.shadeandshelter.co.uk

NEW PRODUCTS 

Motoring on 

Eclipse Blinds that 

it is essential to 

have safe blinds 

Motorisation is a hot topic! Building on the 

popularity of this control option, we have 

lots of features across the Powershade 

motors for Roller, Mirage, Venetian, Pleated & 

Roman blinds. 

Powershade blinds are child safe by design, 

meaning they have no hanging operating cords or 

chains in the home. They are also a great control 

option for harder to reach blinds where 

conventional chain operation may not be possible. 

We are pleased to offer you a quality product at 

a competitive price point. With smooth operation 

and key benefits, we believe this is the best 

motorised system for your customers in the 

window blind market. 

The improved, quieter operation means your 

customers can have a motorised blind that’s 

smooth to use, and has a reduced noise level giving 

them a better user experience in the home. 

Our motors offer consistent rise and close speed 

which means when you’re operating 2 or more 

blinds on the same remote with the same drop, 

they can move up and down at the same speed 

giving a uniform, professional finish. 

The soft start/stop feature lets the blind move off 

and stop gently, giving the feeling of a quality, luxury 

product which is smooth and slick to operate. We 

also offer a 2 year warranty on motors for peace of 

mind. 

Did you know our Powershade motors are also 

compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Home and 

Siri Shortcuts to allow your customers to voice 

control their blinds – amazing! 

The Powershade motors can be used with our 

Senses Roller, Mirage, Venetian & Pleated as well as 

Roman blinds for the ultimate stylish blind. 


TECHNICAL FABRIC 

FOR SOLAR PROTECTION 

MAX 

A s part of the l aunc h of 

its new DICKSO N SOL A R 

FABRI C S col l e c t i on, MA X 

r a nge has been r ein v ented 

wit h a n e w, hig h e r- 

p e rformance c oat i ng f o r 

unparalleled r esistance to 

weat her c ondit i ons. 

incomparable resistance over time. 

An innovative treatment for 

easy maintenance. 

A technical coating for 

A « 4 seasons » fabric for 

MAXimum outdoor fun ! 

Edition 12/2022 - SAS DICKSON CONSTANT - capital 12.640.000 euros - 381 347 970 R.C.S. Lille Métropole - Photos : Dickson 

Base Awnings 01922 644429 

sales@basedirect.co.uk 

More information on : 

dickson-constant.com

NEW PRODUCTS 

New on the panel 

Louvolite panel 

blinds: a fusion of 

modern elegance 

and versatility 

We live in an era where modern 

architecture is embracing large, open 

spaces that connect interior living 

areas to the outside world. One such architectural 

marvel gaining popularity in new and remodelled 

homes is the expansive bi-fold door. With their 

impressive widths reaching up to 6 meters or more, 

these stylishly massive openings call for a unique 

and elegant type of window furnishing. One that 

can easily cover the entire opening when necessary, 

yet can effortlessly disappear at a moment's notice 

to reveal the beauty of the outdoors. 

Enter Louvolite panel blinds - the perfect solution 

for such opportunities. 

Designed with versatility and sophistication in 

mind, Louvolite panel blinds are not just window 

coverings, but a statement of style and functionality. 

They effortlessly liven up your windows by 

providing a contemporary way to control light, 

reduce glare, maintain privacy, and enhance view in 

both residential and commercial settings. 

What sets Louvolite panel blinds apart is their 

adaptability. Nearly every fabric from the Louvolite 

roller shade collection can be transformed into a 

stunning panel blind. Whether you prefer soft pastel 

greys, bold primary colours, fabulous design prints 

or a mix of textures and colours, the possibilities 

are limitless. Unlike many other blind manufacturers, 

Louvolite recognises the potential of panel blinds 

and doesn't shy away from offering this versatile 

product. 

Imagine walking into a showroom and being 

greeted by an awe-inspiring display of panel blinds. 

They shouldn't be hidden behind other blinds but 

should stand out proudly, showcasing their modern 

elegance and versatility. The design team at 

Louvolite can even suggest combinations that will 

leave your customers in awe, many of whom will 

undoubtedly want to give these fantastic blinds a 

home. 

Louvolite panel blinds are more than just a 

window furnishing. They are innovative, easy-tooperate 

solutions for larger windows, bi-fold or 

patio doors. They are a fantastic choice for those 

who appreciate the fusion of modern style and 

practical functionality. So, why not let your windows 

make a statement with Louvolite panel blinds? Their 

contemporary charm and versatility promise to 

transform any space into a stylish and comfortable 

haven. 


INNOVATION - AUTOMATION - SERVICE 

Micro Pneumatics 

- www.micropneumatics.co.uk - 0116 2611055 - sales@micropneumatics.co.uk -

NEW PRODUCTS 

Custom colour 

Serge Ferrari Group 

launches custom 

anniversary colour 

for Soltis Proof 502 

Serge Ferrari Group is debuting a new custom 

anniversary colour for its best-selling exterior 

solar protection fabric. To celebrate 25 years 

of Soltis Proof 502, this industry-leading waterproof 

membrane fabric is now available in Revival Blue. 

Soltis Proof 502 is a waterproof, durable, 

lightweight, and easy-to-clean fabric that delivers 

superior flexibility and strength to allow creative 

freedom of shape and size for various outdoor 

applications. This cutting-edge fabric is ideal for 

awnings, pergolas, shade sails, light structures, and 

fixed shading systems. 

“Serge Ferrari Group now proudly offers Soltis 

Proof 502 in Revival Blue, addressing the current 

urban renewal trends and the resurgence of textile 

innovation within the awning industry,” said Jeff 

Dellinger, Business Development Manager, Marine, 

Solar & Distribution, Serge Ferrari North America. 

“In an ever-evolving urban landscape, we recognize 

that urban design keeps pace with our evolving 

human needs. Revival Blue serves as a symbol of 

our cities' ongoing evolution and their ability to 

adapt to changing times.” 

In addition to Revival Blue, the Soltis Proof 502 

range is available in 40 other colors, which offer a 

unique, satin finish and a modern, high-end look 

suited for commercial and residential applications. 

Serge Ferrari Group's patented Précontraint 

technology guarantees exceptional durability and 

dimensional stability for Soltis Proof 502. This 

technology prevents tearing or stretching, while the 

company’s meticulous pigment selection and thicker 

yarn crest coating outperform competing products. 

Proven through rigorous testing, this membrane 

fabric provides year-round comfort against heat and 

the elements, offering 100% UV ray protection 

(UPF 50+). Soltis Proof 502 is GREENGUARD 

Gold certified and comes with a 10-year warranty 


Light & draught 

blocking siderails 

unrivalled 

levels of 

blackout

NEW PRODUCTS 

Apple integration 

Somfy has 

integrated its 

products with 

Apple Home 

Somfy has announced its integration and 

certification with Apple Home. This 

certification will create a seamless integration 

with Apple Home for all supported Zigbee motors 

powering interior window applications, and the 

TaHoma switch. 

Zigbee 3.0 technology is an interoperable, globally 

adopted and secure IoT solution used to connect 

smart home devices to a consistent network and 

create a seamless ecosystem of products that work 

simultaneously. Through the control of TaHoma 

switch, the new certification with Apple Home 

provides an easy, secure way to control Somfy 

powered motorized window coverings using Zigbee 

motors via the Apple Home app and Siri on the 

iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, HomePod, or Mac. 

“At Somfy, we remain committed to delivering the 

best possible homeowner experience through 

innovative solutions. This certification is an exciting 

step forward for the organization in expanding its 

global reach which will enable Somfy to continue to 

deliver a quality, interconnected and enjoyable user 

experience,” said David Parrett, vice president of 

marketing at Somfy North America. 

The Apple Home controls will include the ability 

for precise adjustment of Somfy shades, with 

automation that can make management completely 

hands-free. Somfy now offers direct integration into 

five major smart home control ecosystems, including 

Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, 

Samsung SmartThings, and IFTTT. 

A complete range of diverse smart home 

functionalities from Somfy also continues to be made 

possible by the TaHoma app, available for all major 

devices. The app enables end users to control their 

smart home shading products through a user-friendly 

and intuitive interface that connects easily and 

enables shade movement via voice command. The 

customizable interface simplifies controls and allows 

users to add devices, scenes or rooms catered to 

their preferences while also offering planned controls 

based on scheduled actions. 

Parrett added, “This solution and Somfy’s full line 

of Zigbee 3.0 products create a smart shading 

ecosystem that offers ease and comfort to all, from 

manufacturers on the production floor to the 

installer and the end user. Our focus remains on 

producing solutions that bring ease and comfort to 

all users through solutions such as Apple Home and 

Somfy’s TaHoma app wherein users can easily set up, 

configure and access their smart shading from 

anywhere.” 


Secure your stand at the UK’s leading 

dedicated smart buildings event 

Contact Claire Hatchett at 

c.hatchett@turretgroup.com 

or call 07976 613352 

www.smartbuildingsshow.com

NEW PRODUCTS 

Reliable partner 

ISO 9001 

Certification 

validates that 

Crestron’s quality 

commitment and 

manufacturing 

processes aid to 

produce some of 

the most reliable 

solutions on the 

market 

Crestron Electronics, a global leader in 

workplace and smart home technology, 

today announces the company has 

achieved ISO 9001 certification, which is the 

foundational international standard for quality 

management systems (QMS). ISO 9001 sets out the 

criteria for a quality management system and has a 

global impact, as organizations in over 170 countries 

hold the certification. 

Crestron’s quality standards are noted across the 

industry, and result in some of the most reliable AV 

solutions on the market due to their meticulous 

manufacturing process. The ISO 9001 certification is 

the latest promise to customers and partners, 

further reinforcing that Crestron prioritizes 

developing the highest standard of solutions. 

“Crestron’s commitment to quality is an intrinsic 

part of our company DNA. By obtaining ISO 9001 

certification, we are not only exemplifying that our 

practices are of standard, but we are committing 

ourselves to continued improvement in the years to 

come as we push ourselves to the next level,” says 

Dan Brady, chief operating officer at Crestron. “The 

ISO certification is a stamp of approval on our 

control processes and proves that we deliver on 

our promise to supply reliable solutions that are 

built to last.” 

Crestron has published The Crestron Quality 

Policy which outlines the practices the company 

has put in place and to which it holds itself 

accountable. The company’s manufacturing 

process includes hundreds of procedures that 

have been recorded and are continuously 

improved upon. These include total alignment — 

from documentation to training — resulting in 

consistent, well-defined, and regularly reviewed 

processes, policies, and procedures. 

Crestron’s quality process is unmatched, as each 

solution goes through rigorous testing before it ever 

arrives onsite. Product testing happens throughout a 

product’s development, from early prototypes to 

the finished product. These solutions are tested to 

fail so a solution’s weakness can be found, 

addressed, and tested again to ensure the final 

product is durable enough to meet real-world 

demands. This process involves environmental 

simulations of extreme temperatures, maximum 

voltages, and impact scenarios. Crestron solutions 

are also tested for RF interference and FCC 

compliance. 


Helpline 

To advertise here contact Julie at j.saridakis@turretgroup.com 

AWNING FABRICS 

DAY AND NIGHT BLINDS 

PERFECT FIT BLINDS 

ROLLER BLIND FABRICS, 

COMPONENTS & SYSTEMS 

Open 

An Account! 

ROMAN 

BLINDS 

01924 481 710 

INFO@GREEN-BROWN.CO.UK 

Excellent Quality, Unbeatable 

Service & Competitive Prices 

• Wooden 

• Aluminium 

• Vertical 

• 

• Roller 

• Faux Wood 

• Pleated 

• Roman 

E: vicky@tropicalblindsltd.co.uk 

T: 020 8269 6400 F: 020 8269 6401/2 

We set the standard for Customer Support 

FLY/INSECT SCREENS 

PLEATED BLIND SYSTEM 

& FABRICS 

04_GB_Product_Ad_Blinds&Shutters_Dec2023.indd 07/12/2023 1 

16:35 

2202-Tropical Blinds advert 42mm.indd 1 16/02/2018 10:21 

ROLLER BLINDS 

Pleated Blinds 

Roller Blinds 

Everything you need to 

manufacture Roller 

blinds using Louvolite 

fabrics & components 

Customer Services 

0161 882 5050 

orders@louvolite.com 

www.dickson-constant.com 

AWNINGS 

UK manufactured 

2-week nationwide delivery 

BAT & Dickson stockists 

Exclusive Trade only Supplier 

sales@basedirect.co.uk 

www.basedirect.co.uk 

BLINDS FABRICS 

INTEGRAL BLINDS 

NO.1 

CHOICE FOR INTEGRAL BLINDS 

your 

T 0113 277 8722 

E sales@morleyglass.co.uk 



manufacture Pleated 




0161 882 5050 


To advertise in Blinds & Shutters 

please contact JULIE SARIDAKIS 


via e-mail at: 


PLEATED BLINDS 



• Wooden 

• Aluminium 

• Vertical 

• 

Open 

An Account! 

• Roller 

• Faux Wood 

• Pleated 

• Roman 


T: 020 8269 6400 F: 020 8269 6401/2 


ROMAN 

BLINDS 

01924 481 710 


C 

M 

Perfect Fit Blinds 


manufacture Perfect Fit 



ea blinds_3x1_BLSCLASS.pdf 29/10/12 15:41:21 


CONSERVATORY ROOF BLINDS 

0161 882 5050 




• Wooden 

• Aluminium 

• Vertical 

• 

• Roller 


04_GB_Product_Ad_Blinds&Shutters_Dec2023.indd 07/12/2023 1 

16:35 

• Faux Wood 


• Pleated 

• Roman 



T: 020 8269 6400 F: 020 8269 6401/2 



ROMAN BLINDS 

Y 

CM 

MY 

CY 

CMY 

K 

Conservatory and 

Window Blinds Specialists 

Motorisation options available 

01603 404040 

enquiries@eablinds.co.uk 

www.eablinds.co.uk 

CONSERVATORY ROOF BLINDS 







PLEATED BLINDS MOTORISED 



• Wooden 

• Aluminium 

• Vertical 

• 

• Roller 

• Faux Wood 

• Pleated 

• Roman 


T: 020 8269 6400 F: 020 8269 6401/2 


ROMAN BLINDS 




• Wooden 

• Aluminium 

• Vertical 

• 

• Roller 

• Faux Wood 

• Pleated 

• Roman 


T: 020 8269 6400 F: 020 8269 6401/2 


Open 

An Account! 

ROMAN 

BLINDS 

01924 481 710 


Open 

An Account! 

ROMAN 

BLINDS 

01924 481 710 

INFO@GREEN-BROWN.CO.UK

SHUTTERS 

VERTICAL BLIND FABRICS 



• Wooden 

• Aluminium 

• Vertical 

• 

• Roller 

• Faux Wood 

• Pleated 

• Roman 


T: 020 8269 6400 F: 020 8269 6401/2 


VENETIAN BLINDS TO THE TRADE 

Vertical Blinds 


manufacture Vertical 




0161 882 5050 


Classified’s 

202-Tropical Blinds advert 42mm.indd 1 16/02/2018 10:21 WOODEN BLINDS 

SPECIALIST INSTALLERS REQUIRED 



• Wooden 

• Aluminium 

• Vertical 

• 

• Roller 

• Faux Wood 

• Pleated 

• Roman 


T: 020 8269 6400 F: 020 8269 6401/2 




• Wooden 

• Aluminium 

• Vertical 

• 

• Roller 

• Faux Wood 

• Pleated 

• Roman 


T: 020 8269 6400 F: 020 8269 6401/2 


Join our team 

of local advisors 

Immediate start available 

202-Tropical VERTICAL Blinds advert BLINDS 42mm.indd 1 16/02/2018 10:21 WOODEN VENETIAN BLINDS 


Become a Hillarys advisor. Join our network 

of advisors, designers and installers and be 

your own boss. Working in your local area 

you’ll help people transform their homes 

and make window wise choices. 

Open 

An Account! 

ROMAN 

BLINDS 

01924 481 710 


Open 

An Account! 

ROMAN 

BLINDS 

01924 481 710 


Great earning 

potential 

Flexible 

working 

Award winning 

training 

To find out more register for your free virtual 

discovery session today! 

HILLARYS.CO.UK/ADVISOR 

MARKETING 

07/12/2023 16:35 

The shoemaker’s son 

always goes barefoot. 

4_GB_Product_Ad_Blinds&Shutters_Dec2023.indd 04_GB_Product_Ad_Blinds&Shutters_Dec2023.indd 1 

07/12/2023 1 

16:35 

It’s the same in many industries, we never get the time to look after 

ourselves. 

We’ve been far too busy creating beautiful websites and building 

successful email campaigns for clients that our site relaunch has been 

pushed back again. 

This is not a complaint though, it’s what we at Reva call a nice problem, 

plus it shows that with us the customer indeed does come first. 

If you would like to push our website further down our to do list 

contact us for a chat. 

R E Web Design 

V A & Development 

T. 01932 567505 • chat@reva.co.uk 

In the April 2024 edition, features include: 

n Security shutters & insect screens n Vertical blinds 

n Digital technology & social media n Awnings & terrace coverings 

n Conservatory, rooflight & shaped blinds n Fabric technology 

n Wood & pinoleum blinds n Sustainability 

SALES DESIGNERS REQUIRED 

DISCOVER YOUR NEW 

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY 

Our Sales Designers and Installers 

remain at the heart of our business. 

If you have exceptional customer 

service skills, a great eye for 

precision and detail this could be 

the perfect opportunity for you. 

• Part-time & full-time 

opportunities available 

• High earning potential 

• Comprehensive training provided 

Visit careers.thomas-sanderson.co.uk or call 0115 852 2896 

To submit your editorial article, 

please contact: 

John Hatcher, Editor 

E: j.hatcher@turretgroup.com 

View Blinds & Shutters online at www.blindsmagazine.co.uk

IMPRESSIONS 

WOOD VENETIAN COLLECTION 

Combining Tropical Blinds’ extensive experience producing wood blinds and our continued success with 

the Impressions Faux Wood blind, we are excited to launch the Impressions WOOD Collection. 

Six carefully selected Basswood colours will complement and enhance any interior décor, harmonising 

perfectly within the current interiors trend of white, cream, grey and black. Available with ladder braid, 

25mm and 38mm tape, these stunning wood blinds will add warmth and elegance to any setting. 

Please contact your Area Sales Manager, or the customer services team, to request a swatch containing 

the complete collection including tapes or a sample blind. 

You can see all our product ranges and first class customer support systems at 

tropicalblinds.com

Use in your showroom or in the home to easily 

show your customers the system and colour 

options available to them. 

We’ve even included the survey/fitting tool for 

ease should you wish to survey during your visit. 

View our video 

for more details: 

The technical quick guide in the spine has 

all the size info you may also require. 

For more information contact your Area Sales Manager 

or call our Customer Service Department on 

0141 814 3500 

www.eclipseblinds.co.uk

Blinds & Shutters - Issue 1/2024

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