Just Blinds

Vertical Blind Slats- Buying Guide

2012-03-04T10:05:00.001-08:00

More often than not you'll want to eventually decorate your room, change your flooring or carpet and perhaps think about buying new window blinds.

If you have vertical blinds however there is a much cheaper alternative to changing the whole blind. Chances are, the vertical blind still operates perfectly well and it is just the blind slats that look a little worse for wear. You can buy vertical blind slats to replace your old ones at a fraction of the price of a new blind. This gives you the opportunity to change your blind as you change the colour scheme of your room without it breaking the bank.
Vertical blind slats (often called blind louvres or blind vanes) can be found on the internet for as little as 95p each (sometimes even cheaper if you're prepared to have a coloured end of line fabric).

There are a few things to consider before ordering your replacement blind slats.

Do you have 3.5" or 5" wide blind slats?
Measure the width of one of your existing blind slats. It will either be 5 inches wide (127mm) or 3.5 inches wide (89mm). You can't put 3.5 inch slats onto a rail designed for 5 inch and vice versa. 5" blind slats aren't as popular these days so expect to find a smaller choice on offer. 3.5" blind slats offer a much wider choice of fabrics.

Do you need new weights and chain?
Not all blind slat shops include the weights and chains and will charge you extra for these. It's worth checking on the website of the company that you choose for your replacement blind slats if they are included in the price or not. It's always worth changing your bottom weights and chains as not only do they discolour with time but some bottom weights are different sizes and trying to fit your old weights into your new blind slats may prove tricky.

Will new blind slats fit my old track or rail?
Luckily most blind slats use the same type of hanger system. For more information you may want to read this blind buying FAQ

Measuring for your new vertical blind slats
This part is really simple. Take down one of your existing blind slats and lay it flat. Now measure from the top of the fabric to the bottom. There is no need to allow for hems etc. Simply measure the fabric from top to bottom.

Vertical blind slats -buying guide

Choosing a Fabric for Replacement Vertical Blind Slats

You may already have a colour in mind. Popular colours are always white or cream as they are neutral and will go with any colour scheme. If you're feeling a little more adventurous then see the article on this years interior design colours for blinds.

Replacement blind slats are available at different prices and for different purposes, You may want a washable blind slat fabric or blackout vertical blind slats for the bedroom or nursery. For a touch of luxury why not consider suede blind slats?

You are much better to buy made to measure blind slats instead of the slat packs sold by such shops as Argos etc. Buying made to measure costs about the same and is so much easier than having to cut each slat down. Simply unpack and hang them onto your head rail.

Bear in mind when buying vertical blind slats that the colour you see on screen may be different to the actual colour of the fabric. This is due to the limitations of computer screens. Most blind companies will be happy to provide you with free samples if you are trying to match a colour.

Click here to buy 3.5 inch vertical blind slats
Click here to buy 5 inch vertical blind slats

Interior Design Colours for 2012

2012-01-23T09:00:00.000-08:00

A few hours trawling through the countless pages on the internet regarding interior design in the UK and it becomes clear that the major authorities on the subject of colour trends all share the same view this year.

There are a number of different colours and styles mentioned but the overriding trend seems to centre around the same theme.

2012 interior design trends seem to favour a minimalistic approach using neutral colours but with splashes of vibrant colour the most popular of which is Tangerine Orange. A full list of 2012 trend colours are listed below

Tangerine Orange
Lime Green
Sunflower Yellow
Navy
Rosy Red
Lilac
Blossom Pink

In addition to home decor a number of fashion designers are reported to have introduced Orange or Tangerine Tango and the other reported colours into their 2012 clothing ranges too so expect to see this colour scheme invade every aspect of your life this year.

Neutral colours including pale grey, stone and cream will provide the backdrop to these bursts of colour.

After a couple of trying years in the UK it is reported that people want to add a splash of colour and light into their surroundings. Tangerine Tango and Lime Green will certainly do that.

How to get the look

Don't over do it, that is the key, Maybe have one relief wall and then consider subtle additions to your room, scatter cushions maybe, a rug, a vase, vertical blind slats even. For very little cost you can transform your room to reflect a modern bright and clean look. If you keep the cost down then come next year you can afford to do the same again when accent colours change.

Tangerine replacement vertical blind slats £1.35 each

Lime Green replacement vertical blind slats £1.35 each

Rosy Red replacement vertical blind slats £1.35 each

Replacement vertical blind slats can bring your old blinds to life

2011-10-10T04:44:00.001-07:00

The thing with vertical blinds is that although the headrail system will last virtually forever after a few years the blind slats begin to look shabby! Some blind slats are washable see our article on how to clean vertical blind slats some aren't however and even if they are, after a couple of washes even washable blind slats can look a bit worse for wear. Thankfully you can easily buy replacement vertical blind slats or blind louvres that are made to the same sizes as your old ones and simply hang on your existing blind head rail. Most vertical blind systems are universal and so it doesn't matter if it was your local blinds company or a national company such as Hilarys Blinds who supplied your vertical blinds, chances are replacement vertical blind slats would fit. If in doubt call the supplier of your replacement vertical blind slats and ask the question

Buying blind slats only is a cheaper option than new blinds and the end result will be just as impressive. your old blinds will look like new again

A point to consider when buying new vertical blind slats is to remember that slats are available in two widths. 5 inch (127mm) blind slats and 3.5 inch (89mm) blind slats. It's important to order the same width slats as you currently have as 5" slats wont fit on a rail designed for 3.5" slats and vice versa. To find out which slats you have simply measure the width of one slat.

Measuring your existing slats is easy, Click here for our guide on how to measure vertical blind slats

Choosing new vertical blind slats opens up a whole new level of choice. You can find a wide array of colours and fabrics available. You will find that the choice on 5" vertical blind slats is smaller than 3.5" vertical blind slats as the most popular width is 3.5" these days. Why not go for something a little fashionable, click here for ideas on vertical blind colours

Click here to buy 3.5 inch vertical blind slats from just 95p each
Click here to buy 5 inch vertical blind slats from just £1.20 each

How to wash vertical blind slats / louvres

2011-07-12T04:07:00.001-07:00

Only certain types of vertical blind slats are washable and even then you need to follow guidelines. If you have a stitch bond fabric that looks like the picture below then unless its been treated to be FR (fire retardant) then it should be washable.

If your blind slat fabric doesn't look like the one in the picture then we would suggest simply using a sponge an a very mild detergent mix taking care not to wet the fabric too much. Lay flat as you sponge and hang up to dry.

If however you do have a stitch bond fabric (sometimes stitch bond is plain as in the picture and sometimes it has a pattern printed onto it usually in white) then you are able to wash either by hand in the bath or by following the instructions here to wash in the machine.

Remove all the chains and weights from the bottom of the blind slats and then unclip the louvres from the headrail taking care not to break or damage any of the hangers. Roll the slats up in batches of no more than 5 at a time as tightly as you can and secure with either elastic bands or string. Place the rolls into a pillow case or several pillow cases and tie the pillow case up securely. Place in the washing machine on a cool delicates wash with no spin.

When the cycle has finished then unroll the slats and hang them up to dry over the bath or somewhere not in direct sunlight. Once dry you can hang them back at your window and re-attach the weights and chains. Your vertical blind slats should look like new.

In case everything goes disastrously wrong, you can buy replacement vertical blind slats here from as little as 99p each.

Click here to buy vertical blind slats

The truth about fitting blinds to UPVC windows

2011-06-19T12:18:00.000-07:00

We get asked a great deal about fitting blinds to upvc windows, In fact this has turned out to be such a big deal that there is now a system called perfect fit that eradicates the need for any fixings. This isn't a cost effective solution however so we thought we'd dispell the myth about this voiding your warranty.

We have consulted an expert with over 20 years experience in the UK glass and glazing industry before compiling this article.

Will I be invalidating my guarantee or warranty?

First of all, you must remember something about the replacement window market. It's predominantly a high pressure sales industry that has come to offer unrealistic warranties on it's products in order to sell. Can you think of anything that carries a ten year warranty other than a new build house and a upvc window? The latest Bentley costs well over £100,000 and yet has a three year warranty so how can a bathroom window costing a few hundred pounds have a 10 year warranty? Quite simply it doesn't.

If you look closely at your window guarantee you will see that the only thing covered for 10 years is the UPVC and then its only covered for discolouration etc. The glass usually will carry a 5 year guarantee and the hardware (handles, hinges etc) just 12 months.

So how do I fix blinds to UPVC windows?

Well ideally you would have a recess to fit to, you would use top fix brackets and fix them to the head of the window recess. If however you don't have a recess, such as in a conervatory then rest assured you can fix your blind to the head of the UPVC outer frame using face fix blind brackets. This will in no way invalidate your warranty (for what good it is). Take a look at the pictures below

A cross section of a typical UPVC window


A cross section of the outer frame

Can you see that you would be fitting to the face on the left hand side (this is the side indoors assuming you have internally glazed windows).

You will see that window profiles have multi chambers and so will provide an adequate fixing to hold the weight of even the heaviest vertical or venetian blind. In the centre of the profile is either steel, aluminium or more recently a composite material that acts as reinforcing. We would advise using screws no longer than 35mm so that you don't penetrate further than the reinforcing channel. There are no moving parts, no drainage channels in the way in fact nothing at all that would invalidate a warranty.

So why is it a common belief that you shouldn't screw into UPVC?
Quite simply, the more unscrupulous window companies would do anything to get out of their guarantee obligations. Many window companies go out of business after just a few years as they cannot sustain the remedial work that arises after a few years trading.

If you are still concerned then call the customer service department of the company who installed your conservatory or windows and ask them is it ok to install blinds. If the answer is no ask them to put it in writing for you stating their reasons. We'd love to see the replies!

Click here to buy vertical blind brackets

Blinds for bay windows

2011-06-07T13:05:00.000-07:00

1 in 3 of the properies that we visit have a bay window. The Warrington area and certain suburbs of Manchester seem in particular to have a great number of property that were built with a bay or bow window.

For clarification a bay is typically 3 or less sections and can be either a square 90 degree bay or a splay 135 degree bay. A bow window is typically more than 3 sections of equal size.

A bay window is simple to install blinds onto. A blind is made for each section with an individual control. Deductions are made by the fitter when measuring to ensure that each blind fits and operates correctly. Most types of blinds, vertical, roller, venetian etc can be fitted to this type of window.

A bow window is a bit more of a challenge. Typically the best type of blind to install here is a vertical blind with a curved headrail. This can be operated with one control but the rail system need to be professionally measured and installed. The cost is usually comparable to the cost of fitting 3 individual blinds to a bay. The result is very impressive and an ideal solution to a challenging problem.

If you live in Merseyside, Cheshire or Greater Manchester then we can provide a measuring and fitting service. If you live outside of this area then visit google.co.uk and type in curved headrail for your area.

Blackout blinds - are they worth the money

2011-06-07T12:46:00.001-07:00

At this time of year blinds companies begin to be inundated with enquires about Blackout blinds. Because of the light nights both infants and people who work unsociable shift patterns struggle to sleep whilst daylight stretches into the night.

I thought I'd share with you a few misconceptions about blackout blinds to give you more of an insight when considering them for your home.

A traditional choice amongst homeowners is to buy vertical blackout blinds. Whilst aesthetically pleasing a vertical blind by it's very nature is unable to provide true 100% blackout. Because each slat or louvre has a bottom weight which is up to 1/8th inch think this enables a slither of light to penetrate between each slat. In addition there has to be a clearance gap around the blind to enable it to operate freely. You can purchase blackout vertical blinds or even replace your existing blind slats with replacement blackout vertical blind slats but bear in mind that it is the fabric that is blackout and not the blind for the reasons detailed above.

For a true blackout blind consider a cassette type roller blind. This is a roller blind normally enclosed in a header cassette and that normally has guide channels on either side providing 100% blackout. These blinds are ideal for domestic applications and also for use in commercial premises such as photographic dark rooms.

Just bear in mind when purchasing blackout blinds that although vertical blinds will eliminate a huge amount of light, only a cassette type roller will provide a true blackout.

Just Blinds offer a free fitting service on all blackout blinds around the Bolton, Manchester, Warrington, Wigan, Widnes and St Helens area Visit our website for more information.

The truth about blind offers

2011-05-25T03:00:00.000-07:00

Beware of misleading "Special Offers"

Beware of the blind companies whose offers aren't just competitive but rather down right ridiculous, it is these companies who are offering such unbelievable prices who will in fact turn out to be the most expensive.

Very often these companies will have an old stock vertical blind fabric in a terrible colour and pattern (when we say terrible we mean olive green with pink flowers) and it is this fabric that they will have on offer. 7 blinds for £100 isn't possible, It really isn't.

You can read more about vertical blind offers on our website