Panel Blinds | Sliding Panel Track Blinds

Frequently Asked Questions about Panel Blinds

What is a panel blind?

Panel blinds are a hybrid of conventional vertical blinds and roller blind fabric panels. They feature multiple large fabric panels that glide across a delicate headrail. They are perfect for large windows, patios, and bi-fold doors. When the panel blind drawn open to reveal the window or door, the fabric panels stack behind each other. When drawn closed, the fabric panels spread out to cover the full span of the window, with a slight overlap between panels.

How do panel blinds open and close?

Panel blinds are incredibly user-friendly. Simply use the included wand or chain to open and close the blind as desired. The cloth panels will glide effortlessly across the track which features multiple channels. This multi-channel track enables the panels to be stacked while drawn fully open.

Are panel blinds any good?

Panel blinds are excellent for covering large spaces - including bi-folds, patio doors and large windows. They can even be used a room divider if you have a large open plan area that you wish to sub-divide occasionally. Depending on the type of fabric you select, panel glides can effectively block light or provide privacy. Fabrics can be decorative also, providing blocks of bold or more subtle colours and decorative patterns. In general, they are less effective at precision light control than vertical blinds, since the fabric panels do not tilt like vertical blind louvres, which is why many people choose to use them as internal blinds and room dividers. The other thing to consider is the stack of the panels when they are drawn open. So if installing at a window or door opening, you may wish to install so that the panels stack to one side outside of the opening.

Are panel blinds thermal?

Depending on the fabric choice, panel blinds can be fashionable thermal blinds that are especially handy for covering sliding doors and patio doors. Covering a large expanse of glazing with fabric panels in itself provides a degree of insulation. However, some fabrics provide a greater degree of insulation than others, for example due to thermal or reflective backings, therefore keeping in heat in the winter or rejecting heat in the summer.

Are panel blinds easy to install?

Panel blinds are simple to install and can be configured in a number of ways to meet your requirements. You will receive a headrail, fixing brackets and the appropriate number of fabric panels. Brackets can either be top fixed into the recess or face fixed around the recess, by drilling, plugging and screwing. The headrail fixes to the brackets using a turn-buckle fitting. The headrail is pre-fitted with runners for each fabric panel. The runners will come fitted with one side of a set of velcro strips. The other part of the velcro strip will be sewn to the head of the fabric panel, making it very easy to hang the fabric panels onto the headrail.

What are panel glide blinds?

Panel glide blinds are a form of blind consisting of multiple large sliding fabric panels that can be opened and closed by sliding them along a headrail. They are perfect for wide windows or doors. They are a modern alternative to traditional vertical blinds or curtains. Panel glide blinds are so called because they feature a headrail with multiple channels allowing the panels to glide horizontally. While they function similarly to vertical blinds, they are constructed from large fabric panels that are mounted to a track system and glide open and closed, but do not tilt. Vertical blinds by contrast use thin fabric louvres which both slide and tilt.

Can you wash panel blinds?

Depending on the fabric used, warm water and a mild soap solution can usually be used to gently remove dirt from panel blinds. It is crucial to ensure that the combination is extremely diluted and weak. Refrain from using cleaning chemicals with a high concentration. We would always recommend checking the fabric manufacturer’s cleaning instructions, as instructions will vary according to the fabric chosen.
 

How do blinds on a track operate?

Blinds on a track operate by smoothly gliding along a horizontal track system. This allows for easy and precise adjustment of the blinds, enabling you to control the amount of light and privacy in your space.

Can blinds on a track be used as stylish room dividers?

Blinds on a track are not only functional for windows and doors but also make excellent room dividers. They offer the flexibility to create new and adaptable living or working spaces, allowing you to easily transform your room as needed.
 

Are panel blinds suitable for sliding UPVC windows?

Yes, panel blinds are a good option for sliding UPVC windows and doors, particularly larger ones. They are made up of larger panels of fabric which slide horizontally and stack to one side of both side. They can be fitted outside of the recess of a UPVC window or door, with the panels stacking outside of the recess.
 

Where can I get blinds supply and fit?

There are a number of places where you can get blinds supply and fit. You can find them at most major home improvement stores, such as B&Q and Homebase. You can also find them at specialist blind retailers, such as Newblinds.
 

What are the benefits of using wooden shutter blinds for windows?

Wooden shutter blinds for windows offer a number of benefits, including:

• Classic and elegant look
• Durability
• Customisable
• Energy efficiency
• Privacy
• Easy to maintain

If you are looking for a stylish, durable, and energy-efficient window treatment, that is easy to install, then consider Perfect Fit ‘no drill’ Shutter Blinds. With a maximum panel width of 750mm, multiple panels can be installed per window, side by side. They clip fix to the window frame using clever brackets that fit under the window breading.
 

Can I use panel blinds for my French doors?

Yes, Our panel blinds can be perfectly fitted to various door types, including French doors. These blinds offer an effective solution for those requiring privacy, light control, or simply an elegant enhancement with a decorative design component. The panels as a  French door blind option is extremely popular due to its ability to add a contemporary touch to any living space. They would usually be installed to the wall above so the panels sit on the wall to the side of the French door.
 

How do I choose the right bi fold door blinds for my home?

Buying the right bi fold door blinds can greatly transform the look and feel of your home. Depending on your preferences, you can choose from a variety of styles, materials, and functional features to best suit your needs. If convenience and modernity are your priority, our motorised pleated blinds can be a great option. Automated and easy to control, they provide perfect light control and privacy, while enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your bi fold doors.
 

Are extra-wide blackout roller blinds available?

Yes, we can custom-make extra-wide blackout roller blinds to fit any size window up to 4mt wide. Blackout roller blinds are a good choice for blocking out light and noise, making them ideal for bedrooms, nurseries, and home theatres.
 

Can I install blinds on my uPVC door?

Panel blinds are designed to fit up into the recess of a window or door, The track is too deep to fit directly to a door but installing other blind types on a uPVC door is perfectly feasible. At NewBlinds.co.uk, we offer a range of blinds for uPVC doors that are a bead fit design and available in a variety of styles, colours, and designs. They offer great functionality, increase your privacy, and enhance the aesthetic appeal of your room. Please see our site for more information.
 

Can I use panel blinds as patio blinds in the UK?

Our panel blinds can be an excellent choice for large windows and patio doors. They come with a modern and sleek design that's perfect to enhance the aesthetics of your room or patio. The durability of our panel blinds makes them an optimal choice for patio doors. They are not only stylish but also very functional, offering you complete control over light and privacy.
 

Can I use your blinds for my bi-fold doors?

Our panel blinds are indeed a perfect match for bi-fold doors. In fact, our blinds for bifolds are specially designed to effectively control light, provide adequate privacy and enhance the overall aesthetics of the space. They slide effortlessly on a track and are ideal for large windows and bi-fold doors, offering a modern, stylish and practical solution.