Soft Grey Illusion Blinds

Illusion Blinds — Allusion-Style Privacy Blinds

Genuine Louvolite Allusion® headrail & fascia system · Equivalent fabric · Made to measure in the UK

Made in the UKCustom-made to your measurements

Child-Safe Wand ControlNo chains or cords — safe by design

Walk-Through DesignVanes part freely — ideal for doors

3 Privacy SettingsOpen view, filtered light, or total privacy

Up to 480cm WideIdeal for bifolds & large windows

✔ Three light & privacy settings

✔ Walk-through design — ideal for doors

✔ Child-safe wand control — no chains

✔ 100% polyester — easy to maintain

✔ Up to 480cm wide — single headrail

✔ Deluxe Headrail or Headrail with Fascia

✔ Stack left, right, or split bunch

✔ Made to measure — UK fabricated

✔ Free fabric samples available

✔ Top fix & face fix options available

More colours available

View all colourways →

What are Illusion Blinds?

Illusion blinds are a cost-effective alternative to Louvolite Allusion® blinds, using the same genuine Louvolite headrail and fascia system with an equivalent fabric. They work in exactly the same way and create the same stunning aesthetic — at a more accessible price point. Alternating sheer voile and opaque textured vanes create three distinct light and privacy settings, all controlled by a wand. Unlike a roller blind or standard vertical blind, Illusion gives you filtered daylight and privacy at the same time: the sheer sections let soft light through while the opaque sections prevent a direct sightline from outside.

Full outside view

Slide the vanes fully to one side using the wand — stack left, right, or split bunch to completely clear the window. Maximum light and an unobstructed view.

Filtered light with privacy

Vanes hang open in the alternating position — sheer fabric softly diffuses daylight while opaque panels block the view from outside. The everyday setting for most rooms.

Total privacy

Rotate the louvres closed so the sheer and opaque vanes overlap completely. Full privacy — ideal for evenings when interior lighting would otherwise create visibility from outside.

Walk-through design

The vanes hang free at the bottom — unlike a standard vertical blind, there is no base chain. This means the vanes part naturally when you walk through them, making this blind ideal for bifold doors, patio doors, and any opening where you need to pass through the blind without raising or stacking it. Push through the vanes and they fall back into position behind you.

Important notes before ordering

Minimum width: 300mm. Maximum width: 4800mm — supplied as a single headrail.
Minimum drop: 300mm. Maximum drop: 4000mm. These limits may vary depending on fabric choice — exact limits are confirmed at the pricing stage.
The Headrail with Fascia projects 150mm from the wall and is top-fixed within the recess or to the ceiling. Due to fabric stack, the minimum usable recess depth for both headrail options is 190mm. Usable recess depth is the full depth of the recess less any space taken up by permanent fixtures such as window handles and trickle vents.
Allusion blinds are not waterproof — not recommended for kitchens or bathrooms where steam is regularly present.
A free fabric sample is available for this colourway — order before committing to a full made-to-measure blind.

Note — this product is made to measure Allusion blinds are custom-made to your dimensions and cannot be returned unless there is a manufacturing fault. Please measure carefully, order a free sample if unsure of the colour, and contact us if you have any questions before placing your order.

How to measure for Allusion blinds

Allusion blinds can be fitted inside the window recess or outside (face fixed to the wall above the window). The measurement method is slightly different for each.

Watch our step-by-step video measuring guide below. Or if you prefer, download our written instructions.

Inside recess fitting

Measure the width of the recess in three places — top, middle, bottom. Use the smallest figure.
Measure the drop of the recess in three places — left, middle, right. Use the smallest figure.
Supply these measurements when ordering — we will make the necessary deductions to ensure the blind fits inside the recess.

Recess depth — both headrail options: Due to the fabric stack on Illusion blinds, the minimum usable recess depth for both headrail options is 190mm. Usable recess depth is the full depth of the recess less any space taken up by permanent fixtures such as window handles and trickle vents. If your usable recess depth is less than 190mm, we recommend fitting the blind outside of the recess.

Outside recess fitting

Decide how far the blind should overlap the recess on each side — a minimum of 75mm each side is recommended to block side light.
Decide the drop — typically from the underside of the headrail bracket to the floor or sill.
Supply the exact finished size — we make the blind to this exact measurement.

How to install your Allusion blind

Installation is straightforward — all fixings are included with your blind. The Deluxe Headrail can be fitted to the ceiling (top fix) or to the wall above the window (face fix). The Headrail with Fascia is top fix only — it must be fixed to the ceiling or within the recess. You will need a drill and appropriate wall plugs and screws for your wall type.

Watch our step-by-step video installation guide below. Or if you prefer, download our written instructions.

Fitting the headrail

Position the headrail brackets at each end and at regular intervals along the top of the blind position. Mark and drill fixing holes.
Screw brackets into position — ensure they are level using a spirit level.
Slide the headrail into the brackets and click or screw to secure.

Fitting the fascia (Headrail with Fascia option only)

Take the cassette front cover and line it up with the headrail.
Hook the top rear edge of the cassette onto the headrail first.
Push the bottom edge firmly toward the headrail — you should feel a series of clicks as it locks into place along the full length.
Check for an even fit along the full length with no gaps.

Operating your Allusion blind

Stack the blind: Push the wand horizontally to slide the vanes to the left, right, or split bunch — clearing the window entirely.
Filtered light setting: Draw the vanes across the window by pushing the wand — leave in the open position. The sheer and opaque vanes alternate for filtered light with privacy.
Total privacy: With the vanes covering the window, rotate the wand to close the louvres so the vanes overlap completely.

Technical Specification

Fabric Collection	Illusion
Flame retardant	No
Minimum width	300mm
Maximum width	4800mm — supplied as a single headrail
Minimum drop	300mm
Maximum drop	4000mm
Size limits note	May vary depending on fabric selection — confirmed at pricing stage
Control	Wand control — rotates louvres and draws blind to stack
Child safety	Wand operation only — no chains or cords. Inherently child safe.
Headrail options	Deluxe Headrail (28mm H, 38.5mm projection) or Headrail with Fascia (150mm projection, top fix only)
Recess depth — inside fitting	Minimum usable recess depth: 190mm (both headrail options). Usable depth = full recess depth less any permanent fixtures such as window handles and trickle vents.
Headrail / fascia colours	White, Black, Anthracite
Fitting type	Deluxe Headrail: top fix or face fix \| Headrail with Fascia: top fix only
Fixings included	Yes
Made in	United Kingdom

Why Illusion Blinds from NewBlinds.co.uk

The same Louvolite system. An equivalent fabric. A more competitive price.

Illusion blinds deliver filtered daylight and privacy at the same time, walk-through capability for doors, and up to 480cm width — all on the genuine Louvolite Allusion® headrail system, fabricated to order in the UK.

Light and privacy — simultaneously

The alternating sheer and opaque vanes do something no roller or venetian blind can: filter daylight into the room while blocking the view from outside at the same time.

Walk-through for bifold and patio doors

Free-hanging vanes part naturally when you walk through. Keep the blind in place while you access your garden — no raising, no stacking, no compromise.

Inherently child safe

Wand control replaces chains and cords entirely. Nothing hangs, nothing loops — the safest possible window treatment for homes with young children.

Made for large openings

Up to 4800mm wide — wider than any standard blind — supplied as a single headrail to your exact measurement. Ideal for panoramic windows, bifold doors, and large patio openings.

Expert advice before you buy

Our team have 35+ years of window covering expertise. Send us your measurements and a photo — we'll confirm the right product, size, and headrail option before you order.

4800mm

Maximum width

Light & privacy settings

Chains or cords

See Allusion Blinds in Action

Three settings. One wand. No chains.

Watch our product video to see exactly how Allusion blinds work — the three light settings, the walk-through capability, and how the wand controls both the louvre rotation and the stacking of the blind.

Allusion blinds product video — how they work

Compatibility

Which windows and doors work with this blind?

Allusion-style blinds can be installed using either recess/ceiling fix brackets or wall fix brackets and work with virtually all window and door types. Here is what to check before ordering.

Works well

✓ Bifold and sliding patio doors
✓ French doors and double doors
✓ Large picture and floor-to-ceiling windows
✓ Standard casement windows (any size)
✓ Bay windows
✓ Conservatories
✓ Room dividers

Check before ordering

⚠ Inside recess fitting — both headrail options: Due to fabric stack, the minimum usable recess depth is 190mm. Usable depth is the full recess depth less any permanent fixtures such as window handles and trickle vents. If usable depth is less than 190mm, outside recess fitting is recommended.

⚠ Headrail with Fascia: Top-fixed only — cannot be face fixed. Ensure sufficient recess depth before selecting.

Not suitable

✗ Roof windows or skylights (Velux-type)

✗ Windows narrower than 300mm — below minimum width

✗ Windows wider than 4800mm — above maximum width

✗ Windows taller than 4000mm — above maximum drop

✗ Kitchens and bathrooms with regular steam — the fabric is not waterproof

Contact us if you are unsure and we will advise before you order.

Illusion vs Allusion vs Vertical Blinds

How do Illusion blinds compare?

Illusion blinds use the same Louvolite headrail as branded Allusion blinds — here is how all three compare.

Feature	Illusion Blind (NewBlinds)	Louvolite Allusion® Blind	Standard Vertical Blind
Filtered light with privacy	✓ Both simultaneously — sheer & opaque vanes alternate	✓ Both simultaneously — sheer & opaque vanes alternate	✗ Open or closed — no middle ground
Walk-through for doors	✓ Free-hanging vanes — no base chain	✓ Free-hanging vanes — no base chain	✗ Base chain prevents walk-through
Headrail & fascia system	✓ Genuine Louvolite Allusion® headrail	✓ Genuine Louvolite Allusion® headrail	Standard vertical headrail
Fabric	Equivalent fabric from alternative supplier	Louvolite Vista or Horizon fabric	PVC or fabric slats
Maximum width	✓ Up to 4800mm	✓ Up to 4800mm	Typically 3000–4000mm
Child safety	✓ Wand only — no chains	✓ Wand only — no chains	Wand Operation or Cord & Chain — including safety anchor
Use as room divider	✓ Yes — walk-through capability	✓ Yes — walk-through capability	Yes — but base chain obstructs passage
Price	More competitive	Premium	Budget to mid-range
Flame retardant options	✗ No	✓ Yes — most Vista colourways	Varies by fabric
Suitable for kitchens/bathrooms	✗ Not waterproof	✗ Not waterproof	✓ PVC options are wipe-clean

Buying Guide

Choosing your Illusion blind — Allusion-style privacy at a more competitive price

Measuring accurately is the most important step before ordering any made-to-measure blind, and Allusion-style blinds have one specific consideration that standard blinds do not: the choice between inside and outside recess fitting. For most windows, either option will work, but for bifold and patio doors, outside recess fitting is almost always the better choice — fitting the blind inside the door frame typically creates clearance issues with the door mechanism, and outside fitting allows the blind to extend beyond the door opening on each side to eliminate side light. Always allow a minimum 75mm overlap on each side when face fitting, and confirm the headrail can be mounted to a solid surface above the door or window.

Choosing between a deluxe headrail and a headrail with fascia is straightforward once you understand the key differences and the installation method.

Our Deluxe Headrail can be top fixed within the recess or to the ceiling. It can also be face fixed to the wall above the window — it suits most rooms.

The Headrail with Fascia can only be top fixed, either within the recess, if you have enough recess depth, or to the ceiling in front of the recess.

For either headrail option, if fitting within a recess, the minimum usable recess depth is 190mm due to the fabric stack. Usable recess depth is the full depth of the recess minus any space taken up by permanent fixtures such as window handles and trickle vents. If the usable depth is less than 190mm, fitting the blind outside of the recess is the better choice.

Illusion blinds at NewBlinds.co.uk use the genuine Louvolite Allusion® headrail and fascia — the same hardware used in branded Allusion blinds. The fabric is sourced from an alternative supplier, making these a cost-effective choice without compromising on the operating system, build quality, or the characteristic three-setting light control that makes Allusion-style blinds unique.

Fabric selection comes down to colour, light transmission, and flame retardancy.

We offer three fabric collections for Allusion blinds: Vista and Horizon, both from Louvolite. Our Illusion collection consists of popular and competitively priced neutral colourways mounted on the same Louvolite headrail system.

In the filtered (tilted open) position, lighter-coloured fabrics allow noticeably more light transmission through the sheer sections than darker ones, so if your room is north-facing or light is at a premium, lean towards a lighter colourway.

Flame retardancy varies by collection and colourway — most Vista colourways are flame retardant, with only two exceptions: Snow & Raven. This makes Vista an ideal choice for public and commercial environments where flame retardancy is a mandatory requirement. If flame retardancy is a requirement for your application, please check the individual fabric specification or contact us before ordering.

At NewBlinds.co.uk we offer a choice of fabric collections on the genuine Louvolite Allusion® headrail, all fabricated to order in the UK.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question not covered here? Contact our team — we’re happy to advise before you order.

I need a flame retardant fabric. Are all the fabric options suitable?

No — most colourways in the Vista fabric collection are flame retardant, however Snow and Raven are not. If flame retardancy is a requirement for your application and you are unsure if your fabric selection is suitable, please contact us before ordering.

How much space do I need in my recess for an Allusion Blind?

The minimum usable recess depth for Allusion-style blinds is 190mm — this applies to both the Deluxe Headrail and the Headrail with Fascia. This is due to the fabric stack when the blind is drawn to one side.

Usable recess depth is the full depth of your recess less any space taken up by permanent fixtures such as window handles and trickle vents. If your usable recess depth is less than 190mm, we recommend fitting the blind outside of the recess.

Which headrail should I choose for this blind?

Both headrail options use the same Louvolite Allusion® system and operate in exactly the same way — the difference is aesthetic and practical in terms of fitting method.

The Deluxe Headrail is the standard choice. It has a slim profile and can be top fixed within the recess, top fixed to the ceiling, or face fixed to the wall above the window. It suits the majority of installations and is the most versatile option.

The Headrail with Fascia has a wider decorative fascia that gives the blind a more substantial, premium finish. It can only be top fixed — either within the recess or to the ceiling in front of the recess. It cannot be face fixed.

For either option, if fitting within a recess the minimum usable recess depth is 190mm. Usable recess depth is the full depth of the recess minus any space taken up by permanent fixtures such as window handles and trickle vents. If the usable depth is less than 190mm, we recommend fitting the blind outside of the recess.

Both headrails and fascias are available in White, Black, and Anthracite. If you are unsure which option is right for your installation, contact us before ordering and we will advise.

Are Allusion Blinds blackout?

No — Allusion-style blinds are not blackout. They are designed to filter light and provide soft diffused daylight. One fabric layer is voile/sheer and the other is opaque. When the sheer sections overlap, light filters through beautifully; when the opaque layers align, the view is blocked for privacy.

Can Allusion blinds be used as a room divider?

Yes. Allusion blinds can be ceiling-mounted and used to divide a room — for example, to screen a home office from a living area, or to create a sense of separation between a kitchen and dining space. The walk-through design means the vanes part naturally when you pass between the zones, making them far more practical as a divider than a solid screen or curtain.

Can I order a free sample of this fabric?

Yes — a free fabric sample for this colourway is available on the product page. We strongly recommend ordering a sample before placing a made-to-measure order. The sample allows you to check the colour against your décor in your own light and to feel the fabric weight and texture before committing to a full order.

How long does delivery take?

Allusion blinds are typically delivered to UK mainland addresses within 5 to 7 working days. For the most up to date lead times please check the product page, just below the add-to-basket button. Allusion blinds are made to order in the UK — production begins once your order is confirmed. If you have a specific deadline, please contact us before ordering and we will advise on the most realistic timeline.

Which headrail should I choose for this blind?

The slimline Deluxe Headrail (28mm high, 38.5mm projection) is the standard choice and suits most rooms. Choose the Headrail with Fascia if you have generous recess depth (the fascia is 150mm deep) or if you are ceiling mounting and want a more decorative look. Both headrails and fascia are available in White, Black, and Anthracite. If in doubt, the Deluxe Headrail is the safer choice.

Can I use this blind on bifold doors?

Yes — bifold doors are one of the ideal applications for Allusion blinds. The free-hanging vanes (no base chain) allow you to walk through the blind when the doors are open. For bifold doors, we recommend outside recess fitting so the blind extends beyond the door frame on each side. Allow a minimum 7.5cm overlap on each side and ensure the headrail can be fixed to a solid surface above the door.

How is this blind operated?

Allusion blinds are operated using wand control. There are no chains or cords of any kind. The wand slides the vanes open and closed (stacking them to the left, right, or split bunch); it also rotates the louvres between the filtered and total privacy positions. The wand is rigid aluminium and inherently child safe.

How is the Fascia fitted to the headrail?

The fascia clips directly onto the headrail — no tools or fixings are required. Follow these steps:

Lay the headrail on a flat surface, ensuring the control side (wand) is oriented correctly.
Take the cassette front cover and line it up with the front of the headrail.
Tilt the cassette slightly and hook the top rear edge onto the headrail first.
Push the bottom edge firmly toward the headrail, applying even pressure along the full length — you should feel or hear a series of clicks as it locks into place.
Check along the full length for an even fit with no gaps, and give it a gentle tug to confirm it is secure.

About NewBlinds.co.uk

Over 35 years of window covering expertise — suppliers of Illusion blinds on the genuine Louvolite Allusion® headrail system

NewBlinds.co.uk has been selling window coverings online since 1999 and supplying made-to-measure blinds to UK homeowners, landlords, and interior designers for more than 25 years. Our family’s involvement in the window covering industry dates back to 1989. We have supplied commercial clients including NHS trusts, universities, student accommodation providers, and Olympic venue projects alongside our retail customer base.

Illusion blinds at NewBlinds.co.uk are fabricated to order in the UK using the genuine Louvolite Allusion® headrail and fascia system. Free fabric samples are available on every product page — we strongly recommend ordering a sample before placing a made-to-measure order. If you have questions about measuring, fitting, or compatibility before ordering, our specialist team is available to advise.

1989

In the industry since 1989Window covering specialists for more than three decades — supplying NHS trusts, universities, Olympic venues, and UK homeowners.

Fabricated in the UKMade to your exact measurements using Louvolite headrail components.

4800mm

Maximum widthSuitable for the widest bifold doors and panoramic windows.

Shop for Blinds

Illusion Blinds — Allusion-Style Privacy Blinds

What are Illusion Blinds?

Full outside view

Filtered light with privacy

Total privacy

Walk-through design

Important notes before ordering

How to measure for Allusion blinds

Inside recess fitting

Outside recess fitting

How to install your Allusion blind

Fitting the headrail

Fitting the fascia (Headrail with Fascia option only)

Operating your Allusion blind

Technical Specification

The same Louvolite system. An equivalent fabric. A more competitive price.

Light and privacy — simultaneously

Walk-through for bifold and patio doors

Inherently child safe

Made for large openings

Expert advice before you buy

Three settings. One wand. No chains.

Which windows and doors work with this blind?

How do Illusion blinds compare?

Choosing your Illusion blind — Allusion-style privacy at a more competitive price

Frequently Asked Questions

I need a flame retardant fabric. Are all the fabric options suitable?

How much space do I need in my recess for an Allusion Blind?

Which headrail should I choose for this blind?

Are Allusion Blinds blackout?

Can Allusion blinds be used as a room divider?

Can I order a free sample of this fabric?

How long does delivery take?

Which headrail should I choose for this blind?

Can I use this blind on bifold doors?

How is this blind operated?

How is the Fascia fitted to the headrail?

Over 35 years of window covering expertise — suppliers of Illusion blinds on the genuine Louvolite Allusion® headrail system

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Illusion Collection