Pleated Blinds

Frequently Asked Questions about Pleated Blinds

What is a pleated blind?

Concertina blinds, also sometimes called plisse blinds, are another name for pleated blinds. They consist of a solid sheet of fabric which has been press pleated so that the fabric stacks when raised, and falls into a zig-zag when lowered. The pleats themselves tend to be 20mm or 25mm deep, but there are some larger sizes available. In addition to traditional ‘zig-zag’ pleated, cellular or duette pleated are another type of pleated blinds. They have a double layer of fabric, formed into honeycomb-shaped pockets, which act as insulators, keeping rooms warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

Are pleated blinds expensive?

Pleated blinds are similarly priced to the roller and Venetian blinds. Cellular pleated blinds are more costly than standard zig-zag pleated blinds. Both types of pleated blinds offer a clean and simple aesthetic suitable for contemporary decor. Cellular pleated have the benefit of reducing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, which in turn reduces energy bills making them a worthwhile investment.

How do pleated blinds work?

Pleated Blinds, unlike Venetian or vertical blinds, do not contain slats. They consist of a single sheet of fabric which when closed offers privacy and varying degrees of light control, depending on the fabric choice, ranging from light diffusion to blackout. When they are open, the fabric tucks away in a small stack, concealing the window as little as possible and letting in a lot of natural light. You may regulate the light by partially opening them. They can be operated using a lifting cord, with a cord-lock which keeps the blind in the up-position. Alternatively, some models of pleated blinds can be operated by a chain or even motor. Motorised versions can be operated using a handset, mobile app or even voice.

Why choose pleated blinds?

Pleated blinds are a great alternative to horizontal Venetian blinds or roller blinds. Pleated blinds are available in a wide range of materials allowing you to choose your level of seclusion and light control, Pleated fabrics range from voiles which softly filter the light, allowing a slight view out, to denser opaque pleated blackout blinds fabrics. Pleated blinds fold very neatly and efficiently at the top of the window without taking up much room.

Do pleated blinds let in light?

If you want to add a sense of natural light to your home while simultaneously being able to reduce the sun’s influence on a bright sunny day, pleated blinds in lighter voile fabrics are great. If you are seeking light exclusion, then you may wish to consider opaque blackout pleated blind fabrics. You should consider that the lifting cords of traditional pleated blinds run through holes in the fabric itself. You will therefore see some light ingress through these holes. By comparison, cellular pleated blinds do not feature visible holes for the lifting cords, as the cords run through the honeycomb structure. Pleated and cellular fabrics can run all of the way to the edge of the window recess for greater light exclusion, but there will be some light ingress around the edges of the fabric. 
 

How to Clean Pleated Fabric Blinds?

To clean pleated fabric blinds, extend them fully and use a soft brush attachment on a vacuum cleaner to remove dust. For stubborn stains, lightly dab with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Rinse with a clean, damp cloth and let them air dry completely. Note: Always follow the fabric manufacturer’s instructions for best results for your specific pleated blind fabric.
 

What are window-fit blinds?

Sometimes called window-fit blinds since they fit directly to the window frame, perfect fit pleated blinds are a type of pleated blind that is specifically designed to fit your windows perfectly without need for drilling or screwing.They are supplied in a discrete frame which is colour coded to your window frame. The frame mounts on brackets which slide under the beading of your door. Available in traditional pleated and also thermally insulating cellular fabrics, perfect fit pleated blinds are an excellent choice for self installation, since they are incredibly easy to measure and install without any special tooling, drilling or screwing.
 

Is there such a thing as a pleated vertical blind?

A vertical pleated blind would suggest that the lines and folds of the pleats run vertically similar to the lines of a vertical blind. This is typically not the way that pleated blinds are oriented. The folds and lines of pleated and cellular pleated blinds run horizontally, with the blind retracting and stacking at the top. Some types of pleated blinds such as Perfect Fit Pleated blinds have the option of the blinds stacking at the bottom. Some fly screens for doors use pleated fly screen material which stacks to the side with the folds running horizontally.
 

Are there solar-powered skylight blinds?

Yes, there are solar-powered skylight blinds available using honeycomb pleated blind fabrics. These blinds use solar cells to trickle charge the motor that powers the motor that opens and closes them. This means that you don't need to worry about wiring or batteries. Solar-powered pleated skylight blinds are a great option for people who want to save energy and reduce their environmental impact. They are also a fantastic solution for large or out of reach windows.
 

Can I use pleated blinds for my French doors?

Absolutely! Pleated blinds make a great option for French doors, bringing a balance between effortless style and functionality. Their slim profile makes them a perfect fit, especially for doors with narrow window frames. However, if you prefer something different, you might want to consider a roller blind for French doors. They offer a neat and tidy appearance, and are available in a wide range of colours and patterns. Just like pleated blinds, they also provide excellent light control. Indeed, whether you choose pleated or roller blinds, you'll be adding a stylish touch to your French doors while maintaining your privacy.
 

What makes your pleated blinds distinct from others in the market?

Our pleated blinds are of outstanding quality with a wide range of fabrics available to choose from. One of the standout features NewBlinds.co.uk offer is the option to select electric pleated blinds. These are great for large or out of reach windows.
 

How easy is it to install pleated blinds from NewBlinds.co.uk?

It is very easy to install our pleated blinds! We understand that not everyone has experience fitting blinds, so we've designed our products to be user-friendly. Many clients particularly also appreciate our click and fit blinds which trustfully do what the name suggests. Perfect Fit Pleated Blinds are simple to install with just a few clicks; - no need for any special tools or professional help. We also provide a thorough set of instructions to assist you with installation.
 

What is the widest roller blind available?

The widest roller blind available is 400cm wide. This is made with one piece of fabric so will have no unsightly joins, we would recommend that this is motorised to make it easier to operate.
 

Are electric flat-roof skylight blinds available?

Yes, electric flat roof skylight blinds are available. We have rollers which are made for branded windows or Pleated skylight blinds. These have a fabric with a honeycomb structured fabric which is great for insulating. You can always send an image of the area that you are covering to customer services so we can see and advise on the best solution for you.
 

I have UPVC windows at home. Is it possible to attach blinds to them?

Yes, you can attach blinds to UPVC windows. At Newblinds.co.uk, we have a range of Perfect fit and INTU pleated blinds suitable for UPVC windows. These blinds fit to brackets that are inserted under the rubber seal/beading around the window.
 

Do you offer easy installation options for pleated blinds that don't require drilling?

Yes, we are proud to offer a range of Perfect fit and INTU options. These blinds are available as pleated blinds and they are bead fit. So the brackets will slide under the beading around the edge of the window and the blind then simply clips to the brackets.
 

What features do INTU pleated blinds offer?

INTU pleated blinds are a perfect solution for any home due to their easy installation and clean appearance. They do not require drilling or screwing into your UPVC windows or doors. These blinds offer excellent control of light, and privacy, and help with insulation, thus enhancing energy efficiency. They are a great solution if there is limited space above inward-opening doors as they fit into and move with the door. They are available in a range of fabrics, colours and patterns to match the decor of your home or office.
 

What type of blinds are best suitable for my Velux windows?

Our Velux window blind range is perfect as they are specifically made to fit the contours of the window frame. These are Blackout roller blinds. You can select manually operated or they can be motorised which is particularly good if the blinds are high and out of reach. Have a look at our collection on our website to find one that best suits your needs.
 

Can I use pleated blinds for bay windows?

Absolutely, our pleated blinds are a fantastic choice for bay windows. Our blinds for bay windows UK collection includes a variety of styles, colours, and patterns to choose from. Plus, they offer excellent control over light and privacy in your home. So you can create the perfect ambience while also adding an elegant touch to your spaces.
 

Can I install pleated blinds on my patio doors?

Absolutely, our pleated blinds are perfect for a range of windows and door types including patio doors. Pleated blinds are available as standard free hanging blinds or they can be installed to the doors themselves with the bead fit INTU or Perfect fit ranges. They enhance the aesthetics and energy efficiency of your patio doors, matching any interior decor. If you need additional assistance, our team is always ready to provide guidance.
 

Do you offer electric models for your pleated blinds range?

Yes, at NewBlinds, we have a brilliant selection of electric blinds for windows UK. This range of electric-operated pleated blinds provides convenience and easy operation, making it an ideal choice for hard-to-reach or larger windows. You can count on quality, durability, and exceptional performance when you choose our UK electric blinds range.
 

Are your Pleated Blinds suitable for use in conservatories?

Yes, absolutely! Our pleated blinds are a fantastic choice for conservatories. The versatile design and high-quality materials used in our blinds for conservatories ensure that they not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your space but also provide superior control over light and privacy. They are also designed to regulate the typical temperature variations in a conservatory. Additionally, with our vast range of colours, patterns, and finishes available, you can find the perfect match for your conservatory's decor.
 

Do you offer any blinds that are compatible with Velux windows?

Perfect-fit blinds are not compatible with Velux windows. However, our product range includes Velux-compatible blinds that are specifically designed to fit Velux roof windows perfectly. These blinds are available as manually operated or as solar-powered motorised blinds, making them an attractive and practical choice for any home or office with Velux windows.
 

Do you offer any motorised options for your Venetian Wooden blinds?

Yes, we offer a variety of motorised options for our blinds, including the electric Venetian wooden blind. These blinds are perfect for hard-to-reach windows, or just for added convenience and luxury. Like our other blinds, the electric Venetian wooden blinds are custom-made to your specifications and come with full instructions for easy installation.
 

Can I use pleated blinds as a kitchen shade?

Honeycomb pleated blinds can be a good choice for a kitchen shade. They are not only stylish and modern but also provide an insulating layer at your window preventing excess build-up of the sun’s heat in what can already be a warm environment. Additionally, they allow you to control the amount of light entering your kitchen which can help to set the mood and atmosphere. We would only suggest that they are perhaps not used on windows where the blind may be exposed to splashes of food or water - a better choice here would be a faux wood blind or a roller blind in a PVC material since they can be easily wiped clean.