A pleated window blind could be described as a venetian window blind with pleated fabric instead of slats, giving a softer effect. The pleated fabric, usually in 25mm pleats, is attached with double sided tape (or similar) to a headrail at the top and to a bottom rail. With a standard free-hanging window blind, it is opened by pulling the lift cords, the bottom rail being raised towards the top rail causing a concertina effect as it retracts. The lift cords pass through a cord lock, thus enabling the window blind to be held at any height. Fabrics range from translucent to opaque and blackout. They are either plain or patterned (including Jacquard or multi-coloured). Materials are polyester and cellulose-impregnated paper. Reflective metalised finishes to the external face, flame retardant and Scotchguard treatments are available.
Venetian Window Blinds
Venetian window blinds consist of horizontal, overlapping slats which are generally either made of aluminium or timber. The slats are suspended from a headrail and supported by ladder braid or ladder tape. Aluminium slats, for internal use, are available in 15mm or 16mm, 25mm, 35mm, 50mm and 90mm widths. Aluminium slats are also produced in 65mm and 80mm widths primarily for external use but can also be used internally. Timber slats are available in 25mm and 50mm widths. Types of Venetian Window Blind include:
Micro window blinds - a term used to describe aluminium slat venetian window blinds using 15mm or 16mm wide slat.
Mini window blinds - a term used to describe aluminium or timber slat venetian blinds using 25mm wide slat. Timber slat is always plain but aluminium can be plain or perforated.
Dual control - dual control window blinds have a cord to raise and lower the blind and either a cord or rod to tilt the slats.
Mono control - mono control window blinds have a cord or rod which both raises and lowers the blind and tilts the slats.
Electric control - electric operation is now available for venetian window blinds of all slat sizes. The motor is located in the headrail.
Audio visual - provides room darkening effect by increased slat overlap and has channelling to both sides plus top and bottom.
Between glazing - special fittings are available allowing window blinds to be installed between glazing with remote control facility (see mid-pane blind).
Perforated - aluminium slat available in all slat widths except micro, provides sun screening protection without eliminating the external view.
LEADING UK WINDOW BLIND SUPPLIERS
Blindtrack Services Ltd, based in Carpenders Park, Hertfordshire, sells window blinds of all types through its website. There are sections for: Hand Drawn Curtain Tracks, Cord Operated Curtain Tracks, Decorative Curtain Poles, Electric Curtain Tracks, Roman Blind Systems, Sliding Panel Systems, Rolller Blind Systems, Vertical Blind Systems, and Venetian Blind Systems.
Interior Power: Window Blinds. Interior Power, based in Surrey UK, supply fully installed made to measure blinds to commercial and residential customers in central London and Surrey. Blinds are sourced from high quality European manufacturers including Silent Gliss, Luxaflex, Eclipse, Decora, Sampson and Velux. Interior Power provide a free site visit followed by a comprehensive free written quotation to all customers.