Are you looking for an alternative to your existing window dressing? Perhaps there’s not enough sunlight getting through or too much is getting in (along with prying eyes).
Maybe you’re just sick and tired of constantly battling against the dust that accumulates on your blinds or fiddling around with old-looking curtains.
If any of these scenarios sound familiar to you, or you are looking for a change for any other reason, integral blinds may be the solution you are after. But what are integral blinds?
If you’re wondering what are integral blinds or why they are so popular, you’ve come to the right place, as we’re going to discuss them in this post.
Integral blinds are pleated or Venetian blinds in a sealed unit between two panes of glass, that can be operated manually or automatically.
They are made to measure and compatible with most vertical window systems.
If you’re having trouble imagining it, think about double glazed windows, with a gap between two panes of glass, that’s where the blinds are.
Or see the diagram below (and further examples in the images throughout this article):
Are integral blinds any good?
If you feel on the fence about integral blinds, it’s worth considering the plethora of amazing ways you can benefit from having them installed in your home.
Customisable
Although other wooden and fabric blinds are also available in a variety of options, customisation in addition to the other benefits outlined, make integral blinds stand out from the crowd.
There are virtually no limits to the colour or finish you can have them in, and you can even choose blinds and frame that are different colours for a striking and bold look.
Unlike internal or external blinds or plantation shutters, you are customising both the window or door, as well as the blind inside the glass.
Slick and Streamline
From a purely aesthetic standpoint, integral blinds can help to add a stylish and modern touch to your property, regardless of its age and décor.
When opened fully, you get the advantage of undisturbed and clear views outside your property and allows the sun to shin in flooding your home in natural light
Full Control On How Much Light Shines Into Your House
Following nicely on from the above, another of the key benefits of integral blinds is that they offer you full control over how much light can and can’t enter into your home at any time of the day.
They are even easier to use than traditional separate blinds paired with a standard double glazed unit.
Full Control Over Your Privacy
This benefit goes hand in hand with the above – the fact that you can control the amount of light that is allowed to shine in your home, also means you can control the level of privacy you have.
On sunny days when you are more concerned about brightening up your home, than preventing the outside world from seeing in, you can open them fully.
On those days when you want to hide away or in the evening, you can close them fully to protect your privacy. If you like to have the best of both worlds, that is also possible too.
Energy Efficiency
Like most homeowners, you probably do not like the idea of paying more for your energy and utility bills than is necessary.
Integral blinds offer extremely high energy efficiency and are labelled with an A rating.
That means they are effective in maintaining the heat inside your house, both keep the cold air out and the warmth in.
As is the case with any energy-efficient solution for your home, how efficient integrated blinds are, will depend on how you use them.
During the winter, for example, it is best to open them fully during the day when the sun is beaming, so that you can benefit from the light and heat, but once it gets dark, you should ideally close them fully to retain the warmth in the property.
Safety
Traditional types of blinds, like pleated, Roman, Venetian, vertical or roller are normally positioned on the inside of the window, facing into the room, with the chain or cord mechanisms posing potential safety hazards for pets, young children, and babies.
With integral blinds, this is not a problem, as the actual blinds are inside sealed units and are operated by a securely attached cord fitted through the pane of glass, magnetic sliders, an automated system (solar control), or remote control.
Easy to Maintain
Finally, another benefit of integrated blinds is that because they are sealed inside a double glazed unit, you don’t need to worry about dirt, debris or even dust forming on the slats.
They are especially great choices for rooms like kitchens and bathrooms, where there is a lot of moisture in the air because as they are sealed, they will stay moisture-free, preventing mould from growing.
How do integral window blinds work?
Integral blinds work in several different ways depending on the options you choose.
For example, you can choose manual systems that include a cord that is securely attached to a special rotational magnetic transmission inside through one of the two panes of glass.
If you do not like the idea of your double-glazed unit being obstructed by cords, then you can choose to have integral blinds with almost invisible magnetic sliders.
There is also the alternative of electronic control and even automated operation.
Are integral blinds expensive?
The short answer to the question is yes, if you're comparing them to other types of blinds, like traditional Venetian blinds, either made from fabric or wood, integral blinds are expensive.
However, if you look at them as an investment for your property and consider the benefits we’ve already outlined, they provide much better value for money.
As you are not just buying the blinds, the price for an integral blind system includes the appropriately sized double glazed unit.
How much do windows with integral blinds cost?
As they are made to measure double glazed units, it is very difficult to give you an accurate price for the integrated blins and double glazing your home needs, until we come out and measure you up for a quote.
The price of these double glazing integral blinds is determined by many different factors, including:
- The dimensions and specification of your blinds and window
- The quality of the blinds
- How they are operated
- The finish you choose
Where Can Integral Blinds be Installed and What Options Can You Choose From?
Integral blinds come installed in many glass options to choose from:
- Bifold doors
- Double glazed windows
- Sliding patio doors
- Conservatories
- Conservatory Roofs
- and more
You also have a few options for drawing the blinds open and closed including:
- Electronic operation
- Manual cordless
- Manual (with cord)
- Smart home automation
If you're interested in learning more or want advice from our friendly experts, just call us on 08081688563 and we'll be happy to have a chat. You can also contact us with your query or for a no-obligation FREE QUOTE.
