Blinds Glossary
Aluminium Blinds
Used to refer to venetian blinds constructed of horizontal strips of aluminium.
Automatic Cord Lock
Geared mechanism that allows a venetian blind to be raised/lowered to any position.
Blackout Blinds
Usually refers to a roller blind, blackout blinds have a coating on the rear of the fabric to prevent light penetration.
Bobble Chain
Plastic chain which is used on vertical blinds, The bobble chain attaches to the bottom weights and ensures the smooth operation and uniform appearance of the blind.
Bottom Weights
Weights, usually injection moulded plastic which are placed in the pocket of a vertical blind louvre and stabiles the blind.
Cafe Rod
A type of roller blind with a shaped bottom finish through which a wooden or metal rod is inserted.
Children's Blinds
Usually refers to a blackout roller blind to prevent light penetration and are ideal for children's bedrooms / light sleepers.
Conservatory Roof Blinds
Custom made roof blinds usually with high shading and thermal properties.
Dim-Out Blinds
Usually refers to a roller blind, blackout blinds have a coating on the rear of the fabric to prevent light penetration.
Face fix
A method of fitting the blinds to the face wall.
GGL Code
The prefix code on a VELUX® window which indentifies the type, VELUX® blinds are ordered not by size but via the window code.
Headrail
Headrails are used in venetian and vertical blinds and is the part that contains the operating mechanism.
Louvres
Strips of blind fabric which hang vertically, refers to vertical blinds.
Pleated Blinds
Pleated blinds have crisp, horizontal pleats forming a concertina effect, A very popular choice for loft windows or any window at an angle.
Raise & Lower Cord Control
Method of raising and lowering a venetian blind by use of a cord control.
Ready Made Blinds
Blinds pre-made in set sizes, customers then trim the blinds to their exact size, Advantages are low cost and fast delivery.
Roller Blinds
Specially stiffened fabric blind which simply rolls onto a tube when operated. Very popular and economical window treatment.
Roman Blinds
Soft fabric blinds which gather into pleats when raised.
Scallop Blinds
Roller blinds which have a scalloped finish at the bottom usually with the addition of braid.
Side fix
A method of fitting the blinds to the side walls, usually used with a recess fitting.
Sidewinder
A mechanism for operating a roller blind, located at one end of the blind and allowing easy and accurate positioning.
Siesta Blinds
A blackout blind for a VELUX® window.
Tilt Cord Control
Method of rotating the slats [venetian blinds] or louvres [vertical blinds] by use of a control cord.
Tilt Wand Control
Method of rotating the slats [venetian blinds] or louvres [vertical blinds] by use of a control rod.
Top fix
A method of fitting the blinds to the ceiling.
Trucks
Used on on vertical blinds and is part of the mechanism within the headrail, The fabric is attached to the trucks [via hangers] which move smoothly along a guide rail opening and closing the blind.
VELUX® Blinds
A type of blind manufactured specically for VELUX® Windows commonly found in loft spaces.
Venetian Blinds
Blinds constructed of horizontal strips of wood, aluminium or PVC, Gives a modern look to home or office and a large degree of light control.
Vertical Blinds
Strips of fabric [louvres] suspended vertically from a headrail. Immensely practical blind which comes into it's own on larger sizes.
Don't know your roman blinds from your roller blinds? Sidewinder from your side fix?
Our glossary teaches you every thing you need to know about blinds, with descriptions that everyone can understand.
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