Vertical Blinds hang from an ingenious mechanical headrail that performs two main operations. Firstly it enables the whole blind to be retracted to one (left or right) side of the window opening, or gathered at each end similar to curtains. They can even be gathered in the middle!

Secondly, the louvre hangers rotate in unison through 180 degrees by means of an actuating bar and control cord. The “bottom chains” that join the louvres together help to stabilise the whole blind when moving and stationary.

Virtually maintenance free and easy to operate, this option also is available in hundreds of shades. It has a high degree of light control and privacy. Vertical blinds are particularly useful in environments where TV screens and computer screens require light to be deflected away from them, to cut down additional glare.

Vertical blinds are particularly useful in applications that are affected by the sun moving around the side of the window (e.g. bay windows or larger windows). The louvres may be rotated frequently by a few degrees at a time to continually allow large amounts of light in the room whilst protecting the room from direct sunrays

Vertical Advantages

· Particularly good for large horizontal and vertical spans of window

· Minimal maintenance, minimal dust settlement on vertical louvres.

· Change the louvres only when you decorate if you fancy a colour change!

· Rigid plastic louvres are now available that work without “bottom chain” allowing for small pets and children to pass through.

· Different louvre fabrics vary in their light permeability much the same as curtain fabric. Some may allow for large amounts of light to pass through even when closed fully, thus reducing interior lighting costs.

· When fully retracted vertical blinds leave a wide central expanse of clear window, ideal for patio windows and floor to ceiling windows.

· Large varieties of fabrics are available including those with reflective backing to deflect heat.

· Many fabrics are machine washable….follow individual fabric instructions and don’t forget to cancel the spin!

Vertical Considerations

· There are usually some small gaps at the tops and bottoms of vertical blinds that need to be considered where total light exclusion is required. Blackout material may be specified for vertical blinds which prevents light penetration, however light will still “bleed” in at the edges.

· On larger widths when gathered to the side, the accumulation of louvres may obscure some of the window.

· Many of the fabrics may not allow for machine washing. Please check and bear this in mind when deciding on location. However most fabrics require minimal cleaning over years, others if soiled, may have most marks removed with warm mild soapy water by hand.