Are Vertical Blinds Outdated?

Are Vertical Blinds Outdated?

At A1 blinds, we don’t think vertical blinds are going out of fashion. In fact, we feel like these classic designs are better than ever. Vertical blinds are one of the most popular styles ever, ideal for homes and businesses alike. However, because they’ve been around for so long, new designs have arrived, attempting to steal the thunder from vertical blinds.

But, thanks to A1, you can invest in modern vertical blinds for your home. With a wide range of superb colours and patterns to choose from, you can craft bespoke blinds for your property. Not only that, but you’ll still benefit from the timeless design of vertical blinds, which offers incredibly precise lighting control to give you the power to open or close your home off to nature.

Vertical blinds offer superb value for money, work well for both windows and doors, and can even warm up your home. And with a custom design, you’ll make your living space stand out even more. At A1 Blinds, our vertical blinds are still brilliant investments for homes in the North East, and we make getting them easier with our competitive prices and free design consultations.

Classic Vertical Blinds

Vertical blinds have been around for a long time. However, that’s not just down to the fact they’re old designs. Vertical blinds have long-term staying power, as their combination of brilliant looks and fantastic functionality has left homeowners wanting more for decades. Designs like these have universal appeal, and they can work on a variety of designs.

Our vertical blinds could be ideal for windows, providing precise lighting control whenever it’s needed. Also, they can provide coverage for large doors, with bespoke sizes available to block out light from even the largest glass panels. You can also be sure your vertical blinds will be neat, with no creasing, twisting or folding for decades to come.

Also, we use beautiful, fresh fabrics here at A1 Blinds to craft vertical blinds with a difference. Our durable fabrics can last just as long as the rest of the design, and they won’t fade or discolour even in intense sunlight. Because of this, vertical blinds from A1 might be classic designs, but you can be sure they won’t leave your home stuck in the past.

Are vertical blinds outdated

Stylish Vertical Blinds

With A1, you can also take total control over the design of your vertical blinds. Rather than choose the classic look that old designs have, you can update your vertical blinds with bold colours and patterns. The fabrics we use in our designs will also make sure the design you choose lasts, without fading or discolouration.

Our wide range of fabrics gives you the chance to style your blinds around your home. You could choose a stylish monochrome shade to add a sense of class or benefit from colourful patterns to bring a new lease of life to your windows or doors. Whenever you close your blinds, you’ll have a great design to look at, while natural light can pour into your home when you open them too.

Our vertical blinds won’t just make your home look good either – they can make your home feel good as well. You’ll add another layer of insulation to your windows and doors, meaning you can pull your blinds down in winter to stay warm without using your central heating. Because of this, you could save money on your energy bills for years to come.

Functional Vertical Blinds

Vertical blinds have only stuck around because they work. A lot of that is down to the unique design. In vertical blinds, you get multiple narrow blinds that combine to create one system, much like Venetian blinds but turned by 90 degrees. As a result, each blind has a small space between that and the next one, which you can modify to achieve precise lighting control.

Vertical blinds give you the full range of lighting, providing perfect coverage from being wide-open to shut. When you do close them, you’ll have a made-to-measure fit, meaning you can get blackout blinds that give you total privacy. However, during the day, you can modify each part of the blinds’ position to let in just the right amount of light.

You can design your vertical blinds with the same level of control as well. With A1 Blinds, you’ll always get a perfect fit. We can visit your home and measure your window or door to ensure your blinds are made-to-measure for your property. Not only that, our free home consultation service covers design advice, meaning we can create brilliant blinds together.

Vertical blinds

Vertical Blinds Prices

We offer free home consultations for homeowners in the North East. Get in touch with A1 Blinds today to find out how easy it is to save money on bespoke vertical blinds for your home with us today!

Case Study: St James Boulevard, Newcastle

Case Study: St James Boulevard, Newcastle

482 Roller Blinds Delivered for Student Accommodation – On Time, In Full


Client: Private Developer
Location:
St James Boulevard, Newcastle upon Tyne
Sector:
Commercial – Student Accommodation
Scope:
482 Roller Blinds
Project Status:
Delivered On Time and In Full (OTIF)


The Project

We were proud to be chosen to supply and install 482 roller blinds for a major new-build student accommodation scheme right in the heart of Newcastle city centre. St James Boulevard is a fast-developing area – and this project was all about high-spec, modern student living. Our blinds now form part of that premium finish.

How It Came About

This one came through a LinkedIn referral – a great example of our work speaking for itself. Thanks to our reputation for reliability, quality, and our hands-on approach, we were recommended for the job. With in-house manufacturing and years of experience in student accommodation, we were the right fit from day one.

What the Client Needed

The brief was clear: style, safety, and performance.
We supplied blinds that ticked every box:

  • Blackout fabric for full privacy and light control
  • Fire-retardant (FR) materials to meet regulations
  • Colour-matched components for a clean, consistent look
  • A solution that was cost-effective without compromising on quality

Why They Chose Us

We brought more than just products to the table:

  • We’re a local manufacturer with full control of our production schedule
  • We’ve got a proven track record in commercial and student accommodation work
  • We listened, adapted, and delivered exactly what was needed
  • Our team kept things simple, professional, and on track from start to finish

How We Delivered

From the first site visit to the final installation, we worked in phases, fitting in with the client’s build schedule. Each floor was carefully surveyed, manufactured, and installed without a hitch.

  • ✅ Delivered On Time and In Full
  • ✅ Zero defects across all 11 floors
  • ✅ Smooth installation with minimal disruption to other contractors

What the Client Said

“Thank you for A1 Blinds’ commitment to the project – much appreciated. The rooms look very crisp. A1 Blinds have done a very good job and have been very helpful throughout.”

Nick Campfield, Project Director

The Result

This was a big one – and we’re proud of the result. The blinds we supplied don’t just look the part – they add comfort and functionality to every room. More importantly, we proved once again that we can handle large-scale commercial work without ever dropping the ball.

In 2024 alone, we delivered over £250,000 worth of commercial blind solutions – and with more exciting projects already underway, 2025 is shaping up to be even bigger.


Ready for the Next One

With projects like St James Boulevard under our belt, our commercial division is going from strength to strength. If you’re planning a development and want a trusted, local partner for blinds and shading – we’re ready when you are.

Best Blinds to Keep Your House Cool in Summer

Best Blinds to Keep Your House Cool in Summer

When the UK finally gets a stretch of warm weather, it’s brilliant — until your home turns into a sweaty, sleepless oven. If you’re searching for how to keep your house cool in hot weather (without running a fan 24/7), you’re not alone.

One of the most effective and energy-efficient ways to regulate indoor temperature is by choosing the right window blinds. In this guide, we’ll share the best blinds to keep your house cool in summer, with expert tips and links to products proven to beat the heat.



☀️ Why Blinds Matter in Hot Weather

In the UK, up to 30% of unwanted summer heat enters through your windows, according to government energy data. That’s a big deal — especially in homes with large windows or glass doors.

Blinds help reduce heat gain by blocking or reflecting sunlight before it warms up your interiors. But not all blinds are created equal. Here’s what to look for.



🧊 1. Thermal Blinds Work in Summer Too

Thermal blinds aren’t just for winter. The same insulating layer that keeps the cold out can also reflect heat away from your home in summer.

By reducing solar gain, thermal blinds can make a room feel several degrees cooler — perfect for bedrooms, loft conversions or sun traps.

Top tip: Choose lighter-coloured thermal blinds to reflect rather than absorb sunlight.



🌓 2. Vision Blinds Offer Flexibility & Style

Vision blinds combine sheer and opaque fabric stripes, letting you adjust how much light and heat enters your room throughout the day.

They’re especially effective in rooms where you still want light, but need to control glare and warmth — like kitchens, conservatories or home offices.



🪟 3. Venetian Blinds Let You Deflect Sunlight

Venetian blinds, particularly aluminium or faux wood, are ideal for regulating sunlight without completely blocking it. Simply tilt the slats to bounce the sun’s rays upward, reducing heat while maintaining brightness.

They’re also easy to clean and look great in modern homes.



😴 4. Keep Bedrooms Cool with Blackout Blinds

Getting to sleep in a hot room can be tough. Blackout blinds help by not only blocking early sunlight but also reducing heat build-up during the day — especially in south- or west-facing bedrooms.

Combine them with open windows in the evening for a cooler, more restful night.



🔧 5. Perfect Fit Blinds = Maximum Coverage

Perfect fit blinds offer edge-to-edge coverage inside the window frame — meaning less light leakage and less heat sneaking in. They’re ideal for doors, conservatories or awkwardly shaped windows.

The snug fit means better temperature control and a sleek, tidy finish.



💡 Bonus Tip: Combine Blinds with Smart Ventilation

For best results, open windows early in the morning or later in the evening to let in cooler air — and keep your blinds shut during the hottest parts of the day to block the heat.


Still not sure which blinds are right for your space? Check out our expert guides on the best window coverings to keep out heat and how roller blinds can help cool your home in summer for more ideas and inspiration.

✅ Ready to Cool Down Your Home?

Browse our full range of heat-busting blinds:

Book your free home appointment here
📞 Or call us on 0800 193 0417

Colour Your Space, Colour Your Mood: How a Splash of Colour Can Boost Your Happiness

Colour Your Space, Colour Your Mood: How a Splash of Colour Can Boost Your Happiness

Is your home lifting your mood, or dragging it down? We often think of colour as a style choice, but research shows it goes much deeper. Colour can impact everything from energy levels to emotional wellbeing — so if your interiors are looking a little grey (and so are your spirits), it might be time to refresh your space.

The Psychology of Colour: What the Research Says

Psychologists have long studied how colour affects mood and behaviour. According to a study published in Frontiers in Psychology, certain colours can evoke emotional responses based on cultural associations and personal experiences. While interpretations vary, some patterns are widely accepted:

  • Yellow is associated with happiness, warmth, and mental clarity. It’s an energising shade that works wonders in kitchens or creative spaces.
  • Blue is calming and stabilising, making it ideal for bedrooms, bathrooms, or anywhere you want to unwind.
  • Green represents nature, growth, and balance. It’s shown to reduce stress and promote a sense of harmony — great for lounges or home offices.
  • Red stimulates energy and passion. A little goes a long way — perfect for accents in dining rooms or hallways.
  • Purple has long been linked to creativity and imagination, making it a great feature colour for bedrooms or reading nooks.

Interior designers also back this up: “The colours we surround ourselves with can have a profound effect on how we feel,” says interiors expert Karen Haller, author of The Little Book of Colour.

Room-by-Room Colour Inspiration

Want to boost your home’s feel-good factor? Here’s how to bring colour into every corner of your home:

  • Bedroom – Choose muted tones like dusty blue, soft lavender or sage green to promote rest and relaxation. Roman or roller blinds in these shades can soften morning light and set a calm tone for your day.
  • Living Room – This is your social hub, so introduce warm, welcoming tones like ochre, terracotta, or moss green. Vertical blinds or curtains in textured fabrics can add depth while introducing colour.
  • Kitchen – Uplift your energy with fresh colours like lemon yellow, mint green or vibrant coral. Try a bold roller blind to add instant personality without a full renovation.
  • Bathroom – Create a calming, spa-like atmosphere with soft blues, greens, or gentle greys. These soothing tones help you unwind and bring a fresh, airy feel to smaller spaces. Moisture-resistant roller blinds in these hues offer both privacy and serenity while standing up to humidity.
  • Commercial Spaces – Colour isn’t just for the home. We can help you bring the same energy and mood-boosting benefits into your commercial setting too. Whether it’s calming tones for a clinic, uplifting colours for a classroom, or modern hues for an office, our made-to-measure blinds can enhance productivity, atmosphere, and brand personality in any workspace.

Decorating With Colour – Without the Overwhelm

You don’t need to redecorate your whole home to feel the benefits of colour. Start small:

  • Swap neutral blinds for colourful alternatives.
  • Add cushions, artwork or rugs in your chosen palette.
  • Try a statement blind in a bold pattern as a design feature.

The key is to choose colours that make you feel good — not just what’s trending.

A1 Blinds: Designed to Lift Your Mood

At A1 Blinds, we know the right blind does more than just control light. It adds personality, softness, and a sense of style — all while helping create a home that supports your wellbeing.

From peaceful pastel rollers to bold patterned verticals, our wide range of fabrics and colours gives you the freedom to reflect your personality and create a space you love to live in.

💡 Feeling inspired? Our experts can help you find the perfect blinds to brighten up your space. Book a free home consultation today and see samples in your own home!

© 2025 A1 Blinds