How Do Panel Blinds Work?

How Do Panel Blinds Work?

Are you looking for a unique window dressing for your home? Panel blinds are a fantastic option. They are a modern shading solution for large windows and doors and are incredibly versatile in terms of applications!

What Are Panel Blinds?

If you’ve never seen or heard of panel blinds their concept might be a little confusing. We’ll explain…

Panel blinds resemble a combination of vertical blinds and curtains, with large fabric panels that hang down from the rail. The panels however are much wider than those on vertical blinds, meaning a single blind is made up of fewer panels/slats.

Another difference is that the panels neatly stack on top of each other when they’re open and can be moved completely out the way of the window (if there’s space at the side). This allows for maximum light to come into your room, with no fabric blocking the way.

Panel blinds are easy to work with, offer complete privacy, reduce glare, AND create a contemporary look in any room!

Green Panel Blinds

How Do Panel Blinds Work?

So how do panel blinds work? Very easily, actually!

Panel blinds are extremely simple to operate. All you need to do is use the wand or chain provided and open and close them as you please! The fabric panels will slide smoothly across a multi-channel track. It is this multi-channel track that enables the stacking of the panels when fully open.

When fully open the panels will be stacked in one column to either the right or left of your window. Then, when fully closed, the panels will line up across the window, slightly overlapping to prevent light leakage.

Patterned panel blinds

What Designs Do Panel Blinds Come In?

Like all styles from A1 Blinds, panel blinds are available in a wide range of colours, prints, patterns, and textures. So, if you think panel blinds might be right for you, we’re sure you’ll find the perfect design to suit your home!

Due to the large fabric pieces on panel blinds, they provide a huge opportunity to add some texture or inject some colour into a space. Go for a full pattern or plain, or you can even alternate fabrics to create a focal point! Also, as well as a large selection of beautiful fabrics, we have blackout, dimout and light filtering options available in our panel blinds too.

Panel blinds also come with an option of panel widths. The size of your window or door will determine the width you’ll want each of the panels to be. The bigger the window the wider the panel, and vice versa! This will help your blinds to look in proportion with your window or door.

Panel blinds from A1 are made to your exact specifications. This means they’re made to measure, and therefore will fit your windows perfectly. Not only that, you’ll be able to design them to suit your tastes and home exactly.

If you’re not quite sure which design you’d like, you can order up to 5 free samples from our website. Simply head to each of the product pages and click ‘order sample’ and we’ll post them directly to your door. Alternatively, you could visit our showrooms to see all our blinds on display!

Plain panel blinds

Where Do Panel Blinds Work Best?

A1 Blinds’ range of panel blinds provide complete floor-to-ceiling shading thanks to their full-length fabrics. This makes them the perfect solution for floor-to-ceiling windows, French doors, and patio doors. They work beautifully in living areas, bedrooms, dressing rooms, offices and more. Pretty much in every room in the home!

They can be used as room dividers, too. Ideal for large open plan spaces, panel blinds can be used as a partition to create smaller zones and help to transform a room in an instance. They’re a great alternative to bulky internal doors or a full-blown partition wall!

Multi colour panel blinds

Panel blinds are fantastic window dressings for your home, but you are limited in terms of the windows in which they work! So, if panel blinds aren’t quite right for you, why not explore the rest of our range?

If it’s large windows you want to cover and panel blinds aren’t for you, vertical and perfect fit blinds are our top picks! However, A1 Blinds have a blind to suit every room and window. Choose from roller, Roman, Venetian, pleated, vertical, Velux, and many more blind styles! As well as lots of motorised options too.

Let us make your decision even easier. You can book a free home appointment with A1 Blinds via our website. During this appointment, we’ll measure your windows and guide you through our wide range of styles and samples. We’ll then advise you on the best option to suit your requirements!

You can book an appointment here or contact us at info@a1blindsuk.co.uk or 0800 193 0417.

 

Case Study: Bradley Hall Head Office

Case Study: Bradley Hall Head Office

Custom Branded Roller Blinds for Bradley Hall’s Grey Street HQ

Client: Bradley Hall
Location: Grey Street, Newcastle upon Tyne
Sector: Commercial Property
Scope: Custom Branded and Non-Branded Roller Blinds Across Two Floors
Project Status: Delivered to Spec, On Time, Within 2 Weeks

The Project

We were commissioned to design and install a combination of branded and non-branded roller blinds for Bradley Hall’s stunning new head office on Newcastle’s iconic Grey Street. The blinds not only enhance the aesthetic of the new space, but also provide practical year-round comfort.


What the Client Needed

As the building is listed, Bradley Hall were unable to use external signage to display their brand identity. They needed an interior solution that would subtly represent their brand in a stylish, professional way, while still providing effective solar shading and heat retention.


The Challenge

  • No external signage permitted due to the heritage status of the building.
  • No parking for unloading equipment.
  • 4-metre-high windows requiring specialist ladder access.
  • Narrow spiral staircases, making it difficult to manoeuvre materials without damaging freshly decorated walls and doors.

The client also required a rapid turnaround ahead of moving into their new space.


How We Overcame It

Our team designed and manufactured a blend of branded and non-branded roller blinds, ensuring a cohesive look across two floors. The installation required exceptional care and expertise to work safely within the constraints of a heritage building.

Despite the logistical hurdles, we delivered the entire project from initial enquiry to completion in under 2 weeks, meeting Bradley Hall’s deadlines without compromising on quality.


The Result

The finished installation delivered:

  • Stylish integration of Bradley Hall’s branding into the new office.
  • Effective shading and thermal control for year-round comfort.
  • Seamless delivery within a limited timeframe.
  • A high-quality installation, despite the challenges of restricted access and building constraints.

Client Feedback

“Huge thanks to you and the team Kevin! Fantastic service from start to finish, quick turnaround and quality product and installation. They look great!”

– Sharon Boyd, Chief Operating Officer, Bradley Hall North East / Yorkshire


The Bigger Picture

This project demonstrates our ability to combine branding, design, and practicality, even in heritage or conservation-area buildings where signage is restricted. It also underlines our expertise in overcoming complex site challenges and delivering under tight time pressures.

Perfect Fit® Shutter Lite – The Smarter Way to Add Style to Your Windows

Perfect Fit® Shutter Lite – The Smarter Way to Add Style to Your Windows

When it comes to window style, shutters are always a favourite – but traditional plantation shutters can be pricey, time-consuming, and invasive to install. That’s where our new Perfect Fit® Shutter Lite comes in.

Exclusively from A1 Blinds, this innovative system gives you the clean lines and light control of classic shutters – without the complications.


Why Customers Are Choosing Shutter Lite

  • Great Style, Great Value
    Perfect Fit® Shutter Lite offers an accessible alternative to traditional shutters – ideal for modern homes looking for elegant simplicity.
  • Quick & Simple Fitting
    No drilling. No mess. These shutters click neatly into place using a Perfect Fit® frame – meaning less disruption and more convenience.
  • Works With Doors and Tilt & Turn Windows
    The shutter moves with your window or door – making it perfect for inward-opening frames, patio doors, and even French doors.

🌞 Let the Light In – and Keep the View

Thanks to its minimal framework and slim louvres, Perfect Fit® Shutter Lite lets in plenty of natural light while maintaining excellent privacy. The clever design also gives you a clearer view to the outside than bulkier shutter systems.


❄️🔥 Comfort All Year Round

Perfect Fit® Shutter Lite does more than just look good. These shutters help create a more comfortable indoor environment by:

  • Reducing heat loss in winter
  • Blocking direct sunlight in summer
  • Helping improve energy efficiency throughout the home

By regulating room temperature, they can even contribute to more consistent energy use over time.


💷 Style That Elevates Your Home

Shutters are known to enhance both kerb appeal and interior finish. Shutter Lite can:

  • Add a high-end look to any room
  • Signal quality and practicality to potential buyers
  • Enhance the overall presentation of your property

A stylish upgrade that makes a lasting impression – especially when fitted professionally by A1 Blinds.


🧼 Practical, Waterproof & Wipe-Clean

Built for everyday living, these shutters are:

  • Easy to remove for cleaning or decorating
  • Wipe-clean and waterproof
  • Perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and busy family homes

No caulking. No damage. Just a smart, practical solution that fits effortlessly into your lifestyle.


Made in the UK

We’re proud to offer a product that’s:

  • Made in the UK
  • Fitted by our trusted A1 Blinds installation team

📞 Upgrade Your Windows Today

Stylish. Practical. Versatile.

Perfect Fit® Shutter Lite proves you don’t need to compromise on looks, light, or lifestyle.

Contact A1 Blinds today to find out more and book your free home consultation.

Case Study: Newcastle Airport Control Tower

Case Study: Newcastle Airport Control Tower

40 Custom Tension Pleated Blinds for Newcastle Airport Control Tower

Client: Newcastle International Airport
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
Sector: Aviation – Air Traffic Control
Scope: 40 Bespoke Tension Pleated Blinds
Project Status: Delivered to Spec, On Time

The Project

We were commissioned to design and install 40 custom tension pleated blinds for Newcastle International Airport’s Air Traffic Control Tower. This wasn’t a straightforward job – the tower’s unique architecture and operational restrictions made it one of the most complex installations we’ve ever delivered.


What the Client Needed

The brief was simple but critical: shading and light control in an environment where visibility is paramount. The blinds needed to perform flawlessly to reduce glare, enhance comfort, and maintain clear sightlines for air traffic controllers at all times.


The Challenge

The tower’s design created a unique technical challenge: the windows are narrower at the top than the bottom. This meant the blinds had to operate in reverse, raising issues with tension and stability. Getting them to stay in place was no small feat.


How We Overcame It

Our team engineered a bespoke solution using:

  • Maximum tension throughout each blind system
  • Reinforced top bars for durability
  • Discreet magnetic strips to keep blinds secure

We worked closely with the client throughout, being completely transparent about the technical hurdles. To build confidence, we produced working samples that were tested and signed off before full manufacture began.


Working in a Live Air Traffic Control Tower

This wasn’t just a technical project – it was also about precision planning. Working in one of the UK’s busiest control towers meant strict security measures:

  • All staff were vetted and security checked
  • Passports had to be presented at each entry
  • Access was tightly restricted and visits limited

To meet these requirements, we planned every step of the installation around an agreed programme of works, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and minimal disruption to airport operations.


The Result

The new blinds have transformed the tower environment, delivering:

✅ Glare reduction
✅ Improved visibility for controllers
✅ Greater comfort in a high-pressure workplace

The client praised not only the quality of the finished product but also our communication, professionalism, and how smoothly the installation was managed.


The Bigger Picture

This project highlights our ability to deliver bespoke blind solutions for even the most complex environments. From innovative design to meticulous project management, we can adapt to buildings where standard systems simply won’t work.


Ready for the Next One

If you’ve got a project that demands a tailored shading solution – whether it’s an airport, a commercial office, or a uniquely shaped building – we’ve got the expertise to deliver.

Get in touch with our team today to discuss how we can design, manufacture, and install blinds that meet your exact requirements.

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