How Vertical Blinds Are Made and Used

How Vertical Blinds Are Made and Used

Ever wondered how vertical window blinds are made? We’ll tell you in this blog! We’ll also tell you what they are, the styles available and how to use them…

At A1 Blinds we’ve been manufacturing blinds for over 30 years. So, there’s no one better suited to give advice or information about blinds!

What are vertical window blinds?

Vertical window blinds are consistently popular with our customers, and for good reason.

Vertical blinds are vertical fabric slats (louvres) that are attached to a sliding track in the headrail and adjusted via a chain, cord or wand.

The verticals can be produced in a wide range of fabrics depending on your taste. They are weighted at the bottom of each slat and linked to ensure an evenly spaced drop.

Depending on how much light you want in your room, vertical window blinds tilt and turn, or drawback completely. They are different to most other blind styles as they open from side to side rather than top to bottom.

Whether you’re reducing glare or enjoying the sunrays, vertical window blinds enable full light and privacy control.

Green vertical window blinds

How to make vertical window blinds

Our craftsmen have years of experience in manufacturing beautiful blinds for our customers.

Lots of time, skill and attention to detail goes into each and every vertical window blind. We’re very proud of the quality blinds we produce, so let us talk you through the process…

  1. Firstly, our fitters come to your home for your free consultation appointment. During this consultation the fitters measure your windows and bring samples for you to browse.
  2. Once we have your measurements and chosen fabric, we’ll begin to make your blinds!
  3. The first step is to cut the headrails to the specified window width. We do this using a machine to ensure high-precision, neat edges. The headrail is where the fabric slats will hang from.
  4. Next, for bay or curved windows, we use an industrial bending machine to achieve the desired curve, bespoke to every window.
  5. Then the carrier trucks (the fabric slat attachment clips) are fitted into the headrails and the adjustment string is fitted.
  6. Next, the chosen slat fabric is cut to length from the roll. Again, this cut is done by a manned machine to ensure perfect cuts and identical slats.
  7. The bottoms of the fabric slats are then folded and sewn, leaving a horizontal gap at the foot of each. This gap is for the weights to be slotted into, which help to maintain a consistent look across the window.
  8. Once the weights have been stitched in, chains are added to link each of them together. The chains help to keep the blinds in line; however, they are optional as verticals do work without them!
  9. The final stage is to package up the headrails and the fabric slats. They are then collected by the fitter on the morning of your appointment and fit into your window in due course.
  10. Finally, you can enjoy your beautiful vertical window blinds for years to come! Take a look at our cleaning guide to keep them looking brand new.

Vertical blinds production

Vertical window blind styles

Being one of our most popular styles, we stock a huge range of vertical window blinds to suit every room.

Choose from a variety of coloured and patterned vertical blinds. From subtle neutrals through to statement bolds – we’re sure you’ll find something you love.

Our vertical window blinds are also available in blackout fabrics and chainless slats, depending on your personal needs.

You can speak to the team at any time if you require any styling or safety advice.

Patterned vertical blinds

The benefits of vertical window blinds

Vertical window blinds come with a host of benefits for the home and commercial settings.

Thanks to their two control options, these blinds excel when it comes to light and privacy management. You can tilt, open, or fully close your blinds – making them a good option across many rooms.

Controlling the sunrays in your home also enables energy-saving. Vertical window blinds are able to block out the hot sun rays in summer and trap the heat during winter. Therefore, less energy usage and less cost for you!

Vertical blinds are extremely easy to clean and collect much less dust than horizontal blinds. The fabric slats can be wiped down with a cloth or machine washed to remove stains. Between deep cleans, a quick dusting is all they require to keep them looking pristine!

Vertical window blinds are also available with child and pet safety functions. These include P-clips, cleats, and chain-free options.

As you can tell, a lot of work goes into making our quality vertical window blinds. Have we inspired you?

We’re constantly on the lookout for new fabrics and styles to keep you on-trend, so be sure to keep an eye on our collection! You can browse our collection of vertical window blinds here or book your FREE home or virtual consultation today via the website.

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.

Blackout Blinds & Children’s Sleep: A Cosy Recipe for Rest

Blackout Blinds & Children’s Sleep: A Cosy Recipe for Rest

When it comes to getting little ones to bed, few things are as powerful as a pitch dark and well regulated room environment. Blackout blinds for children offer a proven solution – from boosting sleep hormone levels to keeping bedrooms cool in summer and warm in winter.

🌙 Why Darkness Matters for Children

Encouraging Melatonin Production
Exposure to light – even low light – can suppress melatonin by up to 90%, the hormone vital for sleep regulation. A darkened kids’ room enables natural melatonin levels to rise, helping children wind down and stay asleep longer.

Better Quality & Longer Sleep
According to the UK Sleep Council, around 30% of children aged 3-17 struggle with sleep onset or staying asleep through the night. By blocking early morning light or ambient evening glow, blackout blinds in nurseries and children’s bedrooms can help extend total sleep time – especially useful in summer, when dawn breaks as early as 4:30 AM.

    🗣️ Parents’ Real World Experiences

    From UK parenting groups, many families report that blackout blinds dramatically improve early-morning wake-ups and overnight sleep:

    “We desperately need blackout blinds otherwise they’ll be up SO early… just won’t be able to get to sleep.” – Nichole.
    “Blackout blinds saved the day… she slept through the night again.” – Shannon.

    While airflow can be a trade off – especially with Velcro fit or fixed sheets – parents often find blackout solutions for kids that still allow for ventilation, such as blinds with suction cups or thermal liners.

    🌡️ Temperature Control: Summer & Winter Benefits

    In Summer
    • Thick, opaque materials block sunlight and reduce solar heat gain, making children’s bedrooms cooler even without air conditioning.
    • Tips from parents: using reflective foil, keeping blinds closed during heat of day, and opening only when ambient air is cooler.

    In Winter
    • Windows are responsible for up to 40% of home heat loss. Thermal blackout blinds for children’s rooms act as an insulating layer, trapping warmth and reducing the chill from cold panes.
    • Retaining heat helps maintain a cosy sleep friendly environment even on frosty nights.

    📊 Sleep & Health Stats (UK based context)
    • Sleep struggles: 30% of children aged 3–17 experience sleep disruptions.
    • Ideal bedroom temperature: 16–18 °C for optimal REM sleep; both overheating and chilliness disrupt sleep patterns.

    Recommended sleep durations:
    • Ages 3–5: 10–13 hours
    • Ages 6–12: 9–12 hours

    ✅ What Blackout Blinds Offer for a Child’s Bedroom

    • Total or near-total darkness helps children fall asleep more easily and stay asleep longer without waking too early.
    • An added insulation and thermal layer keeps rooms cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, ensuring year-round comfort.
    • Noise dampening materials reduce outside noise, making it easier for children to rest without disturbances.
    • A cordless or child-safe design improves safety in nurseries and bedrooms, removing potential hazards.
    • Easy-to-open and close blinds offer flexibility for daytime naps or letting in fresh air when needed.
    • Total or near-total darkness helps children fall asleep more easily and stay asleep longer without waking too early.

    🧸 Tips for Parents

    • Choose child-safe blackout blinds – cordless or securely fitted – to avoid hazards.
    • Go for a snug, custom fit to reduce light leakage and maximise insulation.
    • In summer, close blinds during the hottest part of the day. In winter, close them overnight to trap heat.
    • Consider blackout blinds with side tracks or thermal lining for better light and temperature control.

    🌟 Final Thoughts

    Blackout blinds are more than just sleep accessories – they’re essential tools in creating a calm, restful space for kids. They help regulate temperature, support natural sleep cycles, and reduce those early wake-ups that can disrupt the whole household. For children (and their parents), a well-fitted blackout blind might just be the most peaceful upgrade you can make to a bedroom.

    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.

    © 2025 A1 Blinds

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