What Are Pleated Blinds?

What Are Pleated Blinds?

Pleated blinds come with a long list of benefits. This makes them one of our top choices for window dressings! They’ll provide you with the ideal combination of performance and style. Here’s why…

Pleated Blinds Explained:

Pleated blinds are naturally beautiful thanks to their elegant folds which will add a soft textured effect to any interior.

Pleated blinds are made up of a ‘honeycomb’ structure. A series of hexagonal cellular ‘gaps’ between two layers of fabric that are joined at the top and bottom of each shape. The gaps are flattened when your blinds are open and expand again when your blinds are closed.

The cellular composition of pleated blinds allows them to sit neatly and discreetly at the top of the window frame. They are cordless; operated manually or via motorisation. This makes them totally child-safe, especially when paired with our Perfect Fit system!

Pleated Blinds Come in Lots of Styles and Fabrics

Not only are pleated blinds naturally beautiful. We have hundreds of styles available so you can choose them to suit your home perfectly.

Take your pick from a wide range of stunning colours, tones, and textures. From trendy Voile Sage and Neutral Ivory to Statement Chambray Blue and patterned Cherry Blossom, pleated blinds have a style to suit every taste and décor.

Your choice is exceptional when it comes to pleated blinds. You’ll be able to create the perfect environment within your home thanks to our range of fabrics on offer. Choose from standard fabric, blackout, voile, solar protective, and anti-microbial. Just ask our team about which fabrics will meet your requirements.

Not only that, but you can also take your pleated blinds to another level and upgrade to motorised blinds. Our motorised pleated blinds are the perfect contemporary style statement within your home. With motorisation, you’ll gain full control of the light, privacy, and temperature in your home, all at a simple click of a button on your rechargeable remote! It really can be that easy.

coloured pleated blinds

Pleated Blinds for Improved Efficiency

The honeycomb structure of pleated blinds enhances the acoustics and insulation within your home. They work by trapping pockets of air in the hexagonal cells between each section. This adds extra depth between your room and your windows. Therefore, you’ll benefit from a soundproofed, and warmer home! It’s a win, win!

Take everyday efficiency one step further and choose Perfect Fit pleated blinds! The Perfect Fit system fits directly to the UPVC frame and removes the risk of any gaps between your blinds and your windows. Therefore, the draught from outside is prevented from getting in, and the light leakage that can sometimes spill around the edges of your blinds, is no more!

In turn, your home will be dramatically warmer, and the blinds will be considerably more effective in blocking the light from getting in.

Pleated blinds for energy efficiency

Pleated Blinds Work Well Across the Home

Just like most of our blind styles, pleated blinds are ideal for use across the entire home. Their simplistic design makes them extremely versatile when it comes to fitting in with your decor, and our wide range of fabrics means there’s a choice to suit the requirements of every room.

Thanks to their insulating qualities, they are particularly useful in conservatories and caravans, where temperature control can be difficult. For this reason we find that pleated blinds are often a popular choice where the room is at a premium.

For rooms with high levels of humidity like kitchens and bathrooms, we’d recommend choosing one of our moisture-resistant pleated blind fabrics. This will help them to look as good as new, for longer.

pleated blinds for the kitchen

How to Clean Your Pleated Blinds

Pleated blinds are a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a low maintenance window dressing. To keep them looking good as new, there are a couple of cleaning options we recommend.

To remove dust:

To remove any settled dust from your pleated blinds, first, close the blinds completely. Then, with either a dry dust cloth or a handheld vacuum, glide over your blinds from top to bottom, easily lifting the dust.

To remove stains:

If you’ve found any settled stains on your pleated blinds, use a damp cloth and gently rub the affected area. It may be easier to remove to blind from your window and lay it out to make it easier to reach. Then, rehang the blind when completely dry, patting it down with a towel to speed up the drying, if you wish.

When you choose blinds from A1 Blinds you can choose from hundreds of different fabrics, styles, colours, and designs – including over 100 different pleated blinds!

If you’re not sure about which you fancy, we can help you. You could visit our Blaydon or Forest Hall showroom in Newcastle and let one of our expert team guide you through our entire range!

Alternatively, you can order up to 5 FREE samples from our website to be delivered straight to your door. The choice is yours, but either way, we’re always on hand to help you to make the best decision possible. Why not book your free home consultation today and get started?

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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