What Are Vision Blinds?

What Are Vision Blinds?

Vision blinds are the perfect middle-ground between Roller blinds and Venetian blinds. They’re sometimes known as Day and Night blinds, and sometimes they’re known as Zebra blinds! Either way, they’re all the same.

Vision blinds have become extremely popular in modern-day interior design. This is thanks to their modern look and functional benefits. They’re a win, win when it comes to window dressings!

What Are Vision Blinds Made Of?

Vision blinds consist of a double layer of striped fabrics. The fabrics are made up of opaque coloured stripes followed by sheer stripes. These two fabrics glide over each other, either lining up the stripes or colour blocking them, granting the user fantastic light and privacy control.

Like a standard roller blind, Vision blinds are operated by a control chain at the side, making it simple and easy for you to adjust. They can be completely rolled up, or, like a Venetian blind, can be adjusted to filter light through their stripes.

White Vision Blinds

What Styles of Vision Blinds Are Available?

Vision blinds come in a striped fabric as standard. This is what makes them Vision blinds! However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t still lots of designs for you to choose from!

We have Vision blinds in a range of neutral tones from timeless whites to cosy creams. As well as your bolder colours including statement blacks, vibrant reds, and bright pinks. There’s a Vision blind to match every colour scheme whether you’re into minimalist or maximalist interiors!

Vision blinds for living rooms

Vision Blinds with Motorisation

By now, you’ll know that Vision blinds are a modern and inventive window dressing. But they get better. Motorised Vision blinds!

With motorised vision blinds, you can operate your blinds without having to get up! Instead, simply click the button on your rechargeable remote, then watch your blind glide up or down as you please! Motorised Vision blinds are super easy to set up and you can do so at home, yourself.

Motorised Vision Blinds

Where Do Vision Blinds Work Best?

Vision blinds are great across every room in the home thanks to their simple and modern design. Here’s why…

Bedroom Vision Blinds

You might think flexible light and privacy control aren’t important in the bedroom. It just needs to be dark for sleeping, right? Wrong! Think about it, you probably get changed in your bedroom. You might have a workstation in there or a play area for the kids.

Therefore, flexibility when it comes to light and privacy is most likely essential in the bedroom.

This is where Vision blinds are perfect. By filtering the light but maintaining privacy, you can enjoy the natural daylight whilst getting on with day-to-day tasks in private!

Living Room Vision Blinds

The perfect blind to bring some style to your living space, Vision blinds come in a fantastic range of colours, so you can enjoy beautiful blinds no matter what your décor!

The functional characteristics of Vision blinds will help you to make the most out of your living room, no matter what time of day. Close them completely for Saturday movie nights, then open them to stripes during the day to relax in private!

Kitchen Vision Blinds

Kitchens are spaces we spend lots of time in, probably more than we realise! Therefore, having the right blinds in your kitchen is important! Vision blinds are a popular choice for the kitchen thanks to their modern aesthetic.  

Achieve the perfect balance between daylight and privacy. Set the blinds to stripes whilst you cooking and when it comes to relaxing, alter them to a full-colour block for complete privacy.

Living room vision blinds

What Are the Benefits of Vision Blinds?

– You get complete privacy in your home when you fully close Vision blinds.

– Their clever design enables you to enjoy natural daylight whilst also benefiting from complete privacy.

– You can choose to have the blinds fully open, fully closed, or position them somewhere in-between.

– Vision blinds are available in a range of fabrics and colours, with the option of motorisation available too. They’re a go-to window dressing for making a statement within any room in the home!

– Benefit from improved insulation when you opt for made to measure Vision blinds. They’ll help to keep your home warm in winter and reflect the heat during the summer.

Could Vision blinds be for you? If so, why not order 5 free samples from our website and let us help you to decide! Simply head to the product page and add the sample to your basket. Then, all that’s left to do is decide which colour is for you. Browse our Vision blinds and get started today. 

If you’re not quite sold on Vision blinds, we have hundreds of other blinds available. From Roller Blinds, Vertical Blinds, Pleated Blinds, Venetian Blinds and more! Find your perfect style on our website today.

 

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.

    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

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