Tag: a1 blinds

Are you thinking of buying window blinds? Our home consultations are a great way to learn about the various styles and fabrics on offer and our expert team can go through all the technical terms and specifications with you to ensure you are getting not only the best deal possible, but the blinds chosen for your space are the right kind not only aesthetically, but practically too. However, if you are not in the window coverings business, knowing what information will be helpful before committing to your purchase can be confusing.  Here are our top 10 tips for things to know before buying blinds:

Window Measurements:

As part of our free home consultations, we offer free window measurements so you do not need to worry about getting the ladder out and measuring your windows yourself. It is however useful to note that the larger your windows are, the more it is going to cost to custom build and fit a blind to. Understanding this from the beginning will help you prepare for what kind of quote you will be given before our consultant leaves your home. 

Type of Blinds:

There are many types of blinds to choose from, all of which offer various benefits. You may find it useful to jot down some of the main benefits you want from your window blinds so our team can use this information to come up with a window solution that will meet your requirements. For example, do you need motorised/voice control blinds? Do you prefer hanging vertical blinds or snug-fit roller blinds? Having a preference is ok, and can help us to determine which blinds are best for you. 

Light Control:

Determine the level of light control you desire. Some blinds offer complete blackout, while others provide filtered light. Consider the direction your windows face and the amount of sunlight they receive. Don’t just consider the current climate, try and think back to what the light levels were like in previous seasons as well.

Privacy Needs:

Consider the levels of privacy you require in each room. Some rooms, such as bedrooms, might require a total blackout blind that prevents the ability to see in at all. Other rooms however might need a degree of privacy, such as living rooms and kitchens where the levels can be adjusted to suit, such as open during the day and closed during the evening. Some blinds even offer a view to the outside while limiting people’s ability to see inside.

Material and Durability:

The material of the blind plays a big part in its durability. For example, in a kitchen, you might want to consider flame retardant and wipe clean fabrics depending on their proximity to the cooking area. For everyday blinds, it is a good idea to consider materials that suit your style and stand up to the conditions in the room. You may decide to go for a plain, minimal design to suit a range of decors and colours if you like to redecorate a lot, or you might go for bold, colourful and patterned material to bring the “feature wall” to the window. Whatever your preference, we have a blind to suit you!

Maintenance and Cleaning:

Different blinds require different cleaning methods. Consider how much time and effort you’re willing to invest in maintaining them.

Safety:

If you have young children or pets you may want to consider motorised blinds. This is one of our safest offerings as they have no operational cords. However, ALL of our blinds comply with UK safety laws and all operation cords will be fixed to the wall upon application by our team, dramatically lowering the chances of accidents.

Warranty:

Most blinds come with a warranty of some sort, but the length and terms of the warranty can vary. All of our blinds are covered by a 12-month warranty. 

Samples:

Before booking a consultation, you might want to see a few styles for yourself, feel the materials and see the quality of the fabrics. We offer a free home delivery of up to 5 samples of your choice directly from our website. Simply search for the blind style you like and click the request sample button next to it. Checkout the sample basket and they will be delivered free of charge to your home. 

Expert Service:

Once you have considered all alternatives, it is time to book your home consultation! This is a free, no-obligation service offered to anyone in the North East of England. We will attend your property at a pre-arranged appointment time and go through all of your options, listen to any concerns and offer our expert advice on styles and fixtures. We then measure your windows and provide you with a quotation that lasts for 30 days. We do not employ “salesmen” and nobody works on commission, so you will not be made to feel pressured to buy. Once we have received your order your blind will be produced in our factory and fitted within 2 weeks of ordering.

By considering these factors, you’ll be better prepared to make an informed decision and find window blinds that enhance the aesthetics and functionality of your home. Happy blinds shopping!

Our carefully selected range of blinds prioritises durability and low maintenance, addressing the major concern of cost without compromising on quality. Many of our fabrics come with an Ultra-Fresh™ anti-microbial coating that eliminates the MRSA superbug and other harmful microorganisms on contact. Additionally, these blinds are machine washable, ensuring they remain fresh and hygienic for extended periods. These features make our blinds ideal for healthcare settings where cleanliness and infection control are paramount. We take pride in offering competitive prices while delivering a product that meets the highest standards of performance and safety.

• Hospitals
• Care Homes
• Doctors Surgeries
• Dentists
• Residential Homes
• Elderly Care
• Sure Start Centres
• Waiting Rooms

Our range of blinds have been carefully chosen with durability and low maintenance in mind. We understand that cost is can be a major concern so we have endeavored to offer our products at extremely competitive prices without sacrificing the highest quality. A large selection of our fabrics are available with ‘Ultra-Fresh’ anti-microbial coating, which kills the MRSA superbug (amongst others) upon contact and they are also machine washable, keeping them fresh for longer.

Having blinds in a Healthcare setting provides you with a world of advantages you may never have thought of, such as:

1. Privacy: Blinds help to maintain patient privacy by blocking the view from outside the room. This is crucial for ensuring patients have a comfortable and confidential environment during their stay.
2. Light control: They allow staff and patients to adjust the amount of natural light entering the room, which can be essential for patient comfort, recovery, and overall well-being.
3. Infection control: Hospital blinds are often made of materials that can be easily cleaned and disinfected, helping to reduce the risk of infection transmission in medical settings.
4. Temperature control: They can also help regulate the room’s temperature by blocking or allowing sunlight, making the space more comfortable for patients.

Specialised coatings and finishes we offer to the Healthcare sector:

1. Ultra-Fresh Technology Fabrics: This antimicrobial treatment offers proven protection from microbial attack by controlling the growth of unwanted microbes. When treated with Ultra-Fresh the fabric provides protection against the growth of odour-causing bacteria, fungi, mildew and moulds. It also prevents stains that can be caused by bacteria and fungi resulting in fabric that is fresher and cleaner for longer. Ultra-Fresh is recommended for use in the healthcare sector, care homes, catering facilities, schools and nurseries. With a wide range of light filtering and blackout FR fabrics available for the commercial market, it makes sense to choose window blinds treated with Ultra-fresh where antimicrobial protection is of particular importance.
2. Coronasafe Coatings:  It is essential to make areas where people gather as safe as possible and protect against the spread of coronavirus. The unique CoronaSafe™ formula offers proven protection eliminating 99% of coronavirus from the fabric’s surface within an hour. An hour! A tremendous result when, according to the internationally recognised medical journal, The Lancet, cloth can retain the virus for up to 2 days. Where extra protection is needed, in hospitality, offices, care homes, healthcare sectors, schools, nurseries and in the home, use CoronaSafe™ window blinds in Carnival or Carnival Blackout fabric.
3. Anti-Ligature Devices: The use of additional safety devices may reduce the risk of strangulation or injury but cannot be considered foolproof. Persons in charge of children and vulnerable people are ultimately responsible for following the safety instructions provided by us the manufacturer. It is a requirement by law that new blinds must be ‘safe by design’ or be supplied with appropriate child safety devices installed. The regulations apply in the following circumstances; Where there is a loop present in a blind it will be fitted during the manufacture with a safety device that will break under pressure. Safety devices will also be supplied to secure the cord to a wall. The standard also imposes a maximum cord and chain length and minimum fixing heights. This directly affects the minimum distance a looped control cord can be from the floor, and must (in most cases) be fixed to a wall/frame if installed by us. A1 Blinds install all blinds to comply with these regulations. We also offer a free site survey to inspect existing blinds in public buildings including schools, hospitals and offices. We will provide a detailed report on all blinds that either meet or do not meet the compliance (EN13120) and will advise on the best way to comply with the new law.
4. Cubical Curtains & Trackings: Our cubicle tracking programme includes innovative products such as mobile cubicle track systems for flexible use of space in hospital departments such as Accident and Emergency and overhead intravenous track systems. To complement our track systems we offer disposable cubicle curtains, including the Easy-Fit product which reduces replacement times dramatically. Our disposable cubicle curtains are treated with Endurocide antibacterial formulation and they are 100% recyclable.

Experience a new standard of cleanliness! Discover our range of antimicrobial blinds for enhanced indoor air quality! Our Antimicrobial range is specifically designed to elevate your room’s cleanliness and safeguard your well-being. They are engineered to combat the growth and proliferation of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Harnessing the power of cutting-edge technology, our blinds are crafted with specialised fibres that actively inhibit the formation of germs. This feature not only promotes a healthier environment but also simplifies maintenance with just a single wipe. Say goodbye to the hassle of extensive cleaning routines as our blinds resist the accumulation of harmful germs on their surface.

For individuals with allergies or respiratory concerns, our antimicrobial blinds offer an extra layer of protection. By reducing the growth and spread of microorganisms, these blinds create a haven of purified air, free from potential irritants. This makes them particularly popular within the healthcare and education industries – such as hospitals, care homes and schools, as well as nurseries and childcare services, allowing you to breathe easy.

We understand the significance of a clean and hygienic space, which is why we are committed to providing you with the highest standards of quality and performance. Our antimicrobial blinds combine functionality with style, ensuring that your interior design aspirations are met without compromising health and safety.

Don’t miss the opportunity to transform your home or workspace into a sanctuary of cleanliness and well-being. Explore our range of antimicrobial blinds today and experience the peace of mind that comes with improved indoor air quality.

Contact us now or visit one of our showrooms to discover the future of clean living with our remarkable blinds. Please consult with our team for further details on the antimicrobial properties, cleaning instructions, and any other specific information regarding our blinds’ features.