interior

What Are the Signs That You Need to Change Your Blinds

What Are the Signs That You Need to Change Your Blinds

Your blinds will show signs of wear and tear after a few years. It's a good idea to replace them every six to eight years to keep them looking fresh. If you can't remember the last time you replaced your blinds, it's time to get new ones! As long as you take proper care of your coverings and maintain mechanical features, they should last for many years. Blackout and solar-coated blinds have a special coating that protects against sun damage.

Here are five signs it's time to upgrade your blinds:

1. Signs of Sun Damage

Blinds and curtains are often exposed to the sun, which can cause damage over time. There are some ways to reduce sun damage to your coverings, but after years of exposure, there will be signs of damage. If you notice that your vertical or wooden blinds look sun-damaged and bleached, it may be time to give them a revamp. This is because these coverings are particularly prone to sun damage when they are rotated at different angles, as they hit the sun directly. Similarly, soft furnishings like carpets, sofas and cushions can also bleach if left in direct contact with sunlight.

2. Lack of Maintenance in the Past Six Months

Venetian blinds can be a simple way to reduce the amount of dirt buildup. Dusting and cleanliness will help to keep most of the dust at bay. Still, it's recommended to deep clean twice per year, including thoroughly cleaning the material and the attachments to leave your home hygienic and reduce the spread of bugs, germs and bacteria. Some manufacturers of blinds offer extra treatments, such as antibacterial coating and anti-allergen blinds.

3. Daily Exposure to the Changing Weather

The weather can be quite unpredictable at the best of times and can often be caught out by sudden downpours and cold snaps. This can have a damaging effect on your blinds, curtains and upholstery. Some coverings are made from materials treated with a waterproofing spray to help keep them looking new for longer. This helps to keep the blinds in good condition and prevent them from becoming mouldy or mildewed.

4. Spills and Stains

As well as the daily exposure to the elements, your coverings can also become stained by spills and accidents. If you have children or pets, you may find that your blinds become stained more easily. If you have some old coverings, you can also use a waterproofing spray to help protect them against spills and stains. This can help to prolong the life of your blinds and keep them looking new for longer.

5. Presence of Dust Mites

Dust mites are tiny creatures that live in dust and can cause allergies in some people. Dust mites are not harmful to humans but can cause many respiratory problems. To help reduce the number of dust mites in your home, you can use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. This will help to remove dust mites from your home.

Conclusion

Several signs indicate it may be time to change your coverings. It may be time for an upgrade if your blinds are old, damaged, or no longer fit your decor. Additionally, if you constantly adjust your coverings to block out sunlight or reduce glare, it may be time to invest in a new set. Ultimately, if your blinds are no longer meeting your needs, it may be time to consider a change.

Direct Fabrics manufacturers, supplies and installs soft furnishings, including curtains, bedding, fabrics, tracks and blinds across the UK. We have over 50 years of experience in contract furnishings, guaranteeing British-manufactured, made-to-measure products. We are an NHS-certified supplier and work supplying hotels, care homes, schools and more. If you’re looking for glare-reducing and flame-retardant blackout material for blinds, we’ve got you covered! Visit our website to shop online now!

Office Window Blinds: Privacy, Security, and Elegance

Office Window Blinds: Privacy, Security, and Elegance

Window blinds are fixtures that should be included in virtually all workplaces. They come with many benefits, even though some people may view the expense of installing them as relatively insignificant and unneeded.

Enhancing your office's natural lighting can significantly impact your staff's well-being and efficiency. Offices outfitted with window blinds are known for being vibrant, creative, and comfortable. Moreover, window blinds provide several benefits in addition to comfort, including the following.

1. Improved Light and Temperature Regulation

Window blinds are one of the best ways to control sunlight, which helps to maintain a healthy environment. Sunlight is a crucial part of providing your staff with energy. However, it is necessary to keep the sunlight out of your office if the heat is too much for you. 

Also, having control over the amount of light entering your office through windows makes it easy to regulate the temperature inside cost-effectively.

2. Wide Choice of Styles, Colours and Materials

Window blinds are available in various colours, from natural colours to more vibrant colours like cobalt blue and red. They also come in multiple styles. For instance, classic wood Venetian blinds or the more modern and sophisticated roller blinds. 

They are available in a wide range of colours and shades, which means that you will be able to create a personalised look for your office space quickly.

3. Greater Levels of Privacy and Security

Blinds provide a significant degree of privacy and security, especially if you install them in areas subject to constant foot traffic. The degree of privacy and guarantee you get from blinds function of the material they are made from. 

For example, slat blinds tend to offer more privacy than more transparent roller blinds. This is an essential consideration for spaces such as waiting rooms.

4. Protection from Other Elements

Window blinds are a vital line of defence against extreme weather conditions for protecting your office's assets. For example, window blinds can prevent the sunlight from fading carpets or paintings and protect furniture from being damaged. Window blinds can also act as a barrier against rain, wind and other forms of weather.

5. Create a More Professional Looking Office Space

Offices that use blinds are often perceived as more professional since they provide a professional, elegant appearance. They can fit into virtually any office style and make it easy to transform your office space without spending money on expensive furniture.

6. Simple Upkeep and Repair

You will not have to spend much time on repairs or maintenance because these blinds are very easy to fix. They are durable, ensuring that they will last long while being extremely easy to clean. The only thing you need to do is wipe them down with a damp cloth when they get dirty.

Conclusion

Window blinds are one of the most cost-effective ways to transform your office space. While the initial installation can be a bit costly, the money you save by reducing energy costs will make up for the initial investment.

Are you looking for a supplier of office blinds? Check out Direct Fabric. We are one of the leading UK manufacturers of flame retardant blinds and curtains that are British Standard and certified for use in commercial spaces. Get in contact with us now!

How Your Choice of Window Blinds Can Impact a Room

For many offices, window blinds are just there to cover up the windows for security and privacy purposes while also controlling heat and light. Not many people realise that they have a significant effect on the feel of the entire room. Below, we list the different kinds of office blinds and how they can change a room.

1. Roller Blinds

Unlike most blinds, roller blinds are made of one cut of material without any partitions or breaks. Because of this, it gives off one clean line that is very stylish and chic to look at.

Because of the lack of breaks in the material, roller blinds are the most versatile window blind options you have. They are available in different fabric types, designs and patterns. Due to this, these kinds of blinds can make a big difference in your room's vibe. You can choose a more simple pattern that can blend in with a minimalist room or a more elaborate one that will be eye-catching and would stand out.

2. Vertical Blinds

Many offices like to use vertical blinds because they are easy to keep clean. They are low-maintenance, and they work great in terms of functionality. However, some people would think that these blinds are not exactly the most diverse when it comes to design, as they can be limited due to how they look.

While it is true that the designs are limited, that doesn't mean there aren't any. These blinds can come in different colours and patterns, with some even having prints on the inside of the blinds. You can use these designs as art pieces, or some even offer custom-made designs, so that you get to decide what kind of design you want to be printed on the inside of your blinds.

3. Venetian Blinds

Venetian blinds look similar to vertical blinds, except that they are horizontal. They are often pulled by a string or chain to raise, and you can twist a little handle on the side to open them. However, there are also now automated Venetian blinds that can be controlled with a remote.

These blinds are the classic office blinds that most people would imagine if they think about it. They can come in PVC, wood and aluminium, which gives them a bit of diversity. However, if you are looking for patterns and printed designs, they are not as common with these kinds of blinds. But if your office is more minimal and simple, then these blinds are perfect for you.

4. Integral Venetian Blinds

These are standard Venetian blinds, except that they are often integrated in between two pieces of glass, be it your window or door. They are made in PVC, and it gives off a clean and simple look. These blinds are great if you need blinds in your office but don't want them to stand out too much. They will blend in with your window, and not many people will give them a second look.

Conclusion

Many people take their window blinds for granted, but they can greatly affect the overall atmosphere of your office. As you can see, there are many different kinds that you can choose from, and each one will completely change how your office looks. Just make sure to understand what kind of impact these blinds can make to know which one you need.

If you are searching for office blinds, you can purchase them from Direct Fabrics. We are a supplier of fabrics for commercial purposes and that includes your offices. Get in touch with us at Direct Fabrics for your office blinds.