Blinds
What types of blinds do you offer?
Direct Fabrics manufactures and supplies a comprehensive range of flame retardant blinds suitable for commercial and domestic use:
- Roller Blinds - Available in blackout, dimout, and standard fabrics. Certified to BS5867.
- Cassette Roller Blinds - Premium enclosed system with side channels for complete blackout. 10-year guarantee.
- Vertical Blinds - Ideal for large windows and patio doors. Available in flame retardant fabrics.
- Metal Venetian Blinds - Durable aluminum blinds for commercial environments.
All our blinds are made to measure in the UK and come with a 5-10 year guarantee depending on the product type.
What is the difference between roller blinds and cassette roller blinds?
The main differences between standard roller blinds and cassette roller blinds are:
Standard Roller Blinds
- Exposed roller mechanism at the top
- Fabric hangs freely with bottom bar
- More affordable option
- 7-day delivery time
Cassette Roller Blinds
- Enclosed cassette housing protects the fabric
- Side channels guide the fabric for complete light blocking
- Premium finish with no light gaps
- Ideal for bedrooms and hotels requiring total blackout
- 10-year guarantee
Cassette roller blinds are our premium option and particularly popular in hospitality and healthcare sectors.
Are all your blinds flame retardant?
Yes, 99% of our blinds are flame retardant and certified to BS5867 for commercial use. Our roller blinds and vertical blinds use fabrics certified to British Standards, making them suitable for hotels, care homes, schools, hospitals, and other commercial environments.
Each blind comes with certification documentation upon request. Any exceptions are clearly marked on the product page.
How do I measure for roller blinds?
Measuring for roller blinds depends on whether you want a recess fit (inside the window frame) or face fit (outside the window frame):
Recess Fit (Inside Mount)
- Measure the width of the recess at the top, middle, and bottom
- Use the narrowest measurement
- Measure the height from top to bottom at three points
- We'll make appropriate deductions for fitting
Face Fit (Outside Mount)
- Measure the width you want the blind to cover (usually 10-15cm wider than the window)
- Measure the drop from where you want to fix the blind to the desired bottom point
For detailed measuring guides with diagrams, visit our measuring guide page.
Can I get blackout roller blinds for hotels?
Yes, we specialize in blackout roller blinds for hotels and hospitality environments. Our hotel blackout blinds feature:
- 100% Blackout Fabrics - Certified BS5867 Part 2B flame retardant
- Cassette System Option - Side channels eliminate light gaps
- Durable Construction - Built for frequent commercial use
- 10-Year Guarantee - On cassette roller blinds
- Quick Turnaround - 7 days for standard roller blinds
We work with major hotel chains including Marriott and Hilton, and can provide full specifications, fire certificates, and installation services nationwide.
Do you install blinds or is it DIY only?
We offer both options:
Professional Installation
We provide nationwide installation services with over 20 trusted fitters across the UK. Our installation service includes expert fitting, all necessary fixings, and quality assurance.
DIY Installation
All our blinds come with comprehensive fitting instructions and all necessary brackets and fixings. Most customers find roller blinds straightforward to install with basic DIY skills.
We also provide installation guides and video tutorials on our website, and our support team is available by phone for guidance.
What are vertical blinds best suited for?
Vertical blinds are an excellent choice for:
- Large Windows - Ideal for wide expanses of glass
- Patio Doors - Easy to operate and don't obstruct doorways
- Commercial Spaces - Offices, meeting rooms, reception areas
- Care Homes - Easy to clean and maintain, flame retardant certified
- Schools - Durable and safe for educational environments
Our vertical blinds are manufactured using flame retardant fabrics certified to BS5867, making them suitable for commercial use.