Decorating
Should I Choose Pleated Blinds for my Windows?
Continuing our series on window blinds, here’s why you should consider pleated designs for your home
Pleated blinds add softness and texture to rooms, and are a neat and practical solution for providing shade and privacy. While they may not be the first style you think of when choosing blinds, here are some reasons why you should give them a try on your windows.
More in this series Should I Choose Venetian Blinds for my Windows?
Should I Choose Roman Blinds for my Windows?
More in this series Should I Choose Venetian Blinds for my Windows?
Should I Choose Roman Blinds for my Windows?
They work brilliantly in conservatories and glass extensions
Pleated blinds are often used in conservatories, as they offer a soft shading effect, filtering sunlight so the room doesn’t become too hot and uncomfortable. You can also ask for special solar finishes that block harmful UV rays.
As pleated blinds can be fitted directly onto the frame, they’re great for tilted windows and hard-to-reach skylights. Many can also be adjusted using motorised controls, so you won’t need to get your stepladder out.
10 ideas for glass extensions
Pleated blinds are often used in conservatories, as they offer a soft shading effect, filtering sunlight so the room doesn’t become too hot and uncomfortable. You can also ask for special solar finishes that block harmful UV rays.
As pleated blinds can be fitted directly onto the frame, they’re great for tilted windows and hard-to-reach skylights. Many can also be adjusted using motorised controls, so you won’t need to get your stepladder out.
10 ideas for glass extensions
They fold away neatly
Another plus for pleated blinds is how they concertina out of sight at the top or bottom of the window, leaving just a small stack – perfect if you prefer a minimal look during the day, want to enjoy the view, or don’t have much space around your window. Many pleated blind systems are also cordless, so they’re a safe choice if you have young children.
Another plus for pleated blinds is how they concertina out of sight at the top or bottom of the window, leaving just a small stack – perfect if you prefer a minimal look during the day, want to enjoy the view, or don’t have much space around your window. Many pleated blind systems are also cordless, so they’re a safe choice if you have young children.
They’re more interesting than rollers
Pleated blinds can be a softer, more interesting alternative to roller or Venetian blinds. And don’t assume you need to use them on their own – as this room demonstrates, they also work well teamed with curtains.
However, pleated blinds do have a distinctive look, so consider if it’s something that will complement your interior and fit with your personal taste.
Pleated blinds can be a softer, more interesting alternative to roller or Venetian blinds. And don’t assume you need to use them on their own – as this room demonstrates, they also work well teamed with curtains.
However, pleated blinds do have a distinctive look, so consider if it’s something that will complement your interior and fit with your personal taste.
They work two-tone
Many pleated blinds can be made to order in two contrasting tones or shades, which can give them a more designed and interesting look.
In this bathroom, a darker colour at the bottom offers privacy, while a lighter shade at the top lets more light filter through. The result is stylish, but also practical.
In general, think about whether you want to block light entirely, or are happy with a more translucent effect. Pleated blinds come in a choice of thicknesses and opacity, so they can feature full-on blackout linings or gently filter the light.
Many pleated blinds can be made to order in two contrasting tones or shades, which can give them a more designed and interesting look.
In this bathroom, a darker colour at the bottom offers privacy, while a lighter shade at the top lets more light filter through. The result is stylish, but also practical.
In general, think about whether you want to block light entirely, or are happy with a more translucent effect. Pleated blinds come in a choice of thicknesses and opacity, so they can feature full-on blackout linings or gently filter the light.
They’re good for keeping out the chill
Pleated blinds can be a good eco-friendly choice. You can opt for a thermal layer or coating, so your blinds offer more insulation and help regulate room temperature better. So-called ‘honeycomb’, or cellular, designs trap air inside two layers, keeping the heat in during winter and out in summer.
Clever eco tips to steal from our Houzz Tours
Pleated blinds can be a good eco-friendly choice. You can opt for a thermal layer or coating, so your blinds offer more insulation and help regulate room temperature better. So-called ‘honeycomb’, or cellular, designs trap air inside two layers, keeping the heat in during winter and out in summer.
Clever eco tips to steal from our Houzz Tours
They can work on any size of window
Pleated shades can look as good on large windows as small ones. As well as the length of the blind, think about the size of the pleats – they can vary from narrow to wide, the latter often looking good on bigger windows.
Pleated shades can look as good on large windows as small ones. As well as the length of the blind, think about the size of the pleats – they can vary from narrow to wide, the latter often looking good on bigger windows.
They’re a nice way to introduce colour
Pleated blinds are often slightly translucent, rather than opaque, so they can be a great way to use colour without it taking over a space. This striking orange warms up this room without overwhelming it.
Pleated blinds are often slightly translucent, rather than opaque, so they can be a great way to use colour without it taking over a space. This striking orange warms up this room without overwhelming it.
They look good with pattern
They don’t have to be plain, either, and can be made using the printed pattern of your choice. Try combining a plain area with a patterned section if you don’t want your windows to appear too busy, especially in a smaller room.
Have you chosen pleated blinds and, if so, why? Let us know your thoughts in the Comments section
They don’t have to be plain, either, and can be made using the printed pattern of your choice. Try combining a plain area with a patterned section if you don’t want your windows to appear too busy, especially in a smaller room.
Have you chosen pleated blinds and, if so, why? Let us know your thoughts in the Comments section
One great advantage of pleated blinds is that you can position them at the top or bottom of your window. This is ideal if you want to let plenty of light into your room while still preserving privacy. Special support systems will keep the pleats in place, ensuring they’re evenly spaced and don’t sag.