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5 Amazing Benefits of Integral Blinds
Lifestyle
Whether you’re renovating or upgrading your home, choosing the right window blinds can have a big impact on comfort, safety, and energy use. Integral blinds, also known as integrated window blinds, are quickly gaining popularity across the UK. Fitted between the panes of double glazing, they offer a neat and tidy finish that doesn’t interfere with how your doors or windows operate. But their advantages go far beyond looks. From being low maintenance to supporting eco friendly living, here’s why more homeowners are turning to windows with integrated blinds.
What Are Integral Blinds?
Integral blinds are a practical and tidy window solution where the blinds are permanently sealed within a double glazed unit. This enclosed design means there are no external cords, wands, or components to worry about; plus, there’s no dust collecting on the slats, and no clutter around your frames. They can be fitted into most window and door frames, and even into existing windows.
They’re typically controlled via a magnetic slider positioned at the side of the glass or by remote control, depending on the system you choose. This makes them especially useful for bifold doors, large glazed openings, and rooms where clean lines and ease of use are a priority.
Can I Add Integral Blinds to Sliding Doors?
Yes, you can fit integral blinds into sliding doors, though there are some size limits to consider. At Express, we offer integrated blinds within our XP Glide and lift-and-slide door systems for glass panels up to 2.2m² in size.
For larger doors, electric options are available. Our twin-track lift-and-slide doors can accommodate motorised integral blinds in panels as large as 5m², providing a clean and easy-to-use solution for expansive glazing.
Benefits of Integral Blinds
1) Energy Efficiency
Research from the University of Salford’s Energy House Labs shows that blinds can cut heat loss through windows by up to 33%: a key figure, considering around 18% of a home’s heat escapes through the windows.
When fitted within double glazed windows, especially those with thermally broken aluminium frames, integral blinds help maintain a steady indoor temperature and reduce reliance on heating. By sitting between the glass panes, they act as an extra barrier, supporting a more energy efficient home.
For households aiming to lower their bills and shrink their carbon footprint, this simple addition can be a smart move toward a more eco friendly way of living.
2) Child & Pet Friendly
Safety matters, especially in homes with young children or curious pets. Traditional blinds often come with cords, chains, or wands, all of which can pose safety risks. Integral blinds, on the other hand, are completely enclosed. That means no loose parts, no tangles, and peace of mind when it comes to window safety.
3) Clean, Modern Look
For those who prefer a tidy finish without external clutter, integral blinds are worth considering. They sit neatly inside the window, keeping sightlines clear and interiors looking sharp. Whether fitted in new extensions or existing spaces, they offer a refined appearance that works well with contemporary homes, especially when paired with sleek aluminium bifold doors.
4) Low Maintenance
No one wants to spend their weekend or evening cleaning blinds. Because integrated blinds are sealed inside the glass, they’re protected from dust, dirt, and sticky fingerprints. That means no more wiping slats or untangling cords, just a quick clean of the glass now and then. If you’re after a low maintenance window solution, these are hard to beat.
5) Superb Privacy
With integrated window blinds, you can control privacy without sacrificing natural light. Be it street-facing windows or wide open views, integrated blinds allow you to fine-tune your privacy in seconds. And since they’re inside the glazing, there’s no fiddling with cords or external fixings, just smooth, reliable use day after day.
Our Partnership with Uni-Blinds
At Express, we proudly supply Uni-Blinds Integral SV Venetian Blinds: a trusted, built-in solution that fits securely within double glazed, argon-filled glass units. Designed for durability and ease, these integrated blinds are completely sealed within the glazing, removing the need for cleaning and offering dependable performance year after year.
Unlike some alternatives, such as Push Block blinds, Uni-Blinds provide up to 20% more natural light when open, helping your home feel brighter throughout the day. The blind’s mechanism is neatly concealed within the headrail, giving an uninterrupted view and a cleaner finish. Each unit is backed by a 5-year guarantee, making it a reliable addition to any living space.
These blinds are a top choice for high-traffic areas like kitchens, family rooms, and conservatories, and we frequently recommend them for our bifold door installations.
Manual Operating Options
Uni-Blinds are available in two straightforward manual formats, both fully compliant with British Blind and Shutter Association (BBSA) safety guidelines:
Cord-Operated System
- Uses a patented magnetic system to raise and tilt the slats.
- The external cord is kept lightly under tension by a secure cord tensioner.
- Designed to meet all BBSA ‘Make it Safe’ requirements.
SV Slider System (a popular option)
- Incorporates a slim guide track on either the right or left-hand side of the glass unit.
- A magnetic slider glides smoothly along the track, allowing you to lift, lower, and tilt the slats with ease.
- Operated without cords, ideal for homes with children or pets.
- Supplied with warm edge spacer bars as standard, helping to support better thermal performance.
From helping your home stay warmer in winter to offering a safe, low maintenance solution that fits effortlessly with modern doors and windows, integral blinds tick a lot of boxes. Whether you’re installing double glazing with integral blinds or upgrading to windows integrated blinds in a new build, they provide a lasting solution that pairs function with simplicity.
Ready to explore the benefits for yourself? Come on down to the showroom and have a chat with our expert sales team to discover how integrated blinds could make a difference in your space.
