Fitted Blinds For Bifold Doors vs Free Hanging

Free Hanging And Fitted Blinds For All Bifold Doors

Bifold Door Blinds
Posted: 18 Jun 2014

With folding doors becoming so popular; we wanted to remind everyone that we can provide the perfect solution for all of the major door manufacturers. This includes fitted blinds for bifold doors made by the following companies:

  • Origin folding doors
  • Kloeber folding doors
  • Duration folding doors
  • Sunflex bi-fold doors
  • Timber door manufacturers, such as Vufold
  • All of the UPVC external folding doors that you can imagine, such as Anglian, Everest, Swish and Eurocell.

The most popular types of blinds for bifold doors

However, there are many key points to consider before deciding the right type of folding door blinds.

Are the doors Aluminium, Timber or UPVC?

The type of doors can often decide whether blinds can be fitted directly to the glazing beads, or in front of the door handles. It can also affect how the doors retract; how close the doors are when retracted, and even influence the decision on the aesthetic look required.

Roller Blind Bi-Folding Doors

Does it matter if my doors fold back internally or externally?

Most doors retract externally, so this allows blinds to be internally fitted above the frame. However, there are some pleated blinds that can also be recess fitted to each door (just covering the glass) which will not be in the way when the doors are retracted, but which are also completely washable, so are safe even if they are caught in a light rain shower.

Duette Folding Door Blinds

Are the blinds mainly for Privacy, Light Control, Insulation, Sound Absorption, or Appearance?

It is common for people to only think of light control and privacy; but find that other factors are just as important after they have their doors fitted. Most owners of folding doors find that heat insulation is just as important; and also find that large areas of glass make the room sound like an echo chamber.

What happens when the doors are retracted?

If you are using your blinds for shading, and can see that you will need this when your doors are open; then you will want free hanging blinds in front of the opening.

Will you wish to have one main opening door, with the others often closed?

If you are looking to use one main (master) door within your bi-fold doors, then you will need at least one blind to be easily and quickly operable. It also can’t take up too much space when it is retracted. You may want the other doors covered by wider blinds, or the same width blind as the master door? This will push you towards a specific blind type, as well as start to dictate the costs.

Will there be space in front of the door handles, or are the blinds to be fitted to each door?

If you have a folding door installed, it is likely to have a lintel or deep bulkhead above it. This will allow blinds to be fitted in this plane – in front of the door handles. We often find that customers ask their builder to create a false bulkhead for the blind to retract into and be concealed. In this case, they would need to specify the correct size for the blinds, and this varies with blind type.

Bifold Door Roller and Fitted Blinds

Why not just have integral venetian blinds fitted between the glass at manufacture?

Glass manufacturers can install aluminium venetian blinds between the panes of glass that make up the double-glazed units in your doors. If all you want is light control and some privacy, then these are an option worth considering, however be aware that…

  • Integral blinds are not as effective with insulation or the huge impact of heat loss
  • They don’t soften the acoustics or provide any feel of warmth at night or in the cold
  • Venetian blinds block the sun out completely, making the room very dark when the sun is strong
  • Integral blinds cannot provide shade or privacy when doors are folded back, as they are contained within the doors
  • When they eventually need to be repaired/replaced the glass needs to also be replaced
  • If you select integral blinds, they cannot be changed or updated if you no longer like the colour

At Conservatory Blinds Limited we have both free hanging and fitted blinds perfect for bifold doors. To find the best solution for your bifold doors arrange a free quotation today. 

Ask us for help and advice about our products.

Arrange a Free Quotation Request a Free Brochure
Menu