paul james blinds

What are the Best Blinds for Bifold Doors?

Finding the best blinds for bifold doors is like uncovering hidden treasures in the world of home design. It requires a keen eye, an understanding of the landscape, and, of course, a little bit of adventure. So, if you’re on the hunt for the perfect blinds to complement your bifold doors, buckle up! This guide will steer you on the right path, dispelling doubts, providing clarity, and ultimately leading you to the prize – the best blinds for your bifold doors.

 

Bifold Doors: The Elegant Space Enhancers

Let’s set the stage by understanding the charm of bifold doors. Their popularity is no accident. Bifold doors, also known as folding sliding doors, are a sublime blend of style, functionality, and innovation. They’re a brilliant solution for opening up spaces, enabling a seamless connection between the indoors and outdoors, and flooding your home with natural light. Their ability to fold back neatly makes them a smart choice for spatial efficiency, while their chic aesthetics can lift the vibe of any home.

 

The Advantages of Installing Blinds on Bifold Doors

Now that we appreciate the allure of bifold doors let’s layer on the magic of blinds. Why are blinds the ultimate accessory for bifold doors? For starters, they enhance the beauty of the doors, adding a layer of intrigue and sophistication. They also extend control over light and privacy, allowing you to adjust the ambience as per your needs. With blinds, you can protect your interiors from harsh sunlight and ensure insulation during colder months. So, installing the best blinds for bifold doors is a surefire way to amplify their utility and aesthetic appeal.

Discovering the Best Blinds for Bifold Doors

Uncovering the best blinds for bifold doors is a journey through a variety of choices. Each type of blind offers a unique set of advantages and aesthetic allure. Let’s explore these options.

  • Venetian Blinds: Venetian blinds bring a classic charm that is hard to resist. With their horizontally aligned slats, they offer precision control over light and privacy. Their design simplicity is their greatest strength, enabling them to blend seamlessly with any interior decor style.

  • Roller Blinds: Roller blinds are the embodiment of minimalist elegance. They provide an effective solution for light control, including the option for complete blackout. Available in various fabrics, designs, and patterns, they offer diverse choices to complement your bifold doors.

  • Vertical Blinds: Vertical blinds are a preferred choice for large bifold doors. Their vertically aligned slats offer smooth light and privacy control, while their sleek design brings a modern vibe to your space.

  • Pleated Blinds: If you fancy a bit of uniqueness, pleated blinds can be the right pick. Their visually attractive design, combined with effective insulation capabilities, makes them an excellent choice for bifold doors.

  • Perfect Fit Blinds: Perfect-fit blinds live up to their name by fitting neatly into the window frame of your bifold doors. Their clean, clutter-free look is a definite crowd-pleaser.

Decoding the Best Blinds for Bifold Doors: Factors to Consider

Selecting the best blinds for your bifold doors requires thoughtful consideration. Here are some key factors that should influence your decision.

  • Size and Installation – The blinds you select should match the size of your bifold doors perfectly. Easy installation is another crucial aspect to look for when choosing the best blinds.

  • Material Quality and Durability – High-quality materials translate into durable blinds. Therefore, it’s essential to prioritise quality over cost when searching for the best blinds for your bifold doors.

  • Control and Privacy – Depending on your personal needs, choose blinds that offer the right balance of light control and privacy. Some blinds can completely block out light, while others allow a filtered light effect.
  • Style and Aesthetics – Your blinds should enhance the aesthetic appeal of your space and blend well with your existing decor. So, whether you prefer a classic, modern, or eclectic style, choose the best blinds that reflect your personal taste.

Uncover the Best Blinds for Bifold Doors: The Decision 

To uncover the best blinds for your bifold doors, you need to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each type of blind. Consider your personal needs, preferences, and the specific characteristics of your space. This approach will ensure that you discover the best blinds that perfectly align with your requirements.

Choosing the best blinds for your bifold doors can dramatically enhance your space. They can imbue your rooms with a distinct character, provide you with optimal control over light and privacy, and reflect your personal style. So, take your time, consider your options, and make a choice that you’ll love for years to come!

FAQs

 

Why should I install blinds on my bifold doors?

Installing blinds on your bifold doors enhances their aesthetic appeal and functionality. They provide control over light and privacy, insulation, and can also protect your interiors from harsh sunlight.

What are the best blinds for bifold doors?

The best blinds for bifold doors depend on your personal preferences and specific needs. Some popular choices include Venetian blinds, roller blinds, vertical blinds, pleated blinds, and perfect-fit blinds.

How do I maintain the blinds on my bifold doors?

Regular cleaning, gentle handling, and prompt repairs can significantly extend the lifespan of your bifold door blinds. Use a soft cloth or vacuum cleaner for cleaning, avoid harsh chemicals, and ensure timely repairs if any damage occurs.

How do I choose the best blinds for my bifold doors?

To choose the best blinds for your bifold doors, consider factors such as the perfect fit, quality of materials, light control and privacy, and style and aesthetics. You should also consider the ease of installation and maintenance.

Can blinds increase the value of my home?

Yes, installing high-quality blinds can potentially increase the value of your home. They enhance the aesthetic appeal of your space, improve energy efficiency by providing insulation, and offer greater control over light and privacy.

 

The journey to discover the best blinds for bifold doors may be long, but it’s definitely worth the effort. After all, the right blinds can truly transform your living spaces, making them more comfortable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. So, embark on this journey with confidence and look forward to the incredible transformation that awaits your home!

If you’re looking for bespoke blinds in any style, colour, design or material, look no further than Paul James Blinds. Established for over 8 years, we have built a firm reputation as trusted blinds suppliers and installers, which is largely owed to our huge range of options and our high standards of customer service. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch for advice or to arrange a free home visit – we serve the areas of Sudbury, Colchester and beyond.

 

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What Blinds Are Best to Use in a Bathroom?

Bathrooms are a unique area of the home where both hygiene and relaxation must come under consideration when making interior design choices. The truth is, blinds for bathrooms should possess some specific qualities for cleanliness and privacy reasons, whilst also contributing towards an atmosphere of tranquillity. In this article, we’ll outline what blinds are best to use in a bathroom, and how to balance practicality with style when making your choice.

Bathroom Blinds & Shutters - Paul James Blinds

4 best types of blinds for your bathroom

 

Why are these the best types of blinds for your bathroom?

  • Roller blinds: Heavy, thick fabrics are unsuited for a bathroom, as they are difficult to clean and vulnerable to mould. Roller blinds are created from more lightweight materials that are easier to clean and maintain. Also, most roller blinds are actually moisture-resistant, making them ideal for a bathroom setting. They also offer full coverage, and therefore fantastic privacy to what is arguably the most private room of any home, and with such a wide selection of colours and patterns on offer, you have the freedom of choosing a blind that will perfectly enhance your bathroom’s ambiance.
  • Venetian blinds: Privacy is of paramount importance in a bathroom, but that doesn’t mean you should skimp on style or lose out on natural light to achieve this. The slatted design of Venetian blinds allows you accomplish a subtle balance between light filtration and privacy through careful adjustment of the slats. Not only that, but Venetian blinds boast a timeless elegance that makes them a beautiful addition to any room of the house.
  • Aluminium, uPVC blinds and shutters: Wood is not a suitable material for the moisture-rich environment of a bathroom, which can cause wood to warp and become misshapen. uPVC is cheaper alternative that boasts a waterproof quality that makes them ideal for a bathroom space. Aluminium is also another strong candidate, and has the additional benefit of being resistant to rusting. Both uPVC and aluminium are very simple to clean and maintain, and still manage to preserve their shape and attractiveness in this humid environment.
  • Faux-wooden blinds and shutters: If your heart is still set on the rustic appearance of wooden blinds or shutters, there’s a waterproof solution available that comes in the form of fauxwood. Made from PVC, and decorated to mimic the appearance of wood, this material is simple to clean and resistant to moisture damage, whilst still giving your bathroom the natural, organic look you’re searching for.

 

For a wide range of bathroom blinds and shutters, look no further than Paul James Blinds. We craft and supply a huge range of bespoke blinds and shutters, tailoring the style and fit to your exact requirements and personal taste in decor. Our technicians offer free home visits and measuring services, operating across the areas of Colchester, Sudbury, Braintree, and Bury St Edmunds. Get in touch today to chat to our friendly team.

 

 

 

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How to Choose the Best Blinds for Large Windows

Large windows can make for a light, airy and attractive home. However, when it comes to finding the right coverings or dressing for them, you may find it difficult. Under most circumstances, larger windows will likely require made-to-measure blinds and special consideration. What may be appropriate for a standard window may not be practical for large ones. Let’s take a look at some of the things you should consider when choosing the best blinds for your large windows.

Weight

Larger windows mean that more material will be needed to cover the area and, inevitably, this results in a weightier window covering. This can make some types of blind impractical as the extra weight will put the mechanisms under too much strain. For example, the heavy swathes of fabric used in Roman blinds make them a poor choice for large windows; wooden blinds for wide windows are also not the best choice as the slats will begin to bow under their weight.

Choose a lightweight option to ensure suitability for your large windows. Vertical blinds are some of the best blinds for large windows and there are many choices of fabric for the slats, including translucent or opaque options. Panel blinds are also ideal for long windows, providing great shading but without excessive, weighty fabric.

blinds for large windows

Movement

One of the most common instances of large panes of glass is in patio or bi-fold doors which require covering. In these cases, you must choose a blind which won’t obstruct the movement of these doors. Vertical blinds can be a good choice here as they can be retracted horizontally, allowing the slats to be completely folded back and kept out of the doorway when needed.

Alternatively, perfect-fit blinds are a good choice if ease of movement is a key concern as these can be fitted directly to the window frames. This means that the door can move unobstructed by the blinds, even when they are closed.  

Motorisation

For big windows, you may want to consider motorisation instead of a traditional opening mechanism. This can be particularly useful if you have tall and hard-to-reach windows where normal mechanisms would have to be adapted significantly under the circumstances anyway. Motorised blinds will require less effort and be easier to operate in comparison to a standard pulley or wand mechanism.

Motorisation can provide valuable security benefits too. The blinds can be programmed to close at particular times to keep out excessive sunlight or prying eyes. What’s more, the system can be operated by an app, allowing you to close your blinds even when you’re away from home. Both these features can help give the impression that there is someone in your home and deter intruders.

Thermal control

Big windows can contribute to big temperature fluctuations in a room – such as in conservatories. The uncovered glass can cause the room to heat up excessively in the sun and lose internal heat in the winter months. To mitigate these effects, you should consider blinds with insulating properties. Honeycomb-shaped blinds – such as Duette blinds – can be a great solution as their structure provides insulating air pockets which enhance thermal control.

Light control

To make the most of your large feature windows, you will want to make sure, even with blinds, that you can still harness the amount of natural light and expansive views that they allow. Blinds with rotating slats are a great option here as they allow you maximum control over the amount of light admitted into your home. What’s more, they can enhance privacy by blocking the line of sight into your home, without blocking out the admittance of daylight. Vertical blinds or lightweight Venetian blinds can both achieve this.

 

Paul James Blinds provide customers with an impressive range of high-quality blinds suitable for large windows. Our years of experience and skilled team mean that we are well-equipped to create bespoke blinds for any room or home – even for windows that are large or unusually shaped. Get in touch with our helpful team to discuss your requirements and see how we can help. We offer our high-standard services throughout Colchester, Sudbury, Braintree and Bury St Edmunds.  

 

 

venetian

What are the best blinds for conservatories?

Choosing the best blinds for your conservatory isn’t just about looks; it’s about making the space work better and feel cosier. The right blinds can really bring out the best in your conservatory. Of course, everyone has their own style, but because conservatories have specific needs, some blinds are a better fit than others. Let’s dive into our guide to find the top blinds for conservatories, considering all the key factors.

Temperature control

A conservatory is a beautiful space that bridges the home and the outdoors. However, with its large glass panels, it’s susceptible to temperature fluctuations. During the summer months, conservatories can become uncomfortably warm, turning into veritable greenhouses. In contrast, the colder months can make them chilly retreats due to significant heat loss. To combat this, the right blinds can be game-changers.

Top Choice: Honeycomb pleated blinds. Their unique design, characterised by air pockets in a honeycomb shape, provides insulation, preventing excess heat in summers and retaining warmth during winters.

Sunlight control

One of the primary purposes of conservatories is to let in plenty of natural light. However, this can sometimes mean dealing with harsh, direct sunlight that can be damaging to interiors and uncomfortable for occupants. A fine balance is essential.

Top Choice: Vertical and Venetian blinds. Their rotatable slats allow sunlight diffusion without completely blocking light, ensuring the room remains bright without being overwhelmingly sunny.

Cost

Budget considerations are crucial for most homeowners. The total cost of outfitting your conservatory with blinds will be influenced by its size and the materials you choose. But remember, a cheaper price tag doesn’t always mean better value.

Most Economical: Roller and vertical blinds are usually the most budget-friendly. However, it’s essential to remember that the cheapest option might not always offer the best value in terms of durability and functionality.

Durability

Investing in blinds means expecting them to last, especially when they’re meant for a space as exposed as a conservatory. With intense sunlight being a constant, the blinds need to be resistant to fading and wear.

Top Choice: Vertical blinds and aluminium Venetians. Both are resilient against intense sunlight and have mechanisms that aren’t prone to trapping insects. Replacement slats are easily available for both in case of damage

Privacy

For those living in more densely populated areas, conservatories can sometimes feel like a fishbowl. Having blinds that offer privacy without compromising the view is crucial.

Top Choice: Slatted blinds, such as vertical and Venetian, allow adjustable privacy. Fully closing the slats offers complete privacy, while they can also be fully retracted for an unhindered view.

Suitability

Every conservatory is unique, and its architectural nuances can determine the type of blinds it can accommodate. The weight of the blinds, in particular, is a factor that shouldn’t be underestimated.

Top Choice: Lightweight options such as pleated blinds, vertical blinds, and aluminium Venetians are typically the best fit for conservatories, causing minimal stress to their structure.

 

About Paul James Blinds

For those in Colchester, Sudbury, Braintree, and Bury St Edmunds, Paul James Blinds offers a vast range of top-quality blinds in various styles and materials. Whether you have a specific design in mind or need expert guidance, our team can help craft the perfect blinds for your conservatory. Experience the benefits of our bespoke service and benefit from our free, no-obligation surveys. For more information or expert advice, do reach out to us.

 

 

Blackout Blinds

How to Choose the Right Colour for Your Blinds

A fresh set of blinds, we all know, has the potential to revolutionise the aesthetics of your room, but not if you fail to choose the right colour blinds for your room. Finding a colour that works to complement the aesthetics of your room is difficult, but not if you follow these handy tips!

What Emotion Do You Want to Evoke?

It has long been known that different colours stimulate our minds in different ways, each evoking a certain response and emotion from us that is wholly unique. Therefore, the vibe you wish to generate in a room is entirely dependent on the colour you choose. Here are just some of the emotions colours can evoke, most of which have a positive and a negative side:

  • Red can either evoke feelings of anger or of energy and excitement. There is perhaps a fine line between the positive and negative aspects of red colours, so you should balance it carefully against other colours. Red draws our attention because it appears closer than it actually is, so is great for focusing perception in your room especially if you contrast it against calmer colours.
  • The intellectual colour blue encourages either communication and trust or sadness, depending on its shade. It is perfect for rooms in which you have to give the air of trust, but don’t overdo it – some find blue a symbol of unfriendliness!
  • Yellow is an emotional colour and can either evoke feelings of optimism or anxiety, again depending on its shade. The right type of yellow can encourage confidence, emotional strength and creativity in us, but the wrong one can see irrationality and fear run rife. A balance between yellows and other colours in your room can remedy this paradox.
  • Green represents nature and balance to a lot of people, but could quite as easily represent blandness. This is because it doesn’t have any dramatic effect on us visually when we see it. Seeing it requires no adjustment of the eye whatsoever, therefore encouraging harmonious emotions, but if you’re looking for excitement it could increase feelings of boredom.
  • Black, on the other hand, shows sophistication and emotional security when deployed correctly. If it doesn’t contrast well with other colours in a room, it can be stifling.
  • White and creamy colours are the symbols of hygiene and simplicity, making them an excellent choice for many rooms. Although pure white can evoke feelings of unfriendliness due to their sterility, if a cream colour is used these feelings of elitism are quickly curbed.

To find out more about the feelings other colours can evoke, be sure to talk to your blind designer. They have the experience necessary to figure out what colour is most appropriate for your purposes and hold a wealth of knowledge that goes beyond the handful of colours detailed here.

Every Room Requires Something Different

The best colour for each room in your home depends on its function. For instance, darker colours wouldn’t work in a bathroom, but white, beige or silver work excellently as they promote images of hygiene. Colours that are suitable for other rooms include:

  • Earthy tones in bedrooms, like light sages and other muted colours that encourage peaceful rest
  • Bright colours to encourage creativity in home offices
  • A contrast between earth tones such as terracotta, bright yellows and golds can create a happy, active space in your kitchen
  • Greens work well in dining rooms, promoting peace and tranquillity, but reds can encourage overeating

However, these recommendations act only as guidelines. If you’d like to get the most out of your room’s colour scheme, you’ll need to talk to a professional directly. Only through discourse with an expert can you find the perfect colour blinds for your room and your requirements.

Paul James Blinds are the expert blind, awning and curtain specialists of the Colchester, Sudbury, Colchester, Braintree & Bury St Edmunds areas. We use the best brands in the field to provide top quality and reliable products at a price you can afford. Our blinds are perfect for use in a variety of settings, and our professional team are ready to find a solution that suits you. For a free no obligation survey of your home and help choosing the right colour for your blinds, contact our friendly team today.

 

 

 

electric blinds

Types of Blinds and their Best Uses

So, you’ve decided your home needs a fresh look or a bit more privacy, and blinds seem like the perfect solution. Great choice! Blinds not only improve the look of your windows but also offer practical benefits like light control and privacy. But with so many options out there, where do you start?

We have compiled a list of all the types of blinds you’ll find and explained where they’re best suited to help you get started.

Understanding What You Need

Before jumping into the many options, let’s clarify what you want your blinds to achieve:

  • Light Control: Decide if you want to soak your room in sunlight or keep it cosy and dim.
  • Privacy: If your main goal is prioritising privacy while still letting light in, certain blinds handle this beautifully.
  • Looks: Blinds are part decor, too. They should match your home’s style and make it more beautiful.
  • Budget: Prices vary a lot, so know what you’re willing to spend ahead of time.
  • Safety and Cleaning: If you have kids or pets, cordless blinds can be a safer choice. Consider how much effort you’re up for in keeping them clean, too.

Blind Styles

The first decision is blind style. The most popular options include:

Venetian

The History of Venetian Blinds

Venetian blinds are great for controlling and filtering the amount of light in a room for your needs. Made of metal horizontal slats that tilt to control light levels and come with a varying choice of slat width to further control light. They are a great fit for offices, schools and in the home.

Roman

A more luxurious option, Roman blinds are great for rooms that can get cold or chilly. They are raised and lowered by a chain you can personalise, and feature soft folds of fabric available in different styles, patterns or materials. But because of their fabric design, it is worth noting that they don’t work well in bathrooms, where they are prone to dampness. However, they are ideal in living rooms, kitchens and bedrooms where a sophisticated touch is needed.

Roller

A straightforward approach, roller blinds do what they say on the tin and are one of the most popular blind types because of it. Essentially a sheet that rolls up and down the space of your window, you can craft your blind from a variety of fabrics for your own special touch, and adorn them with elegant patterns to make them stand out. They work well in all environments to complement your room and provide full privacy and lighting adjustment.

Vertical

The classic design perfect for use anywhere in your home – from the living room to the conservatory – or in offices or schools, vertical blinds offer pure privacy and also filter light very effectively. Glare reduction materials make them great for south-facing windows which feature in a room where you’ll be undertaking a lot of written or computer-based work.

Panel

Used also as room dividers, panel blinds offer a contemporary take on blinds that can add an extra level of colour and dimension to a room. Patterned panels act as the most ideal form of this type of blind as they then can also act as a centrepiece of your room, not just a blind.

Skylight

With an impressive range of patterns and colours available, skylight blinds partner excellently with Velux windows which will be fitted perfectly to the frame. Blackout fabrics can help plunge your room into darkness, but other materials will simply filter the light. Coloured fabrics will allow for a specific shade of colour to flood your room, so get creative.

Wooden

Bringing a softer, more organic touch to the table are wooden blinds, be they faux or not. The design most often involves horizontal slats that are tilted to adjust light levels in the room. Wooden blinds do not go well in bathrooms, but faux wood blinds can withstand moisture a whole lot more.

Pleated

Pleated blinds are ideal for injecting a stylish and modern feel into your room. They are made of honeycomb or concertina folds of fabric that tuck away neatly or extend out when you pull the cord or tab to raise the blinds or lower them.

Blackout

Ideal for those who work nights and need their sleep in the daytime, blackout blinds are the type of blinds that block light from entering a room. You can transform some of the blind types above into blackout, but where blackout blinds work best is when they perfectly fit in the window frame, such as in the case of a skylight, where the light will be fully blocked out of the room.

Custom Features

Next, consider special features like:

  • Cordless lift operation: Safer for homes with pets or kids. Allows blinds to be raised and lowered smoothly.
  • Motorisation: Electric motors to raise, lower and tilt blinds automatically on a schedule or with the touch of a button.
  • Insulated fabrics: Help reduce outside noise and maintain comfortable temperatures. Perfect for bedrooms, media rooms or family spaces.
  • Custom sizes: Get a perfect fit for any uniquely sized or shaped windows. Precision measurements ensure proper light control and appearance.

Making the Choice: Blinds vs. Curtains

If you’re torn between blinds and curtains, consider this: blinds offer more flexibility in light and privacy control, they’re generally easier to clean and can be more cost-effective. Plus, they give a modern look that can complement any decor.

Finding Help Locally

For those feeling unsure, reaching out to local blind specialists can be a game-changer. At Paul James Blinds, we can offer personalised advice, help you measure, and even install them for you. We can guide you through the blind-buying journey, ensuring you end up with windows that look and function just how you want.

Paul James Blinds are the expert blind, awning and curtain specialists in the Colchester, Sudbury, Colchester, Braintree & Bury St Edmunds areas. We use the best brands in the field to provide top-quality and reliable products at a price you can afford. For a free no-obligation survey of your home, contact our friendly team today.

Paul James Blinds invites you to Spring Clean Your Decor-blog

Paul James Blinds invites you to Spring Clean Your Decor

Now it is officially spring, for homeowners this usually means one thing: Spring cleaning! Giving our homes a clean after a long year is a great feeling, and it really helps rejuvenate the home – and yourself! If you really want to take advantage of the season and the tradition, you can up your spring cleaning game by updating your decor too. Not only will this dust away the cobwebs from the previous year, it will spruce your home up for the oncoming year and bring your home on trend. Here is the advice from Paul James Blinds;

Declutter and organise

No matter our best intentions, our homes always end up accumulating amounts of rubbish and collections of unneeded belongings. Spring cleaning your home is the perfect opportunity to rid yourself of your surplus possessions and make your home more spacious. When deciding whether to throw or keep something, ask yourself whether the item has been used in the last six months. If the answer is no, throw it away! Once you have cleared out your home, organise your belongings so that everything has a place where it can be stored neatly.

Change the room layout

Altering the layout of your room is a great way of making a space feel new, and you may find that you prefer your new layout to the old one! Whether it’s trying feng shui or adjusting your tv and sofa to be out of the glare from the window, a small difference to your room layout can massively alter the way the space works.

Update your colour scheme

We’re not talking about repainting the walls and buying a new sofa here, but updating your accent colour for one of this year’s trends can really reinvent a room. Your blinds, throws, cushions and rugs can all be swapped out for an updated look very affordably, and the decor of your room will feel completely fresh.

Steam clean

Some of your soft furnishings are too large to be cleaned in your washing machine, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be cleaned! Sofas, rugs and carpets can become really grimey over a year’s use, and you may not even be aware of the deteriorating condition of your soft furnishings until you’ve begun to clean them. A steam cleaner is a quick and effective way of cleaning your larger soft furnishings, and you’ll be surprised at the colour your sofas and carpets used to be! Before using a steam cleaner, be sure to check your fabrics are safe to be cleaned in such a way as excessive moisture can damage some materials.

Florals

Take inspiration from the blossoming flowers you’ll soon begin to see and bring florals into your home. Whether it’s fresh or fake bunches of flowers, artwork or a floral printed roller blind, adding flowers into your decor will certainly brighten your mood and remind you that winter is most definitely behind us.

Swap out the heavy duties

You can also begin to change out your heavy duty blankets, quilts and curtains as the house begins to get warmer. Your summer duvets and lighter blankets will prevent you from being too hot and stuffy over the upcoming warm weather, and your heavy duty curtains can be swapped for lighter, space conserving blinds that offer good light control and insulation, without looking too thick and heavy.

Paul James Blinds invites you to Spring Clean Your Decor

Paul James Blinds have over 8 years’ experience in the design and installation of high quality blinds and shutters, and with our professional staff and expert fitters, we can guarantee a quick and easy process. Get in touch today for more information, we’ll be happy to help in any way we can.

We are located in Sudbury but cover all the surrounding area including Colchester, Chelmsford, Bury St Edmunds, Braintree, Witham.

 

 

types of blinds

Festive Window Decoration Ideas

Christmas is a great time to give your decor a temporary, jovial redesign, and introducing bursts of colours and lights into your rooms can really make the house feel festive. This year, why not make use of your windows to really get into the Christmas spirit? If you’re stuck for inspiration, check out our top tips below to give your windows a whole new, festive treatment.

Window Stickers

Window transfers are a great mess-free way to introduce some festivity into your windows. There are thousands of designs to utilize, and they are often very cheap to buy. You can even buy a selection of different stickers to create your own festive scene or, if you’re feeling more creative, make your own paper snowflakes to stick in the window.

Fake Snow

 

We all wish for a white Christmas but whilst there is no guarantee that will happen, with a simple can of spray on snow, you can frost up your windows to create the illusion! If you’d like something a bit more textured, you can use cotton wool to build up your own winter wonderland.

Lights

 

Fairy lights are a classic Christmas decoration, but instead of wrapping all of them around your tree, save a string and wrap them around your window instead. Battery operated lights are easy to hang wherever you want them without worrying about plugging them in. You can even buy special window lights which hang down the pane.

Wreaths

 

For a very traditional Christmas décor, hang a wreath in your window – why not even attempt to make your own? These can be a bit bulky so might be best suited as an external decoration. If you have shutters on your windows, these can be tied around the slats with ease and can really make your home look picturesque.

Candy Canes

 

You can hang a ribbon across your window and hang some candy canes along it – make sure you replace the ones you’ve eaten, though!

Pine Cones

 

If you’re concerned you’ll eat all of your candy cane decorations (and who would blame you?), you can hang pine cones instead. You can even dip them in paints and glitter to make them even more festive looking.

Stockings

 

If you haven’t got a fireplace, why not make sure your stockings are visible to Santa by putting them up for display in your window?

Advent Calendar

For a treat for your kids (or for yourself, it is Christmas after all), you can hang strong strings or ribbons across your windows and peg numbered bags corresponding to the days of the month across them. Fill these bags with sweets and treats and open a bag each day!

If you’re looking to update your windows this winter, look no further than Paul James Blinds. We are home to some of the most creative and talented designers, able to provide you with the most beautiful blinds and shutters  to give your décor the perfect finishing touch. Our staff are friendly, efficient and willing to go the extra mile to assist our customers. For more information on our range, contact us and we’ll be happy to help.

Stylish grey curtains with valance - Paul James Blinds

Valances – A Stylish Window Treatment for Every Room

Modern Valance Design Ideas

Valances are often overlooked when it comes to window treatments. However, they can be an attractive and stylish alternative to curtains or blinds, adding a touch of colour, texture, and elegance to any room.

Valances can be used to conceal unsightly window treatments during the day, while still allowing natural light into the room, making them ideal for smaller spaces such as children’s bedrooms. At Paul James Blinds in Suffolk & Essex, we offer free home visits so customers can view samples in their own environment before they make their decision.

The Many Benefits of Valances

Valances provide a subtle layer of texture and colour within a room and can soften edges, making them ideal for smaller spaces or children’s bedrooms. They also provide privacy by shielding out direct sunlight without completely blocking out natural light. With the right selection of valance styles, you can add a touch of sophistication and elegance to any room in your home without sacrificing natural light altogether.

Selecting a Valance

At Paul James Blinds, our range of valances ensure there is something to suit every taste and style – from traditional curtain-style panels to more modern designs. Whether you’re looking for something luxurious for your living or dining room, something fun for a child’s bedroom or something simple yet sophisticated for your home office – there’s sure to be a style that complements your space perfectly.

Our team of expert designers are on hand to help you create the perfect look in each room with our selection of fabrics and materials available in hundreds of colours and textures; we take pride in helping our customers find the perfect design solution that adds luxury and sophistication to any living space.

Paul James Blinds

Valances are an often-overlooked piece of interior design that can add a touch of style and elegance to any room. At Paul James Blinds, we understand that it can be difficult to choose fabric colours and styles online.

That’s why we offer free home visits so customers can view samples in their own environment before they make a decision. If you’re in Suffolk or North Essex and seeking a supplier of quality valances, contact Paul James Blinds today for more information!

Autumn Style Trends

Autumn Style Trends for Window Dressings

With autumn now upon us, many of us are spending more time indoors (especially with the early dark evenings!), and as the seasons change, so do our moods, preferences and tastes, which gets relayed into our surroundings. Therefore, now is the perfect time to spruce up your living space with a new look for autumn 2014.

Here at Paul James Blinds, we have plenty of window dressing ideas for you to take inspiration from, to help you achieve your dream home this season.

Redecorating

Rather than redecorate a whole room, if you have a good neutral base colour to work with, you could change the blinds for something more colourful or a bold pattern. In addition to this, you can add a few accessories here and there, such a cushions, rugs, vases, lamps etc. to follow your colour scheme and put your room on trend this autumn.

Alternatively, if you already have a colourful base colour to work with, then consider something neutral for your blinds. Wooden venetian blinds are highly popular this season and bring a little bit of outside into your home with their soft timber tones.

Colours

Perhaps a little unorthodox, 2014 also welcomes in shades of pink, such as radiant orchid, and blues, like indigo, as unlikely trends for autumn. These colours add depth, tone and certainly luxury to your home. However, if you’re not feeling too brave, then there are still other exceptionally brilliant and warming colours to inject in your room, and instantly change its appearance, such as:

  • Chocolate brown
  • Neutral tones
  • Golden yellow
  • Burnt orange
  • Lipstick red

Window dressing styles

The most popular and practical, styles for the autumn, and fast approaching winter, include:

  • Roman – Made from heavier and thicker fabric, the Roman blind can keep unwanted draughts away and insulate your room, retaining the heat during the colder months of the year.
  • Roller – When fully retracted, the roller blind allows as much daylight in as possible, so you can make the most of it before the dark nights draw in! They’re also extremely simple to function and easy to clean.

Similarly, a combination of both blinds, with pelmets and valances for a touch of sophistication, can work fabulously together, creating a chic, original and cosy look – not to mention the additional warmth!

Now that you have your home’s interior down to a tee for this season, all that’s left to do is to invite your friends and family around so you can show it off!

For more information and advice on blinds for your home, please do not hesitate to contact the friendly team here at Paul James Blinds.