Originally designed for Velux windows, Perfect Fit will attach to most types of uPVC windows and doors.  They are Available in Rollers, Venetians and Pleated options, with a massive range of fabrics and colours to choose from.

No drilling or screwing into your window frames Does not invalidate your warranty Quick and Easy installation Reduced gaps at the edge of the blinds, increasing your privacy Child safe as there are no loose cords or loops Leaves your window sills clutter free Easily removable for cleaning

As a company we have been manufacturing Perfect Fit blinds since late 2005 when they came onto the market and have experienced all the issues with different types of windows.

The frames are powder coated aluminium and are available in 5 colours, matching the most common colourings of uPVC winnow frames. One of the unique features of the Perfect Fit frame is it’s outstanding thermal efficiency. The frame is flush to your window to help reduce heat build up in summer and retain heat in winter, in turn keeping your cooling and heating bills to a minimum.

To further maximise the superb insulating qualities of the Perfect Fit system, you can choose to have one of our energy efficient fabrics, saving up to 15% on your fuel bills, by reducing the heat loss in the winter month.

To receive a brochure, or to organise a survey, or even just a chat about Perfect Fit, please contact Matt our office on 01245 201110 or send him an email enquiries@johnsblinds.co.uk

The figures from ROSPA state that in 2010 5 children died from strangulation on  blind cords and chains and the media have reported of one death in 2011.

Education is key to the prevention of any accidents and the purpose here is to help  you understand how to make your blinds safer.

The good news is that there are devices available that will make your blinds safer and  with a little common sense and regular use, it will become second nature to tie back  any loose cords or chains.  These devices can be fitted to most blinds even if you have  some already installed or have bought from high street DIY chains.  They are  available from all reputable blind retailers and cost pennies.

Rollers Blinds

These blinds should have a minimum of chain break, which allows the chain (sidewinder) to break with 8 to 10lbs of pressure and can be snapped back together.  Be aware that imported rollers, that a lot of DIY stores offer, do not have the chain breaks, which should be made standard!  Other devices attach to the wall and hold the Roller Blind sidewinder taught so little ones can not play with them.  Also you can swap your sidewinder operating system for a spring one, therefore no chains are needed to operate the blind.  Ask you local blind retailer for some advice.

Vertical Blinds

If you are getting new Vertical Blinds ask the retailer to make the operating cords shorter so your children cannot reach them, or wand operated systems that do not have the cords or chains.  Also UK made vertical blind cords can be altered on site so they can be made shorter.  Retro fit devices are also available inc FREE tie back cleats, wall fix attachments, cord and chain tidies and many more.

Venetian Blinds

With Venetians Blinds, whether they are aluminium, wood or plastic, they should come with cleats to tie up the lose cord when the blind is pulled up.  You can get these cleats for FREE from any good blind retailer and should come as standard with any new blinds you purchase.

Roman Blinds

Any Roman Blinds you buy should come with a cord cleat (if the blind has been bade with a corded system) or chain tidy if the blind has been bad with sidewinder operating system.  Once again you can purchase the retro fitting options from any quality blind retailer.

Perfect Fit Blinds

With the Perfect Fit Blind system you do not need any devices as the blinds have been designed to be child friendly.  They do not have any lose cords and chains that operate the blinds.

The BBSA British Blind and Shutter Association offer a Downloadable PDF file with information on their “Make it Safe” campaign plus a very good Video 

If you have any questions contact your local blind retailer or send us an email enquiries@johnsblinds.co.uk and we will help you select the right devices for your blinds.

Blinds look fabulous when they are first installed but over time they will need maintenance.  Simple steps can be taken to make sure blinds always look great.

Make sure when ordering your blinds, the retailer or contract company (if for a commercial building) offer spares or regular maintenance contracts.

Failing that most independent Blind retailers will supply components and spares for both domestic and commercial customers.  So if you are missing some bottom weights on your vertical blinds, or have redecorated and misplaced your roller blinds brackets, most modern blinds are serviceable and for a few pounds, your tired blinds can get a new lease of life.

Please take a look at out top tips for Roller Blinds, Vertical Blinds and Wood Venetians on the Advice section on our website.

If you have any questions or need components, please email enquiries@johnsblinds.co.uk and let’s see if we can help.

I’m a firm believer when customers order blinds for their homes or offices, it is an investment for them.    With the vast choice of  blinds on the market,  styles, fabrics, quality of components etc, you really should make sure your investment will last.

One of the most important parts to a good quality blind, that will make it last, are the components used in the blinds construction.  As you would expect, there are many different types with varied qualities, strengths, UV light protection (a process in the construction of components that stop them going brittle in the sunlight), the type of metal or aluminium used etc.

So how can you tell if the components in your blinds will last?

The simplest way is to ask your blind retailer before you purchase.  Most great quality made to measure blinds will use UK made components, which meet UK safety standards.  Imported “copycat” or “look-a-likes” are made very cheaply designed to look like original UK ones and obviously will not last nowhere near as long.

Plus there are some very poor components out there, which will look cheap and nasty and be reflected in the price – you pay for what you get.  Also check that a company offering a “SALE” or “BUY ONE GET ONE FREE” will not be using cheaper, alternative components.

How will I know the fabrics used in my blinds are of high standards?

Companies such as Louvolite, Arena, Eclipse, Decora and Amo (to name a few) offer great quality fabrics.  With made to measure you have the opportunity to go through the fabric books to select you fabrics, whether in the comfort of your own home or within a retailers premises.  There are other fabric manufactures that “COPY” fabrics and through personal experience, will not last 12months before they start to fray.  Lastly if you are buying “ONLINE” or “OFF THE SHELF” from say a DIY superstore, then the quality of the fabrics will possibly be unknown.

The last important point of your investment will be the after sales services your blind retailer offers.  What happens if there is a problem with your investment, something breaks, or your blind is damaged even after your guarantee ends (and make sure you get a good one 3-5 years).  Plus what happens if you have to move home or office after you have made your investment?

You should receive good, reliable service as part of your blind purchasing experience, without having to ask or pay for expensive maintenance.  A great made to measure blind company will offer long guarantees, after sales advice and help. They should be able to alter and cut your blinds down if you move home or office and provide free replacement parts, with knowledgeable staff who really know the products.

All these factors are important when considering making an investment in your blinds.  So ask your blind retailer where their components come from and are made, where the fabrics come from and from which supplier.  Also make sure you ask what are their after sales services, if any and what is the length of their guarantee.

A blind is for life, an investment in your home, your property, your office or business, just make sure you get what you pay for!

Below we have put together a few questions that you could ask any blind retailer and why.

What is your repair and service policy?

Many companies do not have access to the manufacturers and therefore will not be able to offer a repair service should your blinds get damaged.  Choosing blinds that are fully serviceable will ensure that your blinds will last for years to come.

How long is your guarantee?

Most blind retailers will offer the customer a guarantee for the blinds they sell which will include the components, fabrics and workings of their blinds.  A longer guarantee gives you peace of mind, usually 3-5 years.  But if you are offered only 1 year ask if it can be extended.  If the answer is no, then be wary of the quality of the fabric and components used by that company.  If you are purchasing off the internet, just check if there is any guarantee including the carriage to you.

Are the components in your blinds made in the UK or imported?

Most good quality made to measure blinds will use UK components, which meet UK safety standards.  There are several companies in the UK who supply great quality components to the industry, so ask your retailer who they use for their components.  Some imported components, although cheaper, will not last as long and may fail in a short space of time.

Do any of your blinds come with Child Safety components?

You can find stories on the news and internet how children have hung themselves on blind cords and chains.  Make sure your blinds come with child safety components and ask the salesperson to explain the different types available and what would be best for you.

Are your components stabilised against UV light?

The process of protecting plastic components, so they do not go brittle over time, is called “UV Stabilisation”.  The Salesperson should have a thorough understanding of the quality of the components used in their blinds to be able to explain this to you.  Make sure you ask the question as blinds that are not UV protected will not last as long.

If we change the décor in our home or office, can you recover the blinds?

Knowing that your blinds can simply be re-covered or the louvers can be replaced when you re-new your décor, means you will not have to pay out so much to get completely new blinds.  Also as the brackets which attach the blinds will remain up, no extra drilling (or fitting charges) will be necessary.

If we move home or office, do you have a cut down service so we can take them with us?

Rather than paying out for a new set of blinds, ask the salesperson if they offer an after sales cut down service.  A simple and cheaper alternate way of extending the life of your blinds.

Get to know a bit about the Salesperson and the History of the company

Rather left field for some people, but I find this is an ideal way to engage with the salesperson and find out something about the company and its history.  It is possibly the best way to gage the company and the person in front of you.  Most people are intelligent enough to smell any BS

We hope you find these questions useful and help you gain an understanding of what you need to know and look out for when purchasing your blinds.

If you have any further questions or would like any help please contact Matt in the office on 01245 201110 or email us at enquiries@johnsblinds.co.uk