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If you’ve been looking at options for your windows and doors, you’ve probably come across integral blinds. These clever built-in blinds are becoming more popular with homeowners across the East Midlands. They offer the perfect solution to light and privacy control, without the maintenance headaches of traditional window coverings.
What are Integral Blinds?
Integral blinds are sealed between the two panes of solar control glass in a double glazing unit. Unlike traditional venetian blinds that hang on the inside of your windows, these blinds are entirely enclosed in the glass unit, protected from dust, damage, and daily wear and tear.
Benefits of Integral Blinds in Double Glazing
Low Maintenance
One of the biggest selling points and advantages of integral blinds is that they never need cleaning, helping maintain their thermal efficiency. Sealed away between the glass panes from dust, pet hair, and spillages, they stay looking like new year after year. There’s no more climbing up ladders with dusters or taking down blinds for washing.
Perfect for Families
If you have young children or pets, integral blinds offer a practical solution for convenience and safety, especially considering the cost of integral blinds. There is no long single piece of string that could pose a safety risk, and the blinds are protected from curious hands or paws that might otherwise bend or break traditional blinds.
Great for Doors and Windows
Integral blinds work brilliantly in all types of windows but are also useful in doors – especially bifold doors, French doors, and patio doors, where traditional blinds would get in the way or be damaged by regular opening and closing.
Light Control
Like regular Venetian blinds, integral blinds give you complete control over light levels and can help with solar reflection by using special coatings. You can raise, lower and tilt the slats to get the right amount of light and privacy. This makes them perfect for south-facing rooms where glare can be an issue.
Long-lasting Appeal
Because they’re protected from the elements, integral blinds don’t fade, warp or get damaged like external blinds or composite doors. The sealed unit, which includes a pane of glass, keeps them looking good for years, with the colour staying true over time.
Morley Uniblinds at Lifestyle Windows
At Lifestyle Windows, we offer Morley Glass & Glazing’s Uni-Blinds system, one of the UK’s leading integral blind solutions.
These blinds come in a wide range of colours to match your room style, from classic white and cream to more modern anthracite grey. Whether you want something that blends in or makes a statement, there’s many different colours for you.
Our Integral Blind Options
We offer several different control systems to suit your needs and budget:
C System
This system uses a simple magnetic control attached to the window. It works with an external magnetic slider or rotational knob that moves a continuous cord loop magnet on the outside of the glass, which connects to another magnet inside that controls the blind. It’s simple, reliable, and doesn’t affect the window seal.
SV System
The SV system uses a cordless slider that runs along the edge of the glass. One slider does everything – raising, lowering, and tilting the blinds with a simple up or down movement. It’s very neat and perfect for a minimalist look, making it ideal for kitchen extensions, eliminating the need for constant cleaning.
S System
Designed especially for skylights and roof windows, the S system uses a magnetic integral blinds slider that can move in any direction, allowing for easy manipulation of the blind slats. This makes it ideal for windows that aren’t at a standard angle or width, as you can adjust the magnetic integral blinds no matter how the window is positioned. When it comes to maintenance for integral blinds in double glazed windows, basic care involves occasionally operating the slider to ensure smooth movement and wiping down any visible rails or slider mechanisms to remove dust. Because the magnetic integral blinds are sealed between the glass panes, there is no need for cleaning the blind slats, making maintenance minimal and hassle-free.
W Swipe System
This clever solar-powered system uses no wires at all. A small solar panel charges the unit, and you control the blinds with either a subtle control on the glass or a remote control, which features a tilt function for optimal light adjustment, allowing for abundant natural light. It’s perfect if you want a fully automated solution without running any electrical cables.
MB System
Our premium option is the MB (motorised brushless) system. These blinds are fully electric and can be connected to your home’s electrical system, making it easy for any qualified window installer. They can be controlled by a simple wall switch or integrated with home automation systems, including stylish options like metallic silver. You can even set up multiple blinds to move together at the touch of a button.
Making the Right Choice
When thinking about integral blinds, consider:
- Which rooms they’ll be used in (they’re perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, garden rooms, orangeries and conservatories)
- Whether you need them for privacy, light control, or both
- Which control system would work best for your needs and budget
- What colour would complement your window frames and room décor
The good news is that integral blinds can be fitted to almost any type of window or door, including uPVC, timber, and aluminium frames, even those with triple glazing.
If you don’t want new windows, but like the idea of integral blinds, they can be retroactively installed by replacing just the glass unit, without needing to change the whole window or door frame.
Looking for Integral Blinds?
As a family-run business with over 30 years of experience in the East Midlands, we offer integral blinds as part of our window and door range. Based in Ilkeston, we serve homeowners across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire.
Integral blinds offer a practical, stylish upgrade and are a long-lasting solution for controlling light and energy performance in your home with the press of a switch. With no cleaning needed and no safety concerns, they’re becoming the smart choice for modern homeowners.
If you’d like to learn more about our range of integral blinds, why not visit our showroom in Ilkeston? You can see and try the different systems for yourself, look at our available colours, and get advice from our friendly team on the best option.
If you need more information or are ready to receive a free quote, then give us a call on 0800 783 6502, email us at contact@lifestylewindows.co.uk or use our online contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do integral blinds last?
With proper care, and an experienced installer, integral blinds typically last the lifetime of the double glazing unit itself, which is usually 20-25 years. Because they’re protected from dust, sunlight and handling, they don’t suffer the wear and tear of traditional blinds.
Can integral blinds be repaired if they break?
If an integral blind system develops a fault, the control mechanism is usually the issue, not the blind itself. In many cases, the external control can be replaced without needing to change the whole glass unit. At Lifestyle Windows, all our integral blinds come with a comprehensive guarantee for peace of mind.
Are integral blinds worth the investment?
While integral blinds cost more initially than standard blinds, their durability, convenience, and low maintenance make them cost-effective in the long run. They also add value to your home and can help with energy efficiency by providing an extra layer of insulation, helping with your heating bills.