Bob the Blindman Blog

Many customers call us up to discuss blinds and the various options etc for their windows and one theme that comes up all the time is what type of blind should i buy?

In a series of blogs we at Bob the Blindman will try and give you the low down on each blind type and its benefits.

VERTICAL BLINDS what are they and why are they so popular.

Vertical blinds are the most popular blind sold today, primarily because they are very cost effective at covering a large number of  window or a conservatory. Most vertical blinds (certainly those sold by us) are manufactured from top quality components and fabrics and will last long time if treated properly.

Vertiacl Blinds are also the best blind to allow you privacy during the day as they can be rotated to a suitable angle.There are literally hundreds of fabrics to choose from and a myriad of colours. Cream is obviously the most popular but there is a growing demand for bold bright colours.

A vertical blind comprises of a metal head-rail in which are installed carriers that allow you to clip on strips of fabric (polyester normally)called a louvre or slat.

The louvres have a weight in the bottom pocket of each slat and these are joined in series by a plastic chain called a stabilising chain. This chain is there to allow the blinds to stop waving about when they are closed and also to allow them to close together neatly. It is easily replaced if broken. Most louvres are sold in 89mm width but some are available in 127mm.

What is the benefit to choosing either?

Well 89mm looks neater, and you will gain more privacy with the blinds set at an angle. 127mm slats will stack closer together when the blind are opened but to be honest the difference is negligible.

The main benefit to 89mm is that all vertical blind fabrics are available in 89mm but not 127mm.

At one end of the rail (you specify which side) there will be a tilt chain to rotate the louvres through 180 degrees and a cord that allows you to open the blind. There a three bunching options, left, right and split.

The rail can be fitted either into the reveal (top fix) or into the window frame (face fix)

   A bold statement Vertical Blind top fixed. Who says cream is the only colour!

A New Year why not start with new Blinds by checking out our great new ranges in Venetian Blinds and Roller Blinds.  The hot colours are Red for Venetians and big bold colours and stripes for  roller blinds.

New Collection of Metal venetian Blinds launched today.

The practical benefits of metal venetains continue to keep tham on top of our custtomers’ wish list and NOW the new collection has arrived they are just perfect to make the room the view.

We are introducing over 100 colours and textures, prints and sheens. 4 slat widths, blinds upto 400cm wide and a perfect fit frame option on all.

Check out the new hot colours like fuchsia, damson and the great metallic red.

We have cool blues such as sapphire and midnight blue.

Our popular metallics are updated with great golds and stunning silvers.

Watch out for the new Unity range coming very soon, they will offer the best of both worlds: Unity blinds are 50mm metal venetians, finisherd with a wooden valance and botton rail with a tapes for a decorative effect. These great blinds will be available online very soon!!

August is upon us and yet again the threat of a long dark winter looms on the horizon, and our thoughts turn to making our homes warm and sung for the run up to the snow and ice that will surely come again.

At Bob The Blindman we are constantly asked about warm blinds, thermal dynamics and other such stuff, but what people really what is to feel comfortable in their own homes and keep the coldness at bay.

Why not try putting blackout linings on Roman Blinds to help keep the warmth i and the cold out?

Also have a look at our great range of blackout roller blinds not only do they keep the sun out in the summer but in the winter they will keep the heat in so use them all the year

On some of my many home vists in Shropshire I am often asked for advice on colour, type of blind, position of blind and even if i would like a cup of tea.

Our online store is making great progress and we are selling lots of blinds every week to many different people acroos the whole of the UK and 99 times out of 100 we at Bob The Blindman never speak to you, are never asked any questions and never offered a cup of tea let alone a biscuit!

We know its the future “the Internet thingy” but sometimes its nice for you the customer to know that at the end of your computer and phone line there are some really nice people who will chat to you about blinds, colours, styles and of course labradors. 

   Just call us on 0800 7837001, we cant promise you a cup of tea (its hard to get one down the phone line) but we can promise you some nice people to talk to.

We at Bob The Blindman pride ourselves on our commitment to providing the best value blinds money can buy both online and via our full choose at home service. Not only do we supply the best quality blinds we also supply the safest.

This morning i read on the Daily Mirror website that tragically another toddler was found tangled in roller blind cords and unfortunately lost his life. 8 children a year die  in similar circumstances and that is 8 too many.

Since 2006 we have supplied child safety clips on request and since 2010 we have fitted them on every blind unless instructed by the customer NOT to fit them.

On our website we supply them at cost and send the proceeds to the NSPCC  so we are fully committed to making every blind safe. If you are a parent of young children and you have blinds with looped cords or long control cords please consider the small price these clips are for complete peace of mind.

If you need any advice about blinds and cord safety please call us on 0800 7837001 we are always willing to give you honest advice.

Finally heres a special offer for those who read my blog send me an email to bobtheblindman@btconnect.com with the words “looped cords made safe” and include your name and address and I will send you a FREE safety device. This offer is open to anyone in the UK who reads my blog, is following me on twitter or is  just stumbling about the internet looking for a nice window blind company to do business with.

Thanks for reading

Bob The Blindman

And finally my heartfelt condolences to the parents of Caden Lane as a father of three boys my heart goes out to you. Bob Walker

In window blinds fashions come and go, but one fashion that has been around since the dawn of time is to block light with blinds. Our range of Blackout Roller Blinds have been flying out and the reason is not hard to understand. The early morning sun is a welcome sight for a farmer or dog walker like me but not so much of a welcome sight for babies or small children sleeping peacefully or not in the nursery.

During the summer months we see a marked increase in demand for our range of stunning blackout blinds so if you are a light sleeper, a parent of a new baby, a night shift worker or maybe a teenager who doesnt want to get up too early then check out the new colours in our range of blackout blinds.

Blackout blinds dont have to be boring and cream, why not use a bold red or funky patterned pink to brighten up your day …………….but not too early!

Dont you just love it when the sun shines through the clouds at dawn on the longest day of the year. I was early on the 21st to watch the sun rise with my faithful labrador and we walked for miles and let the warmth of the sun warm us both before breakfast. Fantastic.

What made the day even more special was a telephone order for a large quantity of the  new wooden blind venetian  colour Shingle Grey.

This new colour has gone down a storm and is going to be seen in a lot of bathrooms and bedrooms during 2011. The warm tones are perfect for those wanting something different in their homes.

Check it out at www.bobtheblindman.co.uk

Check out our new summer range of colours in venetian blinds. Hot metallic reds are the new colour for 2011, with zesty greens and of course the favourite of all jet black.

Venetians are just great for a cool classy look to any window and now with such cool modern colours you can creat a funky bedroom or just jazz up your jacuzzi bathroom!

RED IS BEST!

Do you get hot and steamy in your bathroom?

Does your current blind have mildew on it?

Do you have a wet room?

Is you shower near the window?

Why not try our range of Easiwipe Blinds for you bathroom these are a range of blinds that do not mind getting wet and steamy. They are made from 100% PVC and are just the job to keep moisture at bay. They are also 100% blackout which means there will ne no possibility of a shadowy figure in your bathroom window!

Our easiwipe range are not just for bathrooms as they are perfect for kids playrooms as the easy to clean nature of the blinds means your blinds will always look their best.

100% PVC they come in a range of colours and patterns and there is sure to be one that suits all rooms, they are all 100% blackout and that means they are great for bedrooms.

Splash Proof, Waterproof, Steam proof