SHAPED BLINDS

Using modern forming machinery, it is now possible to bend lightweight aluminium extrusions into a regular curve through either dimension. This enables us therefore to form a standard vertical blind headail into either an arch, or a variety of curves suited particularly to bay windows. The radius of the curve is calculated by measurement and programmed into the bending machine, and the finished vertical blind headrail is then assembled by substituting the normally aluminium tilt shaft with a bendable plastic shaft. This enables each of the travellers to tilt in unison around the arch or curve at the simple pull of a chain. By operating a cord, with a curved headrail, the slats will draw to the end, as in the case of a standard vertical blind. With the arched headrail, the draw is somewhat different. In the case of a relatively shallow arch, it is quite simple just to make each slat to a different length to accomodate the varying drop heights, and operate the draw such that all of the slats pull up to the centre, to the greater height. In the case of a smaller radius, such as that of a true semi-circle, the slats will need to be hung using an assortment of different length spacer bars, in order to ensure that when tilted, the corner of the slat clears the headrail mechanism in order to provide full 180 degree rotation. To each side of the curve, these spacer bars need to be of significantly increased length, and assembled in such a way as to make drawing of the blind not a practical option. With steep arches therefore, the travellers are fixed into position, the pull cord is removed, and the blind becomes a tilt-only system. However, providing the correct fabric is carefully selected, the finished effect of a Curved Vertical Blind within the window can appear stunning and dramatic.

2010 Comparative Price Guide - 1m x 2m Curved Blind - £123.00 (inc vat)