Are Tracked Shutters the Best Choice for Patio Doors?

Motorised blinds are becoming more popular every year. They work with a small motor instead of cords or chains. You control them with a remote, wall switch, or even your phone. They might sound fancy, but they’re actually quite practical for modern living. At The VIP Shutter Co Ltd, we’ve been fitting motorised blinds across Kent for years now. With our 20 years in the blinds business, we’ve seen how much easier they make daily life. All our blinds are made in the UK, and we can fit the latest motorised systems to suit any home. How Motorised Blinds Work The idea is simple. A small motor sits inside the blind mechanism. When you press a button, the motor raises or lowers the blind. The motor is quiet and runs on either mains power or a battery. For most homes, battery powered motors work best. They’re easier to fit because there’s no wiring needed. The batteries last for months, and you get a warning when they need changing. Some people prefer mains powered motors for blinds they use a lot. These plug into the wall or connect to your house wiring. They never need battery changes, but they need power sockets nearby. The control systems are getting better all the time. Basic remote controls work like TV remotes. Wall switches work like light switches. Smart controls connect to your phone or home automation system. Why People Choose Motorised Blinds They’re Much More Convenient This is the main reason people switch to motorised blinds. No more getting up to adjust blinds throughout the day. No more struggling with long cords or chains. Just press a button and the blind moves. If you have blinds on tall windows or hard to reach places, motorised operation makes them actually usable. You’re more likely to adjust them when it’s easy to do. You can also set them to open and close automatically. Wake up to blinds that open gently to let morning light in. Have them close automatically when the sun gets too bright. For people with mobility issues, motorised blinds can be life changing. No stretching, pulling, or struggling with manual controls. Just simple button presses to control any blind in the house. Perfect for Smart Homes Modern homes often have smart systems that control lighting, heating, and security. Motorised blinds fit right into these systems. You can control them from your phone, set schedules, or link them to other smart devices. Imagine blinds that close automatically when your security system arms at night. Or blinds that adjust based on the weather forecast. Smart motorised blinds can do all this. Voice control is popular too. You can tell your smart speaker to close the living room blinds or open the bedroom blinds. It feels very futuristic but it’s available right now. Safety Benefits No Dangerous Cords Traditional blinds often have long cords or chains. These can be dangerous, especially around children and pets. Motorised blinds remove this risk completely. There are no cords to get tangled in or cause accidents. This safety benefit alone convinces many families to switch to motorised blinds. Parents worry less, and everyone can use the blinds safely. The cordless operation also looks much cleaner. No dangly cords to get caught on furniture or look untidy. Better Security Motorised blinds can make your home more secure in several ways. You can set them to open and close automatically when you’re away. This makes it look like someone’s home even when you’re on holiday. Some systems can close all your blinds quickly with one button press. If you hear something suspicious outside, you can secure your windows instantly without going near them. The automatic operation means your home looks lived in even when your routine changes. Blinds still open in the morning and close at night, maintaining your normal pattern. Practical Daily Benefits Better Light Control Throughout the Day With motorised blinds, you’re more likely to adjust them regularly. When it’s easy to do, you naturally optimise the light in each room throughout the day. Morning light in the kitchen helps you wake up. Afternoon shade in the living room reduces glare on your TV. Evening privacy in bedrooms happens automatically. You can set different schedules for different rooms. East facing bedrooms might open early to catch morning sun. West facing rooms might close in the afternoon to avoid overheating. This better light control can improve your comfort and even save energy. Less need for artificial lighting during the day. Less need for air conditioning when blinds block hot afternoon sun. Easier Maintenance Motorised blinds often last longer because they’re used more gently. The motor raises and lowers them smoothly without the jerky movements that manual operation can cause. There are no cords to replace when they wear out. No chains to fix when they come off their tracks. The motor does all the work, and motors rarely need attention. Cleaning is easier too because there are no cords or chains to work around. Just the blind fabric or slats to wipe clean. Types of Motorised Systems Remote Control Systems These are the simplest motorised blinds. Each blind comes with its own remote control. You point and press to operate the blind. Some remotes can control multiple blinds at once. Remote control systems are good if you just want the convenience of motorised operation. They’re usually the most affordable option and work well for most people. The remotes are small and easy to use. You can keep them on your coffee table or bedside table for quick access. Wall Switch Systems These work like light switches. You have a switch on the wall for each motorised blind. Press up to raise the blind, press down to lower it. Wall switches look neater than remote controls because there’s nothing to lose or leave lying around. They’re hardwired into your electrical system and never need batteries. Some wall switches can control multiple blinds. Useful for rooms with several windows that you

Venetian blinds are one of the most popular window coverings, and for good reason. They work well in almost any room and give you great control over light and privacy. If you’re thinking about new blinds for your home, here are five reasons why Venetian blinds might be the perfect choice. At The VIP Shutter Co Ltd, we’ve been helping families across Kent choose the right blinds for over 20 years. All our blinds are made here in the UK, which means better quality and faster delivery. We know what works, and Venetian blinds work really well for most homes. 1. Perfect Light Control This is what Venetian blinds do best. The horizontal slats twist to let in exactly the amount of light you want. You can have them fully open for maximum light, fully closed for darkness, or anywhere in between. The slats can point upwards or downwards too. When they point up, light bounces off the ceiling and spreads around the room softly. When they point down, you get more direct light but also more privacy from people outside. This control is really useful throughout the day. In the morning, you might want lots of light to wake up properly. In the afternoon, you might need to reduce glare on your TV or computer screen. With Venetian blinds, you just twist the slats to get it right. Most other blinds are either up or down. With Venetian blinds, you can keep them down for privacy but still let light in by tilting the slats. It’s the best of both worlds. 2. Great Privacy Options Venetian blinds give you privacy when you need it without blocking all your light. By tilting the slats, you can stop people seeing in whilst still getting natural light into your room. This is really useful for ground floor windows. During the day, you can angle the slats so people walking past can’t see in, but you still get plenty of light. In the evening, you can close them completely for total privacy. The great thing is you can adjust them throughout the day. When you’re watching TV in the evening, you might want them closed. When you’re having breakfast in the morning, you might want them open but angled for privacy. You can also adjust different windows differently. Your front window might need more privacy than your back window. Venetian blinds let you set each window exactly how you want it. 3. They Work in Any Room Venetian blinds suit almost every room in your house. They work in modern homes and traditional homes. They look good with most colours and styles of furniture. In kitchens, they’re practical because they’re easy to clean. Cooking creates steam and grease, but you can just wipe Venetian blinds clean. The slats don’t collect dust and dirt like fabric blinds do. In bathrooms, moisture-resistant Venetian blinds work really well. They won’t warp or get damaged by steam from showers and baths. They give you privacy when you need it and let light in when you want it. In bedrooms, you can close them completely for dark sleep or open them for gentle morning light. In living rooms, they help control glare on screens whilst keeping the room bright and airy. The simple, clean look of Venetian blinds means they don’t clash with your existing décor. They complement what you already have rather than competing with it. 4. Easy to Look After Venetian blinds are one of the easiest window coverings to keep clean. The smooth slats just need a quick wipe with a damp cloth. There are no fabrics to wash or special cleaning products needed. You can dust them regularly with a feather duster or vacuum them with a brush attachment. For deeper cleaning, just wipe each slat with a damp cloth. It takes a few minutes and they look like new again. This easy maintenance is really important in busy homes. With children, pets, and daily life, you want window coverings that don’t create extra work. Venetian blinds give you style and function without the hassle. Fabric blinds can stain and need washing. Wooden blinds can warp in damp conditions. Venetian blinds made from aluminium or PVC just keep working year after year with minimal care. In kitchens and bathrooms where there’s moisture and steam, this easy cleaning is especially valuable. You can keep them looking good without spending ages on maintenance. 5. Great Value for Money Venetian blinds offer excellent value. They’re not the cheapest blinds you can buy, but they’re not the most expensive either. What you get for your money makes them a really good choice. They last for years with normal use. The simple mechanism rarely goes wrong. The slats don’t fade or wear out quickly. Once you’ve bought good quality Venetian blinds, they’ll serve you well for a long time. Because they’re so versatile, you might find you can use the same style throughout your home. This can work out cheaper than buying different types of blinds for different rooms. The energy savings can help too. By controlling light and heat, Venetian blinds can help reduce your heating and cooling costs. In summer, you can block hot sun whilst still getting light. In winter, you can let warming sun in during the day. When you think about cost per year of use, Venetian blinds work out very well. They’re a sensible investment that adds value to your home whilst giving you practical benefits every day. Choosing the Right Venetian Blinds Slat Size Matters Venetian blinds come with different slat widths. Narrow slats (15mm or 25mm) give you more precise light control and suit smaller windows. Wide slats (35mm or 50mm) look more modern and suit larger windows. Narrow slats create more of a traditional look. Wide slats give a more contemporary appearance. Think about your room style and window size when choosing. Material Options Aluminium blinds are the most popular. They’re lightweight, don’t rust, and come in lots of

When you’re choosing blinds for your home, two types come up again and again: Roman blinds and roller blinds. Both look good and work well, but they’re quite different. Knowing these differences helps you pick the right one for each room. At The VIP Shutter Co Ltd, we help families across Kent choose the perfect blinds every day. With 20 years in the blinds business and all our blinds made right here in the UK, we know what works. We’ll explain both types in simple terms so you can make the right choice. What Are Roman Blinds? Roman blinds fold up in neat pleats when you raise them. They use a cord system that pulls the blind up from the bottom, creating horizontal folds across the fabric. When they’re down, they lie flat against your window. The pleats give Roman blinds their classic look. You can get them in different pleat styles – some have crisp, sharp folds, others have softer curves. The fabric choice makes a big difference to how they look and work. What Are Roller Blinds? Roller blinds are much simpler. They roll up onto a tube at the top of your window. When you pull them down, they create a smooth, flat surface. When you roll them up, they disappear almost completely. Modern roller blinds often have a spring mechanism or chain system for easy use. The fabric wraps around the tube, so you don’t see any folds or pleats. It’s a clean, simple look. Key Differences How They Look This is the biggest difference you’ll notice. Roman blinds have a soft, fabric look with those pleats when they’re up. They add texture and interest to your windows. Roller blinds give you a smooth, flat appearance that’s very clean and simple. Roman blinds look more traditional and decorative. Roller blinds look more modern and minimal. Both can work in any style of home, but they create different feels. How They Work Roman blinds fold up as you raise them. This means they take up more space at the top of your window when they’re open. The pleats stack up, which can block some of your window area. Roller blinds roll up tight onto their tube. They take up very little space when they’re open, so you get the full window view. This makes them good for smaller windows or where every bit of light matters. When Roman Blinds Work Best Traditional Homes Roman blinds suit traditional homes really well. The soft pleats and fabric textures work with period features. They add warmth and character to rooms in older houses. In Georgian or Victorian homes, Roman blinds can complement the original style without looking out of place. They work especially well in living rooms and bedrooms where you want that classic feel. Living Rooms Living rooms often benefit from the soft, welcoming look of Roman blinds. They make windows look dressed and finished. The fabric adds warmth to the room, making it feel more comfortable. Roman blinds work well with other soft furnishings like curtains, cushions, and throws. You can match or coordinate colours and patterns to create a pulled-together look. Bedrooms Many people love Roman blinds in bedrooms. The soft fabric look creates a cosy, restful feel. You can choose thicker fabrics for better light blocking, which helps with sleep. The pleated look adds interest to bedroom windows without being too fussy. They work well with both traditional and modern bedroom styles. When Roller Blinds Work Best Modern Homes Roller blinds suit modern homes perfectly. The clean lines and minimal look fit with contemporary design. They don’t compete with modern furniture or architectural features. In new build homes or recently renovated properties, roller blinds often work better than Roman blinds. They complement the clean, uncluttered look that modern design aims for. Kitchens and Bathrooms Roller blinds work really well in kitchens and bathrooms. The smooth surface is easy to clean – just wipe down with a damp cloth. There are no pleats to collect dust, grease, or moisture. In kitchens, this easy cleaning is important. Cooking creates steam and grease that can build up on blinds. Roller blinds handle this much better than fabric Roman blinds. Small Windows If you have small windows, roller blinds help make the most of them. When they’re up, they almost disappear, giving you the full window view. Roman blinds would take up precious space with their pleats. Small bathroom windows, kitchen windows above sinks, and narrow windows all benefit from roller blinds. You get privacy and light control without losing window space. Fabric and Material Choices Roman Blind Fabrics Roman blinds come in lots of fabric types. Cotton is popular because it’s easy to care for and comes in many colours and patterns. Linen gives a more relaxed, natural look but wrinkles more easily. Heavier fabrics like velvet or thick cotton work well for bedrooms where you want to block light. Lighter fabrics like voile or cotton lawn let more light through but still give privacy. The fabric choice affects how the pleats look. Crisp fabrics create sharp, neat pleats. Softer fabrics create gentler, more relaxed folds. Roller Blind Materials Roller blinds use different types of materials. Basic fabrics work well for most rooms. Blackout materials are great for bedrooms – they block almost all light. Moisture-resistant materials work in bathrooms and kitchens. They won’t get damaged by steam or splashes. Some roller blind fabrics have special coatings that make them easier to clean. You can also get roller blinds with patterns or textures. Even though they’re simple in design, the fabric choice can add interest and style. Light Control Roman Blinds Roman blinds give good light control, but it depends on the fabric. Thick fabrics block more light, thin fabrics let more through. The pleats can let small amounts of light through even when the blind is down. You can get Roman blinds lined for better light blocking. The lining helps them hang better too. For bedrooms, lined