Window coverings may feel like one of the finishing touches for a renovated or new home, but Blindspace concealed blinds need to be planned much earlier. The blind box, wiring and surrounding structure must work together if you want the system to disappear neatly when it is open.
Ideally, you should speak to us during the design stage, before walls are plastered and ceilings are closed.
What is Blindspace?
Blindspace creates systems that allow blinds and their mechanisms to be concealed within the surrounding architecture. When the blind is retracted, it sits inside a purpose-designed box built into the wall or ceiling, leaving the window clear.
These systems are particularly popular in modern extensions, open-plan living spaces and homes with large areas of glazing. However, they are also enjoyed in bedrooms, home cinemas and traditional properties.
Blindspace systems can accommodate roller blinds, blackout systems and specialist blinds for rooflights. You can learn more on our dedicated Blindspace concealed blinds page or read our introductory guide to what concealed blinds are.
When should you start planning?
The best time to plan your Blindspace installation is before construction begins. At this stage, the system can be incorporated into the design rather than adapted to fit the space left behind.
You do not need to have chosen the exact fabric or colour yet. However, we will need to understand the size and shape of the glazing, what you want the blind to do and how you would like to operate it.
Bringing us into the project at this point allows us to coordinate with your architect, builder, electrician or interior designer. This is especially useful if your project includes:
- Floor-to-ceiling windows
- Bifold or sliding doors
- Rooflights and skylights
- Gable-end glazing
- Large or unusually shaped windows
- Smart-home controls
- Bedrooms requiring a high level of blackout
Our specialist blinds include solutions for large, shaped and difficult-to-reach windows.
Why does the Blindspace box need to be planned early?
A concealed blind box houses the blind, motor and rolled fabric. It is fitted above or around the window and incorporated into the wall or ceiling.
The required dimensions will depend on the size of the window, the drop of the blind and the type of fabric used. A wide blind or heavy blackout material may require a larger box than a lightweight screen blind.
For this reason, concealed blind boxes should be specified before the area above the window is closed. A recess that is too small could restrict your choice of system or fabric. Incorrect positioning may also prevent the blind from sitting neatly against the glazing.
The system must remain accessible after installation so the blind or motor can be inspected and replaced if necessary. Blindspace boxes are designed to provide maintenance access without unnecessarily disturbing the finished ceiling.
How will you operate your concealed blinds?
Most concealed roller blinds are motorised, especially when they cover large windows or are installed in difficult-to-reach positions. Depending on the system, the blinds can be operated using a wall switch, remote control, app or compatible smart-home platform. Blindspace works with motor and control options from manufacturers including Somfy and Lutron.
Automated controls can be particularly useful for managing changing light. For example, blinds could be lowered before strong afternoon sun reaches west-facing glazing. As summer gives way to autumn, they can help reduce low glare and provide privacy earlier in the evening.
If you choose hidden electric blinds, we will also need to establish how they will be powered. Some systems use rechargeable or battery-operated motors, while others require a mains supply.
Hardwired systems should be discussed with your electrician before the electrical work is completed. This allows power supplies and control cables to be placed correctly and hidden within the structure.
You can find out more about the available controls on our electric blinds page.
Which Blindspace solution is right for your window?
The right system will depend on the window and what you want to achieve.
A screen fabric can soften glare while preserving some of the view. A blackout blind provides greater privacy and darkness, while solar-control fabrics may help with rooms that receive strong sunlight.
Large glazed doors might require several blinds working together. A rooflight may need a guided system to keep the fabric correctly tensioned.
Blindspace can also be combined with specialist blackout products. Umbra Shading’s KuroLok system, for example, uses zipped edges to reduce light entering around the sides. Its headbox, side channels and bottom bar can all be concealed within the surrounding structure.
Before choosing your system, consider:
- Whether you want filtered light or blackout
- When direct sunlight reaches the window
- Whether the room becomes too hot in summer
- How much privacy you need
- Whether the window is difficult to reach
- How several blinds should operate together
- Whether you want smart-home control
Although you can often select the final colour later, the general type of fabric should be agreed before the box is ordered. This is because the fabric can affect the amount of space the system needs.
You can view examples of different installations in the Solihull Blinds gallery.
Can Blindspace be retrofitted?
Blindspace boxes are ideally fitted during the build stage, but retrofitting may be possible.
The options will depend on the space above the window and the construction of the wall or ceiling. A new recess could be created as part of wider refurbishment work. If a fully concealed installation is not practical, we can recommend another made-to-measure system with a discreet finish.
Our guide to why Blindspace is ideal for modern homes explores more ways these systems can be used.
It is worth asking us for advice even if the window is particularly large, high or unusually shaped. Blindspace offers solutions for rooflights, wide spans and many unconventional window configurations.
Plan your Blindspace installation with us
If you are renovating, extending or installing new glazing, speak to us before the walls and ceilings are finished. We can help you plan the Blindspace box, blind, fabric, controls and electrical requirements. We can also provide the information needed by the other professionals working on your project.
Contact us to book a consultation or arrange an appointment at our Solihull showroom. Bring your plans, approximate measurements or photographs, and we can explore the most suitable Blindspace options for your home.
