Concealed blinds are window coverings that are integrated into your wall or ceiling, allowing them to be hidden from view when retracted. A box is installed with a detachable cover flap for ease of maintenance.
Concealed blinds offer a minimalist look that goes well with modern architecture. Outside of modern homes, their uncluttered appearance suits homeowners who value attention to detail.
Types of concealed blinds
Ideally, you want to install your blind as close to your window as possible. This helps to keep your home well insulated and reduces the light leakage around the edges of your blinds. Of course, your concealed blinds must be installed with enough space allowed for any handles you have on your windows or doors.
There are a few different ways to conceal your blinds. At Solihull Blinds, we use Blindspace boxes.
In the ceiling
A box is installed into a recess made in the ceiling. The gap faces toward the window. We can colour match the Blindspace box cover and paint it so that it blends in with your ceiling for a seamless look.
In the wall above your window
This is the most popular way to install concealed blinds in most homes. In this configuration, the blind gap faces toward the room instead of the window.
With side channels
A popular solution for bedrooms and other areas where blackout blinds are desired. When blinds are installed with just a headbox, small gaps are left at the sides that allow light to seep through – even if the fabric of the blinds is completely opaque. By installing side channels, the gaps are eliminated and can result in a 100% blackout effect for improved sleep quality.
With curtain tracks
Concealed blind boxes can be combined with a recessed curtain track to give you more options for controlling the light in your home – without the unsightly mechanisms. The blind gap faces towards the window, allowing you to pull curtains in front of your blinds in the evening. An ideal solution for those who prefer to use blinds during the day to diffuse light and reduce glare but prefer the extra privacy that comes with curtains.
As a general rule, the bigger the concealed blinds box is, the easier it is to install, and the more options are available to you. Keep in mind that the larger your windows are, the larger the box will have to be to accommodate the longer concealed blinds.
Benefits of concealed blinds
- Concealed blinds are perfect for minimalist, modern homes with large glass windows. They are also an ideal fit for doors and windows with slim frames that would be overlapped by blinds if installed normally.
- For large or hard-to-reach windows, motorisation options are available with the wires fitting within the boxes.
- Concealed blinds are one of the few ways to guarantee 100% blackout in bedrooms.
- Concealed blinds are designed for easy maintenance, with the box protecting your blinds from dust and debris when they are stored away.
- Colour matching can make your boxes blend in with your walls or ceiling, rendering them nearly invisible.
- Concealed blinds can be fitted on most windows, including skylights and gable ends – with options up to 3 or even 6 metres.
- Concealed blinds can be installed in any direction. There are endless possibilities to suit even the most unusual of windows.
- They are custom-made for the perfect fit, every time.
Drawbacks of concealed blinds
- Ideally, the boxes need to be installed during construction for the best results. Boxes are normally installed during the initial build stage, then the blinds are added after building is finished.
- Concealed blinds are more expensive than normal blinds.
How to conceal blinds if my home has already been built?
If you love the look of concealed blinds but your home is no longer in the construction phase, there are still a few options to make your window coverings blend in with their surroundings more. Roller blinds can be surface mounted or hidden away within cassettes. Roman blinds and curtains can benefit from fabric pelmets (better suited to traditional homes than modern ones).
Concealed blinds fitters in Solihull
We’ve been helping homeowners install their perfect blinds since 1972. We offer a comprehensive concealed blinds service, including free consultations and three years of aftercare.
Contact us or visit our showroom to find out more.
