Blinds for Triangular Windows

[James1234]

Hello team.

 

When we designed our extension with gable end windows we knew that the window coverings/blinds would not be easy/cheap.

 

Now that we are well into the build and I have some quotes to compare it is feeling particularly painful that 'a few bits of fabric' is costing almost as much as the windows themselves (3 sheets of glass, some timber and aluminum). I have had a few quotes, all in a similar ball park so there must be something that means they are more complicated than first impressions would suggest.

 

Is there anyone out there who has been through the exercise and found more sensibly priced blind options (either supplier recommendations and/or alternative means of providing window coverings? We have considered curtains but want to maintain the clean/uncluttered lines that the windows are giving us. 

 

Any experience from others who have been through a similar exercise would be appreciated!

 

James

[Stonehouse]

We are going through the same. Trying to get the most cost effective blinds option, hoping we at an early stage where window design/ size can be amended. Been difficult to get quotes/ find people willing up have this discussion. Been told design with central mullion better to allow for light blocking

 

Specialists blinds have been useful- looking at £5.5K-7.8K for a 3.3m wide gable. Trying to get other quotes as this seems expensive.

 

 Where have you been quoted?

 

 

[BotusBuild]

Sorry, this is not good news, so skip reading if you want.

SWMBO worked at John Lewis as a  specialist in the curtain and blind section. For any window that does not have 4 right angles i.e. is rectangular or a square, blinds or curtains are a bespoke design and make (handmade, and it's a skill).

As a result of her experience we dumped the 9 windows that had a 9 degree slope at their top edges. Yes, just 9 degrees she was not prepared to work with!

For the smallest gable end type windows, you'll be looking at £3K upwards. You may find a local curtain maker who could do something cheaper, but for blinds you have little choice of manufacturers who will entertain you.

[Conor]

We've been wracking out brains for two odd years now and none the wiser. We're likely going for a bi-fold shutter type thing hinged on one side of the reveal. Gonna cost £2k 

[ProDave]

We only have the one triangular window in our sun room.  It has no blind and never will.

 

I would be very interested so see pictures or a video of any bespoke blind for this sort of window in use, ours have a 45 degree slope and I just cannot imagine any sort of blind or curtain that would actually work.  But we knew this at design stage and knew there would be no blinds needed on this window.

[MR10]

8 hours ago, Stonehouse said:

Trying to get the most cost effective blinds option, hoping we at an early stage where window design/ size can be amended.

 

 

The most cost effective option will always be the typical rectangular/square windows. You can save yourself some money by designing it out now that you can. This is what we did and now have some money in the holiday kitty.

[MR10]

29 minutes ago, ProDave said:

I would be very interested so see pictures or a video of any bespoke blind for this sort of window in use

 

[James1234]

On 18/09/2024 at 08:47, MR10 said:

The most cost effective option will always be the typical rectangular/square windows. You can save yourself some money by designing it out now that you can. This is what we did and now have some money in the holiday kitty.

The sensible approach, but the structure is built and windows are ordered so we are committed to the window shape. We knew what we were signing up to at the time... just hoping that someone had discovered some great alternative.... 

 

[James1234]

On 17/09/2024 at 23:45, Stonehouse said:

We are going through the same. Trying to get the most cost effective blinds option, hoping we at an early stage where window design/ size can be amended. Been difficult to get quotes/ find people willing up have this discussion. Been told design with central mullion better to allow for light blocking

 

Specialists blinds have been useful- looking at £5.5K-7.8K for a 3.3m wide gable. Trying to get other quotes as this seems expensive.

 

 Where have you been quoted?

 

 

Similar costs from a few different suppliers. I hadn't found Specialist Blinds so will try them. Thomas Sanderson, Appeal Group, Sona, Grand Design Blinds, are some others. Seemingly all offering similar things at similar price points. 

 

The mounting and recessing of the blinds is a key detail. The video of the Sona Blind posted by MR10 above is a very neat solution but not suitable for our arrangement as we have a section of wall above the window before you get to the ceiling.

 

I can see the point about the central mullion but the example in the above video seems to cope well without it. Depends a bit on how close to the window the blinds will be. If they are forward of the window I guess light will bleed around the mullion a bit anyway.

[Temp]

We had some triangular curtains and tiebacks made. Both full blackout weight and some net curtains. I don't remember them being outrageously expensive. Unfortunately the company seems to have closed up but it was just a small specialist shop not a high street brand.

 

I had an issue getting curtain track for the sloping ceiling. In the end I purchased regular track for sliding curtains and inserted lengths of plastic rod from a model shop to space out the rings and stop them all sliding to the bottom. 

[Dave Jones]

bottom up blind and a stanly knife ?

 

https://www.orderblinds.co.uk/dept/perfect-fit-bottom-up_d01359.htm