What are Pleated Blinds? - an in Depth Review From Made to Measure Blinds UK

Most pleated shades are simply styled and completely functional. They are often backed by warranty on materials and on workmanship. They provide good value for money. They are easy to install, convenient to operate and are fashionable. The shades are known for durability and long years of service.

Elegant, fashionable and practical, pleated shades offer unmatched versatility in a constant statement of style. A range of crisp fabrics are used for the creation of pleated shades. The pleats are intricately folded to ensure that the pleats and cells do not sag or flatten after repeated use. Thick or sheer fabrics are used to capture or keep in or out the heat and light in accordance with customer preferences. Customers can select from shade fabrics that emphasize the timeless traditional or contemporary patterns; soft solid weaves or metalized fabrics. Juvenile prints can be selected to add charm and whimsy to nurseries and children’s rooms. Linings can be added to control the amount of light that filters through the pleats or to provide just that little extra privacy that you may demand.

Double cell blackout shades made of high quality non woven polyester with foil lining, are recommended for rooms which must be kept cool and dark. The fabric repels dirt and dust; resists stains and can be easily cleaned. The window treatments block out 99.99% of the UV rays and keep light out of the room gracefully and artistically. The double cell shades create air pockets in the cells and help keep out heat in summer and cold in the winter.

Single cell light filtering shades are usually made from honeycomb fabric that is durable and soft to touch. This shade is also made from high quality non woven fabric. It filters natural light while the translucent quality ensures privacy. About 99% of UV rays are blocked by this fabric with 85% of visible light is blocked. An insulating RA-Value of 3.4 is guaranteed by several manufacturers. A white backing is provided at the back to give uniformity of appearance from outside. These shades come in 12mm and 20mm cell light filtering single cell varieties. Half cell constructions that maintain 20mm pleats to trap air and insulate in against heat in the summer are available in a variety of shades and prints.

All the fabrics used for making the pleated shades stack easily. They look neat and uniformly compacted when the shade is raised. The trim head rail, bottom rail and other components are colour coordinated with fabric to match the shade.

Pleated shades come with a variety of lifting options. The ultralift system, the top down or bottom up or cordless systems are some of the most common kinds of offerings that are available with pleated shades.

Wide and heavy, pleated shades can be fitted with ultra lift systems. This system uses a retractable cord mechanism to raise or lower or tilt the shade. The cordless version of this system is a great way to make sure that the dangling cords do not pose a danger to your pets or children. These shades can be raised and lowered with a touch of your hand.

The Omni Rise Continuous Cord Loop system is an effective alternative for heavy or long pleated shades. The cord loop replaces the standard pull cords and minimizes the length of the dangling cords. The shade is easily operated using the Omni clutch system. The height of the lift can be precisely controlled without having to lock and unlock the pull cord. The white aluminium rail can be concealed with the matching coordinating strip that comes with all types of fabrics.

Pleated shades can be motorized to make for effortless lifting, lowering or tilting with a remote control, wall switch, sun sensor/timer or building interface control.

The top down/bottom up pleated shades comes with two cord locks on either side of the shade to allow for operation in either direction. These shades are perfect for those who like to have their privacy cared for while they let in sunlight from the top. This feature makes these pleated shades ideal for bedrooms and bathrooms that require privacy and natural light.

Stylish pleated shades that allow for multiple operations on an apparently single shade are ideal for large window treatments. The mounted two on one head rail allows splitting of the shades in a large window into smaller sections. Each section can be operated independently of the other while they appear to be a single shade to the casual viewer. Day-night pleated window treatments takes advantage of the splitting concept and differently coloured fabrics can be creatively used to create a riot of colours and designs.

Measured pleated blinds offer perfect versatile solutions for windows of any shape or size. Odd shaped windows can also be treated with this type of blind with a little bid of effort. The treated fabric is designed to resist the harmful effects of the sun, while transparent, semi-opaque or opaque material can be selected to create a play of light and shade through line and pleat, to add beauty and charm to any room.

Pleated shades look good only when they fit snugly into the window. Therefore, before ordering for pleated shades, it is best that the windows are measured for size. The exact distance between the outermost points where the shade is to be placed will have to be taken to determine the width of the shade. The measurement may or may not overlap each side of the window frame. The height of the shade will be determined by measuring the length from the top of window where the shade is to begin to the point of the window sill or if there is no sill to the point where the shade must reach.

If the window treatment is to be mounted outside the window frame then an allowance of 38mm to 77mm should be allowed on the sides, top and bottom of the window. Cordless shades will have a mounting depth of 12mm and standard pleated shades will have a mounting depth of 16mm.

Most custom designed pleated window shades come with installation instructions. It is important to unpack the shade and check whether all the items listed in the installation manual is available in the pack. Follow the installation instruction and mount the pleated shade carefully to enjoy years of trouble free service.

Raise and lower the shades frequently to ensure that the pleats maintain their shape. The pleats in unused shades tend to settle at the bottom making for fuller pleats at the bottom and flatter pleats at the top.

Use the brush type vacuum attachment or feather duster to keep you shades dust free. A sponge dipped in lukewarm water and squeezed free of water can be used to clean the shades using firm, light strokes.