What a Bottle of Shower Gel in Scotland Taught Me About Blinds
I was in Scotland recently, staying at this lovely lodge on the banks of Loch Lomond. Beautiful, calming, and filled with the kind of thoughtful details that make you stop and think.
Like the soap.
Yep soap.
Specifically, a bottle of Highland Soap Company shower gel in the bathroom.
Now look, I know it’s just soap. But the smell? Incredible. The feel? Even better. And right there in that moment, I had a gut reaction:
This was made with care.
It didn’t scream luxury. It didn’t try too hard. It just... worked. Thoughtfully. Locally. Honestly.
I looked them up. Family-run. Natural ingredients. Refillable bottles. Not cheap but not trying to be.
And that’s when it hit me:
This is exactly how we approach blinds at Barlow Blinds.
1. Locally made doesn’t just sound nice. It feels different.
That soap didn’t have a celebrity name or fancy packaging. It earned my respect because it felt crafted by people who give a damn.
That’s us, too.
Most of our blinds are made right here in Leicester. By hand. By people who take pride in their work and know that every millimetre matters. You don’t always notice that at first glance but you feel it over time.
2. Value isn’t about being the cheapest. It’s about being right.
I didn’t hesitate to buy that soap once I’d used it. Because it was good. It lasted. And it felt better to support something made well.
That’s exactly how our best customers feel about Barlow Blinds.
Sure, you can get blinds cheaper online. But are they made to last? Fitted properly? Supported if something goes wrong?
When you choose better, you live better. And that’s what we believe every home deserves.
3. Reuse isn’t just for soap bottles.
One of the smartest things Highland Soap Co. did? Refillable bottles. It got me thinking about something we rarely talk about here but we should:
If your blind hardware still works, we can reuse it.
Just swap out the fabric or slats. Same mechanics, fresh new look. Less waste. Less cost. More sense.
Jane, a customer of ours, did just that last month kept her rails, updated her fabric, and saved nearly 30%. And honestly? Her room never looked better.
The Bigger Point?
That little bottle of soap didn’t change my life. But it reminded me:
The smallest, most thoughtful touches are often the ones that stay with us.
That’s what we’re chasing at Barlow. Not hype. Not gimmicks. Just honest, thoughtful, well-made work that makes your home feel right.
Ready to reuse what still works? Or upgrade to something that actually lasts?
Let’s talk.
We’ll tell you straight what’s possible—and what’s not. But chances are, there’s a smarter, more sustainable way forward with your blinds.
📞 Get in touch. Let’s make it feel like home.
Why does Barlow Blinds reuse existing blind hardware?
We reuse your existing blind hardware wherever possible to reduce waste and save you money. If your brackets or headrails are still in great condition, there’s no need to replace them we simply update the fabric or slats. It’s a sustainable, practical choice that many customers appreciate.
Are your blinds made locally in the UK?
Yes, most of our blinds are made right here in our Leicester factory. We’re proud to be a local, family-run business that still makes products by hand, focusing on quality and long-term value over mass production.
What do refillable soap bottles have to do with blinds?
It might sound like an unusual comparison, but refillable products remind us how small, thoughtful choices can reduce waste and make things last longer. In blinds, we apply the same thinking — by reusing hardware, fitting properly, and helping customers make choices that work long term.
How can I tell if my existing blind hardware can be reused?
If your brackets, rails, or fittings are in good condition, we can usually reuse them especially for vertical and roller blinds. During your home visit, we’ll assess everything and give honest advice on what can stay and what needs replacing.
Why don’t Barlow Blinds offer the cheapest blinds?
Because we aim to make the best blinds we can not the most blinds we can. We focus on quality, durability, and honest service. That means using better materials, fitting properly, and standing behind our work. It's not about chasing volume or cutting corners it’s about getting it right, one home at a time.
About Phil Coleman
Phil Coleman is the fifth generation of his family to run Barlow Blinds, a Leicester business that has been making blinds since 1887. With over 30 years of hands-on experience, Phil has played a leading role in shaping industry standards including being part of the team that wrote the only NVQ qualification for blind and shutter installers. He also serves on the Management Committee of the British Blind & Shutter Association (BBSA), helping to set best practice across the trade. Under his leadership, Barlow Blinds has remained true to its founding principle: “It’s not our job to find customers for our blinds, it’s our job to find the right blinds for our customers.”
