If you’ve got bi-fold doors, you already know how good they look.
But here’s the part no one really tells you beforehand…
Blinds can quickly become a problem.
We’re talking about:
- blinds getting in the way when the doors fold
- panels knocking into each other
- cords dangling everywhere
- or the whole thing just looking… wrong
We see it all the time.
Someone invests in stunning bi-fold doors—only to end up frustrated because the blinds don’t match the design or the way the doors actually work.
So let’s cut through the noise.
What blinds actually work with bi-fold doors?
There are two systems specifically designed for this setup:
- Perfect Fit blinds
- Intu Micro blinds
Both are fitted directly into the beading of the door.
That means:
- they move with the doors
- they don’t swing or flap around
- and you can fully open your doors without anything getting in the way
No banging. No catching. No compromises.
What styles are available?
Within these systems, you can choose from:
- Venetian blinds
- Pleated blinds
- Cellular blinds
(Quick heads-up: traditional roller blinds aren’t suitable within this fitted system on bi-fold doors.)
Want a cleaner, more minimal look? Consider cordless cellular blinds
If your priority is a clean, modern finish with no visible controls this is where cellular blinds really stand out.
They’re available in:
- Translucent (soft filtered light)
- Opaque (increased privacy)
- Blackout (full light control)
But the real advantage?
No cords. No chains. Nothing hanging down.
You operate them by hand using a smooth “smart rise” system, or you can go fully motorised.
This makes them ideal for bi-fold doors where:
- multiple panels sit side by side
- visual clutter becomes obvious very quickly
The result is a much neater, more architectural look.
What about motorised roller blinds?
Now this is where a lot of people get confused.
Roller blinds can work beautifully with bi-fold doors…
👉 But not when fitted directly onto the doors themselves.
Instead, they’re usually installed:
- above the doors
- or within a recess in the room
When done properly, motorised roller blinds can be a fantastic option:
- One-touch control (remote or smart home)
- Perfect for large openings
- Great for privacy and light control in the evenings
But and this is important they change how the space functions.
Unlike Intu or Perfect Fit:
- they don’t move with the doors
- they sit separately from the frame
So the decision comes down to this:
👉 Do you want the blinds to move with the doors?
👉 Or do you want a standalone system that covers the whole opening?
There’s no right answer just what suits your space and how you use it.
A quick word about us
This isn’t theory.
Barlow Blinds has been doing this since 1887, and today it’s run by Phil Coleman—the fifth generation of the family.
With over 30 years of hands-on experience, Phil has helped shape industry standards and serves on the British Blind & Shutter Association.
The philosophy has always been simple:
It’s not our job to find customers for our blinds
it’s our job to find the right blinds for our customers.
And with bi-fold doors, that really matters because the wrong choice is something you’ll notice every single day.
Want help choosing the right option?
The easiest way to get this right is to see the options in your own home.
We’ll:
- bring samples
- show you how each system works
- and help you figure out what actually fits your space
If you’re in Leicestershire, call 0116 2769771 and we’ll arrange a home visit.
If you’re outside the area, this should give you a clear idea of what to look for and what to avoid.
One last option worth mentioning…
If you’re torn between curtains and blinds, there’s another solution:
Allusion blinds
They combine the softness of curtains with the practicality of blinds—and work particularly well across wide openings like bi-fold doors.
Final thought
Bi-fold doors are meant to open up your home.
The right blinds should enhance that—not fight against it.
And if you get it right?
You won’t even notice them.
Which is exactly the point.
🔍 Bi-Fold Door Blinds Comparison Table
Feature |
Intu Blinds |
Perfect Fit Blinds |
Cellular Blinds (Cordless/Motorised) |
Motorised Roller Blinds |
Fitted to Doors |
✅ Yes |
✅ Yes |
❌ No (usually separate) |
❌ No |
Moves with Doors |
✅ Yes |
✅ Yes |
❌ No |
❌ No |
Allows Full Door Opening |
✅ Yes |
✅ Yes |
✅ Yes |
⚠️ Depends on installation |
Appearance |
⭐ Clean, integrated (no frame) |
⚠️ Visible outer frame |
⭐ Minimal, modern |
⭐ Sleek but separate system |
Best For |
Seamless, built-in look |
Practical, secure fit |
Clean look + no cords |
Covering large openings |
Cordless Option |
❌ No |
❌ No |
✅ Yes |
✅ Yes (motorised) |
Motorisation |
❌ No |
❌ No |
✅ Available |
✅ Standard |
Light Control Options |
Venetian / Pleated |
Venetian / Pleated |
Translucent / Opaque / Blackout |
Light filtering / Blackout |
Child/Pet Safety |
⚠️ Some cords |
⚠️ Some cords |
✅ No cords |
✅ No cords |
Installation Style |
Clipped into beading |
Framed system clipped in |
Recess or face fit |
Recess or face fit |
Cost Range |
££ |
££ |
££–£££ |
£££ |
Our Recommendation |
⭐ Most popular choice |
👍 Situational |
⭐ Great modern option |
👍 Best for whole-opening coverage |
If you’re still unsure, here’s the simplest way to decide:
- 👉 Want blinds that move with the doors? → Go with Intu or Perfect Fit
- 👉 Want the cleanest, cord-free look? → Choose cellular blinds
- 👉 Want to cover the entire opening at once? → Consider motorised roller blinds
“Still not sure? That’s completely normal—most customers aren’t until they see the options in person. We’ll bring samples and walk you through what works best for your exact doors.”
FAQ for Bifold Door Blinds
What type of blinds are best for bi-fold doors?
The best blinds for bi-fold doors are Intu blinds, Perfect Fit blinds, and cellular blinds, as they fit directly into the door frame and move with the doors. This allows the doors to open fully without obstruction.
Can you put roller blinds on bi-fold doors?
Standard roller blinds are not suitable when fitted directly to bi-fold doors. However, motorised roller blinds can be installed above the doors to cover the entire opening and work well as a separate system.
Do blinds get in the way of bi-fold doors?
They can if you choose the wrong type. Traditional blinds often:
- hit the doors
- tangle
- or prevent full opening
Fitted systems like Intu and Perfect Fit are designed specifically to avoid these issues.
What’s the difference between Intu and Perfect Fit blinds?
Both fit into the door frame, but:
- Intu Micro blinds have no visible outer frame and look more integrated
- Perfect Fit blinds include a surrounding frame, which can appear more noticeable
Are cordless blinds better for bi-fold doors?
Yes cordless cellular blinds are a great option because they:
- remove dangling cords
- create a cleaner look
- are safer for homes with children or pets
They’re especially useful when multiple blinds are installed side by side.
Can bi-fold door blinds be motorised?
Yes. Some blinds, particularly cellular and roller blinds, can be motorised and controlled by remote or smart home systems. This is ideal for large openings or hard-to-reach areas.
Do bi-fold door blinds block light completely?
That depends on the fabric. Options include:
- Translucent – soft light
- Opaque – more privacy
- Blackout – maximum light control
How much do blinds for bi-fold doors cost?
Costs vary depending on:
- the type of blind
- size of the doors
- manual vs motorised operation
Fitted systems like Intu or Perfect Fit are typically more bespoke than standard blinds, so a home consultation is the best way to get accurate pricing.
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.”
