Our Editorial Process
Every article published by Barlow Blinds is researched, written and reviewed by experienced blinds professionals.
Our advice combines more than 135 years of practical industry experience with recognised British Standards, BBSA guidance, independent research, manufacturer technical information and thousands of real customer questions.
We write to help homeowners make informed decisions not simply to rank in search engines or sell products.
Why We Created This Editorial Process
Choosing blinds or shutters is an investment, and finding trustworthy advice online isn't always easy.
Many websites are written by people who have never measured a window, manufactured a blind or installed one in a customer's home. Others focus on generating search traffic or promoting particular products.
We believe homeowners deserve better.
Every article we publish begins with one simple question:
"Would this genuinely help someone if they never became our customer?"
If the answer is yes, we publish it.
If the answer is no, we improve it until it does.
Helping people make better decisions will always come before making a sale.
Where Our Article Ideas Come From
We don't create articles simply because a keyword has search volume.
Most of our content starts with genuine customer questions asked every day in our showroom, over the phone, during home surveys and while installing blinds.
Examples include:
- Will blackout blinds make my bedroom completely dark?
- Are shutters worth the extra cost?
- Which blinds are best for reducing heat loss?
- Can blinds help prevent condensation?
- What's the difference between Perfect Fit and standard blinds?
- Which blinds work best for bifold doors?
- Are day and night blinds suitable for bedrooms?
If several customers ask the same question, it's probably a question many other homeowners are asking too.
That's usually when we write a guide.
How We Research Every Article
Every article is researched using the most reliable information available.
Depending on the subject, this may include:
British Standards & Industry Guidance
Where relevant we consult:
- British Standards
- BBSA guidance
- European Standards
- Child safety legislation
- Industry best practice
Independent Research
Whenever possible we reference independent research from trusted organisations including:
- universities
- recognised research institutions
- government publications
- consumer organisations
- energy efficiency studies
Topics include:
- insulation
- overheating
- daylight
- thermal comfort
- energy efficiency
- condensation
- sleep
Manufacturer Technical Information
For product-specific advice we use official manufacturer documentation, including:
- technical specifications
- testing data
- installation guidance
- operating instructions
- warranty information
Practical Experience
Research is valuable.
Real-world experience is equally important.
Every year our team:
- measures thousands of windows
- manufactures blinds in Leicester
- installs blinds throughout the region
- visits hundreds of homes
- carries out repairs
- solves unusual installation challenges
Many customer questions simply aren't answered in technical documents.
Years of practical experience often provide those answers.
Every Article Is Reviewed
Before publication every article is checked to ensure it is:
✔ Accurate
✔ Fair
✔ Easy to understand
✔ Up to date
✔ Helpful
Where appropriate we distinguish between:
- facts
- recommendations
- professional opinion
- practical experience
Honest Advice Comes First
No blind is perfect.
Every product has strengths and limitations.
We'll always explain both.
For example, we may recommend:
- cellular blinds instead of roller blinds for insulation
- waterproof blinds instead of wooden blinds in bathrooms
- privacy fabrics instead of blackout fabrics where appropriate
- roller blinds instead of shutters if they better suit the customer's budget
Our objective isn't to sell the most expensive product.
It's to help customers choose the right one.
My Grandad had a saying “ It is not our job to find customers for our blinds, it is our job to find the right blinds for our customers”
That has never been truer than today with the choices available.
Sometimes that means recommending a lower-cost solution.
What We Don't Know Yet
Some areas of blinds performance continue to evolve.
Research into insulation, solar gain and thermal comfort is improving all the time.
Actual performance can vary depending on:
- glazing type
- window construction
- installation quality
- property age
- heating habits
- room orientation
Where evidence is limited or still developing, we'll say so.
We believe honest uncertainty builds more trust than false certainty.
AI and Content Creation
Artificial intelligence can help organise information and improve readability.
However, AI cannot:
- measure windows
- manufacture blinds
- install products
- solve unusual fitting problems
- replace decades of practical experience
AI may assist during the drafting process, but every article is reviewed by an experienced member of our team before publication.
Technical claims, safety information and product recommendations are always checked by a human.
Independence
Although we work with many leading UK manufacturers, our recommendations are never influenced by commercial arrangements.
If a product has limitations, we'll explain them.
If a less expensive product would work just as well, we'll recommend that instead.
Our responsibility is to provide advice that's right for the customer.
Our Confidence Ratings
Not every source of information carries the same level of evidence.
Where appropriate, we explain the confidence behind our recommendations.
Information Source |
Confidence |
British Standards |
★★★★★ |
BBSA Guidance |
★★★★★ |
Government Publications |
★★★★★ |
University Research |
★★★★★ |
Manufacturer Technical Data |
★★★★☆ |
Independent Industry Research |
★★★★☆ |
Practical Installation Experience |
★★★★☆ |
Customer Feedback |
★★★☆☆ |
What the ratings mean
★★★★★ Strong evidence supported by recognised standards or multiple independent sources.
★★★★☆ Reliable evidence supported by technical documentation and extensive professional experience.
★★★☆☆ Useful guidance based on consistent practical experience where formal research may be limited.
Where an article includes a confidence rating, we'll explain how that rating was determined.
We Regularly Update Our Content
The blinds industry continues to evolve.
New products become available.
British Standards are updated.
Independent research develops.
Whenever significant new information becomes available, we review and update our articles.
Major revisions are normally recorded within the article.
How We Handle Corrections
Accuracy matters.
If you believe an article contains inaccurate or outdated information, we'd genuinely like to hear from you.
We investigate every piece of feedback and update our content wherever appropriate.
Our aim isn't simply to publish content.
It's to publish content people can trust.
Reviewed By
Phil Coleman
Phil reviews editorial content to ensure it reflects current industry knowledge, practical installation experience and Barlow Blinds' commitment to accurate, balanced and customer-first advice.
Articles reviewed by Phil are checked for:
- technical accuracy
- clarity
- fairness
- practical usefulness
- consistency with current industry guidance
Frequently Asked Questions
Who writes Barlow Blinds articles?
Our articles are researched, written and reviewed by experienced members of the Barlow Blinds team with practical experience measuring, manufacturing and installing blinds.
Does Barlow Blinds use AI to write articles?
AI may assist with drafting or improving readability, but every article is reviewed by an experienced member of our team before publication.
How do you fact-check your content?
Depending on the topic, we compare information against British Standards, BBSA guidance, manufacturer documentation, independent research and our own practical experience.
How often are articles updated?
Articles are reviewed whenever products, regulations, British Standards or significant new research changes.
How do you decide what to write about?
Most articles begin as genuine customer questions received during enquiries, surveys or installations.
Are your recommendations independent?
Yes. Our recommendations are based on suitability rather than commercial arrangements with manufacturers or suppliers.
Can I report an error?
Yes. If you think something is incorrect or out of date, please contact us. We'll investigate and update the article if necessary.
Why should I trust Barlow Blinds?
Because our advice combines recognised standards, independent evidence and more than 35 years of practical industry experience. We explain both the strengths and limitations of products and aren't afraid to recommend lower-cost alternatives when they're the better choice.
Our Editorial Principles
Principle |
What It Means |
Accuracy |
We verify technical information before publication. |
Experience |
Our advice comes from real measuring, manufacturing and installation experience. |
Evidence |
Wherever possible we support our advice with recognised research and industry guidance. |
Honesty |
We explain both the advantages and limitations of every product. |
Transparency |
We explain where our information comes from and how confident we are in it. |
Customer First |
Every article is written to help homeowners make informed decisions—not simply to generate enquiries. |
Continuous Improvement |
We regularly review and improve our content as products, standards and research evolve. |
Last reviewed: June 2026
Reviewed by: Phil Coleman
Editorial confidence: ★★★★★
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.”
Why trust this article?
✓ Written or reviewed by Phil Coleman (35+ years' experience)
✓ Based on practical installation knowledge and independent research
✓ Updated when standards, products or evidence change
