Looking for a trusted blinds company in Leicestershire?
With so many to choose from, finding one that truly stands for quality, honesty, and craftsmanship can feel like a challenge.
Not all blinds are built the same and neither are the companies behind them.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by "3-for-£99" deals or wondered who's actually making the blinds you're paying for, you’re not alone.
We dug deeper than flashy discounts to find the blind companies in Leicestershire that stand for something more: craftsmanship, trust, and staying power.
How We Chose These Companies
Here’s what mattered to us (and what we thought would matter to you):
- ✅ Years in business — Longevity says a lot.
- ✅ Same ownership/family-run — Still led by those who started it.
- ✅ Manufactured in-house — Not just measuring and outsourcing.
- ✅ Customer reviews — Real feedback, not just volume.
- ✅ Third-party recognition — BBSA or Which? Trusted Trader approved.
Because when you’re investing in made-to-measure blinds, you deserve to know who’s truly behind the product.
Shadewell Blinds — Hinckley
- Established: 1969
- Ownership: Hailstone family, still at the helm
- Manufacture: ✅ All made in-house
- Accreditations: BBSA member
- Reviews: 16 on Facebook | 90% recommend
For over 50 years, Shadewell Blinds has been a quiet fixture in Hinckley homes. Everything is built and installed by their own team, not subcontractors, and they’ve stayed proudly family-run since day one. Their online footprint is small, but their local reputation? Solid.
Karen’s Blinds — Oadby, Leicester
- Established: 1990s
- Ownership: Locally owned, Changed Ownership in 2022
- Manufacture: ✅ Yes, in-house
- Accreditations: BBSA member since 1989
- Reviews: 1 on Yell | 5★
Karen’s Blinds might fly under the online radar, but don’t be fooled. With decades of service and a BBSA badge since the late '80s, they’re a long-standing part of Leicester’s home improvement scene.
Emily Blinds — Barwell
- Established: 2002
- Ownership: Local (unclear if same since founding)
- Manufacture: ✅ Yes
- Accreditations: Not listed
- Reviews: ~50 across platforms | Avg. 4.3–5★
Emily Blinds makes and installs everything from their Barwell base, earning praise for their friendly team and solid aftercare. While not every review is glowing, the majority speak to a company that listens and delivers.
Fraser James Blinds — Enderby
- Established: 2013
- Ownership: Family-owned
- Manufacture: No, all blinds are made by a third party
- Accreditations: Not listed
- Reviews: 490+ | Avg. 4.9★
If online reputation matters most, Fraser James is a standout. With nearly 500 reviews averaging 4.9★, they’ve clearly won over customers. While blinds are not made in-house, their design and fitting service gets high marks for quality and responsiveness.
Barlow Blinds — Leicester
- Established: 1887
- Ownership: 5th-generation family business
- Manufacture: ✅ All made in their Leicester factory
- Accreditations: BBSA + Which? Trusted Trader
- Reviews: 500+ total
- 129 on Which? (4.9★)
- 401 on Trustist (4.9★)
- 5★ on Yell, Trustpilot, Google, Facebook
One of the UK’s oldest blind makers, Barlow Blinds is still doing it the right way: in-house, in Leicester, after more than 135 years. Their reputation spans generations and platforms, with third-party accolades and local love to match. For homeowners who want a guarantee of quality, Barlow Blinds remains the benchmark.
Quick Glance: Local Blind Companies
Company |
Est. |
In-House? |
Accreditations |
Reviews |
Avg. Rating |
Shadewell Blinds |
1969 |
✅ Yes |
BBSA |
16 |
90% |
Karen’s Blinds |
1990 |
✅ Yes |
BBSA |
1 |
5★ |
Emily Blinds |
2002 |
✅ Yes |
None listed |
~50 |
4.3–5★ |
Fraser James Blinds |
2013 |
⚪ No |
None listed |
490+ |
4.9★ |
Barlow Blinds |
1887 |
✅ Yes |
BBSA + Which? Trusted |
500+ |
4.9★ |
What the Accreditations Mean
BBSA (British Blind & Shutter Association) = Member companies commit to high UK standards in safety, professionalism, and installation.
Which? Trusted Trader = A third-party endorsement program with strict criteria and ongoing checks.
The Bottom Line
There’s no shortage of blind companies in Leicestershire. But if you care about how your blinds are made, who installs them, and what kind of values they bring into your home, only a few really stand out.
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.”
