The Right Blinds for the Right Job – Solus Homes, Anstey
Client: Solus Homes
Location: Anstey, Leicestershire
Products Supplied: 28 Vertical blinds and 24 Perfect Fit blinds
The Project
Solus Homes approached us to supply and fit blinds for a new apartment development in Anstey. Having worked together successfully on previous sites, they initially specified vertical blinds throughout the properties, a popular and cost-effective choice for rental homes.
But during our site assessment, we identified a challenge with part of the brief.
The Challenge
Each of the 14 apartments included a pair of inward-opening French doors. While vertical blinds work well on windows, they’re often not the right product for doors that open into the room especially in busy rental properties.
Over time, inward-opening doors and vertical blinds don’t mix:
- Louvres can swing and tangle
- Tracks are easily damaged
- Tenants may accidentally knock or dislodge them
- Ongoing maintenance becomes a hidden cost
Our Recommendation
We advised keeping vertical blinds for the windows, a smart, proven solution but recommended switching to Perfect Fit blinds for the French doors.
Although slightly more expensive up front, Perfect Fit blinds offered:
- A clean, modern finish that clips directly onto the door frame
- No swinging, tangling or obstructing movement
- Easy operation for tenants
- Long-term cost savings through reduced damage and repairs
The Installation
All blinds were manufactured in-house at our Leicester factory and installed on time with guaranteed fitting dates.
What we supplied:
- ✅ 28 Vertical blinds
- ✅ 24 Perfect Fit blinds (fitted to 14 pairs of French doors)
The result:
A mix of practical, durable, and tenant-friendly blinds that will continue to work well with fewer call-outs and less maintenance for Solus Homes.
Why It Worked
This project is a perfect example of how we work at Barlow Blinds.
We don’t just quote based on a spec.
We listen, think, and recommend what works even if it means suggesting a change.
It’s not about making the sale.
It’s about making sure your blinds are the right fit for the property, for the tenants, and for the long term.
FAQs
What are the benefits of Perfect Fit blinds for French doors?
Answer:
Perfect Fit blinds attach directly to the door frame with no drilling, move with the door, and don’t swing or tangle. They offer a clean finish and are ideal for inward-opening doors, tilt & turn windows, and conservatories.
Are Perfect Fit blinds worth the extra cost?
Answer:
While they may cost more upfront than standard blinds, Perfect Fit blinds can be more cost-effective long term. They reduce the chance of damage, require little maintenance, and are a great choice for properties where durability and functionality matter.
Can you mix blind types in the same property?
Answer:
Yes. In this case study, we installed vertical blinds on windows and Perfect Fit blinds on doors. The key is choosing the right blind for each space
based on how it’s used.
Do Barlow Blinds manufacture and fit the blinds themselves?
Answer:
Yes. Many of our blinds are made in our Leicester factory and installed by our own experienced team. This gives us more control over quality, fitting times, and aftercare.
