Integral blinds are becoming an extremely popular home improvement with homeowners right across Essex as people discover their many advantages over traditional internal blinds. But just what are integrated blinds?
What is an integral blind?
Quite simply, blinds are installed between the two panes of glass of a double-glazed unit. They’re sleek, modern and look cool. They don’t get dusty, so they’ll never need cleaning, they aren’t susceptible to wear and tear and they offer a high degree of privacy that doesn’t block out light.
Can you fit integral blinds into existing windows?
Yes, it is possible, but a few factors need to be considered. The first, and most important, is the thickness of the glazing in your existing units. Integral blinds for external windows and doors are usually designed around unit of 28mm and above. If your existing windows are below this thickness, you may not be able to retro-fit an integral blind system.
You may also need to consider the age and condition of your existing windows and doors. It might be that your double-glazed unit is an older model and if so, its profile and glazing bead may have changed or become obsolete. If that’s the case the risk of retro-fitting built-in blinds is that if parts break during the process it may be very difficult to source new ones.
That said, retro-fitting can work well in the right circumstances. However, it’s also worth considering having a completely new integral blind unit fitted for peace of mind and to avoid any potential hassles.

What are the types of integral blinds for windows?
We at Halstead offer two types of integral blinds, magnetic and electric.
Magnetic blinds
As suggested by the name, this type of blind uses a magnet slider system along the window frame to lift and tilt the blinds. Gone are the days of unattractive cords and wires that always seemed to get into a tangle, and looked messy to boot. The slats and operating system in a magnetic blind are neatly tucked away in the sealed glass unit. You can tilt the blinds to an angle which reduces glare caused by direct sunlight, making them a great choice for living rooms and home offices.
Electric integral blinds
These are manufactured with a motorised system for the ultimate ease of use. Again, unsightly wires and plugs are eliminated because these blinds work via the use of a battery remote control. At the touch of a button, you’re able to raise, lower and tilt your blind into the optimum position for your home. All our Uni-Blind sealed units with ScreenLine integral blinds inside give users the ultimate protection from solar glare and the bleaching effect of the sun while also staying clean and free from dust.

Stylish, hassle-free integral blinds from Halstead Glass
Whether you choose retro-fitted or new integral blinds units from us, you can be sure of a comfortable, stylish and hassle-free system that eliminates the need for annoying strings and wires.
For more information about our range email us or give us a call on 01787 473 516. Or, complete our online form for a free quote and one of our team will get back to you with more details.