Tensioned Pleated Blinds
Tensioned pleated blinds are a simple, practical and highly effective way of covering individual window panes. Designed to move with the window or door, they are particularly well suited to uPVC and aluminium frames.
Available in both single pleat and cellular (honeycomb) fabrics, tensioned pleated blinds provide flexible light control, privacy and improved insulation in a discreet format.
3 For 2 Pleated Blinds
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How Tensioned Pleated Blinds Work
Tensioned pleated blinds are typically fitted directly to the window frame. They are installed with connection points at the top and small retaining feet at the bottom, with tensioning cords running neatly down each side of the glass.
The blind can be raised or lowered using a small handle and will remain in position wherever it is placed, held securely by the tensioned side cords.
- Side tensioning cords for stability
- Operated by a discreet handle
- Stops at any chosen position
- Designed for individual panes of glass or window recesses under 1.5metres wide
Flexible Operating Options
Tensioned pleated blinds can be configured in different ways depending on your privacy and light control needs.
They can be made to raise from the bottom upwards, covering the lower portion of the window while leaving the top clear. Alternatively, a multi-zone configuration allows the blind to be operated from both the top and the bottom.
- Bottom-up operation
- Multi-zone top-down and bottom-up option
- Flexible privacy control
- Ideal for overlooked windows
Installation Requirements
Tensioned pleated blinds require a small number of discreet fixings to secure them to the frame. Typically, this involves four small holes of approximately 3mm drilled into uPVC or aluminium window frames to attach the brackets and retaining feet.
Once installed, the blind moves with the window or door, meaning you can open the window without raising the blind first.
- Approximately four small 3mm fixing points
- Suitable for uPVC and aluminium frames
- Blind moves with the window or door
- Secure and stable installation
Fabric Options
Tensioned pleated blinds are available in both single pleat and cellular pleated fabrics. While single pleat fabrics remain available, cellular pleated blinds have become the more popular option due to their improved insulation performance.
Cellular pleated blinds feature a honeycomb structure that traps air within the fabric, helping to reduce heat loss in winter and solar gain in summer.
- Single pleat fabric options
- Cellular (honeycomb) pleated options
- Improved thermal insulation with cellular fabrics
- Light filtering and room darkening choices available
Hardware Colour Options
The hardware components, including brackets and feet, are available in a range of finishes to coordinate with your window frames.
Standard colours include white, black and anthracite. Wood-effect finishes such as golden oak and mahogany are also available for the rails at an additional cost where required.
- White hardware
- Black hardware
- Anthracite hardware
- Golden oak finish available
- Mahogany finish available
Child-Safe by Design
Tensioned pleated blinds are completely child safe as they have no hanging cords or chains. The tensioned side cords are secured within the frame, creating a clean and safe installation suitable for family homes.
- No loose or hanging cords
- Secure tensioned system
- Safe for children and pets
- Neat, uncluttered appearance
Tensioned Pleated Blinds – At a Glance
- Discreet blind fitted directly to the frame
- Side tensioned for stability
- Bottom-up and multi-zone options available
- Single pleat or cellular fabrics
- Improved insulation with honeycomb fabrics
- Moves with windows and doors
- Child-safe operation
- Multiple hardware colour options
Frequently Asked Questions
What are tensioned pleated blinds?
Tensioned pleated blinds are pleated blinds fitted directly to the window frame using side tension cords. They are designed to stay securely in place and move with the window or door when opened.Do tensioned pleated blinds require drilling?
Yes. Installation typically requires four small fixing holes of approximately 3mm into uPVC or aluminium frames to secure the brackets and retaining feet.Can tensioned pleated blinds be fitted to any window?
They are most commonly fitted to uPVC or aluminium windows and doors. Suitability depends on the frame depth and condition, which is assessed during measuring.Can I open the window without lifting the blind?
Yes when they are fitted to individual windows and doors. One of the key advantages of tensioned pleated blinds is that they move with the window or door, so you can leave the blind in position and still open the window.What is a multi-zone tensioned pleated blind?
A multi-zone blind can be operated from both the top and the bottom. This allows you to position the blind exactly where you need privacy or light control, offering greater flexibility than a standard bottom-up blind.Are cellular pleated blinds better than single pleat for this system?
Cellular (honeycomb) pleated blinds are generally more popular because they offer improved thermal insulation and a slightly neater appearance. However, single pleat fabrics are still available and may suit certain interiors.Are tensioned pleated blinds child safe?
Yes. They are completely child safe as there are no hanging cords or chains. The tension cords are secured within the frame.Do tensioned pleated blinds help with insulation?
Yes. Cellular pleated fabrics in particular help reduce heat loss in winter and solar gain in summer due to their honeycomb structure.What colours are available?
A wide range of colours is available in both single pleat and cellular fabrics. Hardware is available in white, black and anthracite as standard, with wood-effect finishes such as golden oak and mahogany available at additional cost.Are tensioned pleated blinds suitable for doors?
Yes. They are commonly fitted to patio doors and French doors because they remain stable and move with the door when opened.
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