Glossary

Aluminium Blind
Used to refer to venetian blinds constructed of horizontal slats of aluminium.

Blackout
Usually refers to the fabric type of a blind, which has a layer to prevent light penetration.

Blind Size
Please see “Exact Size.

Bottom Bar
Is the horizontal piece of wood, fabric or aluminium that anchors the blind at the bottom.

Bracket
These are the fittings used to mount the blind to the wall or window frame.

Child Safety Device
Every blind comes with a child safety device or cleat if it has a chain or cord. Child safety devices are there to ensure that the chain or cords are kept out of reach of children and prevents them from becoming entangled in them.

Dimout
Usually refers to the fabric type of a blind, which has a layer to which allows light penetration.

Embossed
Usually refers to Faux Wood Venetian blinds, where the surface of the slats is moulded, carved or stamped with a texture to replicate that of real wood.

Exact Size
A measurement type for measuring blinds. Usually when the blind is made to the size specified by the customer without any allowance being made. The other measurement type is recess size.

Day & Night Blind
Day & Night blinds, also known as Zebra blinds, are a type of window covering that features alternating stripes of sheer and opaque fabric. The unique design of zebra blinds allows for versatile control of light and privacy. The alternating bands of fabric can be aligned to create an open or closed effect, similar to the stripes on a zebra.

Drop
The drop of a blind is the vertical measurement of a window.

Double Roller Blind
A double roller blind, also known as a dual or double-layer roller blind, is a type of window covering that combines two separate roller blinds into one unit. These blinds consist of two layers of fabric, usually one sheer or translucent and the other opaque. Each layer operates independently, allowing for versatile control of light and privacy.

Face Fix
A method of fitting the blinds to the face wall.

Headrail
Headrails refers to the rigid hardware at the top of the blind that contains the operating mechanism. The type of window treatment you select, whether that is venetian blinds, roman shades, etc, will determine what the headrail will look like.

Lift Mechanism
The key component in a blind in raising and lowering a blind, or drawing it from side to side.

Light Filtering
Please see Dimout.

Lining
Usually refers to the back of a product to give it body and provide some sort of extra feature, depending on the lining type.

Ladder Cords
The cords that are threaded through the slats of a blind and used in the raising and lowering of a blind.

Ladder Tapes
Tapes, usually for venetian blinds are predominantly for decorative purposes, coming in a choice of colours that compliment or contrast against the wooden or faux wood slats. They do lend some privacy to the blind by obscuring any chance of someone seeing through the small holes through which the fabric or slats runs through.

Louvres
Louvre are the vertical strips of fabric that attaches to the headrail of the blind and can be adjusted to block light. The bottom of the louvres is usually connected to each other by a length of chain that clips on to each louvre. This ensures all louvres hang neatly and move at the same time, and it can help reduce the swaying after movement has occurred.

Panel Blind
A panel blind is a type of window covering that consists of large fabric or material panels that are attached to a track system in the headrail. These panels can be easily adjusted to slide horizontally, covering or uncovering the window or sliding door. Panel blinds are a popular choice for larger windows, sliding glass doors, or as room dividers.

Pelmet (or valance or fascia)
The pelmet is a length of wood or fabric that stretches along the headrail of the blind. The purpose of a pelmet is usually to cover over the fittings, headrail, brackets.

Pleated blind
A pleated blind is a type of window covering that features a pleated or folded fabric design. These blinds are characterized by a concertina-like structure, where the fabric is folded into neat and even pleats when the blind is raised. When the blind is lowered, it expands to cover the window, and the pleats unfold, creating a visually appealing and textured appearance.

Roller Blind
A roller blind is a type of window covering that consists of a single piece of fabric that can be rolled up or down to cover or uncover a window. The fabric is attached to a roller mechanism at the top of the window frame, and the entire assembly is typically operated with a cord or chain system.

Recess Size
A measurement type for measuring blinds. The recess size for blinds refers to the internal dimensions of the window frame or recess where the blind will be installed. The other measurement type is exact/blind size.

Roman Blind
A Roman blind is a type of window covering or treatment. It is made of fabric that, when raised, forms a series of horizontal folds. When lowered, the fabric lies flat against the window, providing privacy and blocking out light. Roman blinds are typically operated with a cord mechanism that allows them to be raised or lowered to various heights.

Sheer
A fabric that gently filters the light rather than blocking it out.

Side Fix
A method of fitting the blinds to the side walls, usually used with a recess fitting.

Slat
Slats block the light on certain blinds, usually venetian blinds and can be tilted either by pull cords or a wand. Slats come in a range of widths and materials, e.g. real wood, faux wood or aluminium.

Venetian Blind
A Venetian blind is a type of window covering that consists of horizontal slats or louvers that can be adjusted to control the amount of light entering a room and to provide privacy.

Vertical Blind
A vertical blind is a type of window covering commonly used for both residential and commercial spaces. It consists of vertical slats or louvres that can be adjusted or rotated to control light and privacy. Vertical blinds are often suspended from a track in the headrail and can be moved horizontally along the track for operation.

Tilt Cord Control/Mechanism
Method of rotating the slats or louvres by use of a control cord.

Tilt Wand Control/Mechanism
Method of rotating the slats or louvres by use of a control rod.

Toggle
Toggles, also known as Acorns, are decorative and functional pulls fitted to the end of the cords on a blind.

Top fix
A method of fitting the blinds to the ceiling.

Width
This is the horizontal measurement of the blind or curtains.