Roller blinds

The Best Quality

Made to measure window blinds by the North East's best independent shading company

Take advantage of our FREE expert consultation and fitting service today!

We have been successfully manufacturing made-to- measure blinds in the North East for over 35 years

A1 Blinds are the North East’s best independent window shading company. From our home in Blaydon, we’ve helped people from all walks of life design and install the perfect window blinds. We use the finest quality, ethically sourced materials and have over three decades of experience to draw on. We offer free consultations for all customers in the North East. We guarantee accurate measurements and ensure your home remains in the same condition we found it. Get in touch today and let’s create some window blinds together.

Why Choose A1 Blinds?

There are multiple reasons to pick A1 Blinds for your new window shading project, including:

Free MEASURING

Your advisor will measure up to ensure the perfect fit and supply quotes for all your chosen styles and fabrics

Made in the North East

Our blinds are lovingly made in our factory and rigorously tested to ensure they stand the test of time

EXPERTLY FITTED

We take accurate measurements and never use guesswork, so you can expect the perfect finish every time

12 Months Guarantee

All of our products are covered by our guarantee, giving you complete peace of mind

PRICE MATCH PROMISE

Found a better price elsewhere? We’ll match it and ensure you always get the best deal.

And that's not all...

Quality Craftsmanship

Meticulously crafted blinds by skilled blind experts.

Unrivalled Quality

Handpicked premium materials ensure durability and elegance.

Extensive Range

A wide selection of blinds to suit every taste and need.

Expert Service

Friendly and knowledgeable assistance from our dedicated team.

Blinds for Windows
Donate A Preloved Sleeping Bag

Help Us Make a Difference!

We’ve teamed up with HOPE Charity to support the North East’s homeless community. We’re collecting preloved sleeping bags, new socks, and new underwear to bring comfort to those in need. Watch our video with HOPE Charity’s founder to hear the heart behind this campaign and how we’re making a difference together.

How to Get Involved:
Drop off your donations at A1 Blinds in Blaydon and Forest Hall
A1 Blinds HQ, 4-5 Tundry Way, Chainbridge Industrial Estate, Blaydon-on-Tyne NE21 5SJ

20 Station Rd N, Forest Hall, Newcastle upon Tyne NE12 9AD

 

Please ensure all preloved sleeping bags are washed before donating*

Find out more
Blinds fitting

North East customers can arrange a Free home consultation

Our experienced Home Consultants will visit you in your home at a time convenient to you, measure the windows you require, (they all carry our full collection of beautiful samples), once you have made your choice from our Inspirational Collection of Made to Measure Blinds, our “Home Consultant” will leave you with a “No obligation” quote, this quote is valid for 30 days.

Book an appointment

ABOUT US

Providing the best quality blinds in the region for over 35 years.

Excellent product choice
Expert craftsmen
Free product samples
Book an appointment
A1 Blinds Lookbook lookbook blinds

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to our most popular questions here.

Are the Blinds Covered Under a Warranty?

How Do I Report a Fault or Damage to My Blinds?

What Areas Do You Cover?

New Offers Available

FREE Home Consultation & Fitting Service

If you live in the North East and North Yorkshire, take advantage of our FREE expert consultation and fitting service. We’ll arrange a home visit at a time convenient for you and go through all your options. We promise there’ll be no high-pressure sales tactics or hidden fees, just friendly, down-to-earth advice from shading experts.

Book an appointment

Free Consultation, Free Measuringand Free Fitting!

Perfect Fit® Shutter Lite – The Smarter Way to Add Style to Your Windows

Perfect Fit® Shutter Lite – The Smarter Way to Add Style to Your Windows

When it comes to window style, shutters are always a favourite – but traditional plantation shutters can be pricey, time-consuming, and invasive to install. That’s where our new Perfect Fit® Shutter Lite comes in.

Exclusively from A1 Blinds, this innovative system gives you the clean lines and light control of classic shutters – without the complications.


Why Customers Are Choosing Shutter Lite

  • Great Style, Great Value
    Perfect Fit® Shutter Lite offers an accessible alternative to traditional shutters – ideal for modern homes looking for elegant simplicity.
  • Quick & Simple Fitting
    No drilling. No mess. These shutters click neatly into place using a Perfect Fit® frame – meaning less disruption and more convenience.
  • Works With Doors and Tilt & Turn Windows
    The shutter moves with your window or door – making it perfect for inward-opening frames, patio doors, and even French doors.

🌞 Let the Light In – and Keep the View

Thanks to its minimal framework and slim louvres, Perfect Fit® Shutter Lite lets in plenty of natural light while maintaining excellent privacy. The clever design also gives you a clearer view to the outside than bulkier shutter systems.


❄️🔥 Comfort All Year Round

Perfect Fit® Shutter Lite does more than just look good. These shutters help create a more comfortable indoor environment by:

  • Reducing heat loss in winter
  • Blocking direct sunlight in summer
  • Helping improve energy efficiency throughout the home

By regulating room temperature, they can even contribute to more consistent energy use over time.


💷 Style That Elevates Your Home

Shutters are known to enhance both kerb appeal and interior finish. Shutter Lite can:

  • Add a high-end look to any room
  • Signal quality and practicality to potential buyers
  • Enhance the overall presentation of your property

A stylish upgrade that makes a lasting impression – especially when fitted professionally by A1 Blinds.


🧼 Practical, Waterproof & Wipe-Clean

Built for everyday living, these shutters are:

  • Easy to remove for cleaning or decorating
  • Wipe-clean and waterproof
  • Perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and busy family homes

No caulking. No damage. Just a smart, practical solution that fits effortlessly into your lifestyle.


Made in the UK

We’re proud to offer a product that’s:

  • Made in the UK
  • Fitted by our trusted A1 Blinds installation team

📞 Upgrade Your Windows Today

Stylish. Practical. Versatile.

Perfect Fit® Shutter Lite proves you don’t need to compromise on looks, light, or lifestyle.

Contact A1 Blinds today to find out more and book your free home consultation.

Case Study: Newcastle Airport Control Tower

Case Study: Newcastle Airport Control Tower

40 Custom Tension Pleated Blinds for Newcastle Airport Control Tower

Client: Newcastle International Airport
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
Sector: Aviation – Air Traffic Control
Scope: 40 Bespoke Tension Pleated Blinds
Project Status: Delivered to Spec, On Time

The Project

We were commissioned to design and install 40 custom tension pleated blinds for Newcastle International Airport’s Air Traffic Control Tower. This wasn’t a straightforward job – the tower’s unique architecture and operational restrictions made it one of the most complex installations we’ve ever delivered.


What the Client Needed

The brief was simple but critical: shading and light control in an environment where visibility is paramount. The blinds needed to perform flawlessly to reduce glare, enhance comfort, and maintain clear sightlines for air traffic controllers at all times.


The Challenge

The tower’s design created a unique technical challenge: the windows are narrower at the top than the bottom. This meant the blinds had to operate in reverse, raising issues with tension and stability. Getting them to stay in place was no small feat.


How We Overcame It

Our team engineered a bespoke solution using:

  • Maximum tension throughout each blind system
  • Reinforced top bars for durability
  • Discreet magnetic strips to keep blinds secure

We worked closely with the client throughout, being completely transparent about the technical hurdles. To build confidence, we produced working samples that were tested and signed off before full manufacture began.


Working in a Live Air Traffic Control Tower

This wasn’t just a technical project – it was also about precision planning. Working in one of the UK’s busiest control towers meant strict security measures:

  • All staff were vetted and security checked
  • Passports had to be presented at each entry
  • Access was tightly restricted and visits limited

To meet these requirements, we planned every step of the installation around an agreed programme of works, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and minimal disruption to airport operations.


The Result

The new blinds have transformed the tower environment, delivering:

✅ Glare reduction
✅ Improved visibility for controllers
✅ Greater comfort in a high-pressure workplace

The client praised not only the quality of the finished product but also our communication, professionalism, and how smoothly the installation was managed.


The Bigger Picture

This project highlights our ability to deliver bespoke blind solutions for even the most complex environments. From innovative design to meticulous project management, we can adapt to buildings where standard systems simply won’t work.


Ready for the Next One

If you’ve got a project that demands a tailored shading solution – whether it’s an airport, a commercial office, or a uniquely shaped building – we’ve got the expertise to deliver.

Get in touch with our team today to discuss how we can design, manufacture, and install blinds that meet your exact requirements.

Blackout Blinds & Children’s Sleep: A Cosy Recipe for Rest

Blackout Blinds & Children’s Sleep: A Cosy Recipe for Rest

When it comes to getting little ones to bed, few things are as powerful as a pitch dark and well regulated room environment. Blackout blinds for children offer a proven solution – from boosting sleep hormone levels to keeping bedrooms cool in summer and warm in winter.

🌙 Why Darkness Matters for Children

Encouraging Melatonin Production
Exposure to light – even low light – can suppress melatonin by up to 90%, the hormone vital for sleep regulation. A darkened kids’ room enables natural melatonin levels to rise, helping children wind down and stay asleep longer.

Better Quality & Longer Sleep
According to the UK Sleep Council, around 30% of children aged 3-17 struggle with sleep onset or staying asleep through the night. By blocking early morning light or ambient evening glow, blackout blinds in nurseries and children’s bedrooms can help extend total sleep time – especially useful in summer, when dawn breaks as early as 4:30 AM.

    🗣️ Parents’ Real World Experiences

    From UK parenting groups, many families report that blackout blinds dramatically improve early-morning wake-ups and overnight sleep:

    We desperately need blackout blinds otherwise they’ll be up SO early… just won’t be able to get to sleep.” – Nichole.
    Blackout blinds saved the day… she slept through the night again.” – Shannon.

    While airflow can be a trade off – especially with Velcro fit or fixed sheets – parents often find blackout solutions for kids that still allow for ventilation, such as blinds with suction cups or thermal liners.

    🌡️ Temperature Control: Summer & Winter Benefits

    In Summer
    • Thick, opaque materials block sunlight and reduce solar heat gain, making children’s bedrooms cooler even without air conditioning.
    • Tips from parents: using reflective foil, keeping blinds closed during heat of day, and opening only when ambient air is cooler.

    In Winter
    • Windows are responsible for up to 40% of home heat loss. Thermal blackout blinds for children’s rooms act as an insulating layer, trapping warmth and reducing the chill from cold panes.
    • Retaining heat helps maintain a cosy sleep friendly environment even on frosty nights.

    📊 Sleep & Health Stats (UK based context)
    • Sleep struggles: 30% of children aged 3–17 experience sleep disruptions.
    • Ideal bedroom temperature: 16–18 °C for optimal REM sleep; both overheating and chilliness disrupt sleep patterns.

    Recommended sleep durations:
    • Ages 3–5: 10–13 hours
    • Ages 6–12: 9–12 hours

    ✅ What Blackout Blinds Offer for a Child’s Bedroom

    • Total or near-total darkness helps children fall asleep more easily and stay asleep longer without waking too early.
    • An added insulation and thermal layer keeps rooms cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, ensuring year-round comfort.
    • Noise dampening materials reduce outside noise, making it easier for children to rest without disturbances.
    • A cordless or child-safe design improves safety in nurseries and bedrooms, removing potential hazards.
    • Easy-to-open and close blinds offer flexibility for daytime naps or letting in fresh air when needed.
    • Total or near-total darkness helps children fall asleep more easily and stay asleep longer without waking too early.

    🧸 Tips for Parents

    • Choose child-safe blackout blinds – cordless or securely fitted – to avoid hazards.
    • Go for a snug, custom fit to reduce light leakage and maximise insulation.
    • In summer, close blinds during the hottest part of the day. In winter, close them overnight to trap heat.
    • Consider blackout blinds with side tracks or thermal lining for better light and temperature control.

    🌟 Final Thoughts

    Blackout blinds are more than just sleep accessories – they’re essential tools in creating a calm, restful space for kids. They help regulate temperature, support natural sleep cycles, and reduce those early wake-ups that can disrupt the whole household. For children (and their parents), a well-fitted blackout blind might just be the most peaceful upgrade you can make to a bedroom.

    How To Find Us

    Want to visit us in person? We have two locations open to the public.

    A1 Blinds Showroom

    Blaydon Factory & Showroom

    Visit our Blaydon factory and showroom to explore the best of A1 Blinds. Receive a warm welcome from a shading expert and view a vast selection of samples.

    View Location
    A1 Blinds showroom

    Forest Hall Showroom

    We have a new showroom on Station Road North, Forest Hall. This covers the North Tyneside area and features a big collection of blinds for you to admire at your leisure.

    View Location
    wooden blinds

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