If you would like a pdf version of our most recent product launch press packs please call Sarah or Annette at our press office on 0115 9814421,
email us at sarah.able@darkhorsepr.co.uk or fill in our enquiry form
Window Clinic – Inexpensive Options
Blinds that won’t break the budget if you’re improving rather than moving!
"With the housing market in a state of uncertainty, many people are opting to stay put and use the money it would have cost them to move, to upgrade their existing homes or add extra space," says Sarah Quilliam, head of product design at Hillarys.
"The most popular improvements are conservatories, loft conversion or side or rear extensions. But whether you're creating extra rooms or making over existing ones, window dressings are generally part of the plan and one of the simplest and cheapest ways to transform a room.
"We've asked our customers to tell us about some of their window dressing dilemmas needing a cost effective solution. Here are some of their most frequently asked questions:"
- We've recently made our conservatory into a playroom. The pleated roof blinds were pretty expensive so we're looking for a cheap option for the sides. Any suggestions?
- Rather than move house, we're creating extra space to accommodate our growing family by converting the loft into a fourth bedroom. The window is an awkward shape and I'm really not sure what window dressing is going to work? Please can you advise?
- My hallway is freezing! Is there an economical window dressing to help keep the warmth in?
- My kitchen looks out onto the garden so privacy is not really an issue, but I'd still like to dress the window with a contemporary look. Which low priced option is best?
- I love the look of shutters but don't quite have that sort of money to spare! Are there any blinds that will give me a similar look at a fraction of the cost?
- Space is a real issue in our flat so we need something inexpensive to divide up the lounge and study. Please help!
- I'm currently renting a property and don't want to spend a lot on furnishing it. Is there anything that would match the wooden furniture I've already bought?
Q
We've recently made our conservatory into a playroom. The pleated roof blinds were pretty expensive so we're looking for a cheap option for the sides. Any suggestions?
A
The world is your oyster when it comes to deciding on blinds for the sides of your conservatory. And good on you for making the space into a room you can use all year round! If you're looking for something cheap and cheerful for the kids, then go for roller blinds as they're really functional, easy to clean and well priced. There are loads of bright colours if you want to make the playroom fun and colourful, and equally there's plenty of muted shades to choose from, depending on what style you've gone for.
Q
Rather than move house, we're creating extra space to accommodate our growing family by converting the loft into a fourth bedroom. The window is an awkward shape and I'm really not sure what window dressing is going to work? Please can you advise?
A
Vertical blinds like these are perfect for sloping and awkward shaped windows as they can be fitted using a curved headrail. They're also a good solution for loft conversions which generally have lower ceilings as they will help create an illusion of height.
Q
My hallway and landing are freezing! Is there an economical window dressing to help keep the warmth in?
A
Honeycomb blinds will be perfect for your needs. They're a brilliant budget option for sound thermal properties as they trap air for maximum energy efficiency, making them especially effective for those areas of the house that can be a bit cold and draughty. In appearance, they look very similar to pleated blinds so you'll get a really neat and tidy look at your windows. And as they insulate your home, your heating bills should be reduced too!
Q
My kitchen looks out onto the garden so privacy is not really an issue, but I'd still like to give the window a contemporary look. Which low priced option is best?
A
If you want to dress the window for decorative purposes only, then your best option would be an unlined roman blind. As these types of blinds don't have the light dimming properties usually associated with fully lined romans, the light actually filters into the room, creating a lovely glow instead. The lack of lining gives the fabric a modern and sleek appearance with tighter, more streamlined folds when the blind is raised. They're also great value as they're approximately 30% cheaper than standard romans!
Q
I love the look of shutters but don't quite have that sort of money to spare! Is there any blind that will give me a similar look at a fraction of the cost?
A
Look no further! The slats on wooden venetian blinds look pretty similar to the louvres on plantation shutters. There are some lovely wood stains and painted finishes out there and if you choose a smaller slat width, you'll be able to reduce the cost even further. You could add a bit of glamour and sophistication to your windows by ordering them with a matching tape. This will also fake the look of the rail that's used on shutters when adjusting the light.
Q
Space is a real issue in our flat so we need something inexpensive to divide up the lounge and study. Please help!
A
Venetian and roller blinds are extremely affordable and versatile so you can think outside the box when it comes to using them in your home. A simple way of adding another room without building a new wall is to separate two spaces with a sleek aluminium venetian. These stylish blinds are often overlooked for rooms other than the kitchen and bathroom, but they're great for light control and there are a wide variety of colours, special effects and finishes available. You can even have a wood effect venetian for a snip of the price compared to its wooden cousin!
Q
I've bought a property to rent out but I'm on a bit of a tight budget when it comes to furnishing. Is there anything that would match the wooden furniture I've already bought?
A
Wood-effect venetians or woodweave blinds would both work really well, depending who you're renting the place out to. Young professionals and families may prefer the practicality of wood-effect venetians, whereas woodweave blinds would be ideal for students as they're particularly hardwearing. Both types can be easily cleaned, but if you want to save a small bundle then I would go for woodweave. They're great for creating a lovely light-filtering atmosphere and you'll easily find a few styles that will match up with the tone of your wooden furniture.
Prices
Roller blinds start at £51/ 64 euros (61cm wide x 76cm drop) measured, made and fitted.
Honeycomb blinds start at £64 / 92 euros (47cm wide x 60cm drop) measured, made and fitted.
Shade roman blinds start at £61 104 euros (60cm wide x 75cm drop) measured, made and fitted.
Wooden venetian blinds start at £63 / 95 euros (60cm wide x 60cm drop) measured, made and fitted.
Aluminium Venetian blinds start at £33 / 42 euros(46cm wide x 61cm drop) measured, made and fitted.
Woodweave blinds start at £52 (60cm wide x 60cm drop) measured, made and fitted.
Vertical blinds start at £53 (50cm wide x 90cm drop) measured, made and fitted.
Stockists Information
To arrange your free home visit call: 0800 916 6516 or click: www.hillarys.co.uk
ROI - 1800 409 468 or click www.hillarys.ie
Ends
Hillarys has a HUGE range of images, so please let us know if you're looking for anything in particular, be it room, colour or blind type led, and we'll do our best to find something suitable.
For more information, product for shoots or high resolution images, please call Sarah on 0115 9814421 or email sarah.able@darkhorsepr.co.uk
Download pdf version