Pleated shading
Pleated blinds
Fabric folded into crisp pleats that stack up small, which makes them a sensible choice where a roller or Venetian will not fit.
Compact shading for awkward glazing
Pleated blinds are a lovely option when you want something neat and lightweight, particularly around conservatories and some more unusual window shapes. We'll help you explore the different systems and explain which ones suit your frames.
A pleated blind is a single sheet of fabric folded into narrow concertina pleats. Pull it down and the pleats open out to cover the glass. Raise it and they fold back into a slim stack at the top. Because the fabric is held in tension and sits close to the window, pleated blinds are one of the more adaptable options for glass that is not a plain rectangle.
They are often chosen for conservatories, roof windows, skylights and windows with angled or curved tops. Where a roller blind would hang away from a sloping frame, a pleated blind can be set up to follow it.
Why the fold matters
The pleats give the blind a flat, tidy profile when it is lowered and a compact stack when it is raised. That helps in two ways. You lose little of the view when the blind is open, and the blind does not stick out far from the glass, which matters on tilting windows and in tight recesses.
Pleated fabrics come in a range of weights. Some let soft daylight through, others are designed to filter more of it. Some pleated fabrics are made with a cell structure that gives the blind more depth. Whether a particular fabric offers that, and what the effect is, depends on the range, so please ask us.
Where pleated blinds fit best
- Conservatory roofs and side windows. A pleated blind can be held on tension wires or guides so it stays close to the glass. See our conservatory blinds page for how roof and side windows compare.
- Roof windows. Many are fitted with side guides so the blind stays in place at an angle. Our roof blinds page covers how these work, and the guide to identifying your roof window is useful before ordering.
- Shaped windows. Triangular, arched and angled panes can often be covered with a blind cut to follow the frame, although this depends on the shape and the range.
- Narrow or deep-set frames. Where there is little space for a bulky headrail.
Light and privacy
A pleated blind softens light and reduces glare, but it is a soft-light blind rather than a blackout blind. Light can reach the edges, and the fabric you choose changes how much comes through. If you want a bedroom as dark as possible, look at our blackout blinds instead.
For privacy, a lighter fabric will still show shapes at night when the lights are on inside. If that matters, choose a heavier fabric or tell us how overlooked the window is.
How they are operated
Many pleated blinds move by hand: you take hold of the bottom rail and slide it up or down. This avoids cords altogether on smaller windows, which is a real advantage where children are around. Larger or hard-to-reach windows may use cords, poles or a motor. A motorised option can suit a high roof window or a big run of conservatory glass, and our motorised blinds page explains the basics.
If there are cords, tuck them out of reach of children with a cord tidy or safety device. BS EN 13120 is the UK standard for the safety of internal blinds.
Measuring
For a straightforward window you need the width and drop. For sloping or shaped glass, the measure is more involved because the blind has to follow the angle and the frame depth must be right for the fittings. A tape and a quick sketch will help you describe the window, and our advice on measuring awkward windows is a good starting point. We are happy to measure unusual shapes for you.
Care
Dust gently with a soft brush or a vacuum on low suction. Pleated fabrics like a gentle touch, so go easy on water and check the guidance for your fabric before spot cleaning.
22mm pleated and cellular options
Our 22mm pleated and cellular blinds come in free-hanging, tensioned and Perfect Fit styles. Tensioned blinds sit against the glass and work at any angle, so they suit tilt and turn windows. The Perfect Fit universal frame can be fitted inside or outside the recess and also suits skylights, lanterns, mobile homes and camper vans (white and anthracite frames). Wider windows can be joined with a T-post. Choices include top-down, bottom-up and multi-zone operation, a dual-fabric option, and several hardware colours. Some styles can be motorised. See also our 45mm cellular blinds.
Inspiration
If you have a window that has been tricky to dress, book a free measure and we will look at it with you before you commit.
Questions about pleated blinds
Are pleated blinds the same as honeycomb blinds?
Not exactly. A pleated blind is folded fabric. Some pleated fabrics are made with a cell structure, but that depends on the range, so ask us what a particular fabric offers.
Can pleated blinds be fitted to a sloping roof window?
Often yes, usually with side guides or tension fittings that hold the blind close to the glass. The right setup depends on the window, so we check it at the measure.
Will a pleated blind work on an arched or triangular window?
It can for many shapes, as the blind can be made to follow the frame. Very unusual shapes need to be looked at in person.
Do pleated blinds have cords?
Not always. Many are moved by hand using the bottom rail. Larger or high windows may use cords, poles or a motor. Where there are cords, keep them out of children's reach.
Do pleated blinds block all the light?
No. They soften and reduce light, and the effect depends on the fabric. For a darker room, blackout fabrics are a better fit.
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Shall we take a look at your windows?
A quick chat can help narrow down the choices. Tell us what you need and we will be in touch about your free measure.