Blinds for Bi-fold Doors

Two approaches

There are two main ways to fit blinds to bi-fold doors:

1. Door-mounted: a blind on each door panel, which moves with the door as it folds. This is usually the best option, and the one we'd normally suggest — see Perfect Fit® blinds.
2. Top-fixed: a blind above the doors. It works, but it must be raised or drawn clear before you open the doors.

What to check

When we visit, we'll check these for you:

• Frame type: framed no-drill blinds need suitable uPVC beading (the strip that holds the glass in place).
• Handles: the blinds must sit clear of the door handles.
• Folding clearance: the panels must still fold flat with the blinds fitted.
• Privacy at night: choose a fabric opacity (how much light it lets through) to suit how much privacy you want in the evening.

Which blinds work best?

Because each door panel is usually narrow, slim blinds that sit close to the glass tend to work best:

• Pleated blinds: these fold up into a very small stack, so they don't block much of the view when raised. See pleated blinds.
• Venetian blinds: slats you can tilt, so you can adjust privacy and light without raising the blind.
• Roller blinds: a simple, clean look, with a wide choice of fabrics.

Framed systems such as Perfect Fit® work with all three, which keeps every door panel looking the same.

Living with blinds on bi-fold doors

Bi-fold doors often face the garden and let in a lot of light, so it's worth thinking about how the room is used through the day:

• Sun and glare: large areas of glass can make a room warm and bright in summer. A fabric chosen for heat and glare control can help.
• Kitchen-diners: if your doors are near the cooker or dining table, a wipe-clean fabric makes life easier.
• Evenings: with the lights on inside, people outside can see in more easily, so think about privacy after dark as well as during the day.
• Children and pets: door-mounted blinds stay with the door and have no long cords hanging down, which suits busy family rooms.

Mistakes to avoid

• Measuring before the doors are finished: if your doors are new, wait until they're fully fitted before having blinds measured.
• Mixing styles across panels: using the same blind and fabric on every panel keeps the doors looking tidy when they're closed.
• Forgetting the top-fixed blind: if you choose a blind above the doors, getting into the habit of raising it before opening the doors avoids damage.
• Ignoring a nearby window: if there's a window next to the doors, plan its blind at the same time so they match.

The same thinking applies to French doors and sliding patio doors — see French and patio door blinds.

What happens at your appointment

We'll check the frames, handles and folding clearance, bring fabric samples to try against your doors, and explain which approach suits the way you use them. We cover Stockton-on-Tees, Middlesbrough, Yarm, Redcar and the wider Teesside area. Request a free home appointment and we'll call you to arrange a convenient time.

Common questions

Can you put blinds on bi-fold doors?

Yes. Most bi-fold doors can take blinds, either fixed to each door panel or fitted above the doors. Door-mounted blinds are usually the most practical, because they fold with the doors.

Will blinds stop my bi-fold doors folding?

Not if they're planned properly. Checking the folding clearance is one of the first things we do, so the panels still fold flat with the blinds fitted.

Can I have blackout blinds on bi-fold doors?

Yes. Blackout fabrics are available for door-mounted blinds, and a framed blind helps reduce light gaps around the edges.

Should I choose door-mounted or top-fixed?

If you open your doors often, door-mounted is usually the better choice, because there's nothing to remember before you fold them back. A top-fixed blind can suit doors that stay closed most of the year, or where you'd prefer a single wide blind.

Do no-drill blinds work on aluminium bi-folds?

Framed no-drill blinds need suitable uPVC beading, which many aluminium doors don't have. If yours don't, we'll suggest another way to fit them.

Options

You can compare the choices on our bi-fold door blinds page, and see style ideas for inspiration.