How to choose sustainable blinds and curtains
By Amy Kilvington
Sustainability is a huge priority for the modern shopper and homeowner. But it can often be difficult to find products that are both eco-friendly and affordable.
At Blinds Direct, we are dedicated to crafting interior furnishings that are kind to the environment, as well as being kind to your budget. Find out more about our most sustainable blinds and curtains below.
FSC-certified real wood blinds
If you long for the classic warmth of real wood in your home, but you’re concerned about the impact of the timber industry, there’s an eco-friendly answer: FSC-certified wood. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an international, non-governmental organisation dedicated to the responsible management of forests across the globe. The FSC enables businesses and consumers to identify and purchase wood from properly managed forests or recycled sources, making these products much more sustainable.
The FSC has three key values: to be environmentally appropriate, protecting and maintaining natural communities and high conservation value forests; to be socially beneficial, respecting the rights of workers, communities and indigenous peoples; and to be economically viable, adding value and creating equitable access to benefits.
At Blinds Direct, we only use FSC-certified wood, so you can trust that your real wood blind comes from a responsible source. Each blind is crafted from the best quality, sustainable wood and treated to ensure maximum durability. Constructed from a series of sturdy slats that are linked with a pulley cord system, our wooden blinds can be fully raised so that the slats gather together at the top, or lowered and rotated to block out all sunlight and views from outside. This precise level of light control and privacy, coupled with their sustainability and timeless style, makes real wooden blinds the ultimate choice for your home.
Faux wood blinds
Of course, if you want to avoid real wood, look for an alternative like uPVC. Our high quality faux wood blinds offer the look of real wood with the added benefit of water resistance, so you can install them in kitchens and bathrooms without the risk of staining and warping. By choosing a wood alternative, you can also rest assured that you won’t be contributing to the demand for real wood.
Aluminium blinds
Aluminium is the most abundant metal in the world and can be recycled again, again and again. The process in which aluminium is extracted is also more eco-friendly than other materials, because the land can still be used for other purposes. We have a great selection of aluminium blinds which are hand cut and made to measure, ensuring a seamless fit and optimum functionality.
Linen blinds and curtains
Linen is a highly sustainable material, sourced from a low maintenance and versatile crop, flax, which produces very little waste. While it’s growing, linen only requires natural rainfall and no (or very few) pesticides. Most linen is produced in Europe, which means it has a lower carbon footprint. Linen is a soft, breathable and durable material, and is a perfect choice for curtains, blinds and other soft furnishings throughout the home.
Thermal lining
Thermal lining will seriously boost the eco-friendliness of your curtains and blinds. By providing improved insulation, thermal window dressings reduce heat loss through your windows, lessening the need to crank up your thermostat. This makes your home more energy efficient, as well as lowering your bills. At Blinds Direct, we’re pleased to offer a free upgrade to thermal lining on many of our blinds and curtains.
Quality, not quantity
When decorating your home, one of the most sustainable decisions you can make is to choose high quality, durable products that will stand the test of time. This will reduce the amount of waste you generate, as well as reducing the resources and energy required to repurchase.
Our blinds and curtains are made to measure and made to last, constructed with the highest quality materials and components. Since we hand-craft here in the UK, our products have a smaller carbon footprint than products manufactured internationally. We also recycle and donate as many offcuts as possible, lowering our contribution to landfill.
By using our simple sample service and easy-to-use measuring guides, you can ensure that you purchase your perfect window dressing right away, and it won’t need to be returned, altered or replaced. Best of all, because our products are of such a high quality, they’ll last for years to come. This makes Blinds Direct a seriously sustainable solution.
You can find out more about the high quality products available at Blinds Direct by visiting our site. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team – we’re always happy to help.
