Frequently Asked Questions

YES! Blinds and shutters can have a significant impact on energy savings – reducing heat loss through windows by up to 33% and savings can be higher with single-glazed windows (University of Salford Energy House Laboratory). The type of blind is also a very important factor, a cellular or pleated honeycomb-shaped blind is the most effective at saving energy with a saving of 32% when used effectively, and a standard roller blind saved 13%. In winter, blinds can be opened during the day to utilise solar energy from the sun to warm the home, and come evening, closed to provide extra insulation helping to reduce the heat lost through windows. Cellular shades are designed to trap air in pockets, which acts as insulation to reduce energy loss and keep your home comfortable. They are also available in a variety of light-filtering fabrics and can be adjusted to block out the sun's rays and keep your home cool during the summer months.

As the occurrence of summer heat waves and higher temperatures in homes is of increasing concern, shading has become an effective way of keeping a space cooler. Just as blinds can warm homes in winter, certain blinds can reduce temperatures in the home. Cellular blinds, blackout roller blinds, or curtains can significantly reduce temperatures in the home when closed during hot summer days.

At Nest, we offer a complimentary measuring service to make your life a little easier. We come and meet you in your own home and help to decide which blinds /curtains you want. To get a gauge on the size of your windows you can measure yourself. To accurately measure for blinds inside the window recess, you will need to measure the inside width of the window recess at the top, middle, and bottom. Record the smallest of the three measurements and use this as your width. Then, measure the height of the window recess, from the top of the recess to the windowsill. Take a few drop measurements across the length of the window and record the shortest measurement and use it as your height. Make sure to check for any obstructions, like window handles or tiles as this can impact the operation of the blind.

Black-out blinds or dim-out blinds are designed to block out as much light as possible, for light summer mornings or during the day for shift workers. We supply special blackout materials as well as a blackout soft cloth lining to back curtains and roman blinds. It is important to note that most window coverings will still let in some amount of light – we call this light bleed and the extent of light will depend on the selected product. Doubling up on window coverings, for example having a roller blind with a pair of blackout curtains will reduce the light even further if the light is the problem. Alternatively, we supply a room-darkening solution for the ultimate blackout.

There are a few ways of achieving privacy in your home whilst still letting light filter into the space. We have a range of sheer roller blinds and vision blinds to cover the window, allowing you to see out in the day but not allowing people to see in. You could also use a sheer fabric as curtains, as this will still allow light to come in while providing some level of privacy.

Perfect fit and INTU blinds are made perfectly to fit your PVC windows and are designed to clip onto the window frame using brackets that push behind the beading of the window. They can also fit into wood or aluminum frames using the screw-fit system. Both blind types are space-saving and give a modern look with easy use.

The right blinds for you depend on your needs and preferences but we can help you decide. Consider the amount of natural light you want to let in, the level of privacy you need, the size and shape of your windows, the colour scheme of your room, the style of the room, and the amount of money you are willing to spend. There are a variety of blinds available to fit any style and budget, including roller blinds, cellular blinds, Roman blinds, vertical blinds, and more!

Thermal window blinds can save you money as they can help to reduce your energy bills by keeping the heat in during the winter and keeping the heat out in the summer. In the winter, thermal window blinds can trap warm air inside your home and stop it from escaping through your windows, helping to maintain a comfortable temperature. In the summer, they reflect the sun’s heat away from your windows, preventing them from entering your home.

The sun’s glare on TVs or computer screens can be quite problematic if trying to watch TV or work during the day. There are a few different blind types that can help cut glare. One is a blackout blind. These fabrics are specifically designed to block out the light, helping to reduce the intensity of the sun's rays and to create a darker atmosphere. Alternatively, screen fabric roller blinds still filter the light but are designed to stop the glare so are perfect for offices where people are working on computers.

Electric blinds are motorised window coverings that can be controlled with a remote control, wall switch, or even a smartphone app. When powered, the blinds' motorised mechanism moves the blinds up and down, allowing you to adjust the amount of light, privacy, and temperature in the room. Electric blinds can be operated via wiring in, rechargeable batteries or solar motors. Electric blinds are available in a variety of fabrics and styles, giving you the flexibility to customize the look of your home or office. Going electric is a smart, flawless option however is more expensive than the traditional manual approach.

Yes, you can clean your roller blinds. Depending on the material of your blinds, you can use a soft cloth or vacuum cleaner but avoid using abrasive cleaners that may damage the material. Ensure you ask us about the material properties - Not all blinds can be cleaned however we have a range that can withstand moisture for kitchens and bathrooms.

Apex windows are beautiful windows designed to let light into your home. Bedrooms with apex windows can let a lot of light in during the summer early mornings which may mean you need a solution to dim out the space. There are a few solutions to cover apex windows - electric and manually operated pleated or vertical blinds, shaped curtains or shutters can be installed. Let us know if you need some help deciding what to do with your apex window, no matter the size, we can help!

We offer a measuring and fitting service for all our customers. We will come and measure to provide an initial quote. Once the quote is accepted and the blinds or curtains have been made, our experienced fitter will come and install your new blinds or curtains. We have a few customers who love to fit their blinds themselves so just let us know if you want to get handy!

We have a studio in Jackson Bridge, Holmfirth where we make blinds, curtains, and soft furnishings. We have many fabric books to look at, as well as coordinating wallpapers and blind samples. Our space is very much a working studio which we love!