Please note that our series on London Blinds is currently being updated to reflect the use of new techniques and materials. This article still contains excellent information, but some of it may be changed as a result of our review.

Check back here soon for the updated articles. Meanwhile, if you need any advice on materials for your projects, call us on 0208 331 4383.

Opinions differ on just what should be named as a ‘London’ Blind.  We have chosen to explain the most favoured style.  It is a hybrid between a Roman blind, because of its plain heading, and an Austrian blind, for the bottom ruching.  Some would say it is a large swag at the bottom of a pleated piece of fabric.

Whatever else it may be, it is a blind because it has a fixed heading, using a touch and close fastening (adhesive backed mushroom on a batten, with sew-on velvet attached to the back of the blind).  So, fixed to a batten with ‘Stick and Strip’ a wide piece of fabric is reduced to a finished width by forming two pleats in the width at equal distances from either edge.  The pleats are open to the face of the blind, with about 15” added to the finished drop of the blind one large sweeping swag is formed.  A bottom frill is optional, but it is not the practice to add side frills. 

The look has been called ‘Continental’ and it has found a fashionable place amongst the ‘soft shade’ blinds.  However, much depends upon its setting and it may be as well to consider it as a dress blind, rather than a fully operational blind.  As a show blind, dressed with some care and left undisturbed, the blind will be at its best and can be extremely attractive.  It need not necessarily be lined, but lining will always enhance its appearance.