Create a comfortable work environment with office blinds

Office blinds have the potential to positively improve employee well-being and productivity in any commercial building. Many people are unaware of the importance of selecting the right type of blinds for a positive, productive work environment.

In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of choosing the right office blinds, what factors to consider, and our recommendations.
The benefits of choosing the right office blinds

Choosing the right office blinds for your commercial building can improve your workplace in several ways. We have taken a look at some of the benefits below.

They enhance the visual comfort of employees

Ineffective office blinds can lead to sun glare, which occurs when sunlight reflects off a surface and directly into someone’s eyes. This can make computer screens difficult to see, creating an uncomfortable environment and reducing productivity in the workplace.

With effective office blinds, employees can control the amount of sunlight that enters their workspace by adjusting the blinds to allow the desired amount of light into the room. This will help to reduce sun glare on computer screens while still allowing in natural light, resulting in a more comfortable working environment and preventing eye strain and fatigue.

Improves energy efficiency of your office

Elyos Energy estimates that commercial buildings account for roughly one-third of total energy consumption in the United Kingdom. As the move towards Net Zero continues, businesses across the country are looking for cost-effective ways to reduce their energy use and improve their sustainability credentials.

Many business owners are unaware of the power of correctly specified office blinds. These blinds can help businesses with energy efficiency by reducing the requirement for artificial lighting and minimising heat gain or loss through windows.

Office blinds, especially in the winter, act as an insulator, reducing the amount of warm air escaping the building through the glass, thereby reducing the strain on the building’s heating system. This not only lowers utility costs but also reduces the environmental impact of your office space, which helps with sustainability efforts.

Improves thermal comfort

During summertime, the sun can cause serious discomfort in workplaces, leading to employee fatigue and burnout, especially if a commercial building lacks a strong, functioning air conditioning system.

Office blinds can help block sunlight while preventing the warmth from the sun from heating an office to uncomfortable temperatures. This will help to create a comfortable temperature that will improve employees’ concentration and overall well-being at work.

Create a pleasant atmosphere for employees that improves productivity

One of the most important aspects of running a successful business is providing a positive working environment. A well-designed office that incorporates natural light can have significant benefits on the productivity of your employees.

Natural light has the ability to improve employee mood, so a well-lit environment will aid in promoting creativity and overall performance. The right blinds can add natural light to your office’s existing interior, creating an attractive, inviting, and engaging work environment that makes employees feel happy and relaxed, making them much more likely to perform at their best.

Factors to consider when choosing office blinds

When choosing blinds for your office, several factors must be considered to ensure that they meet the unique needs and requirements of your space. We’ve outlined some of the factors you should consider when selecting office blinds below.

Functionality

One of the most important aspects to consider is the purpose and functionality of the blinds. Some offices may prioritise privacy, meaning they will need to purchase blinds that block visibility into the office, such as blackout blinds.

For some offices, light control may be the primary concern, meaning they will need to install adjustable blinds with varying degrees of light filtration such as vertical and Venetian
to limit sun glare and ensure comfortable lighting levels for employees.

Therefore, it’s important to understand the needs and requirements of your office space in order to invest in blinds that will best complement and benefit the functionality of your commercial property.

Durability and longevity

When selecting office blinds, make sure to consider blinds that will provide a good return on investment. Poor-quality blinds will need to be replaced frequently and will cost your business more in the long run, so invest in blinds that are resistant to damage.

Blinds in frequently used areas, such as offices, should be made of a durable material, such as wood or uPVC. Wooden blinds are widely regarded as the most durable, as they are a strong, sturdy, natural product that can withstand years of use without showing signs of wear and tear.

The shape of your windows

The shape of the windows in your office will be a main factor in determining which type of blind will work best for your space. If you have standard square or rectangle windows, Venetian blinds are considered one of the best options as they let in plenty of light and breeze whilst also maintaining privacy.

The shape of your office’s windows will be a major factor in determining which type of blind will best suit your office. If you have standard square or rectangle windows, Venetian blinds are considered a favourable option as they allow for plenty of light and breeze while maintaining privacy.

Vertical blinds, on the other hand, are a good option if your windows are not the standard rectangle or square shape. This is because vertical blind slats can be cut and attached to fit the shape of your windows, making them more effective and controlling light and more visually appealing.

The shape and size of your office windows will have a huge impact on the efficiency of the blinds you choose, so make sure to consult with an expert to ensure you select the most effective blinds for your workplace.

Ease of maintenance

When deciding on the style of blinds for your office, another consideration is the practicality of maintaining the blinds over time.

Offices are typically high-traffic areas, so dust and dirt can accumulate quickly on certain materials. That is why it is important to invest in blinds made of easy-to-clean materials and designs that resist this buildup, resulting in less frequent maintenance.

Roller blinds are typically the easiest to maintain because the way the material hangs makes it difficult for dust to settle on them. They require little maintenance and can be cleaned by a simple vacuum with an upholstery brush or a wipe-down with a slightly damp microfiber cloth every few weeks.

Our recommendations

We recommend the following three types of office blinds for commercial buildings.

Venetian blinds

Venetian blinds are perfect for an office environment. As you can adjust the light by simply tilting the slats, they provide complete light and privacy control and are much more versatile than other styles. They are especially useful in office settings because they can be adjusted as the sun moves throughout the day, helping to avoid sun glare whilst still allowing natural light to enter the building.

In addition, they are extremely easy to clean and maintain, and their smooth and simple operation makes them suitable for use by everyone in the office.

Venetian blinds are available in a variety of materials and colours, meaning you will be able to find a set that complements the design, style, and decor of your office.

Vertical blinds

Vertical blinds provide a high level of light filtration and are simple to adjust to the precise degree of light you require. They also provide excellent thermal efficiency, helping to regulate room temperature by keeping the sun out in the summer and insulating against the cold in the winter.

Furthermore, they are simple to use, require little maintenance, and are available in a variety of styles, colours, and materials.

They are an excellent choice for wide, tall, or generally large windows because they are lightweight and easy to operate.

Blackout blinds

Blackout blinds are ideal for offices with presentation or meeting rooms where privacy is extremely important. They not only provide an extra layer of light-blocking material, but they also improve insulation and noise reduction.

This could be extremely useful in business settings, particularly when private and confidential meetings are taking place.

These blinds are available in a variety of styles, including roller and roman, and are low maintenance and long-lasting.

If you’re looking for office blinds in Newcastle and Gateshead, we offer a wide range of contemporary office blinds, including a varied selection of solutions to suit any workplace.

Our specialists can install a range of stylish solutions, offering blinds in various colours, styles and materials to suit your surroundings.

Get in touch with a member of our team today for more information or to receive a free quotation.