Best Blinds For Student Accommodation

Student accommodation provides a set of unique challenges when it comes to finding the most suitable window furnishings. When developing and maintaining accommodation for students, it’s as important to manage the light ingress as it is to meet the aesthetics of the building. Blinds need to be robust, easy to use and low maintenance at the same time as providing adequate privacy and room darkening. Here at Workspace Blinds, we can help you find the best blinds for your student accommodation. We’ve compiled a short cohesive list of all aspects to consider when choosing your accommodation blinds. Contact us today to source the best blinds for you and your accommodations.

Blinds for Student Accommodation 

When choosing blinds for student accommodation, there are four main aspects to consider:

Blind Safety

Blinds must be compliant with BS5867 fire safety standards.  Retail or online stores serving the residential market typically have the widest range of designs and patterns however, they won’t all meet fire safety regulations. If children under the age of 42 months are likely to have access (consider the possibility of friends & family visiting) then blinds or curtain tracks with looped cords must comply with BS EN13120 child safety legislation. This means that cord loops must be retained against the wall and not finish less than 1.5m above floor level.

Blind Performance 

Room darkening and privacy are the main performance criteria for student accommodation blinds. If students are using their rooms for private study as well as sleeping, a blind fabric that reduces glare and heat whilst maximising natural light should be opted for. This will help create a stimulating environment and minimise reliance on electric lighting; thereby reducing energy costs and the negative impact on the environment.

Blackout roller blinds will provide both room darkening and privacy. Roller blinds are generally mounted inside the window opening, as close to the glass as possible. However, you should bear in mind that there will always be light leakage around the edges. If you are aiming for a 100% blackout, then you should consider a roller blind with cassette and side channels. This can raise your project cost significantly.

Blind Light Glare and Control 

Controlling light and glare is highly important in student accommodation rooms and buildings. A free source of natural light, the sun’s intensity of this light varies constantly throughout the day. Without controlling the light, lt can create glare and visual discomfort. Adding the correct level of solar shading provides a level of control using natural daylight to reduce lighting and boost productivity and wellbeing.

Causes of Visual Discomfort:

• Inferior Colour Rendition – It depends on the artificial light types, an inadequate colour rendition can sometimes have a negative effect on productivity and levels of stress.
• Glare Discomfort – due to exaggerated levels of exterior daylight, direct sunlight or inferior contrast on the occupant’s visual focus.
• Levels of Daylighting – poor daylight exposure are common; Some studies have associated unfavourable behavioural effects like depression and reduced vitality.

The safe recommended level for workstations is 500 lux, direct sunlight can be more than 100,000 lux, solar shading with blinds allows daylight levels to have more effect staying at comfortable levels regardless of the fluctuation of external direct sunlight throughout the year. Solar shading integrated with clear glazing is associated with a high Colour Rendering Index (CRI). This is the accurateness in rendering the colours across the visible spectrum. Blinds can also block light entry for rooms requiring high dim-out levels such as boardrooms, lecture theatres & laboratories.

Blinds Durability 

You’ll want to consider the durability of the blinds that you opt for. Generally, student accommodation buildings are large, with many different rooms. That’s a lot of windows, with a lot of blinds. You want to ensure that the blinds you install are high quality and made to last. This will stop the need for constant replacements and costs. Panel and roller blinds are recommended for student accommodations. Both have simple operations and designs and are made from durable materials.

Roller Blinds 

Our roller blind systems are simple and robust in design for easy installation and reliable operation. Made to measure, roller blinds are available as System 32®, 40®, 40®+, 45®, 45®+ and 55® to suit any commercial space. Our blinds are high performance made from flame-retardant fabrics, available as dim outs or blackouts. Sophisticated neutrals and fine textures create a commercially popular collection, with fabrics up to impressive 3m widths. A double bracket allows the combination of two blinds in one system. For optimum use, pair a screen and blackout blind. This is perfect for student accommodations that require a high level of light control. All Workspace Blinds roller systems are manufactured in the UK, using prime quality materials and are 10-year life cycle tested to ensure top performance in a demanding environment.

Venetian Blinds

Our Roulet Venetian blind system is designed for use in commercial environments where ease of operation, low maintenance and durability are required. Available in both free-hanging perimeter blinds or double glazed units. This solar shading system consists of steelhead and bottom rail and aluminium or wooden slats. The slats can be tilted to accurately attenuate the amount of light entering the space, allowing a high level of light control. Made with high-quality slats for increased resistance to damage and positive cord lock operation for accurate blind operation, every time. We have an extensive range of slat colours and finishes to suit heat, light and decorative requirements. Universal fixing options means that virtually every installation option is covered. To find the perfect Venetian blinds for your accommodation, contact workspace blinds today.

To find durable and affordable blinds for your student accommodation buildings, visit Workspace Blinds today. We have a wealth of outstanding reviews and case studies. We can fit blinds for a range of different accommodation sectors and pride ourselves on our outstanding customer service. For help with your blinds, contact Workspace Blinds today.