Last Updated on 9 April 2025 by Josh Lucas
When it comes to blinds for patio doors, there’s more than meets the eye.
Whether you’ve just renovated, are extending your kitchen, or simply want to bring more light and life into your living space, patio doors have become a centrepiece for many modern homes.
From French doors to bi-folds and sliding glass patio doors, the right blind isn’t just about privacy — it’s about enhancing your lifestyle.
Choosing the wrong blinds can mean fiddly cords, blocked access, and endless cleaning. But choose right — and you get style, simplicity, and smart functionality all in one.
Whether you’re upgrading your garden entrance or planning a new extension, this guide covers everything you need to make a confident decision that suits your home, your family, and your daily routine.
What This Guide Covers
- Common blind styles and how they work with patio doors
- Why integral blinds are the modern upgrade you didn’t know you needed
- The best blind types for sliding, bi-fold, and French doors
- Real-life installation tips and things to avoid
- Expert answers to frequently asked questions
Common Blinds for Patio Doors: Pros and Pitfalls
We all know the classics when it comes to blinds, but each has its quirks.
Vertical blinds are affordable and easy to tilt, making them a go-to for many homes. However, they can become noisy when the breeze hits them, and tend to swing around, which isn’t ideal for frequently used patio doors.
Roller blinds are sleek and simple, offering a clean aesthetic. But if you’re using your patio doors daily, they can quickly become a nuisance as they often obstruct access and require you to roll them up each time you step outside.
Perfect-fit blinds sit neatly within the window frame, providing a non-invasive solution. They’re great for windows and smaller doors, but they struggle to cover larger glazed areas like wide patio setups effectively.
Panel blinds are ideal for large expanses of glass and offer a more contemporary look. However, they’re external only and aren’t integrated into the glazing, which means more cleaning and potential for wear and tear.
While traditional blinds can certainly do the job, they often come with compromises. That’s where integral blinds step in as a smarter, cleaner, and more functional solution for modern patio doors.
Built-In Brilliance: Why Integral Blinds Are the Future
Integral blinds — also known as blinds between glass — are built directly into the glazed unit. You get total privacy, sun control and zero maintenance, all without interrupting your door’s functionality.
No Cleaning Required
Because the blinds are sealed within the glazed unit, they stay completely protected from dust, dirt, and sticky fingers. Say goodbye to vacuuming fabric or wiping down slats.
Safe for Families
Morley Uni-Blinds are completely cordless and comply with child-safety regulations. No tangling cords or hazardous loops means more peace of mind at home.
Energy Efficient
These blinds help enhance your glazing’s performance by contributing to lower U-values, especially when paired with triple-glazing. That means improved insulation and lower bills.
Long-Lasting Performance
Being sealed inside the unit protects them from everyday wear and tear. No warping, bending, or fading — and they won’t need replacing in a few years.
Flexible Style Options
Uni-Blinds are available in an array of colours, including exclusive black and anthracite grey — making it easier to match modern aluminium or uPVC frames.
Best Blinds for Sliding Glass Patio Doors
Why Sliding Doors Need the Right Blinds
Sliding patio doors are a favourite in modern homes for their sleek design, panoramic views, and easy access to outdoor areas. But with that large expanse of glass comes the need for a shading solution that enhances, not hinders, your setup.
Why Integral Blinds Work So Well
Built-in blinds are the perfect match for sliding doors. Unlike external blinds that can get in the way or flap around, integral blinds are encased inside the double- or triple-glazed unit. That means:
- No flapping or tangling when you open or close the door
- No interference with the door tracks or sliding motion
- A seamless aesthetic that keeps your lines clean and clutter-free
They’re also great for insulation, especially with larger glazed areas that are prone to heat loss.
Compatibility with Sliding Systems
We supply and install integral blinds that are perfectly compatible with top-tier sliding systems like:
- Cortizo Cor Vision – minimal frames and maximum glass area
- Smart Visoglide Plus – known for smooth, effortless gliding
Both pair beautifully with Morley Uni-Blinds, delivering a smooth operation without compromising functionality.
Finishing Touch: Frame-Matching Style
Pro Tip: Match your slat colour to your frame for a designer finish. Morley offers exclusive colour options like anthracite grey and black that coordinate flawlessly with most aluminium patio doors.
This not only elevates the look of your door system but creates a unified visual language across your home’s interior and exterior.
Best Blinds for French and Bi-Fold Doors
Blinds for French Doors
French doors are a timeless design feature and deserve a blind solution that blends style with everyday practicality.
Integral blinds are a perfect match, offering a flush finish that tucks neatly within the glazing. This keeps your blinds protected from knocks and eliminates the need for external hardware.
You can choose between:
- Tilt-only systems for simple light control
- Manual lift and tilt for daily use
- Motorised options for effortless adjustment, perfect for hard-to-reach doors or high-end finishes
They’re available in colours to suit your frame, and because they’re sealed, they maintain their good looks without ongoing cleaning.
Blinds for Bi-Fold Doors
Bi-fold doors offer the ultimate indoor-outdoor lifestyle. But because each door panel moves individually, traditional blinds just don’t work. Integral blinds give you:
- Independent control on each panel so nothing interferes with the folding action
- Smooth tilt and lift functionality, available in manual or motorised form
- Cordless operation, meaning no tangles or damage when you open or close the doors
This setup is ideal for busy households and open-plan kitchen-diners, where doors are used frequently. It’s also a win for anyone prioritising clean lines and a modern finish.
Quick Reference: Best Blind by Door Type
| Door Type | Recommended Blind Style | Operation Type |
| Sliding | Integral (Morley) | Manual or motorised |
| Bi-Fold | Integral (Morley) | Manual tilt + lift |
| French | Integral (Morley) | Tilt-only or motorised |
Buying Guide: What to Know Before You Order
Know your door type – sliding, French or bi-fold? Each needs different blind integration.
Check glazing specs – integral blinds fit in 28mm or 36mm glazed units.
Consider access – Manual sliders are great. For extra ease, go electric.
Think colour – Anthracite and black slats are exclusive to Morley Uni-Blinds.
Mistakes to Avoid:
- Buying external blinds for internal use
- Forgetting about child-safety compliance
- Choosing corded blinds for bifolds (they’ll snag!)
Ready to Transform Your Doors? Here’s Why Now’s the Time
Now that you’ve got the full picture on blinds for patio doors, it’s clear why integral blinds are taking centre stage.
They look stunning, function flawlessly, and make everyday life a little bit easier.
Whether you’re building your dream extension, replacing tired old coverings, or simply future-proofing your home, this is one upgrade that ticks all the boxes.
And remember, at GFD Homes, we’re not just here to sell blinds — we’re here to help you make the right call for your home.
Call our expert team on 01642 309 576 or get an instant quote online at GFD Homes to start your journey to better, brighter living.
FAQs for Blinds for Patio Doors
Can you retrofit integral blinds into existing patio doors?
Retrofitting integral blinds into existing patio doors is not typically possible unless you’re replacing the entire glazed unit.
The blinds are sealed between the glass during manufacturing, so they’re usually installed as part of a new door or replacement glazing unit.
How long do built-in blinds last?
Integral blinds are incredibly durable. Since they’re sealed within the glass, they’re protected from dust, moisture, and wear.
On average, they can last as long as your glazing unit — often 10–20+ years with minimal maintenance.
Are electric blinds available for patio doors?
Yes, electric integral blinds are a popular upgrade for sliding and French patio doors. They offer effortless operation at the push of a button and are ideal for wide or hard-to-reach openings.
What are the best blinds for large patio doors?
Integral blinds are the top choice for large patio doors. Traditional blinds can sag or get in the way, but built-in blinds provide uniform coverage, clean lines, and easy light control, even on wide-span sliding or bi-fold setups.
Do blackout blinds exist for patio doors?
Yes — certain integral blinds, especially with darker slat colours like black or anthracite, can offer excellent light-blocking performance.
They’re ideal for rooms where glare or privacy is a concern, like bedrooms or garden-facing lounges.
Don’t turn a blind eye, check out these articles for more inspiration..
- How to Design the Perfect Kitchen Extension with Bifold Doors
- Hot Colours for Aluminium Framed Windows in 2024
- All You Need to Know About Aluminium Doors and Windows (in 5 Minutes)…
- Door Colours: What Does Yours Say About You?
Trade Blinds for Patio Doors: Looking for trade prices? Check out our trade site The Trade Village
