Intelligent Light Control for Putney’s Evolving Homes
Bi-fold doors have become a defining feature in many Putney homes, especially in rear kitchen extensions and open-plan living areas that lead straight out into the garden. They let in huge amounts of natural light and make a space feel open and connected. But once people start living with them day to day, the downsides can show up too. Rooms get too warm, glare becomes hard to manage, and privacy disappears as soon as the lights come on at night.
That’s why well planned blinds for bifolds Putney homeowners install aren’t just a finishing touch. They’re part of making the space practical. At Controlux, we’ve been designing and fitting bespoke shading systems for over 35 years across South West London and the Home Counties. Bi-fold doors need a different kind of thinking. They move, fold, and open in ways normal windows don’t, so the blinds have to work around that without getting in the way.
When done properly, the right system makes the room more comfortable without taking away the view or the design that made the doors appealing in the first place.
A lot of people try ready made blinds first, thinking it’ll be a quick solution. But bi-fold doors create very specific challenges. Each panel moves independently, and the wrong type of blind can quickly become frustrating to live with.
We often see issues like:
Bi-folds need something designed with their mechanics in mind. Even a few millimetres out can affect how smooth everything feels. Over time, these small details make a big difference to daily use.
Putney has a mix of classic period houses and modern extensions, especially around family homes that have opened up the back of the property with large glass doors. While this brings in light and space, it also creates new problems that weren’t there before. Strong sunlight through the afternoon, reduced privacy from neighbouring houses, and heat build up in summer are all common concerns.
When planning blinds for bifolds in Putney installations, we always look at:
Every property behaves slightly differently. Two houses on the same street can have completely different lighting conditions depending on orientation and surrounding buildings.
We install bespoke blinds in a variety of settings, including:
No matter the home, the goal is the same: effortless comfort and refined aesthetics.
Large glass doors are beautiful, but they also affect temperature and light more than most people expect. Industry data shows that a high percentage of solar energy passing through glazing turns into heat once it enters the room. This is why kitchen extensions with bi-fold doors often feel warmer than the rest of the house on sunny days.
At the same time, around 18 percent of heat loss in UK homes happens through windows and doors. In winter, those same panels can let warmth escape more quickly than a solid wall.
The right blinds help create a buffer zone. In summer, they reduce glare and limit heat build up. In winter, they help slow down heat loss by adding another layer between the glass and the room. Over time, this can help keep the temperature more balanced without constantly adjusting heating or cooling.
They also protect interiors from UV exposure. Floors, fabrics, and furniture can fade unevenly over months of direct sunlight. It’s gradual, but once it happens, it’s hard to reverse.
We offer a carefully curated range of high-spec blind systems, tailored for bi-fold door installations:
Perfect Fit Blinds: These clip directly into the door frame without drilling. A favourite for aluminium and uPVC bi-folds, they operate independently and don’t affect door movement.
Integral Blinds (In-Glass): Sealed between glazing panes, these are completely maintenance-free and ideal for contemporary extensions and new builds. Operate via discreet magnets or motorised controls.
Thermal Pleated Blinds: Featuring honeycomb-style construction that traps air, these blinds provide exceptional insulation while maintaining a lightweight, modern look.
Motorised Roller Blinds with Side Channels: Perfect for wide expanses, these blinds offer app or remote control, with programmable timers and smart home integration via systems like Lutron or Somfy.
Panel Glide Systems: Great for open-plan kitchens and large-format bi-folds. The wide fabric panels stack neatly and glide smoothly for flexible light control and striking visual impact.
Bi-fold doors are an architectural investment, but without the right blinds, their benefits can be compromised.
With Controlux, you get more than a product. You get a performance-driven, design-conscious solution that enhances how you live, work, and relax in your home.
We’re not just blind fitters, we’re technical shading specialists with deep local experience. Every Controlux solution is designed around:
From concept to installation, our service is fully consultative, local, and meticulous.
Controlux has been installing premium shading systems across SW London for over three decades. Our clients include:
We bring:
We don’t just fit blinds. We engineer comfort, privacy, and style into every detail.
If you’re looking for high-performance blinds for bi-fold doors in Putney, Controlux offers free design consultations throughout the borough and surrounding areas.
We’ll assess:
From there, we’ll propose a fully tailored solution, backed by over 35 years of technical expertise and South-West London-specific experience.
