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Understanding the terminology used when choosing shutters and blinds can make a real difference when reviewing your estimate or exploring options for your home. To make things clearer, we’ve put together a glossary of commonly used product names, materials, and technical terms you may come across.
Whether you’re comparing window treatment options, reviewing a quote, or simply learning more about how our products work, this glossary is designed to give you straightforward, easy-to-understand explanations, so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
If you have questions, please contact our friendly team, who will be more than happy to help.
Please use the following information and terminology to help understand the exact Shutters we have specified in your quote.
Norman Shutters have a 10-year product warranty. Motorised components have a 3-year warranty.
Shutters offer great levels of light elimination, however they are not a complete blackout. There will be small amounts of light leakage where the shutter panel sits within its frame (which allows the shutter(s) to fold open and closed) and through the overlaps where the louvres meet.
For greater levels of light elimination consider our DayNite option. Shutters are be paired with a Room Darkening Thermacell blind that is installed to the rear of the shutter framing, providing a near total blackout solution.
The total number of shutter panels that will be installed into the opening. The positioning of such panels will be displayed under the Layout column on your quote.
The ‘woodtype/material’ your shutters will be manufactured in.
Brightwood
Brightwood is manufactured hardwood with a smooth finish.
Normandy
Painted Normandy is manufactured hardwood with a smooth finish. Stained Normandy is a natural timber (Paulownia). Being a natural timber there will be a noticeable wood grain pattern throughout the shutters. Available in standard and custom colours.
Ultra
Painted Ultra is manufactured hardwood with a smooth finish.
Stained Ultra is a natural timber (White Teak). Being a natural timber there will be a noticeable wood grain pattern throughout the shutters.
Ultra Shutters are manufactured with thicker stiles, rails and framing. With additional finishing methods applied to provide an ultimate furniture finish. Available in standard and custom colours.
Woodlore (Standard)
Woodlore Standard is a engineered composite product. Manufactured from a combination of timber, fibres and glue (MDF). It is extruded with a polypropylene coating to give a smooth finish. Available in limited standard colours only.
Woodlore Plus
Woodlore Plus is a composite engineered product. The stiles and rails of the shutter are manufactured from a combination of timber, fibres and glue (MDF). It is extruded with a polypropylene coating to give a smooth finish. The blades are made in a synthetic product called Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS). Custom colours available in light shades only.
Woodlore Plus Waterproof
Waterproof shutters are a manufactured product developed for, but not restricted to, moisture rich areas. It is made using a synthetic material called Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS). Custom colour available in light shades only.
This refers to the width of the blade that you have selected for your shutters to be manufacture with.
The colour you have selected from our Santa Fe standard colour swatch. If you have requested that your shutters be colour matched to a colour not from our colour range this is called a Custom Colour, surcharges apply, your custom colour will be shown under Notes.
This describes the direction in which your shutters will open / operate.
L, R or Fixed
L ‐ The shutter will open to the left. R ‐ The shutter will open to the right. Fixed ‐ The shutter will be fixed in the opening and will not swing open.
T‐post
When the opening is too wide for single shutter(s) then we use a T‐post to hinge additional shutters from. The use of a T‐post means that all of your shutters open for ease of access to the windows behind the shutters, but they do not all swing clear of the opening at the same time. Where the opening is not in a straight‐line a Bay Post (B) or a Corner Post (C) will be used for the same reasons as a T‐post.
Gaps (G)
Where shutter panels widths are to be uneven, a G will show to identify where the gap between the panels will be.
Bifold Tracking
FF ‐ The shutters can slide and bifold either left or right. LL ‐ The shutters bifold left. RR ‐ The shutters bifold right.
Sliding tracked
B ‐ The shutter(s) is on the back track. F ‐ The shutter(s) is on the front track. M ‐ The shutter(s) is on the middle track.
This is the colour of the hinges supplied on your shutters. Note Waterproof shutters are supplied with stainless hinges only.
How the blades within the shutter(s) will operate.
Centre Tilt
A tiltbar is situated on the front and in the centre of each shutter. It is attached to the blades with stainless staples.
Invisible Tilt
There is no visible tiltbar. The tilting mechanism is housed within the stiles of the shutter. Where the height of the shutter(s) is greater than 1300mm, the tilt mechanism will be split, allowing you to position the top and bottom section of blades at different angles.
Offset Tilt
A tiltbar is situated on the front and to the side of each shutter. It is attached to the blades with stainless staples.
A midrail (M) is a solid horizontal member used to add strength to a shutter. It can also be added for aesthetic purposes. The number shown is the height, in mm’s, from the bottom of the shutter(s) to the centre of the midrail. A variance in this measurement may occur due to manufacture specifications.
The tilt mechanism (T) can be split, allowing you to position the top and bottom section of blades at different angles. The number shown is the height, in mm’s, from the bottom of the shutter(s) to the centre of the tiltbar split. A variance in this measurement may occur due to manufacture specifications.
This describes how your shutters will be installed into the opening and what type of framing will be used. Where “IN” is displayed the shutter(s) will be installed inside the jamb. Where “OUT” is displayed, the shutter(s) will be installed outside of the jamb.
Shutters are installed in a variety of ways. This basic list describes the framing we most commonly use:
180 Degree Track Bi-fold
The shutters will bifold on top and bottom tracks. The shutters can rotate and fold back against the wall.
90 Degree Track Bi-fold
The shutters will bifold on top and bottom tracks. The shutters will not fold back onto a wall space, they will sit at 90 degrees into the room.
Fixed with Beading
The shutters are fixed into the opening with beading all sides. The blades move but the shutter(s) does not.
Fixed with U Channel
The shutters are fitted into the opening with U Channel frames top and bottom. The blades move but the shutter does not. If L Strips are noted these will be fitted to the sides, front and back, of the U Channel to secure the panels in place.
Hangstrip In
The shutters are hinged to a hinging strip behind the shutter. It is not visible at the front and allows the shutters to be installed in openings that are not square.
Hangstrip Out
The shutters are hinged to a hinging strip that is fixed beside the shutter(s) onto your architrave. This allows the blades to open without obstruction.
Hinged Direct
The shutter(s) are hinged directly to your jamb.
L Frame In
The shutter(s) are hinged into a square frame installed inside your jamb. Any variations between your shutter and jamb will be filled with flexible filler.
L Frame Out
The shutter(s) are hinged into a frame that is mounted over or on the outside of your architrave.
Pivots
Some of the shutter(s) are hinged with pivots. Each shutter rotates for access to the window but they will not all swing clear of the window at the same time.
Slide and Bi-fold
The shutters will slide and bifold on top and bottom tracks, in sets of two. This means that you can slide the shutters to either side of the opening and then pull them into a bifold position. Care must be taken to slide the shutters flat and then bifold them once in position. If you try to bifold the shutters and then slide them they may jamb in the track.
Slide Closed
Your shutters will slide on top and bottom tracks. To keep the top frame to a minimum the tracks will be spaced so that the shutters can only slide pass each other with the blades in a closed position. If you do not remember to close the blades and the blade sustain damage, this will not be covered under your warranty.
Slide Open
Your shutters can slide past each other on top and bottom tracks with the blades in an open position. The top frame will be large enough to space the tracks to allow this.
Z-Frame
The shutter(s) are hinged inside a Z‐frame installed inside your jamb. The edge of the frame will overlap your architraves or window jamb. This overlap covers any discrepancies in the square of your jamb and also forms an attractive frame around your shutter(s).
The finish on your shutters is designed for INTERIOR ONLY FINISH. This means they are not designed to get wet. If you leave your windows open regularly and the shutters get wet the paint will break down. This will not be covered under warranty.
Please use the following information and terminology to help understand the exact Soluna Roller Blinds we have specified in your quote.
Soluna Blinds all come with a 5-year product warranty. Motorised components have a 3-year warranty.
All roller blinds have gaps around the blinds. Even a blockout blind will not give complete light block because of the gaps at the edges of the blind.
The standard clearance at the sides of the blind is 15‐20mm. There will be a similar gap above the blind. If you have two or more blinds butting up to each other, in your opening, there will be a gap of 30mm where the blind brackets meet.
If a linking bracket is used between the blinds this gap is slightly reduced. The linking brackets have an additional surcharge and your sales consultant will let you know if this is included within your quote.
Lightguard 360 is available if complete blockout is required.
Roller blinds are manufactured from reasonably lightweight fabrics and as such you can expect movement in the fabric, when the blind is down. This may result in you seeing a wave in the fabric across the blind, meaning the fabric will not sit entirely flat. This is normal and is more obvious in some fabrics and especially on wider blinds.
This is the number of blinds that have been quoted for. Refer to the line items on your quote.
The fabric that your blind will be manufactured in and its opacity type.
Sheer and Natural – Provides an atmospheric touch with significant view-through while softening the outside view.
Solar Screen – The blind fabric has small holes that allow visibility through the blind in daylight. With the lights on at night people can see in. The blind blocks 85% ‐97% of UV (depending on the fabric chosen) lessening damage to furnishings.
Lightfilter – The blind allows a soft light to enter the room. You cannot see out through the fabric and during daylight no one can see in. Depending on fabric, shapes or outlines may be seen. It is not suitable where a dark room is required. The majority of UV is blocked.
Blockout or Room Darkening – These blinds all have a backing that blocks the light from entering the room. However, light will still enter the room due to standard gaps and clearances as stated above.
Shows if the blind is a single, butting or linked blind. It will also show if the blind is operated by chain, motorised, cordless, smart release or other specific operating system.
The colour of the fabric that you have selected.
Indicates the location of the chain that will lift / lower your blind. If you have chosen motorised blinds then this is the location of the motor.
This is the colour of the chain that will operate your blinds. These are plastic chains with a strong cotton linking thread. Stainless chains are manufactured from stainless steel, surcharges apply.
Please note: If you have chosen motorised then N/A will show as motorised blinds do not have chains.
If you have selected a fascia as your top treatment on your blind, the fascia type or design will be shown here.
If no fascia is selected ‘No Top Treatment’ will be shown.
Describes how your blind will be operate. If you’ve chosen motorised blinds, this will show the motor charging type and remote/operation method.
This tells you whether the blind is installed inside or on the face of your window jamb and which way the fabric rolls off the blind. If lightguards are requested the type and colour of the lightguard will display here.
Inside Jamb – The blind is installed inside the jamb and the standard gaps will be seen between the blind and the jamb.
Outside Jamb – The blind is installed on the face of the jamb slightly above the opening.
Roll Forward – The blind fabric falls over the front of the roller tube.
Roll Backward – The blind fabric falls behind the back of the roller tube. This is not recommended on fabrics where the backing is a different colour to the fabric.
Lightguard 360 – to provide a complete blockout solution. The colour of the housing unit will show here together with the bottom channel design, if ordered.
Lightguard – Standard lightguards that assist with blocking the light bleed on the sides of the blind. The colour of the lightguard will be shown.
Please use the following information and terminology to help understand the exact Thermacell Honeycomb Blinds we have specified in your quote.
Thermacell Blinds all come with a 5-year product warranty. Motorised components have a 3-year warranty.
This is the number of blinds that have been quoted for. Refer to the line items on your quote.
This shows the selected cell size, fabric opacity and the blind cord type.
Day Night – A single blind that has a combination of two materials, offering differing light and privacy solutions in the one blind.
Designer – Pattern fabric available in either lightfilter or room darkening opacity.
Flame Resistant – NFPA701 graded. Available in either lightfilter or room darkening opacity.
Lightfilter (LF) – This fabric allows a soft light to enter the room. There is no visibility either in or out of the window when the blind is down.
Room Darkening (RD) – This fabric effectively blocks the light. With only 3‐4mm gap at the sides these are one of the most effective blinds for darkening a room.
Sheer – UV filtering transparent material.
The cell size of the thermacell blind and whether the blind will be single or double cell.
The colour of the thermacell blind fabric. If Day Night is ordered the colours will show in your quote notes.
Indicates the location of cord that will lift / lower your blind. Motorised, SmartRise and Smartfit blinds do not have cords. Vertical shows the cord side on each blind if more than one blind in an opening.
The colour of the control cord the blind will be supplied with. Motorised, SmartRise and Smartfit blinds do not have control cords.
The colour of the top and bottom rail of the blind.
There is a range of operational styles for Thermacell Honeycomb blinds. This will show the style of the Thermacell that has been quoted.
Corded – The Thermacell is supplied with a cord, that will have a safety tassel and a decorative tassel on the cord. The cord will lengthen when the blind is lifted. The Thermacell will be supplied with a cord cleat.
Cordloop – The Thermacell is supplied with a set length of cord. The cord runs through a pulley type system and the cord does not alter its position or length when the blind is lifted or lowered. Smart Release optional. Blind will drop with one movement of blind cord.
Motorised – The blind is operated by a motor attached to the blind and controlled using supplied remote.
SmartFit – The Thermacell is supported using a wire guided system. There is no operation cord. The blind is operated by manually lifting and lowering the blind. Smartfit Sloped is available and ideal for windows that are not vertical, such as skylights. If requested, a pole can be supplied for ease of operation, surcharges apply.
SmartRise – The Thermacell will have no operation cords. The blind is operated by manually lifting and lowering the blind.
Top Down Bottom Up – Allows for blind to be lowered from the top. Blocking bottom of opening and leaving top exposed. Blind raises up as per standard blind operation.
Top Down – Allows for blind to be lowered from the top. Blocking bottom of opening and leaving top exposed. Blind bottom rail cannot be raised when the top rail is lowered. Available with Cordloop & Motorised operation only.
Vertical Sliding – The Thermacell blind is installed on a track system and stacks left and/or right. The pleats run vertically.
This describes how the blind will be installed into the opening. Where “INSIDE MOUNT” is displayed the blind will be installed inside the jamb. Where “OUTSIDE MOUNT” is displayed, the blind will be installed outside of the jamb.
Corded Thermacell blinds will have a safety tassel. This is the tassel where multiple blind cords are consolidated. The purpose of the safety tassel is to provide child safety and prevent strangulation. This tassel is designed to come apart when placed under pressure. As such, this tassel may also come apart due to the pressure applied when incorrectly lifting and lowering the blind. The safety tassel should not be used / held during any operation of the blind. To lift the blind, pull the blind cord diagonally away from the blind, whilst holding onto the bottom tassel (do not hold the safety tassel), then hold the cords above the safety tassel to pull the blind to the desired position. To lower the blind, pull the blind cord diagonally towards the blind, whilst releasing the blind cord slowly.
Please use the following information and terminology to help understand the exact Venetian Blinds we have specified in your quote.
All our Venetian Blinds all come with a 5-year product warranty.
Norman venetian blinds do not have centre punched holes. The notch is in the back of the slat, allowing for better closure and light control. The slats will have slight movement in the sides and may sit unevenly in the jamb. Realignment by hand, when blind is up will provide resolution. Routless blinds are designed to be closed with the slats closed down. If the slats are closed in the facing up position the ladder cords will gather and sag at the bottom of the blind.
This is the number of blinds that have been quoted for. Refer to the line items on your quote.
This shows the type of material your blind will be made from. Our range includes:
Aluminium
The blind has powdercoated aluminium slats. Supplied in a smooth finish, unless perforated is request – perforated available on selected colours only.
Fauxwood
This is a composite blind that is great for wet areas. The slats of the venetian blind are supplied in finished options in either smooth or embossed.
Phoenixwood (real timber)
Premium blind manufactured from Phoenixwood. There is a distinctive grain pattern in this timber that can be seen under the paint or stain.
The size of slats the venetian blind will be supplied with.
The colour and finish of the venetian blind slats. If a valance/fascia is supplied it will match the colour of the venetian slats.
This indicates the location of the cord that will lift / lower your blind and the cords that will tilt the blind slats. Each material has a minimum width in order for the lift and tilt cords to be on the same side. If the blind width is under that minimum size, for the material, the lift cord and the tilt cords will be on opposite sides.
– Cordloop – The side the single cord is located
– Cordless – The side the tilt wand is located
The colour and/or the design of the ladder cord or tape that the blind will be supplied with.
The style of fascia (if supplied) that will cover the headbox at the top of the blind. The colour of the fascia will be the same as the blind slats.
The chosen operating method of your venetian blind.
Standard Corded
There will be two cords on the blind. One to lift and lower the blind and one to open and close the blind slats. If cloth tapes are requested the blind will be supplied with the centre slots as per standard venetians, with 20mm wide cloth tape on both the front and back of the blind.
Cordloop Smart Release
A single, fixed, cord used to lift / lower and open / close the blind and slats. Smart release is where the blind the slats will drop freely to the sill in one motion when the back blind cord is pulled. When raising the blind the blind slats will move to a close position then rise up during operation.
Cordless
The blind is lifted and lowered in the opening by hand. A tilt wand is used to open and close the blind slats.
This describes how the blind will be installed into the opening.
Inside Mount
The blind will be installed inside the jamb.
Inside Mount – Fascia forward of jamb
The blind will be installed inside the jamb but the blind fascia will sit slightly forward of the jamb.
Face Mount
The blind will be installed outside of the jamb either on the wall or on the architrave.
All Venetian blinds will have a safety tassel. This is the tassel where multiple blind cords are consolidated. The purpose of the safety tassel is to provide child safety and prevent strangulation. This tassel is designed to come apart when placed under pressure. As such, this tassel may also come apart due to the pressure applied when incorrectly lifting and lowering the blind. The safety tassel should not be used / held during any operation of the blind. To lift the blind, pull the blind cord diagonally away from the blind, whilst holding onto the bottom tassel (do not hold the safety tassel), then hold the cords above the safety tassel to pull the blind to the desired position. To lower the blind, pull the blind cord diagonally towards the blind, whilst releasing the blind cord slowly.
Please use the following information and terminology to help understand the exact SmartDrape Shades we have specified in your quote.
All SmartDrape Shades have a 5-year product warranty. If you choose motorised, these components are covered by a standard 3-year warranty.
There will be gaps around the drapes. When the fabric vanes are in the open position there will be a 45mm gap (Two drapes left and Right stack) or a 75mm gap (Single Left or Right Stack drape) at each end.
If you have two drapes butting up to each other, there will be a gap in the centre when the fabric vanes are in the open position. This will be between 38-51mm.
When the fabric vanes are closed there is no gap between or at the sides of the drape. There is a small gap at the top of the drape between the bottom of the top track and the top of the fabrics vanes.
As is the nature of all textiles, there are certain characteristics associated with our fabric collection that are considered normal and not flaws. Slight wrinkles, creases and reverse light effects may appear. Small strands of yarn may appear on the woven bands at the top of the drape because of the nature of sheer fabrics.
The vanes of a Smart Drape will protrude 80mm into the room from the trop track when in the open position and over the opening. This will increase to 100mm when the vanes are stacked to the left and/or right side of the opening.
This will show the fabric design / pattern that your drape will be manufactured in.
Lightfilter
The drape allows a soft light to enter the room and provides privacy.
Room Darkening
The blind fabric is dense to block the light from entering the room. However, light will still enter the room due to standard gaps and clearances as stated above.
This shows how many drapes and wands are in the opening and the side which the drapes will stack off the opening.
The colour of the fabric you have selected
Indicates in which direction the drape will move and stack.
Single Drape Stack Left
The wand will be on the right side of the drape with the drape stacking to the left of the opening.
Single Drape Stack Right
The wand will be on the left side of the drape with the drape stacking to the right of the opening.
Stack Left (LT) and Right (RT)
Two drapes cover the opening. One drape will stack to the left and the other to the right. There will be two operation wands, one for each blind.
This is the colour of the wand that will move the drape within the top track.
This shows the colour and material of the top track of the drape. If two drapes are in the opening it will also show how many tracks will be joined together to form the width of the opening.
This tells you whether the drape is installed inside or on the face of your window jamb.
Inside Mount
The drape is installed inside the jamb and the standard gaps will be seen between the drape and the jamb.
Outside Mount
The drape is installed outside and overlaps the jamb.
Please use the following information and terminology to help understand the exact PerfectSheer Shades we have specified in your quote.
All PerfectSheer Shades have a 5-year product warranty.
There will be gaps around the blinds. Even a room darkening blind will not give complete light block because of the gaps at the edges of the blind.
If you have two or more blinds butting up to each other, in your opening, there will be a gap where the top brackets meet. The bottom rail will sit 23mm higher than the sill when the blind is fully lowered and fabric vanes are in the “open” position.
As is the nature of all textiles, there are certain characteristics associated with our fabric collection that are considered normal and not flaws. Slight wrinkles, creases and reverse light effects may appear. Small strands of sheer yarn may appear on the vertical edges of the blind because of the nature of sheer fabrics. The top vane of the shade may bow slightly. These are all is considered normal.
The Vanes of the Perfect Sheer Blind cannot be adjusted for light and privacy control until the blind is Fully lowered in the opening.
Vane alignment cannot be guaranteed with side-by-side blinds either supplied as Cordloop or Motorised options.
This will show the name of the fabric that your blind will be manufactured in.
This will show the name of the fabric that your blind will be manufactured in.
Lightfilter
The blind allows a soft light to enter the room. You cannot see out through the fabric and no one can see in. It is not suitable where a dark room is required. The majority of UV is blocked.
Room Darkening
The blind fabric is dense to block the light from entering the room. However, light will still enter the room due to standard gaps and clearances as stated above.
The colour of the fabric you have selected
Indicates the location of the cord that will lift / lower your blind. If you have chosen motorised blinds then this is the location of the motor.
If you’ve chosen a Cordloop control, this shows colour of cord. Motorised blinds do not have an operation cord.
The style and colour of the fascia that will cover the top of the blind.
The quoted control option – Cordloop or Motorised.
This tells you whether the blind is installed inside or outside of your window jamb.
Inside Jamb
The blind is installed inside the jamb and the standard gaps will be seen between the blind and the jamb.
Outside Jamb
The blind will be installed outside of the jamb either on the wall or on the architrave.
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