James Albert · Bespoke Apex Blinds · Lancashire
Apex &
Shaped Window
Blinds
Made-to-measure blinds for triangular, gable-end, and angled windows — precisely fitted to any shape, across Lancashire and beyond.
01772 823311
The Problem We Solve
The window most
people leave bare.
Apex, triangular, and gable-end windows are increasingly common in modern homes — and they're almost always left without any covering.
Not because homeowners don't want to dress them, but because most blind companies simply can't do it properly. A standard rectangular blind dropped into an apex window leaves large triangular gaps at either side where light pours in uncontrolled. It looks wrong, fits badly, and defeats the entire purpose of having a blind.
The only answer is a blind made precisely to the exact shape of the window — following every angle and edge to the millimetre. That's exactly what we supply and fit.
Why Standard Blinds Don't Work
The Problem with Off-the-Shelf
Triangular Gaps
A rectangular blind hung in an apex window leaves large triangular gaps either side where light pours in uncontrolled. It looks wrong, fits badly, and defeats the entire purpose of having a blind.
Wrong Proportions
Standard blinds made to the width of an apex window hang too wide for the lower section and too narrow for the upper. No standard size can accommodate both the rectangular base and the angled head simultaneously.
Can't Reach to Operate
Even if a standard blind could fit, gable-end and high apex windows are physically impossible to operate manually. The only practical solution is a motorised blind controlled by remote, app, or voice from ground level.
Window Types We Cover
Any Shape. Any Angle.
True Triangular Windows
Three-sided windows with no horizontal base — the most challenging shape to cover and the one most companies decline. Our bespoke blinds are templated precisely to the triangle's exact geometry. The blind retracts fully to the apex point when raised, opening the window completely.
Motorised recommendedApex Windows
A rectangular window with a triangular head above — the most common shaped window in new-build homes. Our blind covers the entire glazed area from the sill to the apex point, raising and lowering fully. When open, the fabric retracts to the apex for an unobstructed view.
Most popular · All fabrics availableGable-End Windows
Large triangular or irregularly shaped glazing at the gable end of a building — often very wide and tall. We manufacture bespoke blinds for gable-end windows of considerable size, including motorised options where manual operation would be impractical due to height.
Motorised recommended for large gablesPentagon & Irregular Shapes
Five-sided windows, irregular polygons, and any other non-standard shaped window can be covered with a bespoke blind. We template each window individually — the blind's profile follows the exact outline of your glazing. Whatever the shape, if it's glazed, we can shade it.
Templated to any geometryArched & Curved Tops
Windows with arched or curved heads — including semi-circular and elliptical tops — can be covered with a shaped blind that follows the curve precisely. Where the arch sits above an opening section, we treat each part separately for independent light control.
Shaped to follow the curveCombination Windows
A standard rectangular casement beneath a fixed shaped light. We treat each section appropriately — the shaped section receives a bespoke apex blind, the lower opening section a standard made-to-measure blind. Each operates completely independently.
Each section treated independentlyThe Technical Detail
How Apex Blinds Actually Work
A standard blind mechanism cannot follow a non-rectangular profile — the fabric hangs straight and square, leaving triangular gaps wherever the window diverges from a rectangle. An apex blind solves this with a specially designed mechanism and a fabric cut to the exact shape of the window.
The key is precision templating. We take a template of your exact window opening — not just measurements, but the precise geometry — and the blind is manufactured to that template. The result is a blind that follows every angle and edge of your window with no gaps.
Operation varies by shape. Rectangular windows with triangular heads raise and lower normally. Pure triangular windows typically operate on a tilt-only mechanism. Very large or high windows are always motorised for practical access.
We take a physical or digital template of your exact window — capturing every angle, edge, and dimension with complete accuracy. No guesswork, no approximations.
Your blind is manufactured to the exact template — fabric cut to the precise shape, mechanism specified for the window geometry and operation method.
Our own fitting team installs the blind precisely within your window frame. The fabric follows every edge with no gaps. Motors are programmed and remotes configured.
We walk you through the full operation of your blind before we leave. You're never left to figure it out yourself.
New Build & Renovation
Pair with Blindspace® —
hidden in the ceiling.
If you're building or renovating, there's an even more refined option. When a Blindspace® concealed cassette is incorporated into the ceiling void above an apex or gable window during construction, the entire blind mechanism disappears completely — no visible headrail, no visible cassette, nothing. The blind deploys silently from the ceiling and retracts back into it.
The critical thing is timing. Blindspace® cassettes need to be built into the ceiling structure before plastering and finishing — which means getting in touch with us early in the build process. We work directly with architects, builders, and self-builders to specify and coordinate the installation at the right stage. Once the ceiling is finished, this option is no longer available.
Talk to Us EarlyThe Result
A completely invisible installation. No headrail, no visible mechanism. The blind appears from the ceiling and disappears back into it — the cleanest possible finish for a shaped window in a high-specification home.
When to Contact Us
Before first fix — ideally at the structural or framing stage. We can advise on cassette sizing, ceiling void requirements, and motor cable routing so everything is ready when the plasterers arrive.
Who It's For
Self-builders, architects, interior designers, and anyone undertaking a significant renovation. We're experienced working from drawings and specifications at any stage of a project.
Fabric Options
Choose Your Fabric
Dimout
Soft light filter · Most popularOur most popular fabric for apex windows. Dimout fabric filters sunlight beautifully — reducing glare and softening the light entering the room — while maintaining a view through the window when partially raised. Available in a wide range of warm neutrals, greys, and tones.
Blackout
Full light block · Bedrooms & media roomsBlackout fabric lined with a specialist layer that blocks light completely. Ideal for bedrooms, home cinemas, and any room where total darkness is needed. Due to the angled geometry of shaped windows, a small amount of edge light may filter at extreme angles — minimised by our precision fitting process.
Thermal & Honeycomb
Energy efficient · Glazed extensionsHoneycomb pleated fabric traps a layer of air within the cells, providing excellent thermal insulation — reducing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. Particularly valuable for gable-end windows and apex windows in extensions where large areas of glass significantly affect room temperature.
Motor Power Sources
Powering Your Motorised Blind
Motorised apex blinds don't always need an electrician. Most of our installations use battery or solar power — clean, wireless, and completely self-contained.
Battery Powered
Most popular · No wiring neededA rechargeable battery pack powers the motor — no mains wiring, no electrician required. Typically lasts 6–12 months between charges depending on usage. Recharges via USB, usually without removing the blind from the window. The simplest and most flexible installation option.
Solar Powered
Self-sufficient · South-facing gablesA small solar panel continuously charges the battery from ambient daylight — completely self-sufficient with no charging cable required. Ideal for south and west-facing gable windows where direct sunlight keeps the panel topped up automatically. Zero ongoing maintenance.
Mains Wired
New build · Zero maintenanceA discreet mains spur provides continuous power — zero battery management, zero charging, unlimited operation cycles. The definitive solution for new builds and major refurbishments where cable routes can be incorporated during construction. Requires a qualified electrician.
Motor durability — The motors we use are engineered for long-term residential use, tested to tens of thousands of operation cycles with consistent, whisper-quiet performance throughout. We'll specify the right motor for your blind size, fabric weight, and usage during your survey.
Operation Options
How You Operate Them
Remote Control
A sleek remote operates your blind from anywhere in the room — ideal for high windows and gable ends that can't be reached easily. Up to 16 channels lets you control individual blinds or groups simultaneously.
Smart App & Voice
Integrate with your smart home for app and voice control via Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit. Schedule the blind to open or close at set times — particularly useful for south-facing gables that heat up predictably.
Wall Switch
A discreet wall switch gives fixed-point control — ideal where the blind is above a landing, stairwell, or other fixed position. Can operate a single blind or a group simultaneously.
Manual Pull Cord
For accessible apex windows at normal height where a simple, reliable manual operation is preferred. A neat side-pull cord operates the blind without motorisation — straightforward and maintenance-free.
Why James Albert
Why Choose Us for Apex Blinds?
Apex blinds are not a standard product — they require specialist knowledge, precise measurement, and access to the right manufacturers. Most blind companies don't offer them at all. James Albert has been fitting bespoke apex and shaped blinds across Lancashire for over 20 years, with the experience and supplier relationships to cover any window shape to the highest standard.
Years of Experience
Founded in Preston in 2007, James has been fitting bespoke shaped blinds throughout Lancashire for nearly two decades. Every shaped window is different — and that experience matters when it comes to getting the result right.
Truly Made to Measure
Every apex blind is manufactured to the precise template of your specific window. Not a standard size modified — exactly the right shape, to the millimetre, every time.
One Team Throughout
From your first survey to final fitting, you deal with the same team. We template, specify, and fit every blind ourselves — no handoffs, no subcontractors.
Preston Showroom
Visit our Fylde Road showroom to see fabric samples and discuss your shaped window requirements in person. 278 Fylde Road, Preston, PR2 2NJ — Mon to Fri, 8:30am–4:30pm.
Multiple Suppliers
We work with a range of specialist blind manufacturers — not tied to any single supplier. This means we always specify the right product for your window type, shape, and requirements from the best available source.
Free Survey & Quote
Your home survey and full quotation are completely free with no obligation. We'll template your window, discuss fabric and control options, and give you an honest, itemised quote.
Your Questions Answered
Apex Blinds FAQs
In the vast majority of cases, yes. Triangular windows, apex windows, gable-end windows, arched windows, pentagons, and most other irregular shapes can be covered with a bespoke blind made to the exact geometry of your window. Very unusual shapes may require a site visit before we can confirm, but if you have a shaped window that's currently uncovered, it's almost certainly something we can help with.
It depends on the exact shape. For apex windows (rectangular with a triangular top), the blind raises and lowers normally — retracting to the apex when fully open. For pure triangular windows with no horizontal base, the blind typically operates on a tilt mechanism rather than raise/lower. We'll explain exactly how your specific window's blind will operate during the survey.
Not always — but motorisation is strongly recommended for any window that's difficult or impossible to reach by hand. Gable-end windows high on a wall, apex windows above a staircase, and any window above head height are natural candidates. For accessible windows at normal height, a manual pull cord is perfectly practical.
The whole point of a bespoke apex blind is that the fabric follows the exact outline of your window — so gaps should be minimal or non-existent. With blackout fabric on extreme angles, a very small amount of edge light may be visible where the fabric meets the frame — this is inherent to the geometry and is minimised by our precision fitting process.
Bespoke shaped blinds typically take 3–5 weeks from order to installation, depending on complexity and the manufacturer's lead time. Motorised systems may take slightly longer. We'll give you a clear timeline at the point of ordering.
Yes — we bring our full range of fabric samples to your home as part of the free survey. You can see and feel every fabric option in your own light before making any decision. This is especially important for shaped windows where the choice of fabric affects both the appearance and the practical performance of the blind.
Where We Fit Apex Blinds
Across Lancashire & Beyond
Ready to dress your
shaped windows?
Book a free, no-obligation home survey. We'll template your window precisely, bring fabric samples, and give you an honest quote — with no pressure and no commitment required.
Book a Free Home Survey