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Match Maker
Being able to co-ordinate the colour of your integral blinds with the window and door frames and hardware is really important, writes Morley Glass’...
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Go All In On Blinds
Six new colour options for the slim-fit ScreenLine SL16 integral blind system can help installers unlock new sales opportunities amongst homeowners seeking a contemporary look for their windows and doors. Ian Short, the managing director of Uni-Blinds integral blinds manufacturer Morley Glass, explains why.
The modern standard cavity width, which we will all be familiar with, enables us to create the 28mm IGUs required for today’s most widely used PVC-U and aluminium profile systems. But what about windows and doors that will not accommodate a 28mm IGU, particularly those which need a 24mm IGU?
This is where the ScreenLine SL16 integral blind system comes in. Available exclusively in the UK from Morley Glass as part of our Uni-Blinds range, it is a slimline version of the standard Venetian integral blind system developed by Pellini S.p.A. which is purpose-designed to fit within a 16mm cavity – and that means it can be used in IGUs with a 24mm thickness in a 4-16-4mm format.
Huge market potential
The main difference in the SL16 compared to standard integral blind units is the slat width. These are 2mm narrower at 10mm wide – it might be a tiny difference, yet the market potential it unlocks could be huge.
Until this year, the SL16 Venetian slats were only available in three standard colours – White (S102), Cream (S149) and Silver (S157). These colours have served the industry very well, however, as décor trends have changed, Pellini has responded by developing a further six slat colours which have the potential to take the system’s appeal to a whole new level.
Responding to contemporary tastes
Integral blinds have always appealed to homeowners and developers aiming for a contemporary aesthetic. That’s one of the reasons why they have long been the go-to shading and privacy solution for bi-fold doors and many other recently developed window and door products.
With the six new colours, the SL16 can now match the expectations of customers attracted to window and door frames in popular contemporary colours, putting the slimline system on a par with the standard Uni-Blinds for 20mm cavities.
A great example is the new Agate Grey (S120) slat. We debuted this at the 2025 FIT Show and the reaction was extremely positive amongst installers who immediately saw the potential for recommending this lighter shade of grey, characterised by its subtle green undertone, to the growing number of customers choosing these coloured frames.
In addition to Agate Grey, we are now also offering the SL16 in Beige (S125), which offers a soft tone that works well with many neutral décor schemes, plus chic Grey (S155), Metallic Silver (S156), the ever-popular Anthracite (S159) and, for homeowners seeking to make a bold statement, Black (B160).
Perfect for retrofitting
Which applications are best suited to the SL16? It is essentially anywhere that a 24mm double glazed unit is installed. Many earlier generations of PVC-U frames were designed for this double glazed unit thickness and when they are still in excellent condition, they are prime candidates for upgrading by replacing just the IGU. That in itself will improve the thermal performance of the window or door, without the disruption associated when replacing the frames.
If you have a customer considering this option, the SL16 is an excellent option. It gives home improvers the opportunity to fit a Venetian integral blind at the same time, finished in one of the new contemporary colours or a classic colour such as White.
Compatible with enhanced security goals
The introduction of Part Q of the Building Regulations has raised the prospect of more windows and doors incorporating IGUs with a 6.8mm laminated outer pane to improve security. Where this is required in a 28mm IGU, the cavity width is reduced to a point where it is too narrow for standard integral blinds but not the SL16.
Hence why the slimmer SL16 is a great solution for customers who want the benefits of a higher security 28mm IGU without having to compromise on having integral blinds.
New build
This is also particularly important for new build housing developers too, who may be designing their schemes in line with Secured by Design or other enhanced specifications. The SL16 means integral blinds can still be offered to house buyers in such developments, either as standard or optional, without having to go beyond a standard 28mm IGU width.
Front doors
With the SL16, integral blinds can also be incorporated into composite doors to offer extra privacy and shading. This is due to the fact that most composite doors are built to offer a high level of security and resist burglars, including by using a 6.8mm laminated outer pane where they feature a glazing cassette.
As the thickness of these glazing cassettes is usually 28mm, the SL16 will fit comfortably, providing the width and height fits within the system’s feasibility – i.e. the minimum height and width possible for the IGU. This adds an appealing finishing touch to products which offer an increasingly wide range of aesthetic options and technology.
Triple glazing friendly
As the market for triple glazing grows, it is worth remembering that Uni-Blinds integral blinds can be used here too, adding another dimension to these top-performing IGUs. While standard sized integral blinds are ideal for 52mm triple glazed units, you will need the SL16 for the narrower cavities which feature in 44mm units. These are manufactured with three 4mm panes separated by twin 16mm cavities – an ideal application for the SL16 as part of a package that will satisfy homeowners and developers seeking the ultimate window and door performance.
Control system choices
The SL16 is currently available in two manual control options. The SL16SV uses a cordless magnetic slider to control the raising, lowering and tilting of the slats and it is our biggest selling integral blind system across the board.
The alternative is the SL16C which is controlled using a cord-pull. This can also be specified with a rotational knob positioned at the header which provides a simple method of opening and closing function of the slats, but not raising or lowering of the blind.
A third option will soon be available to satisfy a growing tech savvy market. This will be a slimline version of the MB System, which uses a superior quality brushless motor to control the blind movements and can be operated using a remote control, wall mounted unit or smart phone app. More details will be announced soon with regard to its launch date.
Picture: The main difference in the SL16 compared to standard integral blind units is the slat width. These are 2mm narrower at 10mm wide – it might be a tiny difference, yet the market potential it unlocks could be huge.
www.morleyglass.co.uk/sl16-slim-fit-integral-blinds
Article written by Cathryn Ellis
18th November 2025