Roller Blinds Buying Guide
Your complete guide to motorised and manual roller blinds. Battery-powered convenience, mains-powered performance, and stylish Vision day and night blinds.
In this guide
Why choose motorised roller blinds?
Motorised roller blinds combine sleek, modern design with the convenience of automated control. Raise and lower your blinds at the touch of a button, with no cords, no chains, and no fuss.
Clean, modern lines
No visible chains or cords. Motorised blinds give your windows a streamlined, contemporary look that works in any room.
Child safe
No hanging cords or chains means motorised blinds are inherently safer for homes with young children and pets.
Precise light control
Set your blinds to the exact position you want for the perfect level of light and privacy.
Hard-to-reach windows
Ideal for skylights, conservatories, high windows, or any position where manually operating a blind is difficult.
Battery or mains powered
Choose wire-free battery operation for easy DIY installation, or mains power for larger blinds and unlimited running.
Over 100 fabrics
A wide range of colours, textures, and opacities. From sheer light-filtering to full blackout, all made to your measurements.
Our roller blind range
We offer three types of roller blind to suit different needs, windows, and budgets.
| SG 4955 Battery | SG 4960 Mains | Vision Blinds | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Battery roller blind | Mains roller blind | Day and night slatted blind |
| Best for | Most homes, easy install | Large blinds, frequent use | Light and privacy control |
| Power | Rechargeable battery | Hardwired mains | Battery or chain |
| Installation | Simple DIY | Electrician required | Simple DIY |
| Remote control | Yes | Yes | Electric model only |
| Smart home | No | Yes | No |
| Battery life | Up to 12 months | N/A (unlimited) | 9 to 12 months (electric) |
| Fabric choice | 100+ Silent Gliss fabrics | 100+ Silent Gliss fabrics | Louvolite Vision range |
| Discount | 25% off RRP | 20% off RRP | 30% off RRP |
| Warranty | 5 years | 5 years | 3 years |
| Configure 4955 | Configure 4960 | Configure Vision |
All prices include VAT and free delivery to the UK mainland.
Battery vs mains powered
The key choice when buying an electric roller blind is whether to go battery or mains powered. Both options use Silent Gliss motors and come with the same fabric range, so the difference is really about power source and installation.
25% off RRPSilent Gliss 4955
Battery Powered
The easiest way to get motorised blinds. Completely wire-free, running on a rechargeable battery with up to 12 months between charges. Control via remote or wall switch. Install it yourself in minutes.
- Battery powered, no wiring needed
- Simple DIY installation
- Remote control and wall switch included
- Large Silent Gliss fabric range
- Made to your exact measurements
- 5-year Silent Gliss warranty
20% off RRPSilent Gliss 4960
Mains Powered
For larger windows or frequent use where batteries are not practical. Hardwired to the mains for reliable, unlimited power. Whisper-quiet and fast. Compatible with smart home systems.
- Mains powered, never runs out
- Whisper-quiet and fast operation
- Smart home compatible
- Fixed switch or remote control
- Large Silent Gliss fabric range
- 5-year Silent Gliss warranty
Which to choose? For most homes, the 4955 battery model is the easiest option. No electrician needed and quick to install. Choose the 4960 mains for very large blinds, high-use areas like conservatories, or if you want smart home integration.
Vision day and night blinds
A modern alternative to traditional blinds. Alternating sheer and opaque fabric stripes let you control light and privacy by simply adjusting the alignment of the bands.
Best SellerVision blinds use dual layers of alternating sheer voile and opaque fabric. Align the opaque bands for privacy, or offset them to let light flood through the sheer sections. A striking, contemporary look that works beautifully in modern interiors.
Light filtering mode
When the sheer and opaque bands are offset, light passes through the translucent voile sections giving a soft, diffused light while maintaining daytime privacy.
Privacy mode
Align the opaque bands and the blind closes fully, blocking the view from outside. Perfect for bathrooms, bedrooms, or any room where you want complete privacy.
Operation options
Chain operated
Traditional chain operation with your choice of chain side and colour. Simple, reliable, and cost-effective.
Battery electric
Upgrade to a battery motor with remote control for cord-free convenience. The rechargeable battery lasts 9 to 12 months. A single remote can control up to 4 blinds.
Best seller: Vision blinds are one of our most popular products. Their unique light control and contemporary look make them perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens alike. Available in 7 cassette colours with a wide Louvolite fabric range.
Understanding fabric types
The Silent Gliss 4955 and 4960 both offer the same range of over 100 fabrics across three opacity types.
Blackout
100% light blocking. Perfect for bedrooms, nurseries, and home cinemas. Complete darkness even in daylight.
Dim-out
Reduces light significantly while maintaining a soft glow. Great for living rooms and offices. Protects furniture from UV.
Sheer / Voile
Light filtering with daytime privacy. See out but neighbours can't see in. Ideal for kitchens and bathrooms.
Vision blinds use a separate Louvolite fabric range with alternating sheer and opaque stripes. Browse the full fabric selection when you configure your blind.
Measuring and installation
All our roller blinds are made to measure. Getting the right measurements is straightforward. Here is how.
How to measure
Inside a window recess
Measure the width of the recess at the top, middle, and bottom. Use the narrowest measurement, then deduct 10mm to ensure a smooth fit. Measure the drop from the top of the recess to the window sill.
Outside a window recess
Measure the width you would like the blind to cover. We recommend adding at least 50mm either side of the window frame. Measure the drop from your chosen fixing point to where you would like the blind to finish.
Important: The width you order is the total blind width including brackets and cassette. The fabric will be slightly narrower. If in doubt, call us on 01543 279996 and we will talk you through it.
Need detailed step-by-step instructions? Read our full measuring guide.
Installation
Battery blinds (4955 and Vision electric)
These are designed for simple DIY installation. Fix the brackets to your wall or ceiling, clip the blind into place, and you are done. No wiring or electrician needed. The battery is recharged via a USB cable when needed.
Mains blinds (4960)
The 4960 needs to be hardwired to a mains power supply by a qualified electrician. We recommend having a spur installed near the blind position before the blind arrives.
Chain-operated Vision blinds
The simplest installation of all. Fix the brackets, clip in the blind, and you are ready to go. No power source needed.
What is included: Every blind comes with fixing brackets and full fitting instructions. Battery models include a USB charging cable. You just need the correct screws for your wall type.
Delivery
All roller blinds are made to measure. Please allow 5 to 7 working days for Silent Gliss products and 7 to 10 working days for Vision blinds. Delivery is free on all orders over £99 to mainland UK.
Why choose Discount Electric Curtains?
We are a family business with decades of hands-on experience, not just an online shop.
Family business since 1986
Discount Electric Curtains is a trading name of Haywoods Contracts Ltd, a family-run window furnishing company. We fit blinds, curtain tracks, and commercial products across the country.
Silent Gliss direct partner
We are the largest distributor of Silent Gliss products in the Midlands. We work closely with Silent Gliss on a day-to-day basis, giving us access to trade pricing that we pass on to you.
Great discounts off RRP
Our close relationship with manufacturers gives us access to trade pricing. We pass these savings directly to you, with up to 30% off on roller blinds.
Expert product support
We live and breathe window furnishings every day. Whether you need help choosing a fabric, measuring, or troubleshooting, we are just a phone call away.
Manufacturer warranty
Silent Gliss products come with a 5-year warranty, and Vision blinds have a 3-year warranty. If anything goes wrong, we will sort it out.
Secure payments via Stripe
Our website uses Stripe, one of the world's most trusted payment platforms. Your payment details are completely secure.
How to order
Choose and Configure
Select your blind, enter measurements, and pick your fabric. Our configurator calculates your price instantly.
We Make It
Your blind is custom manufactured to your exact specifications and delivered to your door.
Free Delivery
Delivered free to your door on the UK mainland. Battery models are designed for straightforward DIY installation.
Need help choosing the right blind?
Not sure whether you need battery or mains? Wondering which fabric type to go for? Give us a call and we will talk you through the options and help you find the perfect blind for your room. No hard sell, just honest advice.
Frequently asked questions
How long do the batteries last on the 4955?
Can I install a battery roller blind myself?
Do I need an electrician for the 4960?
What is the difference between the 4960 and the 4955?
What are vision blinds?
What is the difference between standard and reverse roll?
What is the difference between ceiling-fix and wall-fix brackets?
Can I control the 4960 from my phone?
Ready to get started?
Get instant pricing for your made-to-measure roller blinds. Configure your perfect setup online, or give us a call for expert advice.
Prefer to read offline? Download the Roller Blinds Buying Guide PDF to keep for reference.