The unseasonably warm and sunny start to September 2023 for most of us serves as an important reminder that the UK’s weather can never really be predicted. Intense, bright sunshine is not only a summertime phenomenon – it is something we can experience all year-round.

In fact, when we look at the stats for recent years, the sunniest months in the UK are not always what you’d expect. For example, in 2021 it was April that saw the most sunshine at an average of 7.6 hours per day. In March 2022, there was more sunshine than in May of the previous year, and – incredible as it may seem – did you know that February 2019 was as sunny as June 2016? (Source: Statista)

Another important trend that’s emerging is that the UK is actually getting sunnier. According to the Met Office, data for the most recent period (2013–2022) was the sunniest on record – an average of 3% more hours of bright sunshine than between 1991–2020, and 9% more than 1961-1990. (Source: Met Office)

Sunnier UK weather – what’s not to like?

Uni-Blinds integral blinds in anthracite grey windows and doors.

What does all this mean for our homes, schools and workplaces? First and foremost it means that we need to ensure we have a quick and easy way to control excessive sunlight throughout the year – not just cope with it during a few weeks in the summer. And there is no better way to do this than by installing Uni-Blinds integral blinds from Morley Glass in the windows, doors and rooflights that are most likely to be affected.

Whilst the news that Britain may be getting sunnier is great news for sun-worshippers, it is not so good when you’ve got to work, study and sleep. But it is easy to take control of the amount of light coming into your property with any of the five different control systems available for our Uni-Blinds.

These integral blind units – blinds that sit between the panes of glass in a sealed unit – are suitable for all types of windows and doors made with PVCu, aluminium and timber frames, including vertically sliding sash windows, bi-fold doors and even rooflights. They are all made to order and can be used in brand new windows or to retrofit existing windows or doors.

Choice of manual or motorised integral blind controls

Screenline integral blinds by Morley Glass.

Our manually controlled integral blind options give customers the choice of a traditional corded control system – the C System – or our number one selling system which is operated using a magnetic slider mounted to the glass, the SV System. Another similar system just for pleated and pleated blackout blinds is our S System. All these integral blinds are not only simple to use, but also look super-sleek, with the added benefit of being very easy for any competent window installer to fit.

For those who are looking for a motorised integral blind option, we offer the MB System and W Smart. The MB System uses a brushless motor to provide long term smooth operation controlled by remote control, wall mounted controls or your smartphone. W Smart offers easy installation because it is powered by a rechargeable battery that can be boosted by charge from a tiny externally mounted solar panel – all of which eliminates the need for an electrician to install. With both these systems, you can raise, lower or tilt the blinds at the touch of a button – what could be easier than that?

UK-made with Italian flair

All Uni-Blinds integral blind units are UK-manufactured to the highest standards exclusively using ScreenLine systems from Italian company Pellini S.p.A., the pioneer of these types of blinds and the world’s market leader. This means our customers get the peace of mind that their integral blinds will stand the test of time, operating smoothly for many years to come.

And our blinds can complement any décor scheme with numerous colour options. You can choose from 14 Venetian blind colours, including contemporary colours like Agate Grey, black and anthracite, 11 different coloured fabrics for our pleated blinds and 8 pleated blackout colours.

To find out more about how to control the amount of light and shade entering your property take a look at our section on control systems.