Frequently Asked Questions

Blindspace® is a unique solution to conceal any type of blind, in ceilings and skylights. Access is easy, with an integrated panel that clicks out and snaps shut leaving a discreet slot for blind movement. The unique Blindspace® design provides an elegant finished aesthetic and is easy to integrate, saving you time in both design and construction. 

EARLY.  Blindspace® needs to be considered as early in your project as possible to ensure a) you have enough time to work through the detail with your architect or builder, b) the necessary supporting structure can be incorporated into your design, and c) sufficient lead-time is available for ordering.

The choice of Blindspace® box comes down to two factors:

1. Type and number of blinds used in each individual box e.g. single, double, tube size required for drop etc.
2. Skim-coat flanges required.

Blindspace® Box Types

There are three standard sizes of Blindspace® box for three different configurations of blinds:

Blindspace® Box	Drawing	Opening/recess size for installation
S100x100 (R, I, N or H) (Standard 100mm by 100mm) for SINGLE standard medium sized roller blinds.  Available as variant R, I, N or H skim-coat flanges – see below		103mm x 103mm
C118x190 (R, I, N or H) For double blinds stacked vertically (Verosol Slimline Double Bracket shown) Available as variant R, I, N or H skim-coat flanges – see below		w121mm x h193mm
C180x100 (R, I, N or H) For double blinds side-by-side Available as variant R, I, N or H skim-coat flanges – see below		w183mm x h103mm
Custom (R, I, N or H) For large or special blinds (made to order) Available as variant R, I, N or H skim-coat flanges – see below		Contact us to discuss your requirements

Skim-Coat Flanges

Each of the diagrams above depicts Blindspace® boxes with a skim-coat flange on BOTH sides.  Blindspace boxes can be ordered with skim-coat flanges on both sides, one side only or no skim-coat flanges.  In most cases people order with both skim-coat flanges, but there are numerous situations where only one side is desired e.g. Blindspace® box is to have one edge butt directly against a window frame on one side.

Skim-coat flange variants available (all models)

This letter refers to the required skim-coat flanges, e.g.
S100x100R means “Standard”, 100mmx100mm, “Regular” (“R”) meaning both flanges
Every model of Blindspace® box is available in the following variants:

Blindspace® boxes are supplied in a white powdercoat finish including the removable flap.  No other colours are available, HOWEVER, the underside of the removable flap may be painted to match the ceiling colour.

Allow 2 weeks minimum for standard sized boxes and 3 weeks for custom boxes.

Shade Factor only sells Blindspace® in pre-cut lengths and does not offer an installation service.  Installation is provided by your builder in accordance with our supplied general instructions.

We strongly recommend providing drawings (available on our website) to your architect so that they can incorporate Blindspace® in your project.  Some builders may be willing to work with you to detail where Blindspace® boxes will go and how they will be installed.  In general, each box should be detailed so that the fit is correct and sufficient supporting structure is allowed.

Blindspace® can be retro-fitted in many cases to existing buildings, but that will need to be discussed with your architect or builder.  It can depend on how much space is available above the ceiling, whether the Blindspace® boxes will interfere with rafters, and a number of other factors.  One method of retro-fitting is to build a small bulkhead below the existing plane of the ceiling specifically to house Blindspace® boxes (example photo below).

In general, 3mm needs to be added to the width and height of the Blindspace® box to calculate the finished dimensions of the required recess.  This allows sufficient room to easily insert the box but not enough to allow the box to move once installed (noting that boxes are glued and screwed according to instructions) 

Installation is provided by your builder or suitably qualified carpenter in accordance with our supplied general instructions.

It is CRITICAL that the Blindspace flap is opened correctly to avoid the possibility of damaging the Blindspace box, flap or ceiling plaster.  Flaps are NOT designed to be pulled down in one continuous length, from the centre OR in one movement.  Instead, start at one end and work along the entire length of the flap, pulling down a bit at a time until the flap is open.  Close using the same technique in reverse.

Blindspace® has very detailed installation instructions which must be read in full and carefully followed.  Some of the important points are:

• Blindspace® boxes must be installed into a recess that supports the box on three sides with strong materials such as solid timber or steel along their entire length
• Box sides and top must be glued into the recess with generous amount of construction adhesive
• Plasterboard sits on TOP of (above) the skim-coat flanges in accordance with the installation drawings and instructions
• Countersunk screws should be driven through the skim-coat flanges, through the plasterboard and into solid timber/substrate. Screws must be driven at a minimum every 200mm along the length of the skim-coat flange
• All intersections where the Blindspace box meets plasterboard must be taped with scrim tape e.g. the length of the skim-coat flange
• Skim-coat/jointing compound should be applied to the skim-coat flanges right up to the chamfered edge of the Blindspace box
• Before installation, consider where wiring will enter the box, usually through one end. Where wiring is to go through a drilled hole, a suitable grommet should be used for protection
• Consideration must be given to whether end-caps are used and these should be drilled and fitted prior to the box being installed

Blindspace® boxes must have enough height for the lowest point of the base-rail to retract inside the box when the blinds are raised.  If Blindspace is to follow a sloped ceiling, there must be a) sufficient height above the ceiling to incorporate a tall enough Blindspace box, and b) the Blindspace® box itself must be taller than the difference in ceiling height at either end of the blind.  In general this means that Blindspace® boxes are only suitable for ceilings with a small amount of rake.  Gable ends are not possible based on the solutions curently available in Australia