Shop blind
Short Guide, Scottish traditional shopfronts, published, on 18 April 2017 by Historic Environment Scotland, defines shop blinds as: ‘Originally canvas awnings on metal framing used to protect goods on display in windows from sunlight, possibly as early as the late 18th century. Also offered pedestrians and shoppers some protection from the weather.’
It defines a blind box as: ‘A box, usually of timber, which hosts the blind mechanism. May be integral to the design of the shop (from mid 19th century) or may be an addition, usually above the cornice, which has been retro-fitted.’
And a blind rail as: ‘The timber or metal panel which fronts a blind box and hides the awning and mechanisms when the blind is in a closed position. It is fitted with an eyelet to allow the blind to be pulled out into the open position.’
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
The first line of defence against rain, wind and snow.
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this...
National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9-15 Feb
Shining a light on the positive impacts for businesses, their apprentices and the wider economy alike.
Applications and benefits of acoustic flooring
From commercial to retail.
From solid to sprung and ribbed to raised.
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction and The Chartered Institute of Building sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description from the experts at Cornish Lime.
IHBC planning for growth with corporate plan development
Grow with the Institute by volunteering and CP25 consultation.
Connecting ambition and action for designers and specifiers.
Electrical skills gap deepens as apprenticeship starts fall despite surging demand says ECA.
Built environment bodies deepen joint action on EDI
B.E.Inclusive initiative agree next phase of joint equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plan.
Recognising culture as key to sustainable economic growth
Creative UK Provocation paper: Culture as Growth Infrastructure.
Futurebuild and UK Construction Week London Unite
Creating the UK’s Built Environment Super Event and over 25 other key partnerships.
Welsh and Scottish 2026 elections
Manifestos for the built environment for upcoming same May day elections.
Advancing BIM education with a competency framework
“We don’t need people who can just draw in 3D. We need people who can think in data.”