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
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
New and updated CLC building safety guidance.
New UK National Buildings Database.
Building Safety Wiki Interviews
Chief executive of the British Woodworking Federation.
Planning condition discharge in England and Wales
A brief explanation from a building compliance expert, with further links.
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
Guidance for dealing with element of building fabric control that have increasing importance.
Shading for housing, a design guide
From the Good Homes Alliance and British Blind and Shutter Association.
UK Standard Skills Classification (SSC)
A shared framework for describing skills needs.
Social media ban consultation comes to close
CIOB urges UK Government to consider social media’s role in careers guidance in ban debate.
The latest of eight Skills England apprenticeship units
The addition of battery manufacturing welcomed by ECA with a warning about the risks of fast-tracked apprenticeship units.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.