Are Windows with Blinds Inside Really Worth It?

Tired of cleaning dusty blinds or dealing with tangled cords? You're not alone. Many homeowners are drawn to windows with built-in blinds precisely because they don't require maintenance and can be easily operated. But are they really worth the hype?

In this guide, we'll share everything you need to know about built-in blinds to help you make a smart decision! We'll include advantages, disadvantages, and even a game-changing alternative that delivers the same clean look but without the downsides!

Key Takeaways

• Built-in blinds are sleek and maintenance-free—but costly, limited in style, and nearly impossible to repair.
• Built-in blinds reduce clutter and enhance child safety but sacrifice energy efficiency because of the limited use of insulating gas.
• An alternative to built-in blinds: Magic’s Slide’N’Hide system offers full retractability, superior customization, and up to 40% more energy efficiency.
• Unlike built-in systems, Magic blinds are easy to clean, repair, and replace—giving you complete peace of mind.

Windows with Integrated Blinds: How Do They Work?

Windows with blinds inside have, quite literally, blinds fitted between two glass panes. They are located inside the airspace between the panes in an Insulated Glass Unit. This means the glass unit is thicker than a standard unit because the blinds take extra space.

Windows with blinds inside have three main types of operating systems:

• Magnetic manual control. There's a magnetized slider mounted on the edge of the glass or frame. This allows you to tilt the slats for light control and raise and lower them when needed. The internal and external magnets move in sync.
• Corded or slider track. There's a cord loop or sliding switch outside the frame, which allows you to tilt or lift the blinds. In some designs, there's a slider bar mounted along the window frame edge.
• Motorized control. There are electric motors installed inside the frame that move the blinds. They can be operated via remote control, wall switch, and various apps.

These windows are factory-sealed units, which means they come equipped with blinds from the start. This also means that you can't replace the blinds between the panes. You'll have to replace the entire glass unit if the blind mechanism somehow fails.

Key Features of Built-In Window Blinds

Built-in blinds are undoubtedly a smart investment given their multitude of benefits, being praised especially for their aesthetic appeal! As such, below, you'll find the advantages that could grab the attention of any homeowner!

1. Low Maintenance and Enhanced Safety

By far the most sought-after benefit of internal blinds is the fact that they don't have to be cleaned at all! After all, they're hidden between the panes, which means the glass protects them from dust, allergens, and odors. A dream!

Plus, conventional blinds often get tangled and damaged over time. Built-in blinds, on the other hand, are completely protected from wear and tear!

Furthermore, windows with built-in blinds have no cords that pose a safety risk, which makes them perfect for homes with children or pets.

2. Improved Aesthetics and Ease of Use

Built-in blinds don't require separate curtain rods, valances, and bulky elements. They offer a clean, minimalist look that blends well with modern interiors. Moreover, they don't obstruct views or affect the window's visibility.

In addition, given their advanced mechanisms, you can easily control your built-in blinds! You won't have to worry anymore about one side being higher than the other as it often happens with traditional blinds! Plus, some models allow fine light adjustment without requiring you to fully open or close the blinds.

3. Durability and Energy Efficiency

If the window glass is equipped with Low-E coatings, the blinds are protected against UV damage. Besides, they're also well-protected by the glass panes against accidental damage or wear and tear. Because of this, internal blinds are built to last significantly longer than external ones - as long as the window itself.

If the blinds are made from insulating materials, they can also improve a window's energy efficiency, reducing solar heat gain and glare. Depending on the material they're made of, these blinds can also offer privacy.

Disadvantages of Windows with Internal Blinds

Even though built-in blinds do seem like the best option on the market, it's not all roses. They have some major disadvantages that are definitely worth considering. But keep in mind that these disadvantages do not apply to all models. It's always best to confirm all the details with the manufacturer.

1. Higher Pricing

Naturally, internal blinds are much more costly than standard blinds like roller blinds or Venetian blinds, for example. After all, they have to be inserted between the glass panes, which means they're custom-made and require specialized components. Motorized or smart models are even more expensive.

On average, expect to pay approximately an additional $500-$600 per window to have built-in blinds if you buy them from companies like Pella or Andersen.

2. Limited Customization

While traditional window treatments can be customized in countless ways, built-in blinds don't offer the same freedom when it comes to aesthetics. Most built-in blinds come in neutral colors like white, beige, or gray.

Having said that, you can always pair them with other window treatments like curtains, but that would negate the investment in built-in blinds in the first place.

3. Difficult or Even Impossible to Repair

Built-in blinds are built to last. But if the mechanism somehow fails - for example, if the magnetic track misaligns or the motor burns out - you probably won't be able to fix it. While it may be possible to repair the issue in some cases, homeowners have to replace the entire glass unit most of the time.

And if you have triple-glazed windows filled with argon gas and equipped with several Low-E coatings, you'll have to pay a lot to replace them. In short, in this case, it would be a pity to have to replace a functioning window unit just because the window blinds aren't working properly anymore.

4. Weight and Thickness

Given that these blinds are installed between two glass panes, Insulated Glass Units with built-in blinds are thicker and heavier. This may not be an issue for double-glazing. But if you need triple-glazing, make sure to consider if the investment in built-in blinds is worth it.

Triple-glazed windows are thick and heavy even without the blinds, so adding these window treatments can significantly increase both the window price and the labor costs.

5. Less Insert Gas

The space between the two glass panes is filled with an inert gas that serves as a barrier between the inside and the outside. In other words, this inert gas (in conjunction with other insulating materials) keeps your home cool in summer and warm in winter.

Well, windows with built-in blinds have less space for inert gas between the panes. This is a huge loss if you want energy-efficient windows because it can significantly decrease the unit's energy rating. Insulated Glass Units filled with air are far behind those filled with gas in terms of insulation.

An alternative solution would be to install triple-glazed units - the blinds would be installed between two glass panes, and the space between the second and the third panes would be filled with gas.

A Better Alternative to Windows with Blinds Between the Glass

What if we told you Magic has the better option that fully eliminates the disadvantages mentioned above? We're talking about our state-of-the-art Slide'N'Hide window treatment technology, of course! Below, you'll find more details about how our blinds and shades work alongside their benefits!

1. Complete Retractability and Customization

Unlike built-in window blinds that are permanently sealed between glass panes, Magic's shades and blinds are installed in a cartridge that is attached to the window frame. So, if you want to open them, all you have to do is pull them out of the cartridge. When you don't need the blinds, they can remain fully hidden. This design ensures:

• Uninterrupted views of the outdoors.
• Maximum natural light entry, enhancing indoor brightness
• A cleaner aesthetic, as the window appears free of any coverings when the shades are retracted.
• Complete privacy both during the day and at night, as the thermal blinds are made from a high-quality opaque material.

Moreover, our shades and blinds are highly customizable and can be designed to match your overall house design.

2. Enhanced Energy Efficiency and Safety

Magic’s retractable systems are designed to improve energy performance:

• Our solar shades and thermal blinds do not affect how much inert gas is installed between the panes. Even better, they are made of insulating materials and can boost a window's energy efficiency by up to 40%.
• Our solar shades reduce solar heat gain during summer, keeping interiors cooler.
• Our thermal blinds enhance insulation during colder months, maintaining a stable room temperature.

Moreover, our blinds and shades have no cords or any other elements that pose a safety risk. All you have to do is simply push a button to pull them out of their cartridges, as illustrated in the photo below.

3. Ease of Maintenance

As mentioned earlier, built-in window blinds may be impossible to repair once damaged, so you'll have to replace the entire window unit. This counteracts the low-maintenance advantage. In contrast, Magic’s retractable systems:​

• Are easily accessible for cleaning, so even though they require dusting and cleaning once in a while, you won't have too much trouble doing this. In short, they provide superior comfort and convenience!
• Minimize dust accumulation, as they can be retracted when not needed.
• Can be easily repaired or replaced if damaged. All you have to do is ship the cartridge to us, and we'll take it from there.

And finally, for a visual demonstration of Magic’s retractable solar shade system, you can watch the following video:

Ready to Get the Window Treatments of Your Dreams?

If you decide to modernize your home’s windows with cutting-edge window treatments, contact Magic!

We combine advanced technology with expert installation for long-lasting, energy-efficient solutions. Get in touch for a free consultation and see why we’re the top choice on the GTA window market! We install windows across a wide region—from London to Ottawa, Parry Sound to Niagara Falls.

Contact us in one of three simple ways:

• Call 647-362-4075 or 1-866-OK-MAGIC.
• Use our online form to request your quote.
• Email [email protected] to book a free at-home consultation. We’ll bring samples directly to you while our showroom is being upgraded.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the disadvantages of integral blinds?

Integral blinds are hard to repair, offer limited design options, and are more expensive than standard blinds. If the mechanism fails, you may need to replace the entire glass unit. They also reduce energy efficiency since gas-filled panes aren’t typically used with them. Magic’s Slide’N’Hide blinds avoid these issues—they're easier to maintain, customizable, and much more energy-efficient.

Can you get windows with internal blinds?

Many manufacturers offer windows and patio doors with blinds sealed between the glass panes. These are called integral or built-in blinds. However, they come with limitations like the impossibility to add inert gas and less design options.

What are window units with blinds inside?

Window units with blinds inside are Insulated Glass Units (IGUs) that have blinds installed between two panes of glass. The blinds are sealed inside the unit and controlled magnetically, manually, or via motorized systems. They’re low-maintenance but difficult to repair and cannot be integrated into gas-filled double-pane windows.

How are built-in blinds controlled?

Built-in blinds can be controlled through manual pull cords, slider switches, remote controls, and smartphone apps, offering users convenient and flexible options for operation.

Are built-in blinds more expensive than traditional window treatments?

Built-in blinds are indeed more expensive than traditional window treatments, typically adding between $500 to $600 per window.