According to the latest Glenigan forecast, 2026 is shaping up to be a busy year, with significant NHS, education and hospitality projects already approved and heading towards construction. But the real focus isn’t simply on where the work will happen – it’s on what those projects will demand. For contractors, architects, and installers, the biggest opportunities will come from understanding the demands of each sector and partnering with suppliers who can deliver solutions that meet them.

For us here at Yewdale, that means going beyond standard shading. The next wave of projects will require blinds that solve very particular challenges in what are generally quite complex environments. These challenges include infection control and privacy in hospitals, durability and safety in schools, and seamless aesthetic integration in hotels. With many projects already in the pipeline, now is the time to prepare.

NHS builds: renewed focus on safety and patient care

Healthcare construction is moving into a new phase. The RAAC crisis has exposed the risks of ageing infrastructure, but it’s also sparked a broader conversation about designing future facilities to be safer, stronger, and built to last. As a result, a large proportion of upcoming NHS projects aren’t just about expanding capacity and reaching more people. They’re about rebuilding confidence in the safety and reliability of healthcare settings – for both patients and staff – from the ground up.

That renewed focus is shaping how interiors are specified. Anti-ligature design was once seen as a requirement only for mental health or secure facilities. It’s now being factored into a much wider range of settings as safety assessments become more comprehensive. 

Infection control is another key consideration. With stricter cleaning routines now the norm, blinds need to be made from materials that can cope with regular disinfection without losing quality or function. And since light and temperature can play a real role in patient recovery, there’s growing demand for shading that improves comfort and privacy, helping to create spaces that feel calm, supportive and restorative.

The scale of opportunity is significant. NHS capital investment is expected to hit £13.6 billion in 2025–26, and the government’s 10-year Fit for the Future plan is set to drive a surge of new projects across hospitals, primary care centres and mental health facilities. For blind manufacturers and installers, that means specifications will be tighter. However, so will the rewards for suppliers that can offer robust, safety-first, easy-to-maintain solutions backed by long-term performance guarantees.

Education: creating future-proofed learning environments

Education funding is shifting away from quick fixes and towards larger, long-term building projects. More than 100 school rebuilds are planned as part of a £6.7 billion investment, showing a clear move towards creating spaces that actively support learning rather than just provide a place for it.

This change is prompting a rethink of how interior products are chosen. Durability is still essential; blinds in classrooms and shared spaces have to stand up to constant use. But there’s now an added expectation that they’ll contribute to sustainability and energy efficiency. By helping to regulate temperatures, effective shading can reduce the need for heating and cooling, lowering both energy use and running costs. And with more lessons relying on screens and interactive tech, glare reduction is climbing the list of must-haves.

Flexibility is another emerging theme. Schools and colleges are becoming more multifunctional, doubling up as community hubs, adult education centres and event venues. This means that interior specifications need to adapt. Adjustable shading solutions that can shift from bright and open to dark and private are becoming increasingly valuable, especially in multi-purpose spaces such as halls or lecture theatres. And because many of these projects involve phased construction, products with long lifespans and minimal maintenance needs are appealing for facilities teams planning decades ahead.

For blinds suppliers, it’s no longer just about meeting a basic classroom requirement. It’s about helping shape spaces that support concentration, reduce costs, and stay fit for purpose for years. 

Hospitality: experience-driven design and new performance expectations

The hospitality sector is entering a dynamic new phase, and its priorities are evolving fast. With visitor numbers forecast to climb by around 5% – and spending by 7% – developers are pouring significant investment into hotels, leisure facilities, and guest-focused spaces. It’s not just the volume of work that’s notable; it’s also the changing nature of the spaces being built. 

One of the biggest growth areas right now is indoor leisure. These projects made up 29% of new starts for 2025 and grew by almost six times year-on-year, showing a clear change in how operators are expanding their spaces. Leisure environments bring their own set of challenges for shading. Facilities like gyms, pools, wellness suites and multi-use venues expose blinds to constant use, changing temperatures and high humidity. That means performance and resilience are just as important as appearance. Materials need to resist wear, surfaces must be easy to clean, and mechanisms have to be able to deliver simple and reliable operation over years of heavy use.

In hotels and guest accommodation, design priorities are moving in a slightly different direction. Operators are placing a premium on experience-led interiors, where every detail plays a part in shaping how guests perceive the space. Light control is central to that. Blackout systems in bedrooms must be flawless, public areas need precisely balanced solar shading, and aesthetics have to be consistent across every environment. It’s not just about functionality. Blinds now contribute directly to how a space feels, adding to the comfort and sense of quality that define a successful hotel. 

Durability and longevity are also key considerations. These are buildings designed for decades of use, so specifiers are looking for products that won’t just perform perfectly on day one, but will continue to do so over time, backed by dependable warranties and support. And as sustainability climbs higher on the agenda, there’s increasing interest in materials and designs that improve efficiency, helping spaces stay cool and comfortable without excessive reliance on mechanical systems.

All of this points to a sector that’s raising its expectations. Hospitality clients are no longer looking for standard shading solutions; they want systems that enhance guest experiences, stand up to challenging conditions, and contribute to both long-term performance and sustainability.

Ready for what’s next

What connects all three of these sectors is a clear evolution in expectations. Hospitals are seeking solutions that make spaces safer and more resilient. Schools want systems that are energy-efficient and adaptable to the way learning happens today. And in hospitality, the priorities are durability and design that elevates how a space looks and feels. Across the board, blinds are now expected to do much more than control light. They play a crucial role in how buildings function and how people use them.

For Yewdale and our partners, that’s where the real opportunity lies. The projects of 2026 will need solutions built around safety, efficiency, durability and design. With decades of expertise, we’re ready to deliver. Whatever project customers are looking at, we can supply blinds that fit requirements perfectly – not just for today, but for the challenges and opportunities of the years ahead.