Choosing the best blinds for your conservatory

Inspiration

BY Abi Clewley

Published: 13 October 2023 Updated: 10 October 2024

Inspiration
Tags: Blinds, Buying guides, Rooms

Why do I need conservatory blinds?

Conservatory blinds are specially designed window coverings tailored to suit the distinct features of conservatories. They serve multiple purposes, such as providing temperature control, light regulation, privacy, and aesthetic enhancement. Unlike traditional blinds, conservatory blinds are crafted to accommodate the large glass surfaces and unique shapes that are typical of many conservatory designs.

White conservatory with wooden floor, neutral l-shaped sofa, round coffee table on a cream rug with windows and doors dressed in creamy-beige duette blinds at varying heights with some roof blinds open.

Challenges of conservatory blinds

Conservatory windows can present challenges when it comes to finding suitable window coverings. Common issues include:

• Light bleed: Choose blinds with features that minimise light bleed, such as blackout fabrics or blackout linings, ensuring a cosy ambiance for night time use.
• Different types of fittings: Explore blinds that don't require drilling into UPVC, preserving the integrity of your conservatory structure.
• Conservatory size: Larger conservatories may benefit from electric blinds for convenience, while smaller spaces might prioritise slimline and space-saving designs.

Pale grey conservatory with stone floor, grey rug under circular wooden table and two chairs with marine blue vases, marine blue low chair in top left corner with silver anglepoise lamp and side windows and roof dressed in pale grey blinds, three quarters lowered on sides and varying heights on roof.

Key considerations when choosing conservatory blinds

Temperature control
Conservatories are susceptible to temperature fluctuations more so than most other areas in a home. Opt for blinds with insulating properties, such as cellular Duette® blinds to regulate temperature and keep the space comfortable year-round.

Light control
Consider the orientation of your conservatory and the intensity of sunlight it receives. Light-filtering blinds, or specialist coatings on some Pleated blinds can help you control the amount of light entering the space.

Noise reduction
If your conservatory is in a noisy area, choose blinds with thicker materials or fabric options that absorb sound, creating a more quiet and serene environment. Roman blinds with an interlining can help dampen some sound, as can Duette® blinds.

Durability
Conservatory blinds are exposed to intense sunlight by the very nature of the room. Select materials with UV-resistant properties or specialist treatments to prevent fading and ensure longevity, saving you money on frequent replacements. You may need to consiser moisture-resistant fabrics if your conservatory is prone to condensation, and Roller blinds are a real boon in this case.

Privacy
Balancing openness with privacy is essential for a conservatory. Blinds that allow you to adjust the level of visibility easily and quickly are a much more practical option, such as electric blinds.

Country chic open plan kitchen/diner to conservatory with wood floor, brown rug under pale olive painted wood table and chairs, white chaise lounge in background with side and roof windows dressed in alabaster duette blinds at varying heights.

Light from above

Conservatory roof blinds play a crucial role in managing light and temperature. Most conservatory roofs are either glass or polycarbonate, which allow enormous amounts of light and, in the warmer months, heat, into the room for a longer period throughout the day than a window that's only on one side of a room. Depending on the type of blind you choose, you can open and close them with a pole or for real ease of use, opt for electric blinds.