Conservatory Blinds - Which Are Best?
Conservatories have continued to rise in popularity over the past few years. Whether it’s a desire to feel more connected with nature or a need for additional space, many homeowners are opting for these effective glass structures. Modern technology has moved the design of conservatories forward, making them more energy-efficient and in keeping with our homes. However, due to the abundance of glass, several hurdles still exist with them, primarily, the management of light and heat. You have two main options to choose from here - conservatory roof blinds of film. So, which one is best?
What are conservatory blinds?
As the name suggests, conservatory blinds are window blinds designed explicitly for conservatories. Unlike other rooms in the house, you’re not just tackled with finding appropriate solutions for vertical windows or the odd roof window. Conservatories are, in general, all-glass structures where light can filter in at every angle. This makes them the ideal option for gaining the best views of your garden and enjoying it throughout the year. It also means you have a higher percentage of heat, and light, to deal with daily and from every angle.
Conservatory blinds are designed to tackle this. They are designed to sit within the recesses of your conservatory walls and offer adequate cover across the frame of your pitched roof. Using a variety of different fabric types and colours, they bring a wealth of style into your home while helping to create a room that is functional all year round.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Conservatory Blinds
As with any purchase decision, it pays to understand the good and the bad.
Advantages of conservatory blinds
- Completely autonomous control over light and privacy
- Suitable for use by the entire family
- Child-safe designs reduce the risk of injury
- A multitude of different patterns, colours and fabric types to choose from and complement your interior decor
- Different fabric options to manage temperature, light and privacy in one go
- Reduced fitting fees - many conservatory blinds can be installed at home, without the need for additional labour fees
- Can be used to reduce noise pollution from outside
- Add a pop of colour or style to your space
Disadvantages of conservatory blinds
- Unless fitted into channels around your conservatory walls, light and heat can still get through the sides
- Require regular dusting and cleaning to keep them looking their best
- May require bespoke solutions that come with an additional fee
Different types of conservatory blinds
As we mentioned above, traditional-style blinds aren’t always the best solution for conservatories. Most spaces, regardless of size, will require a number of different light-blocking solutions to give you the best results. When it comes to conservatory blinds, we normally recommend one (or a combination) of the following styles:
- Roller blinds
- Vertical blinds
- Bi-fold door blinds
- Skylight blinds
Roller blinds for conservatories
Traditional roller blinds have a versatile design that suits most rooms, including conservatories. The single panel of fabric provides excellent window coverage, helping to effectively manage light, privacy and heat in unison. You have the option of cordless roller blinds with a spring-loaded internal mechanism. This eliminates the need for hazardous cords and heightens safety for small children and animals. Equally, motorised roller blinds take away the need for any manual effort, allowing blinds to be lifted and closed with the touch of a button.
One thing to consider with roller blinds for conservatories is the window size and blind weight. You’re unlikely to want to install a traditional pull-cord roller blind on a full-length door. The effort that would be needed to pull this up, when required, plus the bulk of fabric that would sit at the top once open, make it a less-than-perfect option. We recommend opting for smaller roller blinds and more of them. In this instance, you’ll have greater control of the light angling in from different windows.
Roller blinds for conservatories also come in a wide range of fabrics and patterns to meet your needs. Sheer and voile roller blinds are a brilliant option for reducing glare, with a woven fabric that allows only muted light to pass through. Thermal and solar roller blinds use a reflective fabric that redirects heat and light away from your windows, making temperature easier to maintain.
Vertical blinds for conservatories
For a more practical solution to full glass walls or doors, consider vertical blinds. With multiple vertical louvres suspended from a rotating head mechanism, they can either be pulled open entirely or twisted to manage light effectively. Each full set is made-to-measure, using the fabric you select. You also have the option of purchasing individual replacement slats, if a section should become damaged, making your investment last longer.
Pull vertical blinds to one side when you want to open the door. Or, rotate the louvres in unison to allow filtered light into a space while avoiding glare or excessive heat. As with roller blinds, vertical blinds come in a wide range of different colours and patterns to fit your decor. And, you have the same option when it comes to sheer, thermal or blackout fabrics too.
Skylight blinds for conservatories
Covering the roof of your conservatory is a slightly more tricky venture. You’re battling against gravity in these situations, looking for a way to cover the glass without spoiling the aesthetics of the space. You can opt for a tailored roof lantern blind that sits within the outer frame of your roof and entirely closes it off. Or, a skylight blind may provide the right solution.
Similar in design to roller blinds, skylight blinds use a single panel of fabric. The key difference, however, is that the fabric remains encased in four channels that sit around the recess of your window. The fabric is held taut the entire time and offers 100% coverage - the best solution for blackout and full light control. You still have a range of colour and fabric options at your disposal. And, there are even motorised solutions on the market that eliminate the stress of accessing your roof blinds too.
So, which is the best option for your home? As with every choice, it comes down largely to personal preference. If you’re looking for the most practical solution, we always promote conservatory blinds. At Lifestyle Blinds, all of our full sets are provided with detailed installation instructions and support to eliminate the need for expensive labour. We design each blind to your exact specifications, using your chosen mechanisms and dimensions. You'll have a wider range of style and functionality options - and it’s possible to manage light, temperature AND privacy in a way that window film cannot. You also don’t run the risk of invalidating your manufacturer guarantee or causing permanent damage to your glazing.
