A conservatory is usually a room full of glass attached to a house, and that gives it a little more to think about than a normal room. The roof slopes, the panes meet at odd angles and the sun comes from several directions. Before choosing a type of blind, it helps to be clear about the problem you would like to solve.
What do you want the blinds to do?
Write down your main reasons, in order. Most customers have two or three:
- Cut glare so you can sit, read or work in the room.
- Reduce the feeling of heat on sunny days. Blinds can help with this, but how much depends on the fabric, the colour and the glazing.
- Add privacy in the evenings, especially if neighbours overlook you.
- Make it usable all year by softening the light in summer and making the room feel cosier in winter.
- Protect furniture and flooring from strong sun over time.
Roof blinds and side blinds are different jobs
Roof blinds
Most of the sun, and most of the glare and heat, comes through the roof. A roof blind sits under the glazing and is built to fit the slope. It can be fixed to the frame or glass bars depending on the system. They need to be properly measured and fitted because every conservatory roof is a little different. Our roof blinds page covers how they work, and roof window identification helps if you have roof windows as well.
Side and gable blinds
These cover the vertical glass. Options include roller, Roman, pleated, slatted and vertical blinds. The best choice depends on the shape and the use of the room:
- Roller: simple, neat and available in light-filtering and blackout fabrics.
- Vertical: works for wide panels and French or patio doors, as in our patio door guide.
- Pleated: can be fitted to angled and odd-shaped frames, which is useful on gable ends. See pleated blinds.
- Slatted: give adjustable light, and some are made for use in humid rooms. Check the range.
Things to plan for in a conservatory
- Angles and shapes: bay, lantern, Victorian or Edwardian shapes mean several windows meeting at angles. Each needs measuring separately.
- Opening vents and doors: blinds need to clear handles, hinges and door swing.
- Condensation: glass in a cool conservatory can run with moisture. Choose fabrics and finishes that suit the conditions and ask which ranges do.
- Temperature swings: materials can expand and contract through the day and the seasons, so a good fit allows for that.
- Reach: roof blinds are high up. Motorised options may be more practical than a pole.
Fabric and colour
Light-coloured, reflective fabrics tend to bounce more light back than dark ones, while dark fabrics absorb more. For glare control, a mid-tone, light-filtering fabric often keeps the room bright without the harshness. For a room used in the evening, a fully closing fabric can matter more. Read our colour guide for how to test shades at your own glass.
Cleaning and care
Conservatory blinds see dust, pollen and spider activity. Dust regularly with a soft duster or low-suction vacuum, spot clean marks with a damp cloth where the fabric allows, and steer towards gentle products rather than harsh chemicals. Check the care instructions for your fabric or ask us.
Safety
Keep cords and chains tied up and out of reach of children, especially in a room where kids play. Cordless and motorised blinds remove the loops. Read more in child-safe blind choices. BS EN 13120 is the UK standard for internal blind safety.
Checklist before you ask for a quote
- How is the room used, and at what time of day?
- Where does the glare come from, roof or sides?
- How many windows, panels and doors are there?
- Are there roof vents or opening panes?
- Do you want manual or motorised?
- Any children or pets?
Our overview of conservatory blinds sets out the range. To see what is realistic for your room, book a free measure and we'll look at the roof and the glass in person, then give you a quotation before you commit.
