Press Packs

Conservatory Blinds

People in glass houses...need blinds!

"The initial purpose of this pack is to showcase our latestconservatory photography which features our new pleated collection. This comprises 76 fabrics with a reflective backing which are perfect in spaces where temperature or light control is a key issue -
prime example being the conservatory - and an exciting design-led range of over 40 pleated freehang fabrics which give a fabulous contemporary feel to any room.

"Then we got to thinking that perhaps it would be a good idea to round up all our current images, catalogue them by room-set and house them all under one roof, so to speak! It's been a useful
exercise for us and we hope you'll think so too. And as always, if you need any 'expert' advice, top tips or comment on window dressing, we're always happy to help."

N.B. We regularly update our fabric collections and some may be
discontinued. Images are therefore for illustration purposes only.
The comfort factor

We're a hard to please lot, no sooner does the temperature warm up, then we're moaning about it being too hot and craving a shady haven, while during January we dream of hot summer days in the garden!

There are few better ways of bringing the outside into your home than by building a glass conservatory or extension to add valuable living
space. The best conservatories though are those that can be used all year round and therefore maintaining a comfortable temperature is a must. By adding blinds to your conservatory you can turn it into
anything you want it to be, no matter what the season. Cool and calm, contemporary and chic or warm and cosy, it's incredible what the right blinds can bring to your conservatory, from privacy and
warmth to a totally new way of using your space.

A home office, a warm and cosy lounge, a playroom, an intimate dining room, even an unusual guest room or bathroom - just use your
imagination.

How do I choose the right blinds for my conservatory?

A conservatory needs to be warm and cosy when the sun doesn't shine and cool and relaxing when it does. Choosing the right type of conservatory blinds is vital but it isn't just about functionality. This is
where you can get really creative, making sure your conservatory is not only just a great place to be, but also totally personalised. From bright, sun-filled spaces to cool, shady places, conservatories need
individual attention to transform them into rooms you can really enjoy.

Neat pleated blinds are ideal for conservatory roofs as they are designed to fit awkward shapes perfectly. They can feature sun-reflective backings, keeping excess heat out in the summer and helping to stop warmth escaping in winter. Hillarys new 20mm pleated system enables roof blinds to sit snugly over the glass panes to give a really streamlined appearance which can be operated
either manually with a crank or a motorised system.

However, when it comes to the sides, it really is a matter of personal taste and style. Choose from venetians, romans, verticals, pleated or rollers - each have their own unique qualities. Versatile vertical blinds offer enormous control over how much light you filter into your
conservatory. When fully drawn they offer privacy whilst softly blocking out the sun's rays and can be neatly pulled to the side when not needed. They can be fitted easily, even to sloping windows.
Stylish venetians are a great way to achieve a clean, minimalist look. The range of shades and finishes available means you can be softly subtle or make a striking statement. Wooden or 'aluwood' venetians are great for warming up the look of your conservatory and bringing a little of theoutdoors in.

Clean and unfussy, rollers are ideal when you want to make the most of your space. Different fabrics allow you to vary the amount of light let into the conservatory, with delicate translucent styles
offering a modern alternative to net curtains. Make then as individual as you are with shapes at the bottom, braids and accessories.

Roman blinds bring a touch of sumptuous style to your conservatory, combining the luxurious feel of curtains with the simplicity of a blind. They also provide a stunning solution when it comes to privacy. If you use your conservatory at night, fully lined Romans will give a feeling of warmth and seclusion.

Neat pleated blinds are perfect for the roof of your conservatory, but are a good option for the sides too. A range of sun-reflective backings and fabrics with good insulation properties are available and
the blinds are easily cleaned.

Top tips

Try to give your conservatory a purpose so you have an excuse to go into it every day. We love the idea of eating in a conservatory.
With north-facing conservatories, heat and light are likely to be at a premium. As you may not need the benefits of sun-reflective backings, you can really experiment, choosing from a wide range of colours and textures. Consider using blinds with an opaque finish, which will allow the light in and give the room a soft, cosy glow.

These cooler conservatories can also really benefit from the warmth of wooden venetians, fully lined romans or insulating honeycomb blinds. If you work from home, why not make your conservatory work for you? Who wants to be stuck in a tiny box room or the confines of a loft space. Shed a little light on the subject and get a room with a view with a light, bright and perfectly peaceful home office.

If your conservatory is south-facing, you're likely to get a lot of sun, so heat and glare can make a hot summer's day uncomfortable. Pleated blinds along the sides of the conservatory as well as the roof are ideal. They can feature sun-reflective backings, keeping excess heat out in the summer and helping to stop warmth escaping in winter.

Fabrics in golden shades bring in the sunshine whatever the weather, while opulent reds offer everything from classic style tocomplementary colour.

Abundant light means you don't have to be afraid of colour in a conservatory. Choose vibrant colours as the sun's glare can make pale colours look insipid. Link the colour scheme of the adjoining room to make the conservatory feel like an integral part of the house.

Once your conservatory is built, blinds will probably be the largest investment you make. Choose the blinds first then put together the rest of your interior around this choice - it's cheaper to change paint and accessories at a later date.

Make use of Hillarys specialist advisors to select the best blind types and colours to suit you and avoid costly mistakes.

Roof blinds will often look lighter than blinds at the side window as the light filters in at different angles. Go for a complete contrast to eliminate this effect. Garden rooms are a great way of creating a halfway house between outdoors and in and are incredibly versatile.

Pleated roof blinds should be fully opened every week to ensure that the pleated effect is maintained. They simply need to be dusted using a dry duster, but be careful not to damage the pleats by pressing too hard. And a great way to get rid of dead insects that can collect behind roof blinds is to use a hairdryer to blow them out and onto the floor!

History of the conservatory

When conservatories were first introduced in the 18th Century, they were simply places for potting and preserving plants. As our ancestors travelled to increasingly far-flung corners of the world, they
returned with all sorts of exotic botantical specimens which they placed in an orangery. The orangery eventually became a glasshouse and people soon saw the benefits of being able to enjoy
views of the great outdoors while at the same time remaining sheltered. As building techniques advanced and became cheaper, more homes could aspire to having a conservatory and the domestic
version started taking place. Then when double glazing was invented in the 60's, the conservatory industry as we know it was kick started into action. Today's conservatory has moved on considerably
from the plant-filled, secondary sitting room of yesteryear to become a valuable space that can have any number of different uses.

Conservatory photography

For credit details and hi-res image requests please
call Dark Horse PR on 0115 981 3611 or email
sarah.able@darkhorsepr.co.uk

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