How to choose the right conservatory blinds for glass rooms and extensions

Written by Yvonne Keal

Product Management specialist

Written: 01/03/2019

Updated: 31/05/2023

Made to measure conservatory blinds for year-round comfort

Glass extensions and conservatories make beautiful additions to our homes. They create extra space and flood our rooms with natural light. However, with so many windows, regulating the temperature in spaces like these can be tricky.

We’re here to tell you how the right window dressings offer shade to cool in the summer, insulation to stay warm in the winter and a level of privacy to ensure the room can be used all year round.

1. Start with the roof

Temperature control is one of the key reasons our customers choose conservatory roof blinds. In summer, sunshine blazes through the conservatory roof, while in winter, essential heat escapes through the same route.

Clever performance fabrics can help maintain a comfortable temperature, which makes them a perfect choice for conservatories and rooms with glass ceilings. Our Conservatory Roof Pleated Blinds fabrics have a performance coating that reflects the sun, actively preventing light from being absorbed in summer while offering an insulating layer in winter.

 

2. Effortless Electric blinds

If you have a large roof, or any blinds that are hard to access, it’s definitely worth considering Electric blinds.

Powered by Somfy’s marketing-leading motorised technology, our range of Electric blinds take the hassle out of opening and closing hard to reach blinds, letting you operate one, or many Roller, Roman or Day & Night blinds with a wireless remote control.

Traditional conservatory with thermal transition roof and side blinds

3. Solutions for the sides

We love how conservatories flood our homes with natural light, but the temperature can become uncomfortable and the light can become a nuisance. Our clever Transition blinds offer unique ways to control the light by combining two fabrics within one blind to give you greater control over the lighting and privacy. Opt for a combination of two different fabrics, and have either one covering the windows or a bit of both for a luxurious look. Or, for a more practical solution, choose to combine a sheer fabric for daytime privacy with a blackout for evening bliss.

4. Take control of light and privacy

If your conservatory or garden room is overlooked by neighbours, it’s important to choose a solution that protects your privacy without blocking the light or views to the outside. A stylish way to give you control over light while maintaining your privacy are Day and Night blinds. The innovative design combines moveable sheer and opaque panels that can be adjusted to let light in or help to block it out. The translucent fabric will also help keep prying eyes out, offering the perfect balance between light and privacy control.

Vertical blinds are another fantastic choice for large expanses of glass, offering fingertip control over light. Simply tilt the panels to let light in while protecting your privacy, or slide them open to enjoy the view.

5. Regulate the temperature

Floor to ceiling glazing and roof lights are a key trend in home extensions, and of course, conservatories. But while looking great, it can be difficult to maintain a comfortable temperature in these rooms all year round.

Our Thermal blinds made with ThermaShade technology have been designed with heat saving properties in mind. The innovative honeycomb fabric traps a layer of air, forming a layer of insulation, which helps regulate temperatures all year round, cooling down the room in summer and keeping it warm in winter.

6. Create a cosy space

For many, garden rooms and conservatories are the hub of family life so it’s important to create a homely space where you can enjoy spending time together.

Roman blinds will give your room a cosy feel. They are easy to use and can be adjusted to meet your need. Simply lower to block the sun’s glare, or open fully to see the outside world. If your conservatory is a little draughty, consider choosing Roman blinds with curtains as this will prevent chills from getting in and help you to maintain a comfortable temperature.

 

7. A perfectly streamlined finish

There’s nothing more satisfying than throwing open your conservatory windows on a hot summer’s day and with our Perfect Fit blinds it couldn’t be easier.

Perfect Fit blinds can be fitted in uPVC windows: they clip into the beading of your uPVC windows to sit snugly within the frame. Fixed firmly in place, with no drilling or control cords required, these blinds give you a streamlined, fuss-free finish and are available with Roller blinds, Venetian blinds and Pleated blind fabrics.

Discover more inspiration and advice

Find out more about how made-to-measure window dressings can help you keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter.