Conservatories are not fully complete without some form of sun shades or conservatory blinds.
Why have Conservatory Blinds?
1. To reduce heat and glare. 2. For privacy. 3. For decoration. 4. To reduce UV light and associated fading carpets and furniture.
Types of Blinds
1. Roller (Aluminised fabric). 2. DIY drapes or shutters. 3. Pleated. 4. Roman (Pinoleum).
Roller blinds can be produced in many different fabrics. The most popular for conservatory blinds feature special reflective aluminium backing. Sunlight 'bounces' off the back of the blinds, giving control over temperature and glare. Not the best looking, they do provide best performance in managing glare and heat build up.
DIY drapes or shutters. As an alternative to professionally installed conservatory blinds you can consider installing your own drapes. They can be quite effective at softening the light and cooling the air. Or you could hang muslin at the windows to diffuse the light.
Tall free-standing timber shutters can be bought at most DIY shops. They reduce glare coming through the windows, so you can watch television.
Alternatively smaller shutters can be fixed to the windows externally (this requires the services of a competent carpenter).
Pleated blinds are probably the most popular alternative for roof and window blinds. They are available in many different colours and patterns, and are easy to maintain. They can also be automated if you want to 'remotely control' the blinds. Pleated blinds can have special finishes giving better performance.
Roman blinds, which are usually made with Pinoleum are the most traditional conservatory blinds alternative. They are composed of thin strips of woven wood. This style compliments the traditional conservatory furniture materials of rattan and wicker. Roman blinds can also be 'automated'.
