In this guide we’ll talk about the different features of bedroom blinds that might make them the best choice for you, as well as the different styles and designs you might want to consider. We’ll go through:

• Affordability – Roller blinds
• Convenience – Smart blinds
• Privacy – Faux wood venetian blinds
• Blackout – Total blackout blinds
• Luxury – Roman blinds
• Temperature control – External blinds
• Thermal blinds – Duette pleated blinds
• Versatility – Day and night blinds

Most affordable blinds for bedrooms – roller blinds

Roller blinds are probably the most popular choice for bedrooms, mostly because they’re affordable and come in a wide range of different designs to suit any style of room.

But while a standard roller blind is probably your lowest cost option, there are also lots of ways to enhance it, with luxury fabrics, blackout linings or even by motorisation.

So don’t mistake “affordable” for “cheap” – a great roller blind is still a high quality product, and with so many different variations and designs, you’re bound to find the perfect options for your lifestyle and budget.

Best bedroom blinds for convenience – smart blinds

When you’re looking for the ultimate blinds for convenience, smart blinds are always your best option. These motorised blinds can be operated via an app, which you can control from your phone, or even from a smart home hub such as Google Nest or Amazon Alexa.

Smart roller blinds can also be programmed to automatically raise or lower at different times of day, which can provide extra privacy, security and even help you save energy.

Bedroom blinds for privacy – venetian & vertical blinds

The reason venetian and vertical blinds are great options for the bedroom is because they both provide privacy. The adjustable louvres of either type of blind means that you can angle them for the perfect balance of light and privacy, without compromising on either.

That’s why these louvred blinds can often be the best bedroom blinds if you’re using your bedroom during the day, whether that’s for study, relaxation or work. They give you the flexibility to manage and even direct the angle of light, making them perfect for avoiding glare or direct sunlight.

Venetian blinds come in a lovely range of colours, materials and styles, from natural wood finishes, to hardwearing aluminium or even upvc or vinyl. This makes them more versatile than the vertical options, with a particular favourite style being faux wood venetian blinds.

These are incredibly popular blinds as they are durable and hard wearing, but look incredibly elegant – a great alternative to shutters, which can be much more expensive.

Vertical blinds are often more affordable, but sometimes do make a room feel a little more like an office space than a home. This makes them a great choice for studies and playrooms, but less popular for bedrooms.

Another really popular way to use louvred blinds in your bedroom, is to pair them with an over recess roller or roman blind, or curtains. This gives you the ideal combination of privacy and light control, with the additional benefit of a backout effect.

These combinations also give you much better insulation for your windows, and can help you stay warm during the winter, as well as keeping out glaring sunshine when it’s hot.

Total blackout blinds for bedrooms

Unsurprisingly, blackout blinds are often considered the best blinds for bedroom windows, giving you complete darkness, and a restful atmosphere for sleep.

Lots of different blinds can come in blackout fabrics, so you’ll have a lot of different options to choose from in terms of style, colour and pattern. 

However, for true blackout performance, your best option would be total blackout blinds.

Total blackout blinds take your basic roller blind to the next level, providing not just blackout material, but a full solution for blocking light even around the edges of your blind.

It does this with an innovative zip-lock system around the edges of the blind, creating a fully secure finish that blocks out all light.

Total blackout blinds are also motorised, and easy to convert into smart blinds too. They’re a fantastic choice for rooms that get a lot of daylight – or sleepers who need a true blackout solution.

Luxury roman blinds in bedrooms

Roman blinds always give a really elegant finish to any room – particularly your bedroom, as they have a really sophisticated style.

Roman blinds come in lots of different patterns, designs and colours, so it’s easy to find the right option for your bedroom. It’s also very easy to get blackout roman blinds, with an extra lining to help keep the light out.

As well as blackout features, roman blinds are also easy to motorise, meaning you can get electric roman blinds that can be controlled by remote or even through an app.

They’re a really popular choice to use in combination with other types of blinds and curtains too. Often roman blinds are used as an over the recess blind, with an alternative blind (for example a venetian or vertical blind) behind it.

This combination gives you the best of both worlds, with a flexible, adjustable blind on the window, but with your luxurious, elegant roman blind providing the finishing touch to your bedroom’s style.

Best blinds for warm bedrooms – external blinds

External blinds are a fantastic finishing touch on a modern property, and are a high tech solution that provide security, automatic reactions to light, smart controls and a huge amount of kerbside appeal too!

But most of all, exterior blinds are fantastic at keeping hot rooms cool – in fact, they can keep off 97% of the sun’s heat, keeping your room up to 18 degrees cooler. That’s because they protect your window from the outside – preventing the sun’s rays even reaching the glass.

This can make a huge difference to your room, and with smart controls, you can even set your blinds to lower or raise according to the light levels or temperature.

For homes with children, pets or elderly people, having blinds that keep the room at a comfortable temperature all year round can make a huge difference to your quality of life.

Best blinds for cold bedrooms – double pleated blinds

Keeping your bedroom warm when it’s cold can be a battle, but with up to 30% of your home’s heat lost through your windows, the blinds you choose can make a big difference.

While thicker types of blind, external blinds, or doubling up with blinds and curtains can provide some extra insulation – your best option for keeping a room warm is Duette double pleated blinds.

Also known as honeycomb, or cellular blinds, these blinds create a hexagonal pocket of air that acts as an insulating buffer, keeping warm air in, and cold air out. This makes them one of the best choices for colder rooms, or draughty windows.

Versatile day and night blinds for bedrooms

Another great choice for bedrooms are day and night blinds. These versatile window shades mean that you can give your room the perfect combination of light and privacy.

With their alternating transparent and opaque strips, you can use them to let light through the panels, or to have them block out light completely.

This is a great option for anyone who has a ground floor or overlooked bedroom window, as it gives you a great level of privacy without needing to have your blinds down all day.

The stylish stripes also make a great feature for your window, and come in a wide range of designs and colours.

Our favourite blinds for bedroom ideas

At Leamington Blinds we provide all of the above blinds, all with free fitting and measuring for customers in the Warwickshire area.

That can make it difficult to choose a favourite! But here’s our expert opinion on the best bedroom blinds, and who they’re most suited for:

• Affordability – Roller blinds
• Convenience – Smart blinds
• Privacy – Faux wood venetian blinds
• Blackout – Total blackout blinds
• Luxury – Roman blinds
• Temperature control – External blinds
• Thermal blinds – Duette pleated blinds
• Versatility – Day and night blinds

But of course, we’re more than happy to help, whatever blinds you choose! And if you’re having trouble deciding, maybe take a look at our blinds and shutters quiz to see if you can find your perfect option.

The post Bedroom blind ideas for 2026 appeared first on Leamington Blinds.

In this Blind Style Guide, we’ll give you a quick overview of each style, why they’re trending now, and what homes, rooms and situations they’re best suited for.

We’re also going to have a look at some classic blind styles that are being reinvented for modern tastes, and show you how to breathe new life into a more traditional blind. 

So, let’s kick off with a rundown of our favourite blinds for 2026.

Window Blind Inspiration for 2026

There have been some big shifts in trends for blinds and shutters over the past few years. As people’s priorities change, different kinds of window blinds with different features and functions are becoming more important.

In the past few years, there’s been some big changes in blind technologies, as well as brand new styles coming on the market.

So here’s a selection of the different types of window blind that we predict will be top choices for homeowners and interior designers in 2026.

Smart Blinds: A Combination of Convenience and Style

In the past few years, smart blinds have become the most popular style for a modern home, replacing the traditional electric blind.

That’s because smart blinds are incredibly versatile and easy to use, coming with an app that enables you to set up your blinds on a timer, and control them using your phone.

You can even set them up to work with voice services like Amazon Alexa, or your smart home hub, letting you raise and lower your blinds by just asking!

This is incredibly useful for busy homes, or where there are people with mobility issues, making them the most convenient of all the blind styles available in 2026.

You can also get a very wide range of smart blind styles, from classic roller blinds, to energy-saving pleated blinds.

At Leamington Blinds, we know how helpful smart blinds can be, which is why we’re offering a FREE TaHoma smart control with every electric blinds purchase over £1,599, making 2026 the best time to upgrade to smart blinds!

2026’s Best Blind for Convenience & Style – Smart Blinds 

Best Blinds for Privacy – Allusion Blinds

Allusion blinds are one of the fastest growing trends in window shading, as they’re incredibly versatile, providing privacy, light control and soft, subtle elegance.

Allusion blinds are most commonly used on patio doors and windows, as they’re a lot easier to manage than more traditional vertical blinds. That’s because their vertical panels aren’t connected by chains, so you can actually walk straight through the blinds.

This is fantastic if you are looking for blinds for sliding glass doors as you don’t need to retract the blinds every time you want to open the doors.

Not only does this make them more versatile than classic vertical blinds, they also look a lot more elegant. One of the issues with traditional vertical blinds is that they can make a room appear a little more like an office than a home. But with the flowing louvres and subtle shades of allusion blinds, you can create a much softer, more homely interior.

Allusion blinds are also a really popular option if you want to double up on your window shading, as their light, opaque fabrics provide privacy and soften light coming through your window without completely blocking it out.

They’re often chosen to sit behind curtains or outside recess blinds, to give a secondary level of insulation, and a softer, more delicate option behind roman or roller blinds.

2026’s Best Blind for Privacy – Allusion Blinds
2026’s Best Blind for Sliding Glass Doors – Allusion Blinds

Zero Deflection Blinds: Ideal for Big Windows

Zero deflection blinds are also known as no-sag or no-crease blinds, and use a revolutionary system that prevents the roller dipping in the middle, creating ugly creases in an otherwise perfect finish!

These high-tech roller blinds also come with a huge range of optional features, from smart controls to blackout linings so you can get exactly the style you’re after.

With so many homes featuring large, wide feature windows, these can be the ideal solution for that perfectly balanced, smooth finish.

2026’s Best Blind for Wide Windows – Zero Deflection Blinds

Pleated Blinds: Best for Saving Energy and Costs

Because generally windows and doors can be the biggest cause of heat loss from your home, getting the right type of blind can be a massive help if you’re looking to reduce your energy costs.

Some of the most effective eco blinds are duette blinds, also known as double pleated, honeycomb or cellular blinds. This is because the air pocket within them provides an extra level of insulation – just like with double glazed windows.

Blackout blinds are also a good way to insulate your windows, as they can keep out bright sunlight, and usually have an additional blackout layer of fabric, making them much thicker and helping with insulation.

The most effective energy saving blind option is probably exterior blinds, as these massively reduce the amount of heat that can build up in your home when it’s hot, meaning less need for air conditioning, coolers or fans. However, these come at a significantly higher price, and are most effective in modern houses.

Whether you’re interested in keeping your heating bills down, or looking to reduce your carbon footprint, our in-depth guide on energy saving, eco friendly and sustainable blinds can help you find the perfect option for your home.

But if you’re looking to save money as well as energy, duette blinds are most likely to give you the best insulation for the lowest cost.

2026’s Best Energy Saving Blinds – Duette Pleated Blinds

External blinds for Eco Homes

Outdoor blinds are continuing to rise in popularity, not just because they provide a really stylish exterior finish to your home, but because they’re also really eco friendly too.

While pleated blinds provide a good amount of insulation, outdoor blinds really take this to another level. They are incredibly effective at reducing heat in the summer, as well as keeping your home warm in winter.

By preventing light from reaching the interior of your room in the first place, outdoor blinds are much better at keeping the sunshine out. But they’re also fantastic at providing insulation during the winter, as they’re made from durable, windproof fabric.

As well as being eco friendly and looking fabulous, external blinds are the ultimate addition to a smart home. They can be operated by switch or remote, or they can be controlled by sensors which will alter the shading based on the temperature, so you don’t have to lift a finger!

External blinds are also considered a great choice for home security, and if you’re looking to build an eco-home, there really is no better choice.

2026’s Best Blinds for Eco Homes – External Blinds

Unique Blinds for Gable and Triangle Windows

When you have an unusual window shape, trying to find the right window shades can be problematic. In 2025, we’re seeing more homes that have gable end window features, which naturally means a rise in popularity for triangle blinds.

Triangle, gable end or apex window blinds are designed and made to fit your windows exactly, creating an incredible finish and perfectly setting off your beautiful windows.

This style of blind is always motorised, and can be operated by switch, remote control or even via an app that can connect to your smart home hub.

2026’s Best Blinds for Gable End Windows – Triangle Blinds

Perfect Pods for Outdoor Living

Another massive upcoming trend in blinds and shutters, is outdoor shading, which transforms your garden into an outdoor space that is usable all year round.

Outdoor living pods are a relatively new trend, and use an aluminium louvred roof and heavy duty roller blinds to create weather-proof garden spaces that are protected from sun, rain, and wind.

With heating and lighting that can be built in, these fantastic structures can enable you to enjoy the outdoors in all seasons. And because you can also change your setup at the touch of a button, whatever the British weather throws at you – you’ll be prepared!

Outdoor living pods are also a big hit with hospitality and social spaces, from pub and restaurant gardens, to nurseries and garden spaces, providing secure, weatherproof outdoor spaces to be enjoyed by all

2026’s Best Outdoor Shading Solution – Living Pods

Affordable Elegance: Faux Wood Venetian Blinds

Venetian blinds are a popular choice for their durability, as well as being very easy to clean. One reason that venetian blinds are a popular choice is because of the privacy they can provide.

With their rotating slats, you can decide how much light you let in, which makes venetian a great option if you want to maintain your privacy without having to shut out the light altogether.

But the real trend is for faux wood venetian blinds, combining the durability of upvc or vinyl with the look and feel of real wood.

This balance of form and function is a great way to achieve a really similar look to wooden shutters, but at a much lower cost, meaning they’re both fashionable and affordable too.

In 2026, we expect to see more households looking at faux wood venetians to create the classical look of shutters, without the price tag.

2026’s Best Blind for Affordable Elegance – Faux Wood Venetian Blinds

True Blackout blinds

They may have been around for a while, but blackout blinds are still one of the most popular types of window covering you can buy. And it’s easy to understand why.

Not only do they keep out the light, but because they’re also thicker than standard blinds, they give a lot more insulation, making them warmer and more eco friendly.

Another great thing about them is their versatility. Almost any kind of blind can be a blackout blind. So whether you prefer roller, perfect fit or pleated blinds, there’s almost always a blackout option.

Blackout blinds are a good choice for bedroom window shading, especially for nurseries or small children who might need a little help sleeping through the night.

While there are a lot of standard blackout blinds available, if you really want something that provides complete blackout coverage, your best option is Total Blackout blinds.

Not only are these made from blackout material, they have zip-lock edges that ensure there is literally no gap or crack for light to sneak through.

This is a perfect option for anyone who needs a true blackout window covering, and comes with electric and smart options for convenience.

The down side of total blackout blinds is that they are a little more expensive. So if you don’t need a complete blackout option, then you may find that roller, or perfect fit blinds may be a better solution for you.

If you’re struggling to find the right option for you, you can always take a look at our handy guide for how to choose the best blackout blinds.

2026’s Best Blackout Blinds – Total Blackout Blinds

Ideal for Conservatories and Skylights: Perfect Fit Blinds

Perfect fit blinds are always one of the top blind options as they are so incredibly versatile, that’s why they retain their popularity year to year, and 2026 looks like it will continue the trend.

Perfect fit blinds come in an enormous range of styles, including roller, venetian and pleated, but what makes them truly exceptional, is that they fit within the frame or your window.

That makes them the obvious choice of blind for conservatories, Velux windows or skylights – or any window that’s an unusual size or location.

And because they fit within the window frame, with perfect fit blinds there is no need for any drilling. That makes them a really popular choice for renters.

With perfect fit blinds you’re not going to get into trouble with your landlord for putting holes in the wall. And it also means you can take your blinds with you when you move, so the money you’ve put into making your rented home right for you, isn’t lost if you move away.

Perfect fit blinds can be a really big range of styles too, from roller blinds, to pleated blackout blinds – even venetian blinds can be a perfect fit!

2026’s Best Blind for Conservatories – Perfect Fit Blinds

2026’s Best Blind for Skylights – Perfect Fit Blinds

New Trends in Classic Blind Styles

Of course there are certain types of blind that are always popular, and these include classic styles like roman, venetian and vertical blinds, as well as more recently trending window coverings, like plantation shutters.

But even these classic kinds of blinds and shutters are being revamped for 2026, with many of them using the features we’ve already been discussing to create the perfect style for the coming year.

Awnings

Outdoor Living Pods are still our favourite product for garden shading, but awnings are definitely making a comeback.  Once upon a time, awnings were considered to be old fashioned, or just for shops and restaurants who wanted to use their outdoor spaces.

But an awning can be a great way to shade and protect an outdoor area, or even keep the sun off patio doors and windows, and at a lower cost than an outdoor pod. And with so many modern, stylish awning designs available, we predict this is going to be one of the biggest trends for the coming year.

Plantation Shutters

Shutters have been rising in popularity for several years now, with plantation shutters being one of the most prominent styles.

In 2026 we’re expecting faux wood shutters to continue to be the go-to option. Everyone adores the wood-style finish, but more people are choosing a faux wood alternative. Not just to make it more economical, but also because faux wood is such a durable and easy to clean material.

Roller blinds

Inexpensive and versatile, roller blinds have maintained their popularity for years. But in 2026, there are more options than ever before for creating the perfect blinds for your home.

The most popular ways to update roller blinds for the coming year are  motorised or smart roller blinds that you can control by remote or app, zero deflection roller blinds that can perfectly cover wide windows and doors without sagging, and perfect fit roller blinds that are fastened to your window frame without any need for drilling.

With new technology, you can even find bespoke roller blinds that can fit triangle windows, so even the most complex feature windows can be covered with a stylish automated roller blind.

Vertical blinds

A classic choice for long windows, patio doors and conservatories, vertical blinds are also being reimagined for 2026 with some fantastic new options and styles.

If privacy is a key element of your choice of blind, then vertical blinds are a great option. The ability to twist the slats of vertical blinds give you a wonderfully easy way to let light in while maintaining your privacy.

Or you can take this to the next level by choosing allusion blinds, which provide privacy without you losing the light.

Vertical blinds are also very popular in office spaces, which makes them a great choice for businesses looking to encourage workers back into the office, as well as people still working from home.

Inspiring Shutters and Blinds for 2026

There are so many different considerations, variations and styles of shutters and blinds, that it can sometimes be difficult to choose the right style for your home.

Our top recommendations for 2026 are:

• Best Blinds for Convenience & Style – Smart Blinds 
• Best Blinds for Privacy – Allusion Blinds
• Best Blinds for Sliding Glass Doors – Allusion Blinds
• Best Blinds for Wide Windows – Zero Deflection Blinds
• Best Energy Saving Blinds – Duette Pleated Blinds
• Best Blinds for Eco Homes – External Blinds
• Best Blinds for Gable End Windows – Triangle Blinds
• Best Outdoor Shading Solution – Living Pods
• Best Blinds for Affordable Elegance – Faux Wood Venetian Blinds
• Best Blackout Blinds – Total Blackout Blinds
• Best Blind for Conservatories – Perfect Fit Blinds
• Best Blind for Skylights – Perfect Fit Blinds

But if you’re looking for the best blind company to help you find the latest trends in shutters and blinds, then just give us a call on 01926 839 689. Our friendly advisors will help you find the right shutters or blinds, and for our local Warwickshire customers, we’ll also measure up and install them for free!

Contact us for a free quote today

If you’re on the lookout for the perfect blinds, simply get in touch with Leamington Blinds today for a free quote.

The post Blind Style Guide: The Best Blinds for 2026 appeared first on Leamington Blinds.

Not only do you need to consider the size of the space, you’ve got to factor in how they look, how they hang, costs, privacy and access too.

In this guide we’ll take you through all the most popular blinds for sliding glass doors, so you can weigh up the pros and cons, and find the best style for your home.

Zero deflection blinds

One of our favourite types of blind for wide windows, sliding glass doors or french doors, is the zero deflection blind.

You may not have heard of these before, but the zero deflection blind is specifically made for big, wide windows. Standard roller blinds aren’t necessarily a great choice for big windows, as you may need to have several side by side (leaving big gaps between them), or if you try to have a single blind, the weight may cause the roller to droop in the middle, making your blinds sag and crease.

But zero deflection blinds have a unique slimline roller specifically designed to stay straight to widths of up to 5 metres, with no sagging, drooping or creases!

So if you have wide windows and want a pristine finish to your blinds, zero deflection blinds may be the best choice for you.

Zero deflection blind pros and cons for patio doors

Pros

• No sagging or drooping
• Motorised with smart control options
• Blackout available

Cons

• Restricted access when closed
• Expensive

Ideal for:

Larger windows, rather than patio doors.

Allusion patio door blinds

One of the newest trends in blinds is a brilliant option for sliding glass doors – allusion blinds.

Allusion blinds are wonderful for French doors, not just because they look amazing, but because their vertical panels aren’t attached by chains like normal vertical blinds. 

That means you can actually walk through allusion blinds. So you don’t need to pull them back to access your door!

Allusion blinds are also brilliant for privacy, with a translucent finish that lets in light, without letting anyone see in.

It also makes them great for wide windows that catch a lot of sun. Because allusion blinds are sheer, that means that you can still let light through, whilst keeping the main glare out. This makes them ideal on sunny days.

Allusion blind pros and cons for patio doors

Pros

• Made for patio and french doors
• Perfect for privacy
• Great for light control
• Enables access without having to open the blinds
• Motorisation and smart control options

Cons

• No blackout options
• Minimal heat loss prevention

Ideal for:

Patio or french doors, where the main concern is privacy and light control while still being able to access the door.

Roller blinds for patio doors

Roller blinds are one of the most customisable styles of blind, they come in a huge variety of patterns, materials and colours, and you can even include features like blackout fabric or remote control.

But when you’re shopping for roller blinds for large patio doors, the wider your windows, the more difficult it becomes.

Because roller blinds are usually longer than they are wide, there are far more off-the-shelf options for smaller windows and doors.

But if you have large sliding glass doors, finding a roller blind option can become tricky – and even expensive. That’s because the material needs to be produced on a much wider roll if you aim to have one single blind.

Not only that, but the wider your roller blind, the more likely it will sag in the middle, giving you a creased, uneven finish.

One alternative is to have multiple blinds for large windows. This can give you a lot more flexibility with your window shading too, as you can have each blind on an individual roller, so they can be at different lengths whenever you like.

But another option would be to go for a zero deflection roller blind, which comes with a reinforced tube to prevent sagging and dipping.

Roller blind pros and cons for patio doors

Pros

• Huge range of designs
• Blackout and thermal options available
• Motorisation and smart control options
• Affordable

Cons

• Restricted access when closed
• Sags when too wide

Ideal for:

Smaller patio doors or windows where access isn’t an issue.

Roman blinds for patio doors

If you choose roman blinds for sliding doors or French doors you’re likely to run into the same pros and cons as for roller blinds.

Roman blinds offer a similarly large range of choices and styles, and just like roller blinds, become more difficult to source the wider your sliding doors are.

Again, you can choose  to have multiple roman blinds at the window to cover the space. But one downside with this option is that you’re likely to have some gapping between blinds, and it becomes essential to have them measured and fit perfectly so these gaps aren’t too wide, overlapping or at an angle.

As such, roman blinds are much better suited to taller windows, where they can fill the entire width.

Roman blind pros and cons for patio doors

Pros

• Huge range of designs
• Blackout and thermal options available
• Motorisation and smart control options

Cons

• Restricted access when closed
• Not suitable for extremely wide windows
• Can be expensive

Ideal for:

Tall windows, rather than wide ones.

Perfect fit patio door blinds

One fabulous option when you’re looking for the perfect blinds for your patio doors, is to consider perfect fit patio door blinds. Perfect fit describes how the blinds are installed, not the actual blind type, so these blinds are quick and easy to install and are great to look at too!

Because perfect fit blinds for french doors or bi-fold doors are installed within the actual door frame itself they give complete flexibility, no matter how wide your windows are.

If you choose a perfect fit blind you can have a huge range of different styles including roller, pleated, or venetian blinds for your patio doors. This option really opens up the possibilities for you in terms of blind type.

However, one issue with perfect fit blinds, is that because they sit in the frame of your window, they can cause issues with some sliding glass doors. That’s because the frame of the blinds may stick out enough to prevent the door from sliding properly.

With wide windows and french or bi-fold doors, this isn’t an issue, but if you’ve got sliding patio doors, you’ll need a good blind fitter who can advise you on your options, and make sure you get the blind you need.

Perfect fit blind pros and cons for patio doors

Pros

• Huge range of designs
• Blackout and insulating options available
• Motorisation and smart control options
• Perfect for privacy
• Great for light control
• Enables access without having to open the blinds

Cons

• Not suitable for all types of window or door

Ideal for:

Most french doors, patio doors and wide windows where there is a seal within the window frame and clearance for sliding doors to accommodate blinds.

External blinds for patio doors

An exciting option to consider for your doors and windows is external blinds for patio doors. These stylish outdoor blinds give an incredible finish to your home, and also provide a great level of insulation.

Doors and windows often loose a lot of heat in the winter – and the opposite when it gets warm! – but external blinds help keep the heat in when it’s cold, and keep the sun off the glass in the summer. Therefore, they’re one of the most eco-friendly options when choosing blinds for your home and are a wonderful alternative to indoor blinds.

External blind pros and cons for patio doors

Pros

• Hard wearing
• Blackout
• Insulating in winter, heat preventing in summer
• Motorisation and smart control options
• Adds value to your home

Cons

• Restricted access when closed
• Expensive

Ideal for:

Homes where you wish to add value, maintain a comfortable temperature year round, add security and look incredibly stylish.

Vertical blinds for patio doors

When you’ve got wide windows or sliding glass doors, vertical blinds are a great choice because when it comes to vertical blinds for sliding glass doors you have a choice of vertical vs horizontal blinds – and then often vertical is a much more practical option. 

Horizontal blinds are often best for windows, but when it comes to doors they can become a little impractical. In most cases, we think it’s always a good idea to have blinds that move in the same direction as your windows and doors. If they open and close in different directions it can sometimes make things awkward!

One feeling that can sometimes put some people off vertical window or door blinds is that they can feel a little bit like an office. This is mainly because many offices have large expansive windows and the most obvious privacy or shading option is generally vertical blinds!

But today, there are so many modern vertical blinds alternatives giving you a wide choice of styles and colours to ensure you can find something that’s going to look elegant and stylish in any home.

Vertical blind pros and cons for patio doors

Pros

• Wide range of materials
• Motorisation and smart control options
• Perfect for privacy
• Great for light control
• Affordable

Cons

• Restricted access when closed
• No blackout options

Ideal for:

Privacy and light control.

Blinds for gable windows

It’s not just the different types of blind that you need to consider, but your type of windows as well.

Sometimes your large windows aren’t a regular rectangular shape, for example if you have gable end windows. These make a beautiful feature in your home, but can be more complex when it comes to shading.

But triangle blinds are a fantastic option for gable windows, and can be made to fit each pane perfectly. They’re also usually motorised, meaning you can use a remote, your phone or even a smart home hub to control them.

Triangle blind pros and cons for patio doors

Pros

• Made to fit your windows exactly
• Motorised with smart control options
• Blackout available

Cons

• Expensive

Ideal for:

Triangular and gable end windows, where a bespoke blind is required

The best blinds for sliding doors

So, when you’re looking for the best patio door blinds ideas for sliding patio doors, our recommendation is to go for simplicity, style and ease of use. In most cases then, vertical blinds or perfect fit blinds are going to be excellent choices.

Vertical blinds are practical, easy to install on extra-wide doors and can give you a great finish in a superb range of fabrics and colours.

Perfect fit blinds open up a whole new range of different options, from roller and roman to concertina blinds. By installing the blinds within your frames it means that every blind is perfectly set to give a ‘perfect’ finish.

For an incredible look that saves energy too, external blinds are the obvious eco choice for a modern, stylish home.

Want to know which blinds are best for your patio doors and windows? Get in touch with us today to get a quote and some free expert advice – and remember – all of our patio door & window blinds come with FREE FITTING for local customers!

The post The best blinds for sliding glass doors and patio windows appeared first on Leamington Blinds.

With energy bills rising, discovering affordable, efficient ways to keep your home warm can make a huge difference.

And with so much warm air lost through your windows – energy efficient blinds could be the perfect way to reduce heat loss, and save you money in the long term.

So how do blinds help you keep the warmth in, and what are the best blinds for energy efficiency? In this guide, we’ll explain it all, and give you the facts you need to find the right blinds to keep you warm this winter.

What are thermal blinds?

Thermal blinds can be any that help insulate your windows, or they can be blinds with a specific “thermal” lining.

Thermal linings are typically a thicker material lining to your blind, and can sometimes include a foam or acrylic layer as well to provide an extra insulating air pocket.

For example, some blinds come with an additional lining for extra insulation and some provide insulation because of the way they are structured.

That means that most blind types can be improved or enhanced so that they can be better for keeping the warmth in, but some blind types will naturally perform better than others.

Do thermal blinds work?

Thermal blinds are a highly effective way of reducing heat loss through your windows, by trapping warm air in, and blocking out cold draughts.

Because your windows are a hugely significant factor in your home’s energy efficiency, taking measures to reduce that heat loss can make a big difference to you, and your energy bills.

So, let’s take a look at some of the best kinds of blind for keeping warm this winter.

Different types of thermal blinds

Do thermal blinds really work? It is estimated that specially designed thermal insulation blinds or even standard blinds with a thermal lining or layer of insulation can reduce heat loss by up to 40% from your home, making them a great investment for properties with a large amount of glazing.

Thermal blinds come in a huge range of different styles, as all you really need is a thermal backing or fabric to turn a normal blind into a thermal window blind. Here is a selection of some of the best thermal blind styles available, including a description of how they help keep the heat in.

Thermal roman blinds

Roman blinds are a stylish option and also a popular choice for keeping a room cosy. Roman blinds are available in a variety of fabrics, including thick materials – ideal for keeping heat in a room – and specially designed thermal materials.

What’s more, the Roman style also lends itself to layering two blinds on the same window which offers both a luxurious aesthetic and improved insulation.

Thermal roller blinds

Insulated roller blinds are a kind of roller blind which has been made from a particularly insulating fabric. They are a step up from blackout roller blinds which are also made from a thick, mildly insulating material. 

The thermal material may come in a single layer or multiple layers back-to-back, depending on your requirements. To make sure this kind of blind is as effective as possible, you should choose made to measure thermal blinds so as to reduce the gaps around the edges draughts can still creep through.

Thermal vertical blinds

Vertical blinds can be transformed into heat saving window blinds by making them in an insulating fabric. However, we wouldn’t suggest that these are the best blinds to keep heat in, as the gaps between the louvres can let heat out – even when the blinds are fully closed.

Vertical blinds can still provide an insulating layer against your window, but if it’s your only window shade, it’s not going to be as effective as a lot of other options.

Perfect fit thermal blinds

Perfect fit blinds are one of the most versatile styles, and can come as roller, roman or even venetian blinds.

This means they’re also a great choice for winter – particularly if you’re looking for velux thermal blinds, or thermal conservatory blinds. Because perfect fit blinds sit within the frame of your window, they’re a great choice for tilted, skylight and conservatory window blinds to keep heat in.

But of all the different styles of perfect fit blind, the most effective type to minimise heat loss through your window, is the duette blind, also known as a double pleated, honeycomb or cellular blind.

These are incredibly effective insulating blinds for windows as they have a pocket of air within them that acts as an insulating barrier. Not only does this make them great at keeping the warmth in during the winter, but it also helps keep the heat out during the summer months too.

Thermal blackout blinds

Blackout blinds are often considered to be “thermal” because the thicker material or additional fabric does make them more robust than normal blinds, which naturally makes them better at keeping the heat in.

But it is important to specifically look out for thermal blackout blinds, so you know for certain you’re getting the best of both worlds.

One of the biggest bonuses of choosing blackout thermal blinds, is that it actually enables you to choose from a wide range of different styles, including roller, roman or pleated blinds – as it’s the material that matters, not the blind style itself.

Thermal honeycomb blinds

Duette blinds, also known as honeycomb, pleated or cellular blinds, are specially designed to boost the thermal efficiency of your windows. The blinds trap small pockets of air in their unique honeycomb design which creates an insulating layer between your room and the window. 

This works to prevent heat loss in winter and also heat gain in summer, making these one of the most energy efficient blind styles.

Double pleated, or duette blinds are also a popular style choice for perfect fit blinds, which fit into your window frame. This makes them the ideal choice for conservatory windows and velux or skylights, meaning you can get an insulating blind for almost any window.

Thermal blinds for conservatories

Your conservatory is probably the biggest problem when it comes to losing warmth in the winter. Because there is so much glass, it’s incredibly difficult to prevent heat loss, and even more important to insulate your conservatory windows as much as possible.

Perfect fit winter blinds are one of the best options for this, and it’s also with considering thermal conservatory roof blinds, as so much of your energy will be going straight out of your conservatory roof.

As perfect fit blinds can come as double pleated blinds, this is a great combination for one of the least energy efficient areas of your home.

Thermal blinds for patio doors

Another big cause of heat loss is through patio doors or French windows. Making sure you have the best blinds for patio doors can save you a huge amount on your energy bills.

If you have sliding glass doors into your conservatory, installing insulating blinds can also help prevent losing heat into the room itself. That can also make a big difference to how much heat loss your conservatory generates.

Roof lantern thermal blinds

If you have an orangery, or roof lantern window, then good insulating blinds are essential to help keep your energy costs down.

These roof windows naturally cause a lot of energy loss, because as roof windows, the heat of your home naturally rises up and out of them. A good roof lantern blind can help you minimise that heat loss.

Energy saving blinds for gable windows

Gable end windows are another area where there is often significant heat loss, as they tend to be larger, more expansive windows.

They’re also often more difficult to cover with other window shades such as curtains or shutters due to their complex shape.

However, triangle window blinds, made to measure for your gable windows are the ideal option for insulation and energy saving.

Do wooden blinds keep heat in?

Wooden blinds, including faux wood blinds are a really popular window covering, but if you’re after insulated window blinds, they’re not a particularly great choice.

While they’re made from thick, insulating materials, you can’t really describe them as thermal venetian blinds. That’s because a lot of the benefit from the thicker material is offset by the gaps between louvres and the gaps around the window frame. These provide less of a barrier and can let the cold air through.

Blind combinations for extra insulation

One of the most effective ways to keep in the heat is to have a combination of window shades.

Popular choices include doubling up of blinds, for example having perfect fit blinds within your window frame, and roman blinds outside the recess. Another popular combination is blinds and curtains, or shutters and curtains.

By doubling up your window covering, and having blinds or shutters both inside and outside the window recess, you’re much more likely to keep in the warmth.

Reducing heat loss with smart blinds

Not all the best solutions are actually about the style or material of blind you choose. You can also make a big difference by choosing smart blinds.

Almost all our blind styles can be transformed into smart blinds, which means that the blind has an electric motor that can raise or lower the blind. This motor can be controlled via an app on your smartphone, which means that you can control your blinds from anywhere.

It also means you can set your blinds to be raised and lowered at set times, or manage them through a smart home hub, like Google Nest or Amazon Alexa.

This gives you the ability to lower your blinds as soon as it starts getting dark – regardless of whether you’re actually at home. So you don’t have to worry that your house is getting colder while you’re still out at work.

The best insulating blinds for winter

When you’re insulating your home, your choice of window covering can make a big difference. But having any kind of window shade will certainly help!

If warmth is one of your biggest priorities, then Leamington Blinds can help you decide the style and type of blinds or shutters that will work best, whether that’s thermal blackout roller blinds, shutters with roman blinds on top, or any of our other fantastic options.

Our experienced team can offer you professional advice and guidance when it comes to choosing the ideal window covering for your needs.

With our extensive range, which spans many styles, materials and colours, we have something to meet all interior decorations and rooms of the home. Once you’ve found your perfect blinds, our skilled team can also carry out a professional fitting for you, ensuring your new blinds function smoothly.

Enquire online

If you have any enquiries, contact our helpful team today.

The post The Best Thermal Blinds for Winter (2025) appeared first on Leamington Blinds.

In this guide, we’ll take you through all the different options for privacy blinds, including some options you may not have considered. We’ll take you through the pros and cons of:

• Voile and sheer blinds
• Day & Night blinds
• Voile vertical blinds
• Venetian and vertical window blinds
• Cafe Shutters

So you’ll have all the information you need to make the right choice for your home.

Voile blinds and sheer blinds

Voile roller blinds or voile roman blinds are popular choices for many people looking for a little privacy at their windows. Voile is essentially a sheer type of material which allows light through without becoming entirely see-through blinds.

Most sheer blinds for windows will be made from voile material, so you might find the two terms used interchangeably!

Voile window blinds are lightweight and easy to manage, which makes them a popular blind style choice. 

However, because these sheer roller blinds are the sort of privacy blind that lets light in, they aren’t ideal if you do also want the option of blocking light out – unless you are looking to pair them with a more robust shading solution, such as curtains or an outside recess blind.

Day and Night blinds for privacy and light control

If you want the best of both worlds, day and night blinds may be the ideal option. These are one of the best blinds for privacy, as they include translucent and opaque strips which can be rotated.

This means you can alter your blinds to show a striped finish which allows light through the translucent stripes, or set so that all the opaque sections form a block for complete light control.

Voile vertical blinds

Allusion blinds are another really popular choice for privacy, particularly for patio doors.

These sheer vertical blinds are made of wide vertical louvres, but unlike traditional vertical blinds, they aren’t secured at the base.

That means they are easy to step through, so they’re ideal for french doors and windows, as you don’t need to pull the blinds back in order to get through. 

The vertical panels provide a softening of light, rather than blocking it out entirely, so provide a really good level of privacy without making your room too dark.

Venetian and vertical privacy window blinds

Both vertical and venetian blinds can be good choices if you’re looking for a little privacy. 

Much like day and night blinds, the slats in your venetian blinds can be adjusted to let light through, or to close it out. This gives a good level of flexibility for both light control and privacy.

Vertical blinds are much the same, just vertically, rather than horizontally! The slats on vertical blinds do tend to be wider than your typical venetians, so if privacy is your main concern, it is worth bearing that in mind.

Cafe shutters

Another great option for window privacy isn’t a blind at all – but a shutter! Shutters are often overlooked as a privacy option, but can actually be one of the most versatile options – particularly cafe shutters.

Cafe style shutters only cover the bottom half of your window, and typically also include adjustable slats, so you can further manage both privacy and light control. This leaves the top of your window uncovered so you can still get a good amount of light through.

They’re a really great option for tall, bay or sash windows, and provide a real elegance to your windows that can be perfect for period properties.

The best privacy blinds for windows

From sheer roman blinds to cafe shutters, there are a lot of different options when it comes to privacy. Here are our recommendations based on your priorities:

• For the most flexibility – day and night blinds.
• For patio doors – allusion blinds
• For elegance and style – cafe shutters
• As an alternative to net curtains – voile blinds

Of course, every blind and shutter needs to work perfectly for your own home and needs, so if you need a little help choosing the right privacy blinds for your home, get in touch with the team at Leamington Blinds – we’ll be happy to help!

The post A Complete Guide to Privacy Blinds appeared first on Leamington Blinds.

When you’re looking for the right blinds to block out sun and heat, there’s a lot to think about. From whether you’re looking to soften light, redirect it or block it out completely, to whether you should go for outdoor or indoor shading solutions, or even choose a different blind control method so you can set up your blinds to raise and lower at specific times.

So, in this guide we’ll talk about the different ways you can manage the sunlight hitting your windows, and how you can find the best blinds for sun protection this summer.

What are the different styles of sun blinds for windows?

There are plenty of different blinds for sun protection that can help you manage the light and heat coming through your windows in the summer.

The most common ways to control the light are through angled blinds and shutters that you can use to redirect sunlight, blinds which filter sunlight, softening its impact, and sun blocking blinds, which aim to keep the light out entirely.

Another strategy is to introduce a smart blind system, so that you can set specific times for your blinds to rise and lower – and even have different settings for different windows in your house. That means you can have the blinds down on your exposed windows, but up in other parts of the house.

A smart blind system can be the easiest way to achieve sun protection with your window blinds.

External sun blinds

Our favourite blinds for blocking out the sun are exterior sun blinds. These hard-wearing, motorised blinds are fitted to the outside of your windows, which means that they block out the sunlight before it even hits the glass.

Outdoor sun blinds for windows are  incredibly effective at keeping your rooms cooler. And you can even program them to automatically lower or raise based on the time or even temperature using a smart control!

An alternative style of sun blinds for outside, are awnings. You might not think of them as blinds exactly, but awnings provide a great sun blocking solution. Again these protect your windows from the sun before it hits your window, by creating a shaded area outside and stopping the heat from building up inside too.

Of course this also gives the bonus of having some outdoor shade as well, which is why patio awnings are particularly popular as the weather gets warmer.

However if you’re hoping that awnings will give you the sun protection you need, you’ll need to make sure they’re the right size and angle to actually do the job.

Smart anti sun blinds

When you’re looking for the best blinds to block sun, one of the best options isn’t actually a specific type of blind, but actually how it’s operated.

Making your blinds into smart blinds means that you can control your blinds easily through your phone, an app, or even through smart home hubs like Google Nest and Amazon Alexa.

You can set up your system so that each blinds is raised or lowered at specific times of day. That means you can have blinds on exposed windows automatically lower when the day starts getting hot, but raise again later in the day when things are cooler.

This is a really efficient, effective way to block out the heat of the sun, and means you don’t even have to be at home to get it done!

Smart controls work with any of our motorised blinds, so if you’re looking to purchase, or already have electric blinds from us, you can easily upgrade to smart blinds. 

Conservatory window sun blinds

When it comes to your conservatory, having effective sun blinds can be the difference between having a lovely room to enjoy, and having an internal heater on all summer.

The glass roof and walls of your conservatory make it the perfect place for the sun to heat up through the course of the day, which can make it unbearable when the weather gets too warm.

But luckily there are a lot of different options for sun blocking window blinds for your conservatory.

One of our favourite choices for the conservatory is perfect fit blinds. These are fantastic for the summer, as they can be fit within the frame of each glass panel, perfectly fitting the angle and shape.

That means you can even have conservatory roof blinds, which can be a massive help in keeping out the sun – especially if you choose perfect fit blackout blinds. These are also a great option for angled, or Velux windows.

If heat control is a big issue for your conservatory, we highly recommend our duette perfect fit blinds. These have a honeycomb shape which holds a pocket of insulating air. This not only helps provide protection against heat in the summer, it does the opposite in the winter, helping to hold heat within the house – bringing you benefits all year round!

Angled solar blinds

One of the most effective ways to manage the sunshine in summer, is to have angled vertical or venetian blinds.

The wonderful thing about these blinds is that the louvred slats can be tilted in different directions. This is particularly helpful if you enjoy the sunlight, but want to stop it glaring off the TV or computer screen, or shining directly into your face.

Vertical blinds are also a really popular option for commercial sun shades, as they’re easy to fit for long, wide windows, and allow staff to manage the light effectively.

And blinds aren’t your only option for angling the sunlight. Lots of shutter styles also enable you to adjust their slats and redirect the light too.

Sun filter blinds

Light filtering blinds are a lovely option if you’re just looking to soften the light that comes through your windows.

Vision or twist blinds are one of the best ways to achieve this effect without having to compromise on total light control – with this style you can have both!

Because these blinds use two different materials, you can arrange them with the translucent materials matching front and back, allowing light into the room.

Or you can match up the translucent stripes against the solid fabric, blocking the light out like an everyday roller blind.

Allusion  blinds

Another trending blind option is allusion blinds, which bring you the benefits of both day and night blinds and vertical blinds too. These light, translucent blinds are becoming more popular as a way to soften light coming through your windows and are particularly popular sun blinds for patio doors.

Allusion blinds are light, translucent blinds in large vertical panels. This means they’re ideal for softening light coming through your windows, but because the panels aren’t secure at the base of the blind, they can easily be walked through without having to retract them.  

They’re also great for privacy control, and look a lot more sophisticated than your classic net curtain!

Blackout blinds for sun blocking blinds

If you’re looking for blinds to keep the sun out, then your best bet for internal window shades is to get some blackout blinds.

Blackout blinds will give you much more protection from the sun and can even help keep your room cooler at the same time, by keeping the bright light from warming up your home.

You can get blackout blinds in a huge range of styles, which means you can combine some of our suggestions to get, for example, blackout perfect fit blinds.

The best blinds to keep sun out this summer

At Leamington Blinds we supply and install a massive range of different blinds that are ideal for your home this summer, whether you’re after outdoor sun blinds or internal sun shades.

From external blinds to perfect fit, venetian to vertical, shutters to roller blinds, we can help you choose the ideal option for your home or office.

Enquire online

If you’d like to talk to one of our friendly experts about the right solar blinds for summer, get in touch today!

The post Sun blinds and solar shades: The best sun blocking blinds appeared first on Leamington Blinds.

We supply and install a huge variety of made to measure blackout blinds in different designs and styles that are ideal for any room in your house. We specialise in total blackout blinds, blackout blinds for Velux windows, nursery blackout blinds, bedroom blackout blinds and even blackout thermal blinds that help reduce heat loss through draughty windows.

Is it good to sleep with blackout blinds?

Blackout blind fabrics are usually quite thick compared to other window blinds, and surprisingly, are not always black in colour as many people think! So are you someone whose job or lifestyle means you need to get your rest during daylight hours? If so, then choosing the best blackout blinds from the many exciting and vibrant designs Leamington Blinds have to offer not only improves your sleep, but can look fantastic in your home too.

With so many different options to choose from, and so many different styles to consider, picking the right style of blackout blinds for your home can be a difficult choice. Our experts here at Leamington Blinds have put together this guide to help you understand all the different types of blackout blinds, how effective they are, and what other benefits there might be to having blackout shades in your home.

8 FAQs on blackout blinds:

• What are blackout blinds?
• Why do I need blackout blinds?
• How effective are blackout blinds?
• Which blinds are best for blackout?
• Blackout blinds and curtains
• Blackout shutter blinds
• Are blackout blinds eco friendly?
• What blackout blinds are right for me?

These are the most frequently asked questions that our blind experts get asked. In each section we’ll take you through everything you need to know about blackout shades, and help you decide what option is going to be best for you.

What are blackout blinds?

Blackout blinds are simply window blinds that block out light and are also referred to as ‘room darkening blinds’ or ‘dimout blinds’, as many types of blackout blinds don’t quite achieve a total blackout.

Blackout blinds are generally made from a thicker material than standard blinds which helps block out the light. They can also come with an additional blackout lining to further improve performance.

Why do I need blackout blinds?

You don’t always need blackout blinds in every situation, but there are a lot of good reasons to consider them as an option.

Here at Leamington Blinds we find ‘blackout blinds for bedroom’ are a particularly popular choice, as lots of people (myself included!) struggle to sleep without total blackout blinds keeping out all the light.

That’s particularly true if you live in an area where there are lots of lights, whether that’s streetlamps, shop signs or neighbours with security lights.

Nursery blackout blinds are also really popular and many parents choose blackout blinds for their babies nursery to help their little ones get off to sleep easier in the lighter summer evenings.

How effective are blackout blinds?

The effectiveness of your blackout blinds is going to depend on a few different things, mainly the type of blind you get, and the way that it’s installed.

For a complete blackout blind, you’ll need something that completely covers your window area, without big gaps at the sides or top.

That means that some blinds are going to be better than others if you’re trying to keep your room dark.

Which blinds are best for blackout?

So, if not all blackout blinds are equal, which are actually the best blackout blinds?

Total blackout blinds

Total blackout blinds are a special kind of roller blinds that provides complete blackout coverage. Where normal roller blinds can be made with blackout material or lining, they can still let light in around the edges of the blind.

But total blackout blinds are different. They have an innovative zip-edge system which completely secures the blind, leaving no space for any light to creep through.

So if you need complete light blocking blinds, total blackout blinds are by far the best choice.

Standard blackout roller blinds

Roller blinds are generally one of the most popular types of blinds, and if you want blinds that mostly block out light, they could be a good choice for you.

Roller blinds often come in blackout fabrics, or are easy to convert to blackout by having a blackout lining included, which will keep out the light behind the blind.

However, this style of blind usually lets light in over the top of the roller, which can be an issue if you’re looking for total blackout roller blinds.

This can usually be fixed if you have cassette blackout blinds. The cassette covers the roller section, blocking out that strip of light across the top and keeping your room nice and dark.

Roman blackout blinds

Roman blinds are another popular choice, and just like roller blinds they’re easy to convert with a blackout lining.

Furthermore, blackout roman blinds can be hung a little higher above the window recess than roller blinds, so they don’t have the same issues with letting in light at the top of your window.

Venetian blackout blinds

Venetian blinds are often made from material that naturally blocks out light. Aluminium and wooden venetian blinds are obviously more solid than fabric blinds, so you don’t need to think about getting extra blackout material for them. For that reason wooden blackout blinds are very popular.

However, because venetian blinds are slatted, it’s easier for light to break through the slats and into the room. That’s why total blackout venetian blinds are pretty hard to come by.

Honeycomb blackout blinds

Also known as duette blackout blinds or concertina blackout blinds, honeycomb blinds are a good option if you’re looking to keep the light out.

Most honeycomb blinds are blackout by default, due to the doubled material that creates their unique shape. That means you don’t need to add a blackout lining to them.

They also tend to fit a window snugly (so long as they’re properly installed!), so you’re not left with big gaps at the top or down the sides where light can creep in.

Blackout vertical blinds

If you’re looking for a blackout window solution, vertical blinds are probably not going to be your first choice. In a similar way to venetian blinds, vertical blinds are made up of slats, which can often let light slip through.

The do tend to have a larger overlap than venetian blinds, which can be slightly more effective, but they’re also not made from blackout material by default. So if you’re looking for vertical blackout blinds, you’ll need to be careful about the material you choose.

Blackout pleated blinds

Pleated blinds might not be an obvious choice for blackout, but they can actually be quite effective as well as stylish.

If you decide to go for pleated blinds, you will need to ensure they are made from a suitable blackout fabric or material. Adding a blackout lining isn’t really an option for these blinds as you need to preserve the pleated edge, so make sure they are blackout before you order.

Perfect fit blackout blinds

Probably the best way to achieve total blackout conditions in your room, is to opt for blackout perfect fit blinds.

Perfect fit does exactly what it says – fits perfectly! So if you choose a perfect fit blind in a blackout material, you’re ensuring that your window is completely covered. 

Perfect fit blackout blinds are probably the best option for blackout blinds, because they fit within the window frame itself, making it nice and snug with very little room for gaps around the edge that can let the light through.

External blackout blinds

If you’re looking for a luxury blackout blind option, an upcoming trend is external shading. This is a really modern option, and means that you have electric blackout blinds that you can control by remote or even your phone.

Having blinds on the outside of your windows is a great way to get a total blackout effect. Because the blinds are over the windows and not inside them, there is absolutely no space around the outside where light can creep in. 

This is a really popular option if you’re interested in smart home solutions, or just want a really high end finish to your house.

Blackout blinds and curtains

Another popular blackout option is doubling up your window shading by combining blackout blinds and curtains.

By having both shade types at your window, you don’t need to worry so much about small strips of light coming through at the edges of your blinds. You can cover these with your curtains for complete blackout coverage.

Blackout shutter blinds

One thing that people are always on the lookout for is a balance between light control and style, and that’s why so many of them are interested in blackout shutters.

Can you get blackout shutters?

Shutters are made from sturdy materials like wood, PVC, faux-wood or vinyl. Obviously these materials naturally keep out the light, but because they’re not one solid piece there’s a fairly high possibility that light will come in between the slats.

So, strictly speaking, there’s no such thing as blackout shutters, but there are ways you can alter your shutters to make them better at keeping out the light.

How much light do shutters block?

A good set of plantations shutters that have been properly measured and installed should keep out quite a lot of light. 

It’s unlikely you’ll ever achieve total blackout, but the higher the quality of the shutters and the installation, the more likely you are to get close.

Can you put blackout blinds behind shutters?

This is actually a great way to achieve the look you want and still have the blackout option you need. Perfect fit blackout blinds are a great choice to have behind your shutters, to provide the light-blocking effect without getting in the way. 

Because they fit into the frame of your window, perfect fit blinds enable you to have plantation shutters as well, giving you the best of both worlds.

Are blackout blinds eco friendly?

One of the additional benefits of blackout blinds, is that they are more of a green option than many other types of blind. That’s because they help prevent you losing heat through your windows, and on the flip side, keep the sunshine at bay when it’s hot.

Can you get thermal blackout blinds?

While thermal blackout blinds are not technically thermal blinds, you will find that blackout blinds generally keep in a lot more heat than standard blinds because of the extra level of insulation from the heavier blackout lining.

The extra lining is also great for keeping the sunshine off your windows, so you can use blackout blinds to keep your room cool in the summer, and warm in the winter. 

That means that blackout blinds are energy saving too, and prevents you from losing heat through your windows when it’s cold.

What’s the most eco friendly blackout blind?

If you’re really concerned about your carbon footprint, or if you simply live in a house that gets quite chilly, one of the best options for you is the duette blackout blind.

These blinds insulate your windows with a double layer of fabric, with a pocket of air in between, giving them their honeycomb shape.

This air pocket provides an extra level of insulation in the same way as in a double glazed window. It’s incredibly simple and surprisingly effective at keeping the heat in your room and not losing it through the windows.

Which types of blackout blinds are best for me?

When making a choice about which types of blackout blinds would best suit your needs, you should first decide on the level of blackout you want to achieve, then consider the finished look you want to create. Our favourite options to get a great look and a blackout finish are:

• External blackout blinds – nothing looks quite as stylish as these blinds, they’re incredibly easy to use and they give you a total blackout effect
• Plantation shutters and blackout blinds – this combination gives you a classic, elegant look, with the blinds behind providing the blackout solution
• Perfect fit blackout blinds – affordable, easy to install, a huge range of designs, and fit so perfectly to your window frame that it blocks out all the light

At Leamington Blinds we supply and install almost every type of blackout blind you can imagine! Plus we offer a FREE measuring & installation service for customers in and around Warwickshire. Simply get in touch for a free quote, and we’ll help you decide what the best option is for your home and budget.

The post How To Choose The Best Blackout Blinds appeared first on Leamington Blinds.

These modern garden accessories allow us to make our outdoor space more accessible and comfortable, whatever the weather or time of year. Therefore, it’s no surprise that these outdoor accessories are now becoming some of the most popular blind and shading options.

So what are the best options for outdoor shading – and how do you decide what’s going to work best for your home or business? This guide will help you through the options available.

Outdoor living blinds

Our outside space has never been so important. With all the impact of the pandemic, there was a period where outdoors was the only place we could safely enjoy with family and friends.

So it’s no surprise that outdoor living blinds have been in big demand.

Our favourite option is the outdoor living pod. This product creates shade and shelter, making it perfect when the sun is shining, or when it’s chilly and damp.

The hard wearing louvre blinds can be automatically adjusted to give you the perfect conditions, whatever the weather. Their versatility almost creates a new room in your garden, one that is still open and accessible, but gives you protection from the elements.

Outdoor living pods are also becoming popular with pubs, bars and restaurants who want to give their customers a space to enjoy their food and drinks even if the weather isn’t fantastic.

By having a safely covered outdoor area, the beer garden or outdoor terrace can be popular all year round.

Made to measure garden awnings

If you’re looking for an outdoor shading solution that’s a little simpler, then garden awnings can be a fantastic option.

Awnings are typically fixed to an external wall, and can be pulled out to provide shelter and shade. They’re most commonly used over a patio area, so you can sit outside and enjoy your garden without being exposed to the sun.

Although there are some traditional awnings styles, today there’s a huge range of modern colours and patterns you can choose for a really stylish finish to your home.

It’s easy to forget that overhanging roofs, porches or even doorways can get in the way of your awning, so measuring up is really important. Before you contact an awning supplier, make sure your measurements are exact.

Commercial awnings

Shop awnings and canopies are also a really popular shading solutions for businesses, from cafés with kerbside tables, to shops that want to keep the glare off their beautiful window displays.

Traditional shop awnings have always provided a classic look, but today awnings don’t have to be the standard stripes and colours. Now awnings can be perfectly tailored to your business, with styles and colours that will appeal to your customers and better reflect your branding.

Pub awnings and restaurant awnings are also becoming more popular as businesses look to make more of their outside space.

External roller blinds for indoor spaces

One of our most popular exterior blind products is the external roller blind. However, this type of blind isn’t designed for creating shade or shelter in outdoor spaces, they’re actually an alternative to indoor blinds and shutters.

What are external roller blinds? External roller blinds are simply roller blinds that are fixed on the outside of a window or door, as opposed to other forms of window treatment that typically hang in front of windows or doors in the home. Outdoor roller blinds are designed to provide insulation, offer privacy and are particularly good at keeping out sunlight.

External blinds are smart, stylish, eco friendly blinds that protect your windows from direct solar radiation. So if you have large windows or patio doors where the heat builds up internally during hot summer days, just from the sunlight on the glass, then you know how incredibly uncomfortable it can get.

Outdoor blinds work by simply blocking out the sunlight before it hits the glass, thereby keeping your internal living space infinitely cooler on hot days.

Furthermore, external roller blinds are a really popular choice for modern, smart homes because you can program them to open or close on a timer, or to react to the temperature or light within your rooms.

What are the best outdoor blinds?

Outdoor living pods, external blinds and awnings are all great ways to bring your internal and outdoor living areas together. But the best choice really depends on what you hope to get out of your outdoor shading solution.

If you’re looking for a simple way to provide shade and shelter on your patio or outside your shop, then awnings may be the perfect choice.

If you’re looking to create an entertaining space, like a whole new room, then outdoor living pods are simply fantastic.

If you want smart blinds that protect your windows from the sun’s glare, then exterior roller blinds are the best option for you.

But whatever you decide, Leamington Blinds can measure up, supply and install the perfect outdoor shading system for your home or business.

Enquire online

To get a quote, or if you just want some friendly advice from our expert team, get in touch today.

The post Outdoor Blinds & Garden Awnings Buyers Guide appeared first on Leamington Blinds.

After all, it’s not just about the finished look, blinds for a living room can need to perform a lot of different functions, from keeping in the warmth to keeping out prying eyes.

So in this guide, we’ll talk about all the different types of blind that might work for your living room, and how to choose the ideal style for your home.

Best type of blinds for a living room

When you’re looking for ideas for front room blinds, there’s a lot to consider, but probably the best place to start is to take a look at the shape and size of your windows.

Living room bay window blinds

Bay windows are always a little more complex when it comes to finding the right window shades. That’s because you need to consider the type of fitting as well as the style of blind itself.

Any blinds or shutters you choose will need to be fit to navigate the angle of your windows, whether it’s a box bay or angled bay window.

That’s why perfect fit blinds can be a great choice for bay window blinds, as they can be fit into each individual pane. They can also come in a wide range of styles, including pleated, venetian and roller.

Patio door blinds for lounge

Many living rooms include a glass sliding door, and it’s a great idea to think about that when you’re picking the right blind style for the room.

Because patio doors are usually large and wide, vertical blinds are a very popular choice. Because the vertical louvres can be tilted, they give a great balance of light control and privacy.

But living room vertical blinds aren’t just for patio doors, they can be used on any windows in your living room.

Another popular choice of patio door blind is the allusion blind. Because these blinds are opaque, they don’t provide the same level of light blocking as a classic vertical blind. Instead they offer a gentle diffusion of light, and can give you privacy without leaving you in darkness!

Allusion blinds are also cleverly made without the louvres being connected by a chain, so if you have your patio door open, you can step straight through the blinds.

Blackout lounge blinds

If light control is a big concern in your living room, then blackout blinds might be the best choice for you.

The good news here is that so many types of blind come in blackout options, with roman and roller blinds the most popular choices.

If you’re not too fussed about total blackout blinds, and are looking for more flexible light control, then louvred blind options like venetian and vertical blinds could be the answer you’re looking for.

There are so many different types to choose from, it might be helpful to take a look at our in-depth guide to choosing the best blackout blinds!

Front room privacy blinds

For many of us, privacy is a big concern in our living rooms, and that’s where privacy blinds can be a massive help.

Most privacy blinds The difference between privacy blinds, and just leaving your blinds down all day, is that privacy blinds typically include an opaque material. That means you still get light through your blinds – but people still can’t see in.

The most versatile privacy blinds are day and night blinds, where alternating materials create opaque and solid stripes that can be manoeuvred to let light in or keep it out.

Modern blinds for living room

If you’re looking for modern trends in blinds for your living room, then there’s a lot of new and upcoming styles.

Smart blinds

Electric blinds are a really popular option for lounges, as you can operate them without needing to get off the sofa!

Remote control blinds are a really convenient choice, but there’s an even more convenient option – the smart blind.

Instead of using a remote, smart blinds can be operated through an app, which means you can manage them wherever you are through your phone, or through a smart home device like a Nest or Alexa. 

They can even be programmed to go up or down at specific times, providing security when you’re away, and setting your home up perfectly for when you get up in the morning, or get home at night.

Outdoor blinds

When you’re looking for modern living room blind ideas you probably didn’t consider external blinds – but hear us out!

While outdoor blinds have a bigger impact on how your home looks from the outside, the benefits you feel inside are significant enough that we feel it’s important to include them as an option.

External blinds are probably the most effective blinds when it comes to temperature control. Not only do they help keep the heat in in the winter, it’s the supper when outdoor blinds really come into play.

By blocking out sunlight before it even hits your windows, these blinds are the most efficient way to keep your home cool when it’s hot outside.

And having outdoor blinds to take care of the practical elements of window shading, you can team them up with an interior blind or curtain for your living room – just for style.

Living room plantation shutters

Another alternative to lounge blinds, is living room shutters. Shutters are becoming more and more popular, and can give your living room windows a really elegant finish.

While the most popular style is for white wooden shutters, there’s probably a wider range of styles and materials than you imagine.

Wood shutters come in a range of finishes, from painted to natural wood grain, and there’s also uPVC or plastic shutters, which are durable and even water resistant.

Living room wooden blinds

If you like the look of shutters, but want a simpler (or more affordable) option, then wooden blinds for your living room could be the perfect choice.

Wooden venetian blinds have a similar look to shutters, but are much more compact, making it easier for them to be hidden away, as well as giving you greater flexibility over how much of the window is covered.

And this style of blind also comes in faux-wood too. So you can have the additional water resistance and durability you find with faux-wood shutters, just in the venetian blinds style.

Classic blinds for living room windows

When you’re searching for the right living room window blinds, you simply can’t ignore the classic styles! There’s a reason that these blinds are popular year after year, so let’s see if they’re the right choice for you!

Living room roman blinds

Roman blinds are always a great choice for your lounge. They bring a luxurious feel to a room, and come in such a huge range of designs and colours that you’re bound to find the perfect match.

Roman blinds in your living room often help with your window insulation, as they are normally fully lined with blackout options available too.

Roman blinds are also popular for people looking to double up on their windows, either with roman blinds inside the window cavity and curtains outside, or roman blinds over the cavity with a different blind type over the window itself.

That gives you an even wider range of finishes to think about!

Roller blinds for living rooms

We may have left living room roller blinds for last, but they’re probably the most popular blind style available!

Roller blinds are always going to be the go-to option for most people for a range of reasons. They’re easy to fit, simple to use, and come in such a huge variety of styles, materials and patterns that you’re simply bound to find the ideal design for every room.

Roller blinds can even be enhanced with extra features such as blackout lining, electric, remote control or smart blind operation, and elegant cassettes to hide the blind when it’s retracted.

Blinds for living rooms – ideas you’ll love

Now you know all about the best blinds and shutters for your living room, you can make the right choice for your home.

And of course, if you need a little help making your decision, the team at Leamington Blinds is here to help! 

Get a quote

Get in touch with Leamington Blinds today for a quote for any style of living room blinds or shutters.

The post How to Choose Your Living Room Blinds appeared first on Leamington Blinds.

In this guide we’ll get to grips with everything you need to know about perfect fit blinds, from what they are and where you can use them, to some of the problems people have with them.

So, let’s dive right in!

What is a perfect fit blind?

Let’s start with the basics: a perfect fit blind is a type of blind that fits directly into the frame of the window, rather than in or outside the window recess.

Because perfect fit blinds are defined by how they hang, it means you can actually get a huge range of different types of perfect fit blind, including venetian, roller and pleated blinds.

How do perfect fit blinds work?

A perfect fit blind has a custom made frame that fits inside the rubber beading on your window.

The blind then sits within this frame, meaning that every pane has its own individual blind.

The blinds themselves can come in a huge range of different styles and options, from blackout to venetian, roller to pleated.

Why would I choose perfect fit blinds?

A perfect fit blind has a custom made frame that fits inside the rubber beading on your window.

The blind then sits within this frame, meaning that every pane has its own individual blind.

The blinds themselves can come in a huge range of different styles and options, from blackout to venetian, roller to pleated.

Why would I choose perfect fit blinds?

Perfect fit blinds have been one of the UK’s most popular blind styles for many years, and that looks set to continue for many years to come!

One of the biggest selling points of a perfect fit blind is that you don’t need screws or to drill any holes to fit them – they fit right into your window frame. That can save an awful lot of stress and hassle when you’re trying to fit your blinds – but at the same time, it means you have to be incredibly precise in your measuring.

Perfect fit blinds are really compact and unobtrusive, and because they’re secured within their frames, they don’t blow in the wind and make a noise. That means they’re a great choice for windows that you regularly open.

They’re are also a really great choice for skylight and velux windows. Again, because they sit within their own frame, your perfect fit blinds will hang at exactly the same angle as your window.

Conservatories and patio doors are popular places to get perfect fit blinds too. Because the blinds fit within the pane of each individual window, rather than trying to hang blinds across large areas of your room.

One of the other reasons that they’re popular, is that you can get a complete blackout effect from perfect fit blinds – with almost no light creeping through the gaps.

Another really popular choice is perfect fit blinds for caravans. Not only do they take up much less space than regular blinds, but they also stay secured within their frame whether they’re open or closed, making them a lot safer when you’re on the move!

What’s the difference between intu and perfect fit blinds?

Essentially these are the same type of blinds! The big difference is that Intu is a particular brand of perfect fit blinds, but they also are known by a whole host of different terms including:

• Easy fit blinds
• No drill blinds
• No screw blinds
• Clip and fit blinds
• Clip on blinds
• Click fit blinds

But really, all of these are describing the same product.

Are there common perfect fit blind problems?

The biggest problem people have with perfect fit blinds is not having them properly measured. That means that when they arrive, you don’t get the “perfect fit” that you were expecting!

The best way around this is to make sure you get a full measuring and installation service when you buy your blinds.

Another common question people ask is “are perfect fit blinds expensive?”. Perfect fit blinds do tend to cost more than simpler types of blind like roller blinds. But most people find that the additional cost is more than worth it for the quality of blind they end up with.

Perfect fit blinds are also not a great choice for every type of window, so it’s important that you think carefully before making your choice. If your windows don’t have a rubber seal – if they’re an older style sash window, for example – then perfect fit blinds may not work for you.

How to measure perfect fit blinds

Measuring correctly for perfect fit blinds is absolutely essential if you want to achieve that genuinely “perfect” fit.

When you measure for perfect fit blinds, you need to take your measurements from and to the edge of the rubber beading in your window. You’ll also need to take measurements for each individual pane – which can be quite time consuming if you’re measuring up a conservatory!

We advise you take at least 3 measurements for the vertical, and 3 more for the horizontal, and noting down the smallest measurement for each.

But if you’re concerned that you might not get an accurate measurement for your perfect fit frame, we recommend using a service who will provide the measuring and fitting for you.

How to fit perfect fit blinds

Installing your perfect fit blinds doesn’t require any drilling or screws, but can be a bit more of a complex process than putting up a standard roller or roman blind.

First, you’ll need to put together the blind within its frame. This is usually pretty straightforward, but you’ll need to make sure that the blind is secured with the right level of tension.

Check that when your frame is upright, the blind doesn’t naturally fall. If it does, you’ll need to adjust the tension by shortening the cord on the spring at the base of the frame.

Next you’ll need to install the brackets for the frame. These slide under the rubber beading at the edges of your window, and you usually place them on each side of the window, a couple of inches down from the corners.

Then you simply click the frame into the brackets.

Or alternatively, you can use a service that will do the whole process for you!

Perfect fit blinds from Leamington Blinds

At Leamington Blinds we have a huge range of different perfect fit blinds, including energy saving pleated blinds, classic rollers and elegant venetians.

We also provide free measuring and fitting for customers in the Coventry and Warwickshire areas, so you can be confident that your blinds really are the perfect fit! Get in touch with us for a no-obligation quote.

The post Are perfect fit blinds the right choice for you? appeared first on Leamington Blinds.