Improving your conservatory to make it feel cosy and welcoming doesn’t have to break the bank. One of the most effective and affordable ways to add to your conservatory’s comfort and looks is by installing blinds.
With a vast range of blinds available to suit various budgets and styles, it can be tricky finding the right ones for you. Well, fear not; we’re here to explore five budget-friendly blind ideas that are specifically designed for conservatories – so you can make sure you find the perfect balance between style, purpose, and cost-effectiveness.
Why have blinds in a conservatory?
Blinds offer many benefits in a conservatory, including added style, comfort, and protection.
They provide a level of light control, allowing you to decide on the amount of sunlight entering the space and create a more comfortable environment, especially during the brightest hours of the day.
Blinds also offer privacy, shielding your conservatory from outside eyes while still allowing you to enjoy the views of your outdoor surroundings. There are also certain types of blinds that can help to insulate the conservatory, reducing heat loss during colder months and maintaining a consistent temperature throughout the year.
Overall, installing blinds in your conservatory not only adds a decorative touch but also adds to a more enjoyable and useable living space.
5 Conservatory blinds ideas
- Roller blinds
- Vertical blinds
- Venetian blinds
- Roman blinds
- Pleated blinds
1. Roller blinds
Roller blinds offer a clean and modern look while offering good sun protection and privacy. These adaptable blinds are available in a vast range of colours, fabrics, and patterns, making it easy to find an affordable option that complements your conservatory’s decorations.
One of the main benefits of roller blinds is that they can block unwanted light. By adjusting the position of the blind, you can easily choose the amount of sunlight entering the conservatory, helping to create a comfortable environment for relaxation or activities.
Roller blinds also offer privacy when needed, making them ideal for conservatories situated near neighbours or busy streets. Another advantage is their neat and unobtrusive design, which can work with various interior styles without overwhelming the space.
However, roller blinds do have some downsides to consider. While they provide decent light control, they may not offer as much insulation as other types of blinds, which could affect the temperature inside the conservatory, especially during extreme weather conditions.
Additionally, roller blinds typically operate by rolling up and down, which means they may obstruct the view when fully lowered. This can be a drawback if you want to have a clear view of your garden or outdoor surroundings.
Roller blinds may also require more regular cleaning and maintenance compared to other types of blinds, as dust and dirt can get on the fabric over time.
If considering a roller blind, take a look at light-filtering fabrics to soften harsh sunlight and maintain a comfortable temperature.
Affordable Roller Blinds: Source: Blinds by Post
2. Vertical Blinds
Vertical blinds are an ideal choice for conservatories with large windows or sliding doors. You can choose from a large choice of budget-friendly materials such as PVC or fabric to get a good balance between style and affordability.
One of the main advantages of vertical blinds is the way you can filter outside light. By tilting the slats, you can easily adjust the amount of sunlight entering the conservatory, allowing you to create the perfect ambience for any time of day or activity.
Vertical blinds also give privacy while still allowing natural light to filter through, making them ideal for conservatories located in busy areas. Another benefit is their space-saving design, as vertical blinds stack neatly to the side when fully open, making the most of the view and the feeling of space in the conservatory.
Aside the positives, there are several negatives that do come with vertical blinds that you should consider. One potential issue is, like the roller blinds, that they may not offer very good insulation compared to other types of blinds, particularly when it comes to keeping the heat inside during the colder months.
Unfortunately, the vertical slats can also gather dust and dirt over time, meaning that they will need to be regularly cleaned to keep their appearance. Another think to note is that vertical blinds may not be as suitable for conservatories with irregularly shaped windows or limited mounting options, as they typically require space for the slats to stack when fully open.
These vertical blinds start from just over £10
Vertical Blinds – source: Order blinds
3. Venetian Blinds
Venetian blinds have a beautifully classic look that adds a touch of elegance to any conservatory. Available in aluminium, wood, or faux wood materials, Venetian blinds offer good light control and privacy.
Venetian blinds offer an adaptable option for conservatories, providing homeowners with control over light and privacy. Their slats allow you to easily adjust the amount of sunlight coming into the conservatory, allowing you to vary the feel of the environment throughout the day.
With the ability to tilt the slats to different angles, you can direct light upwards to reflect off the ceiling, reducing glare and heat buildup. Venetian blinds come in a wide range of colours and finishes to choose from, so you can usually find a style that suits you.
However, it’s important to note that Venetian blinds may require more frequent cleaning compared to other alternatives, because they collect dust and debris. The cords used to raise and lower the blinds can pose a potential hazard, especially in households with young children or pets, although cordless options are available for added safety.
Add a little flare with this industrial style, copper Venetian blinds – similar styles are available from £9.65:
Affordable Venetian Blinds – Image credit: Blinds2go
4. Roman Blinds
Roman blinds add a touch of sophistication to your conservatory while offering practical benefits. These blinds are available in a range of affordable fabrics and patterns, allowing you to have a stylish focal point without going over your budget. Choose fabrics that filter light to soften the sunlight and create a warm, inviting feel.
Roman blinds have soft fabric designs that create stylish looks that complement various interior styles, from traditional to modern. One of the key benefits of Roman blinds is their ability to provide good insulation, helping to regulate temperature and keep the conservatory comfortable year-round.
When closed, thicker Roman blinds effectively block out sunlight, reducing glare and preventing UV damage to furniture and flooring. They also offer a level of privacy without completely blocking out natural light, allowing you to enjoy the view of the outdoors while keeping a sense of seclusion.
As with all blinds, there are drawbacks – it’s important to consider that Roman blinds can be harder to clean compared to other types of blinds due to their fabric base. Often, dirt can collect between the folds, requiring regular care to keep them looking their best. As well as this, Roman blinds may not offer as much flexibility in light control as other types of blinds, as they typically work in an all-or-nothing manner rather than letting you make slight adjustments in light levels.
Small Roman blinds start from around £16.
Roman Blinds – Picture credit: Forth Blinds
5. Pleated Blinds
Pleated blinds are a cost-effective solution for conservatories, offering a bright and classic look. These blinds are available in a variety of colours and textures, allowing you to customise your conservatory’s look while maintaining privacy and light control.
Their clean profile and crisp pleats add a stylish look to any conservatory, offering a simple, minimalist look that goes with both traditional and modern settings.
One of the main advantages of pleated blinds is their ability to filter light effectively while still allowing natural light to fill the space. The unique design of pleated blinds lets them to diffuse sunlight, reducing glare and creating a softer, more diffused light that improves the feel of the conservatory.
Pleated blinds also offer good insulation properties, helping to control temperature and improve energy efficiency by trapping air between the pleats. This insulation feature makes pleated blinds particularly useful in conservatories, where temperature fluctuations can be more noticeable.
On the downside, it’s worth noting that pleated blinds may not provide as much privacy as some other types of blinds, especially when they are in the raised position. Pleated blinds may need more frequent dusting and maintenance compared to other types of blinds, as dust can gather between the pleats over time.
Look for energy-efficient fabrics to help regulate temperatures and reduce heat loss during colder months.
These pleated blinds from Dunelm start from £50
Pleated Blinds- Picture credit: Dunelm
Maintaining your conservatory blinds
Regular maintenance is essential to ensure your conservatory blinds remain in their best condition. Here are some simple tips to keep them looking their best:
- Dust or vacuum your blinds regularly to remove any dirt
- Spot clean stains using a mild detergent and a soft cloth
- Avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaners, as they may damage the blinds.
- Check the blinds for any signs of wear or damage, and repair or replace them as needed.
Search for blinds with easy-to-clean materials to help keep them looking good.
Adding blinds to your conservatory is a simple yet effective way to create a comfortable and inviting space.
With lots of options ranging from roller blinds to Venetian blinds, there’s a budget-friendly solution to suit every taste and preference.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best blinds for a conservatory?
The best blinds for a conservatory depend on your preferences and requirements.
Roller blinds, vertical blinds, Venetian blinds, Roman blinds, and pleated blinds are popular options that work in conservatories.
How do I choose the right blinds for my conservatory?
Consider factors such as style, their function, budget, and how much light you want to block/let in when choosing blinds for your conservatory.
It’s also important to measure your windows accurately to ensure a perfect fit.
Can I install blinds myself, or should I hire a professional?
While some blinds are quite easy to install yourself, complicated or large installations may require professional assistance. Think about your DIY skills and the complexity of the blinds before deciding.
Are there any energy-efficient blind options for conservatories?
Yes, certain blinds, such as pleated blinds with energy-efficient fabrics, can help regulate temperature and reduce heat loss in conservatories, making them more energy-efficient.
How do I clean and maintain conservatory blinds to keep them looking good?
Regular dusting, spot cleaning, and gentle maintenance are key for prolonging the life of conservatory blinds. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for specific cleaning and maintenance guidelines.
If you are interested in hearing more tips on upgrading your conservatory, take a look at our blog.
