The Right Blind for the Right Room

Blinds are one of those things which initially appear straightforward, but then you find out there are five different types of them, dozens of fabric choices and absolutely no agreement as to where to put what. Here is a comprehensive breakdown per room to help you choose wisely.

The kitchen. The main requirement for blinds in the kitchen is to be practical. Steam, grease and splashes are common occurrences in almost any kitchen, and your blind needs to withstand these harsh conditions without deteriorating quickly. Waterproof roller blinds are the most popular type of blind in kitchens, and for good reason: they are easy to clean, come in many different colours and patterns and fit neatly above the window without hindering it. Another excellent choice is faux wood Venetian blinds, which give you the natural look without the moisture issues of real wood. Roman blinds can also be used in kitchens, but only if they are away from the hob and sink - fabric and steam are not a good combination.

The bathroom. Again, the same logic as in the kitchen, but in bathrooms there is even more moisture to handle. Waterproof rollers and PVC blinds should be your first choice, while faux wood Venetian blinds perform equally well in this room. Avoid blinds that use fabric that is hard to wipe off, as mould and mildew will accumulate quite quickly in this moist environment.

The bedroom. Here you have the maximum amount of choice, and the choice itself will significantly affect the feeling of the room. Roman blinds perform well in bedrooms and create a warm atmosphere. They are often combined with other blind types, such as rollers, as they do not offer the same degree of light blocking on their own. If you want a dark room with the soft feeling of fabric, go for Roman blinds with a blackout or interlined lining. Blackout rollers are a good alternative if you prefer a minimalist design.

The living room. In the living room people normally want something more stylish. Roman blinds are popular, especially in rooms with a more traditional look, and wooden Venetian blinds look fabulous in living rooms with natural materials and warm colours. You will be surprised how perfectly these blinds allow you to control the light level in the room and how elegant they look in the right environment. If you have large windows or a bay front, vertical blinds might be a good choice because of their ability to cover large spaces of glass neatly and efficiently.

The conservatory. For the conservatory you need special blinds, as ordinary ones will usually not suffice. Pleated cellular blinds, sometimes called honeycomb blinds, are one of the best solutions for conservatory roofs and glazed windows as they trap air in the cells and insulate the room effectively. For the walls and doors of the conservatory, roller or vertical blinds are usually appropriate. The most important thing is to choose blinds designed especially for high temperature and UV exposure.

Skylights and roof windows. Velux and similar roof windows require specific blinds designed for their shape and installation. Standard blinds will never fit and will not work correctly at the inclined angle or overhead. Special blinds attached to the frame are your best bet here; they come in blackout, light filtering and solar varieties depending on your needs.

The correct choice of blinds for the correct room will make your life much easier. It does not need to be complicated, it just requires some thought prior to purchase. If you would like advice for your own windows, our team is always happy to help.