First off it is important not to confuse conservatory window blinds with conservatory roof blinds. The blinds for covering the sides of a conservatory are the conservatory window blinds and the shaped blinds on the roof are conservatory roof blinds.
Compared to roof blinds, conservatory window blinds are relatively easy to measure and purchase, this is due to them being a rectangular shape similar to a normal window, just on a larger scale.
When choosing a blind for a conservatory window it is important not only to think about the style and aesphetics, but also the fabric properties. This is because conservatories are notorious for amplifying the problem of solar glare, which can lead to long term damage of furniture. Luckily there are a range of blind types and fabric properties available:
Pleated Blinds are well known for their ability to control solar glare. When not in use they fold up very elegantly and compact at the top of the window leaving you a clear view. Pleated blinds are extremely simplistic and versatile which makes them great for use in most conservatories.
Woodweave or Pinoleum Blinds are like the wooden alternative to roller or roman blinds. Unlike fabric blinds, woven wood blinds let light in through the weaving which creates a fantastic natual effect. Unfortunatly you can’t let light in without the heat, so that is a flaw in woodweave blinds as conservatory blinds.
Roller Blinds are, to put it simply, cheap practical and durable. If you are looking for something to simply get the job done then roller blinds are great. They are also available in a selection of blackout blinds for if you wish to completely blackout most of the light rather than just diffuse it.
Roman Blinds are an interior designers best friends, they can be created using pretty much any fabric which makes them perfect for matching with upholstry. When not in use they fold up at the top of the window in multiple folds of the same length, they are not as compact as roller or pleated blinds though.
Once you have decided which type of blinds you would like to have there are a few more items you have to consider:
Cost
Because of the sheer ammount of glass used in conservatories it can be costly to purchase enough blinds to cover all the windows, so consider your budget wisely.
Style
Obviously we all want a stylish room, but because of the high price of conservatory blinds you may have to stick with the same ones for many years, so try and choose a style that won’t go out of fashion such as woodweave.
Practicality
There is no use spending thousands on the greatest looking conservatory window blinds available if they don’t do the job you want them to, which is control heat and light. Choose your blinds wisely.
Operation
Once your blinds are installed how will you operate them? This can be a deciding factor in which blinds you can and cannot have, consider how you will control the blinds before you purchase them.