An important consideration that is sometimes overlooked in the decision to have a conservatory built is how to shade the windows. Rather than as an afterthought, the choice of blinds should really be part of the overall conservatory design process. There are both practical and decorative reasons for this and here we'll take a brief look at these, as well as the different types of blinds available along the way.

The Practical

There are many types of blinds and it is a good idea to take advantage of the professional advice available when having your conservatory designed and constructed. A good designer or builder will be able to tell you which blinds are suitable for a specific design and its practical benefits.

In general, the most obvious benefit is to reduce the strength of the sunshine in your conservatory. Whilst this might be very welcome in the winter it can also do costly damage: furniture can be affected by ultra violet rays and colours can rapidly fade in fabrics. Flowers, too, can suffer from intense sunlight. There is also the consideration of heat loss through the glass in winter, which can be limited by the use of blinds (by around 15%) and then in the summer a cooling shade is vital when the sun is amplified through the glass (reducing the heat by up to 50%).

Pleated blinds offer a choice in how much sunlight you want in the conservatory, as they are available in varying degrees of translucence. But like Venetian blinds they can attract dirt and react badly to wind. Cellular blinds, also known as honeycomb blinds, reduce heat loss by trapping air in the cells that form each slat of the blind. Vertical blinds are practical and also offer a choice of translucence, but they can be impractical in the summer when you need to open windows and doors inwards. They don't, though, so easily collect dirt and or react quite so badly to wind.

Electric or Manual: There is also the choice of operation. Many forms of blinds can now be operated both by hand and an electric system. Automation is more than just an extravagance, it can be a tool of independence for the elderly and those with disabilities, as well as a security tool for those who spend long periods away from home (making the home appear occupied). Blinds can be set to operate at specific times or can be triggered by light sensors, activated when the sun sets and rises. Remote control is another option and solar power can be harnessed to save on energy costs too.

The Decorative

Blinds can enhance the decor of a conservatory as well as – it is worth noting – spoiling it. Colours can be used to match or contrast the fabrics, wood or tiles, and different materials can be used to complement or contrast those used in the build (wood with wood, and so on). The 'period' of a house should also be considered, as if the conservatory has a Victorian feel to fit in with the home, then certain blinds such as those invented in the Victorian era, 'Pinoleum', would be an option. These are wood woven together to give a natural sense of shade and are currently very popular for conservatories. 'Velux' blinds, in contrast, offer a thoroughly modern look and are extremely practical, if also relatively costly. Velux blinds can be pleated, venetian or in roller format.

When you think of a conservatory you think of glass, heat and light, your next thought should be how to capture, enhance and control that heat and light.