Advantages of Conservatory Blinds

Advantages of Conservatory Blinds

What are the advantages of conservatory blinds and why do you need them? Good question! Having a conservatory is great. It provides you with a light, bright and comfortable space with beautiful views of the outside. That is true for some of the year at least!

To make the most of your conservatory all year round, you must consider how it will work in various weather conditions. In the height of summer, many conservatories become unbearable with heat. In winter, quite the opposite and they’re difficult to keep warm. That’s before we even mention the glare from the sun or the noise from the rain!

Having the luxury of window coverings in a conservatory is especially beneficial where you use your conservatory as a living space. For example, if you use the room to relax, or watch TV. No matter what the function of the space is, you’ll want to be able to minimise noise and glare and maintain a comfortable temperature.

This is where the advantages of conservatory blinds come in! But first, we’ll explain the two kinds of blinds needed for conservatories…

Conservatory Roof Blinds

First up, is conservatory roof blinds.

Did you know, that 75% of the roof must be glazed or translucent to class a room as a conservatory? As well as 50% of the walls that is. This means three-quarters of your ceiling is open to daylight and the other elements that come hand-in-hand with such glazing.

Conservatory roof blinds help you cover these areas subtly when you wish. With the help of simple control mechanisms, you can open and close them as you please.

conservatory roof blinds

Conservatory Side Blinds

Next, you’ll want to consider conservatory side blinds.

Like regular windows around the rest of your home – but in a much larger quantity – these too are likely to require blinds to minimise the effects of the weather outside. This is because, while it’s nice to enjoy the views from outside, there will be times you want to control the light and privacy too.

Conservatory side blinds

The Benefits of Conservatory Blinds

Blinds have the potential to transform any room. But in a room comprising mostly windows, they’re even more important for turning a conservatory into a shaded, secure, and stylish space in your home!

So, what are the advantages of conservatory blinds you ask? We’ve touched upon a few already, but let us get into more detail…

1. Conservatory Blinds for Style

As we’ve already said, since your conservatory is mainly windows, these are your canvas to make it your own! A key benefit of conservatory blinds is you can add a sense of style with colours, textures and patterns in large quantities!

They can be as subtle or as bold as you wish. From exciting prints to neutral sheers, you can truly make the space your own when you choose made to measure blinds from A1!

2. Conservatory Blinds for Keeping the Warmth in AND Reducing Your Energy Bills!

Windows are a weak point in your home for allowing heat to escape. Since your conservatory has many windows, you could say your conservatory, on the whole, is a weak point.

By putting blinds up at your windows, you add an extra insulating layer that reduces the amount of heat that can escape. Therefore, a key advantage of conservatory blinds is that they reduce the need for central heating!

3. Conservatory Blinds for Keeping the Sun Out

Another benefit of conservatory blinds is they keep out the sun’s rays. This is not only ideal for reducing the light, but also for keeping the temperature down too.

During the height of summer, a conservatory can feel like a greenhouse. A key reason for getting blinds anywhere in the home is to keep rooms from overheating, so in a room made of glass, this is extremely beneficial!

4. Conservatory Blinds for Privacy

If you’re lucky enough not to be overlooked, then skip to point 5… But for those who need to maintain their privacy at home, an important advantage of conservatory blinds is the privacy they will provide.

Even for those not wishing to dim the light, there are styles and fabrics with which you can achieve both light and privacy.

5. Conservatory Blinds to Reduce Noise

Something often forgotten is how noise pollution can penetrate your conservatory. Rain and wind are major culprits for this.

conservatory blinds for light control

That’s why conservatory blinds are great for peace and quiet – they help reduce noise. By putting extra fabrics in your conservatory – be it on the roof or the side windows – the vibrations from sound will be absorbed and therefore, the noise will be reduced!

Why not book a free home consultation today and get the ball rolling on the way to enjoying all the benefits of conservatory blinds! Alternatively, if you’d like to hear more about the advantages of conservatory blinds, or to speak to the team, get in touch at info@a1blinds.co.uk or 0800 193 0417.

Case Study: Newcastle Airport Control Tower

Case Study: Newcastle Airport Control Tower

40 Custom Tension Pleated Blinds for Newcastle Airport Control Tower

Client: Newcastle International Airport
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
Sector: Aviation – Air Traffic Control
Scope: 40 Bespoke Tension Pleated Blinds
Project Status: Delivered to Spec, On Time

The Project

We were commissioned to design and install 40 custom tension pleated blinds for Newcastle International Airport’s Air Traffic Control Tower. This wasn’t a straightforward job – the tower’s unique architecture and operational restrictions made it one of the most complex installations we’ve ever delivered.


What the Client Needed

The brief was simple but critical: shading and light control in an environment where visibility is paramount. The blinds needed to perform flawlessly to reduce glare, enhance comfort, and maintain clear sightlines for air traffic controllers at all times.


The Challenge

The tower’s design created a unique technical challenge: the windows are narrower at the top than the bottom. This meant the blinds had to operate in reverse, raising issues with tension and stability. Getting them to stay in place was no small feat.


How We Overcame It

Our team engineered a bespoke solution using:

  • Maximum tension throughout each blind system
  • Reinforced top bars for durability
  • Discreet magnetic strips to keep blinds secure

We worked closely with the client throughout, being completely transparent about the technical hurdles. To build confidence, we produced working samples that were tested and signed off before full manufacture began.


Working in a Live Air Traffic Control Tower

This wasn’t just a technical project – it was also about precision planning. Working in one of the UK’s busiest control towers meant strict security measures:

  • All staff were vetted and security checked
  • Passports had to be presented at each entry
  • Access was tightly restricted and visits limited

To meet these requirements, we planned every step of the installation around an agreed programme of works, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and minimal disruption to airport operations.


The Result

The new blinds have transformed the tower environment, delivering:

✅ Glare reduction
✅ Improved visibility for controllers
✅ Greater comfort in a high-pressure workplace

The client praised not only the quality of the finished product but also our communication, professionalism, and how smoothly the installation was managed.


The Bigger Picture

This project highlights our ability to deliver bespoke blind solutions for even the most complex environments. From innovative design to meticulous project management, we can adapt to buildings where standard systems simply won’t work.


Ready for the Next One

If you’ve got a project that demands a tailored shading solution – whether it’s an airport, a commercial office, or a uniquely shaped building – we’ve got the expertise to deliver.

Get in touch with our team today to discuss how we can design, manufacture, and install blinds that meet your exact requirements.

Blackout Blinds & Children’s Sleep: A Cosy Recipe for Rest

Blackout Blinds & Children’s Sleep: A Cosy Recipe for Rest

When it comes to getting little ones to bed, few things are as powerful as a pitch dark and well regulated room environment. Blackout blinds for children offer a proven solution – from boosting sleep hormone levels to keeping bedrooms cool in summer and warm in winter.

🌙 Why Darkness Matters for Children

Encouraging Melatonin Production
Exposure to light – even low light – can suppress melatonin by up to 90%, the hormone vital for sleep regulation. A darkened kids’ room enables natural melatonin levels to rise, helping children wind down and stay asleep longer.

Better Quality & Longer Sleep
According to the UK Sleep Council, around 30% of children aged 3-17 struggle with sleep onset or staying asleep through the night. By blocking early morning light or ambient evening glow, blackout blinds in nurseries and children’s bedrooms can help extend total sleep time – especially useful in summer, when dawn breaks as early as 4:30 AM.

    🗣️ Parents’ Real World Experiences

    From UK parenting groups, many families report that blackout blinds dramatically improve early-morning wake-ups and overnight sleep:

    We desperately need blackout blinds otherwise they’ll be up SO early… just won’t be able to get to sleep.” – Nichole.
    Blackout blinds saved the day… she slept through the night again.” – Shannon.

    While airflow can be a trade off – especially with Velcro fit or fixed sheets – parents often find blackout solutions for kids that still allow for ventilation, such as blinds with suction cups or thermal liners.

    🌡️ Temperature Control: Summer & Winter Benefits

    In Summer
    • Thick, opaque materials block sunlight and reduce solar heat gain, making children’s bedrooms cooler even without air conditioning.
    • Tips from parents: using reflective foil, keeping blinds closed during heat of day, and opening only when ambient air is cooler.

    In Winter
    • Windows are responsible for up to 40% of home heat loss. Thermal blackout blinds for children’s rooms act as an insulating layer, trapping warmth and reducing the chill from cold panes.
    • Retaining heat helps maintain a cosy sleep friendly environment even on frosty nights.

    📊 Sleep & Health Stats (UK based context)
    • Sleep struggles: 30% of children aged 3–17 experience sleep disruptions.
    • Ideal bedroom temperature: 16–18 °C for optimal REM sleep; both overheating and chilliness disrupt sleep patterns.

    Recommended sleep durations:
    • Ages 3–5: 10–13 hours
    • Ages 6–12: 9–12 hours

    ✅ What Blackout Blinds Offer for a Child’s Bedroom

    • Total or near-total darkness helps children fall asleep more easily and stay asleep longer without waking too early.
    • An added insulation and thermal layer keeps rooms cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, ensuring year-round comfort.
    • Noise dampening materials reduce outside noise, making it easier for children to rest without disturbances.
    • A cordless or child-safe design improves safety in nurseries and bedrooms, removing potential hazards.
    • Easy-to-open and close blinds offer flexibility for daytime naps or letting in fresh air when needed.
    • Total or near-total darkness helps children fall asleep more easily and stay asleep longer without waking too early.

    🧸 Tips for Parents

    • Choose child-safe blackout blinds – cordless or securely fitted – to avoid hazards.
    • Go for a snug, custom fit to reduce light leakage and maximise insulation.
    • In summer, close blinds during the hottest part of the day. In winter, close them overnight to trap heat.
    • Consider blackout blinds with side tracks or thermal lining for better light and temperature control.

    🌟 Final Thoughts

    Blackout blinds are more than just sleep accessories – they’re essential tools in creating a calm, restful space for kids. They help regulate temperature, support natural sleep cycles, and reduce those early wake-ups that can disrupt the whole household. For children (and their parents), a well-fitted blackout blind might just be the most peaceful upgrade you can make to a bedroom.

    Case Study: St James Boulevard, Newcastle

    Case Study: St James Boulevard, Newcastle

    482 Roller Blinds Delivered for Student Accommodation – On Time, In Full


    Client: Private Developer
    Location:
    St James Boulevard, Newcastle upon Tyne
    Sector:
    Commercial – Student Accommodation
    Scope:
    482 Roller Blinds
    Project Status:
    Delivered On Time and In Full (OTIF)


    The Project

    We were proud to be chosen to supply and install 482 roller blinds for a major new-build student accommodation scheme right in the heart of Newcastle city centre. St James Boulevard is a fast-developing area – and this project was all about high-spec, modern student living. Our blinds now form part of that premium finish.

    How It Came About

    This one came through a LinkedIn referral – a great example of our work speaking for itself. Thanks to our reputation for reliability, quality, and our hands-on approach, we were recommended for the job. With in-house manufacturing and years of experience in student accommodation, we were the right fit from day one.

    What the Client Needed

    The brief was clear: style, safety, and performance.
    We supplied blinds that ticked every box:

    • Blackout fabric for full privacy and light control
    • Fire-retardant (FR) materials to meet regulations
    • Colour-matched components for a clean, consistent look
    • A solution that was cost-effective without compromising on quality

    Why They Chose Us

    We brought more than just products to the table:

    • We’re a local manufacturer with full control of our production schedule
    • We’ve got a proven track record in commercial and student accommodation work
    • We listened, adapted, and delivered exactly what was needed
    • Our team kept things simple, professional, and on track from start to finish

    How We Delivered

    From the first site visit to the final installation, we worked in phases, fitting in with the client’s build schedule. Each floor was carefully surveyed, manufactured, and installed without a hitch.

    • ✅ Delivered On Time and In Full
    • ✅ Zero defects across all 11 floors
    • ✅ Smooth installation with minimal disruption to other contractors

    What the Client Said

    “Thank you for A1 Blinds’ commitment to the project – much appreciated. The rooms look very crisp. A1 Blinds have done a very good job and have been very helpful throughout.”

    Nick Campfield, Project Director

    The Result

    This was a big one – and we’re proud of the result. The blinds we supplied don’t just look the part – they add comfort and functionality to every room. More importantly, we proved once again that we can handle large-scale commercial work without ever dropping the ball.

    In 2024 alone, we delivered over £250,000 worth of commercial blind solutions – and with more exciting projects already underway, 2025 is shaping up to be even bigger.


    Ready for the Next One

    With projects like St James Boulevard under our belt, our commercial division is going from strength to strength. If you’re planning a development and want a trusted, local partner for blinds and shading – we’re ready when you are.

    © 2025 A1 Blinds