The Best Conservatory Window Blinds

The Best Conservatory Window Blinds

At A1 Blinds we have a variety of conservatory window blinds that are ideal for conservatories and orangeries alike. A conservatory can be home to a whole host of issues caused by the weather outside, so it’s important to have the correct window dressings to counteract them!

With over 30 years of experience in manufacturing window blinds, we’re well placed to advise you on the best solutions. Our range of conservatory window blinds is designed for purpose – tailor-made to make your conservatory as comfortable and stylish as possible.

Blinds are a great way to regulate the temperature in window-heavy spaces. Does your conservatory become too warm in the summer and too cold in the winter? A set of made-to-measure conservatory window blinds from A1 is the solution. You can filter the sun rays during the summertime and in the winter, trap in the heat. Enabling year-round usage of your conservatory.

With so many windows in a conservatory, the glare can sometimes be unbearable. A good set of conservatory window blinds will block the glare from your electronic devices and allow easy watching all day long.

Another common issue within conservatories is faded furniture caused by UV rays! The answer? Conservatory window blinds. Conservatory window blinds will dramatically decrease the intensity of the glare reaching your furniture – preventing unnecessary fading and ageing!

So, what are the best conservatory window blinds? And how should you style them? Read on to find out.

Pleated Conservatory Window Blinds

Pleated blinds are an elegant option for your conservatory window blinds. They come with a long list of benefits including temperature control, space-saving and easy-clean. Not only that, but they look great too!

Pair them with the Perfect Fit system to enjoy cordless, child-safe conservatory window blinds!

Pleated conservatory window blinds

Perfect Fit Conservatory Window Blinds

Perfect Fits can be styled with four blind styles: Wooden Venetian, Aluminium Venetian, Pleated and Roller blinds.

The frame system is made bespoke to each window and is easily affixed with no drilling or screwing necessary. They slot perfectly into the window frame and offer a space-efficient solution to excessive light and shading requirements.  This makes them a sleek and stylish option for your conservatory window blinds.

Due to being fitted into a self-contained frame, Perfect Fits are also child-safe. They have no cords and close easily via a pull at the bottom, attaching magnetically.

Perfect fit window blinds

Vision Conservatory Window Blinds

Our vision blinds are a popular choice for conservatory window blinds. Their modern and contemporary design allows a light space while they are open, but complete privacy and light reduction when they are closed.

Go for a matching colour or a contrasting stripe, either way, vision blinds offer a beautiful focal point to your conservatory whether open or closed. 

Vision window blinds

Vertical Conservatory Window Blinds

Vertical blinds are a classic and are hugely versatile across your entire home!

They make great conservatory window blinds thanks to their complete light & privacy control abilities. So, whether you want to reduce the glare or bask in some rays, Verticals offer the best of both worlds.

Much like our vision blinds, you’ll find lots of options for this style of blind. Choose from prints, textured or colourful fabrics to go with the rest of your conservatory décor!

Patterned vertical blinds

Conservatory Roof Window Blinds

Conservatory roof blinds are great for several reasons. 1) Stabilising the room’s temperature. 2) Reducing sunrays. 3) Disguising an unclean conservatory roof.

You can choose your roof blinds to match your conservatory window blinds or have them in a contrasting colour or pattern to add that extra wow factor to your space. Choose from

Plus, take the hassle out of hard-to-reach conservatory window blinds and pair your roof blinds with our motorised technology. Close them with ease at the click of a bottom or link them to your smart home device for even more convenience!

Conservatory roof window blinds

Flyscreens For Your Conservatory

As well as conservatory window blinds, you may also want to consider flyscreens for your conservatory. Flies are attracted to warm environments and are especially rife in the summer months when you’d typically have your windows open!

Flyscreens filter the air coming into your home and keep the creepy-crawlies at bay in the simplest way. They fit discreetly between your blinds and window making them both effective and unobtrusive!

We’ve got your conservatory covered with a huge collection of conservatory window blinds, no matter what your style is. As well as the above, we also offer roller blinds, roman blinds, Venetian blinds, shutters and more – all of which will look great in your conservatory.

Book your free home consultation today! Our experts will help you find your perfect style, measure your windows, and arrange your free blind fitting. In the meantime, you can contact us to find out more, or browse our website for inspiration and order up to 5 free samples!

 

Best Blinds to Keep Your House Cool in Summer

Best Blinds to Keep Your House Cool in Summer

When the UK finally gets a stretch of warm weather, it’s brilliant — until your home turns into a sweaty, sleepless oven. If you’re searching for how to keep your house cool in hot weather (without running a fan 24/7), you’re not alone.

One of the most effective and energy-efficient ways to regulate indoor temperature is by choosing the right window blinds. In this guide, we’ll share the best blinds to keep your house cool in summer, with expert tips and links to products proven to beat the heat.


☀️ Why Blinds Matter in Hot Weather

In the UK, up to 30% of unwanted summer heat enters through your windows, according to government energy data. That’s a big deal — especially in homes with large windows or glass doors.

Blinds help reduce heat gain by blocking or reflecting sunlight before it warms up your interiors. But not all blinds are created equal. Here’s what to look for.


🧊 1. Thermal Blinds Work in Summer Too

Thermal blinds aren’t just for winter. The same insulating layer that keeps the cold out can also reflect heat away from your home in summer.

By reducing solar gain, thermal blinds can make a room feel several degrees cooler — perfect for bedrooms, loft conversions or sun traps.

✅ Top tip: Choose lighter-coloured thermal blinds to reflect rather than absorb sunlight.


🌓 2. Vision Blinds Offer Flexibility & Style

Vision blinds combine sheer and opaque fabric stripes, letting you adjust how much light and heat enters your room throughout the day.

They’re especially effective in rooms where you still want light, but need to control glare and warmth — like kitchens, conservatories or home offices.


🪟 3. Venetian Blinds Let You Deflect Sunlight

Venetian blinds, particularly aluminium or faux wood, are ideal for regulating sunlight without completely blocking it. Simply tilt the slats to bounce the sun’s rays upward, reducing heat while maintaining brightness.

They’re also easy to clean and look great in modern homes.


😴 4. Keep Bedrooms Cool with Blackout Blinds

Getting to sleep in a hot room can be tough. Blackout blinds help by not only blocking early sunlight but also reducing heat build-up during the day — especially in south- or west-facing bedrooms.

Combine them with open windows in the evening for a cooler, more restful night.


🔧 5. Perfect Fit Blinds = Maximum Coverage

Perfect fit blinds offer edge-to-edge coverage inside the window frame — meaning less light leakage and less heat sneaking in. They’re ideal for doors, conservatories or awkwardly shaped windows.

The snug fit means better temperature control and a sleek, tidy finish.


💡 Bonus Tip: Combine Blinds with Smart Ventilation

For best results, open windows early in the morning or later in the evening to let in cooler air — and keep your blinds shut during the hottest parts of the day to block the heat.

Still not sure which blinds are right for your space? Check out our expert guides on the best window coverings to keep out heat and how roller blinds can help cool your home in summer for more ideas and inspiration.

✅ Ready to Cool Down Your Home?

Browse our full range of heat-busting blinds:

Book your free home appointment here
📞 Or call us on 0800 193 0417

Colour Your Space, Colour Your Mood: How a Splash of Colour Can Boost Your Happiness

Colour Your Space, Colour Your Mood: How a Splash of Colour Can Boost Your Happiness

Is your home lifting your mood, or dragging it down? We often think of colour as a style choice, but research shows it goes much deeper. Colour can impact everything from energy levels to emotional wellbeing — so if your interiors are looking a little grey (and so are your spirits), it might be time to refresh your space.

The Psychology of Colour: What the Research Says

Psychologists have long studied how colour affects mood and behaviour. According to a study published in Frontiers in Psychology, certain colours can evoke emotional responses based on cultural associations and personal experiences. While interpretations vary, some patterns are widely accepted:

  • Yellow is associated with happiness, warmth, and mental clarity. It’s an energising shade that works wonders in kitchens or creative spaces.
  • Blue is calming and stabilising, making it ideal for bedrooms, bathrooms, or anywhere you want to unwind.
  • Green represents nature, growth, and balance. It’s shown to reduce stress and promote a sense of harmony — great for lounges or home offices.
  • Red stimulates energy and passion. A little goes a long way — perfect for accents in dining rooms or hallways.
  • Purple has long been linked to creativity and imagination, making it a great feature colour for bedrooms or reading nooks.

Interior designers also back this up: “The colours we surround ourselves with can have a profound effect on how we feel,” says interiors expert Karen Haller, author of The Little Book of Colour.

Room-by-Room Colour Inspiration

Want to boost your home’s feel-good factor? Here’s how to bring colour into every corner of your home:

  • Bedroom – Choose muted tones like dusty blue, soft lavender or sage green to promote rest and relaxation. Roman or roller blinds in these shades can soften morning light and set a calm tone for your day.
  • Living Room – This is your social hub, so introduce warm, welcoming tones like ochre, terracotta, or moss green. Vertical blinds or curtains in textured fabrics can add depth while introducing colour.
  • Kitchen – Uplift your energy with fresh colours like lemon yellow, mint green or vibrant coral. Try a bold roller blind to add instant personality without a full renovation.
  • Bathroom – Create a calming, spa-like atmosphere with soft blues, greens, or gentle greys. These soothing tones help you unwind and bring a fresh, airy feel to smaller spaces. Moisture-resistant roller blinds in these hues offer both privacy and serenity while standing up to humidity.
  • Commercial Spaces – Colour isn’t just for the home. We can help you bring the same energy and mood-boosting benefits into your commercial setting too. Whether it’s calming tones for a clinic, uplifting colours for a classroom, or modern hues for an office, our made-to-measure blinds can enhance productivity, atmosphere, and brand personality in any workspace.

Decorating With Colour – Without the Overwhelm

You don’t need to redecorate your whole home to feel the benefits of colour. Start small:

  • Swap neutral blinds for colourful alternatives.
  • Add cushions, artwork or rugs in your chosen palette.
  • Try a statement blind in a bold pattern as a design feature.

The key is to choose colours that make you feel good — not just what’s trending.

A1 Blinds: Designed to Lift Your Mood

At A1 Blinds, we know the right blind does more than just control light. It adds personality, softness, and a sense of style — all while helping create a home that supports your wellbeing.

From peaceful pastel rollers to bold patterned verticals, our wide range of fabrics and colours gives you the freedom to reflect your personality and create a space you love to live in.

💡 Feeling inspired? Our experts can help you find the perfect blinds to brighten up your space. Book a free home consultation today and see samples in your own home!

Delivering Sustainable Shading Solutions for Starbucks

Delivering Sustainable Shading Solutions for Starbucks

Starbucks is making significant strides towards sustainability by incorporating eco-friendly solutions into their cafés. A key part of this initiative is the installation of solar-powered, motorised roller blinds—a smart shading solution that enhances energy efficiency and customer comfort. Unlike traditional blinds, these are completely cordless and require no external wiring or power supply, eliminating trip hazards and ensuring a sleek, clutter-free look.

At A1 Blinds, we specialise in installing these innovative roller blinds, powered by independent Solar Panels. These high-performance panels utilise amorphous silicon technology, allowing them to efficiently absorb solar rays even in reduced light conditions. As a result, the blinds remain fully functional throughout the day without the need for frequent recharging from a power socket—perfectly aligning with Starbucks’ sustainability goals.

Solution: Solar-Charged, Motorised Roller Blinds

Each installation features a 1.2Nm DC Tubular Motor (with the first installation using a 1.8Nm motor), equipped with a built-in rechargeable Lithium-ion battery for seamless, energy-efficient operation. Designed to support up to 6kg, these motors offer simple programming, multiple limit settings, and automatic adjustments to control light and heat levels.

By reducing glare and helping to regulate indoor temperatures, our blinds create a comfortable café environment while cutting energy consumption. With our expertise and flawless execution, Starbucks continues to trust us to enhance more locations with our sustainable shading solutions.

Trusted by Starbucks: A Growing Nationwide Project

Following our initial installation in Newcastle, Starbucks has continued to invest in our solar-powered roller blinds, expanding to Sheffield, Bradford, Hartlepool, and most recently, Wakefield. Each project has reinforced the benefits of our sustainable shading solutions, offering both environmental and practical advantages to Starbucks and their customers.

Below is a look at the Starbucks locations where we have successfully completed installations:

Newcastle: The First Step Towards Sustainability

The journey began in Newcastle, where we first implemented our solar-powered roller blinds. This installation set the foundation for Starbucks’ commitment to integrating sustainable shading solutions across their cafés.

Sheffield: Expanding the Vision

Following the success of our Newcastle installation, Starbucks brought us on board to implement the same high-quality shading solutions at their Sheffield location. The positive impact on customer comfort and energy efficiency reinforced the value of our blinds.


Bradford: Strengthening the Partnership

In Bradford, we continued our work with Starbucks, demonstrating the adaptability of our blinds to different store layouts while maintaining their effectiveness in reducing glare and improving ambiance.


Hartlepool: Sustainable Shading in Action

Our fourth installation took place in Hartlepool, further solidifying Starbucks’ confidence in our expertise. By integrating our solar-powered blinds, this location benefitted from improved light control, reduced energy consumption, and an overall enhanced café experience.


Wakefield: Our Latest Successful Installation

The latest addition to our growing list of Starbucks projects is in Wakefield. Once again, our solar-powered blinds were chosen for their ability to regulate heat gain and loss through large glass facades, ensuring a comfortable atmosphere for customers.

A huge well done to Adam and Nick for another seamless installation!


But it’s not just Starbucks that can benefit from our innovative shading solutions. Whether you own a café, restaurant, office, or retail space, our solar-powered, motorised blinds can help you create a comfortable, energy-efficient environment for your customers and employees. With no wiring required, no trip hazards, and automatic light control, our blinds are a practical and stylish upgrade for any business looking to reduce energy costs and enhance interior spaces.

Get in touch with A1 Blinds today to find out how we can bring sustainable shading to your business!

Starbucks: Innovating for Sustainability and Comfort

Our partnership with Starbucks highlights how sustainable technology can enhance both customer experience and operational efficiency. The installation of solar-charged, motorised roller blinds has proven highly effective in reducing heat and glare while seamlessly integrating into each store’s design.

Key Benefits of Our Solar-Powered Blinds:

✅ Energy Efficiency – Harnessing solar power to reduce electricity consumption.
✅ Minimal Maintenance – Independent solar panels ensure hassle-free operation.
✅ Cordless & Safe – No external wiring or cords, eliminating trip hazards and maintaining a sleek aesthetic.
✅ Improved Comfort – Reducing glare and regulating temperatures for an optimal café experience.

Each of these projects highlights our ability to adapt to different environments, from retail spaces to corporate and heritage sites, ensuring that every installation is both practical and visually cohesive.

A1 Blinds: Expertise, Innovation, and Sustainability

Our dedication to problem-solving, aesthetic integration, and sustainable innovation continues to drive our success. As we expand our installations across the UK, we look forward to partnering with more businesses to create comfortable, energy-efficient spaces.

Contact us today to explore how A1 Blinds can enhance your space with smart, sustainable shading solutions!

© 2025 A1 Blinds

Consultation

Call

Lookbook