What Are The Best Blinds for Bay Windows?

What Are The Best Blinds for Bay Windows?

Bay windows are a key feature in your home, so you must know how to dress them with the perfect blinds for bay windows! A bay window allows lots of light into a room, as well as an enhanced view. But this comes together with the need for protecting your privacy and controlling the light when necessary.

So, what is a bay window?

Once tied solely to period homes, bay windows have made a comeback in modern-day architecture and design. They protrude outwards from the main walls – creating an illusion of more space in a room and bringing more of the outside in.

There are several styles of bay windows. Different angles, amounts of windows, sizes, and heights. So, before you choose the best blinds for your bay windows, you need to figure out what type of bay windows you have:

Bow windows: Usually made up of one large pane of curved glass.
Angled (AKA canted) bay windows: Made up of a flat-fronted glass pane and 2 angled side panes.
Multi-faceted bay windows: As above, but they are made with five or seven panes of glass, rather than three.
Triangular bay windows: Made up of two panes of glass, installed at a 120-degree angle.
Oriel bay windows: A set of windows arranged together in a bay, braced underneath by a bracket or corbel. Typically found in gothic style properties.

It’s important to consider the style of your bay when it comes to picking the best bay window blinds. The last thing you want to do is cover up stunning views or reduce the charm of your bay windows! Bear this in mind when you’re choosing! But for now, read on to discover A1’s picks for the best blinds for bay windows… 

Roman Blinds for Bay Windows

Romans are a great choice for all bay windows with angled panes of glass. Individual blinds can be mounted to each windowpane.

Thanks to their soft appearance they help to bring a cosy vibe to your room by reducing hard lines and adding texture. As you open the blinds the fabric drapes over itself, adding layers and framing your window elegantly. You can also opt for a lined Roman if you require a dimout blind in a bedroom or living space for example.

Roman Bay Window Blinds

Venetian Blinds for Bay Windows

With a choice of aluminium, wood or faux wood, Venetians are a popular choice of blinds for bay windows. Thanks to their tilting slats, Venetians are perfect blinds for bay windows if you’re prioritising light and privacy control. And of course, they look the part too!

Venetian blinds for bay windows

Roller Blinds for Bay Windows

Roller blinds offer a sleeker look in comparison to the elegance of Roman blinds for bay windows.

Ideal for most bay window styles, roller blinds come in a wide range of fabrics and colours. They’re also available in dimout fabrics, making them a good option for living areas where light control is necessary.

Vertical Blinds for Bay Windows

Verticals are one of the most versatile blinds as they work across every style of bay window. Ideal for curved windows especially, the headrail can be bent to fit the curve of your window exactly! This means that the blinds won’t detract from your beautiful, curved bay window.

Choosing vertical blinds for bay windows is easy as there are so many designs to choose from.

Vertical blinds for bay windows

Shutters Instead of Blinds for Bay Windows

The popularity of shutters has rocketed over the past few years. And it’s easy to see why! Choosing shutters instead of blinds for bay windows introduces an extra level of charm. Perfect for angled and multi-faceted bay windows, shutters are the perfect window dressing if you’re looking for something a little different!

Also, thanks to their thicker and rigid frames, shutters work well for insulating your home from both heat and noise!

Plantation shutters

A1’s Top Tips for Choosing the Best Blinds for Bay Windows

1. Ask Us for Advice

Blinds for bay windows can be tricky, so if you’re unsure about anything you should speak to an expert! At A1 we live and breathe blinds! We’re well equipped to advise you on the best blinds for bay windows depending on your needs.

2. Choose Made-To-Measure Blinds for Bay Windows 

It’s especially important for bay windows that your blinds are correctly measured and installed so that they don’t catch on each other at the angles where they meet. So, no matter what kind of blinds you choose, be sure to have them properly measured and fitted to ensure they enhance your bay windows as intended!

Blinds for bay windows are known for being tricky to measure. We have a few handy how-to guides to talk you through it if you need them. However, at A1, we will come out to your home and measure your windows for free, you just need to book an appointment!

Of course, the style of blinds you choose will depend upon how you use each room, your taste, and your functionality requirements. A1 have a huge selection of beautiful blinds for bay windows, and we’re sure you’ll find something you love within our range!

You can get in touch with the team if you have any questions or book your free home consultation on our website today.

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.

    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

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