Conservatory Blinds - the Finishing Touch

There's no doubt that blinds add the finishing touch to any conservatory or sunroom, whether it is used as a sitting room, dining room, playroom or office. The ability to control heat and glare makes the room usable throughout the year, offering protection from the sun in the summer and retaining heat in the winter.

When it comes to choice of style and material there are several options. As with most home furnishings, you need to consider which fits best with your lifestyle and your pocket.

Pleated blinds are the most popular choice, as well as the most effective, since they reflect up to 83% of the sun's heat. Available in a wide range of colours and patterns, they are very easy to maintain especially if treated to repel dirt and damp.

Check the width of the pleats before buying - the slimmer the pleat, the neater the overall look. Pleated blinds 'concertina' away tidily and can be automated for remote operation.

For maximum effectiveness, it is recommended that they are also treated with a special solar finish.

Roman blinds are a more traditional alternative. Although available in a number of materials the usual choice is French pinoleum which comprises thin strips of woven wood that filters sunlight very gently and has first-class solar properties. This classic wood-weave style perfectly complements the rattan and wicker furniture often chosen for a conservatory. However, note that some materials used for Roman blinds - such as bamboo - are not suitable for roof blinds. Like pleated blinds, Roman blinds can be automated for remote control.

Roller blinds can be produced in a wide range of fabrics although the best choice for conservatories feature special solar-reflective aluminium backing to provide essential control over temperature and glare. While not the most good-looking option, these blinds do offer a highly efficient way of deflecting heat build-up and glare.

If you are handy with a sewing machine DIY drapes or shutters are a cost-effective choice. Although they won't offer the same degree of protection from heat and glare as professionally-installed blinds, they will soften the light and cool the atmosphere - how much will depend on the fabrics chosen.

Free-standing tall timber shutters, available at most DIY stores, can be positioned to reduce glare through the windows; useful if you want to watch television or use a computer. Alternatively, smaller shutters can be fixed to the windows externally although this is not a DIY project.

Vertical and Venetian blinds, available in wood, wood effect and aluminium, are another option but they can be difficult to fit. What's more, they are incredibly efficient dust traps!

Unless going down the DIY route, do have your conservatory measured by the supplier who will be fitting the blinds. Once they are in place you will find that they significantly enhance the conditions in your conservatory, making it a pleasant and enjoyable place to work, rest and play all through the year - rather than a greenhouse in the summer and a fridge in the winter.

Barry Dunlop is the Founder of ConservatoriesOnline.com - The online place for people interested in conservatories, sunrooms, garden rooms, and orangeries. Find more tips and advice at his website: http://www.conservatoriesonline.com which includes a section on conservatory blinds at: http://www.conservatoriesonline.com/sunshd.htm