Shutters and blinds
Window dressings are an important investment and can revitalise a room – we reveal the best blinds and shutters
We bring you the latest options
Take control
Above: Be inspired by the stylish décor of Parisian apartments with matt white floor-length shutters, like this half solid raised design, £260 per m2 from California Shutters. The best option for total privacy control, the controllable slats let you adjust light levels while their bi-fold design means that you don’t have to compromise on the view.
Natural beauty
Right: Add a pop of colour to a neutral interior with a decorative blind, like this Fruit Garden design from Vanessa Arbuthnott’s new Orchard collection, £54 per m2. Presenting a flat canvas, roller and Roman blinds are perfect for experimenting with bold pattern and colour since they are not constantly on full display.
double up
Top left: Accentuate a midcentury modern scheme with an iconic print like this Orla Kiely Scribble Acorn Cup design, from £55.60. Soften the sharp lines of blinds with flowing curtains in a complementary shade, such as the rich mustard hue of the Scribble curtain in Olive, from £76.34, for a relaxed look, both from Illumin8blinds.
effortlessly versatile
Above: With two tiers of louvred shutter panels, a tieron-tier design lets you enjoy the views while maintaining control over privacy and light as both tiers operate independently. These Permawood shutters in a painted white finish cost £340 per m² from Plantation Shutters.
Best of both worlds
Left: A sheer roller blind is a brilliant option for giving you privacy from the outside world without compromising on the benefit of natural lighting in the room. This linen-look design costs £70 from Luxaflex’s Reflection range. ➤
a perfect fit
Left: Just because your window isn’t a conventional shape doesn’t mean that you are restricted to curtains. Working in collaboration with Laura Ashley, Thomas Sanderson has created an elegant range of signature designs, developed not only to fit a wide range of shapes and sizes but also in a palette to complement any interior. Prices on request.
Light and airy
Above: Louvolite’s latest fabric innovation promises to be revolutionary for hay fever sufferers. Its Pollergen fabric traps the pollen particles and so reduces symptoms, meaning that you can have your windows open all summer long. Available in a wide range of colours and styles, such as this Blossom Jade and Carnival Lily vertical blind, from £54 for H30cmxw30cm, there’s no need to compromise style for comfort.
Keeping cool
Below: A vital solution to controlling the temperature in conservatories, blinds are an efficient and simple way to shield the room from strong heat in the summer months while preventing heat loss in the winter. Opting for pinoleum blinds, such as this bespoke woven design from Conservatory Blinds Limited, allows the space to be flooded with light while ensuring it is usable all year round. Prices on request.
Tropical paradise
Above: With a bold botanical print set against a sandy backdrop, this Kentia Roman blind, from £25.75 per m2 from Blinds2go, calls to mind tropical beaches and sunnier climes. Made from linen, it offers a natural alternative to synthetic options, and creates a laid-back look. Blinds2go also offers three lining choices: light filtering, which gently lets in the light to create a soft and inviting glow while the blinds are closed; thermal, which insulates the home all year round; and blackout, which creates the perfect atmosphere for bedrooms and nurseries.
half measure
Right: Covering the lower half of the window, café-style shutters are perfect for rooms where you would like additional privacy but do not want to compromise on light levels. They are particularly well suited to street-facing rooms and ground-level windows. These shutters in Driftwood cost £299 per m2 from Shutterly Fabulous. ➤
From dark to light
Above: Perfect for rooms with floor-length windows, solid shutters are a flexible design solution. When open the shutters allow you to make the most of the light and garden views, or close them for a cosy atmosphere. This ombré stained wooden shutter, from £499 per m2 from Hillarys, also doubles up as a stunning feature wall.
Pretty practicality
Right: Made from waterproof polyester fabric, this Tranquillity Rust blind, from £60 for a H120x W130cm window at Bloc Blinds, is easy to clean and perfect for high moisture areas such as the bathroom or kitchen.
dramatic design
Top right: Inspired by Jacobean embroidery, Jane Churchill’s Jaipur Peacock fabric features a repeating peacock motif interspersed with floral and botanical details. Made up as a Roman blind, the rendered stitch work of the fabric, £98 per m, is beautifully highlighted.
Brilliantly bespoke
Bottom: Owners of Victorian homes will be familiar with the struggle of dressing bay windows, particularly when you don’t want curtains. These Pearlwood full-height plantation shutters, £275 per m² from
The London Shutter Company, make a feature of the window while offering privacy.