Blinds are unsung decorating heroes – as sleek as they are functional, they work for most rooms and windows and can make as much (or little) of a statement as you like. Soften the look by layering with floaty curtains, or keep it minimalist with a plain roller blind to let the rest of your décor do the talking. They’re often the most budget-friendly window treatment, too. At the other end of the scale, shutters are more of an investment, but will give you maximum control over how much light you let in, along with bringing timeless charm to your home.
Blinds can be just as impactful as curtains when it comes to adding pattern to a room. A roller blind is a great choice, as it can be kept partially rolled down during the day to show off the print
Paradise Maya roller blind, from £23.56, English Blinds
Pairing blinds and curtains together will give you flexibility from day to night. Let soft daylight in with a sheer, neutral roller, then when night falls make it cosy with black-out Roman blinds or curtains on top
Serene Mauve Roman blind, from £101; Solace sheer roller, from
£60; Serene Mauve pencil pleat curtains, from £163, all Hillarys
Roman blinds work by drawing the fabric up into pleats, so mimic the homely drape of curtains while still fitting neatly within the recess, which will help petite rooms feel larger
Izmir Charcoal Roman blind, from £24.95, blindsbypost
Roller blinds aren’t just for single windows; they can bring a modern twist to traditional bays, and having a separate blind in each section means you can roll them up or down individually as the light moves
Estella blackout perfect fit roller blind in Cream, from £54.14, Swift Direct Blinds
Fabric blinds can be tricky to keep clean and dry in bathrooms and kitchens, so choose waterproof PVC, which is resistant to water, stains and mould
Multi Lux Black roller blind, from £22.95, English Blinds
Cafe shutters only cover the lower section of the window, so offer both privacy and plenty of light, and are a way to get the look of shutters without spending as much as you would on full-height ones
Cafe shutters, from £157 per sq m, California Shutters
Shutters can be a more expensive option than curtains or blinds, but worth it for their classic elegance and practicality. The slats can be angled to let in the sun, and they can even be painted to match your scheme
San Jose Brilliant White shutters, from £81.63, Blinds 2go
Faux wood Venetian blinds offer the warmth and style of real wood without the price tag, and are easy to maintain as they’re wipe-clean and won’t warp when hung in humid spaces 50mm slat Majestic Oak faux wood blind, from £15.80, Blinds 2go
Remote-control blinds give you the option to have control from the comfort of your bed or sofa. This blackout design from IKEA can also be set-up to work with smart home systems, such as Amazon Alexa Fyrtur block-out wireless/battery operated roller blind in Grey, from £115, IKEA