Can blinds reduce energy bills? | Energy-saving blinds

Here’s how the right window covering can improve comfort all year round

Whether you’re trying to keep your home cool during the summer or retain warmth through the colder months, energy bills remain a concern for many homeowners. As UK summers continue to bring warmer temperatures and more frequent heatwaves, people are looking for practical ways to reduce heat build-up without relying on air conditioning.

While insulation and energy-efficient glazing often take centre stage, window coverings can also make a real difference. The right blinds don’t just provide privacy and style, they can help regulate temperatures, reduce glare and improve comfort throughout the year.

In fact, independent research by the British Blind and Shutter Association (BBSA) found that certain blinds and shutters can reduce heat loss through windows by up to 33%, showing just how much of a difference the right window covering can make.

Do blinds really help save energy?

The simple answer is yes.

Windows are one of the biggest sources of heat loss during winter and one of the main ways heat enters your home during summer. During warmer months, sunlight streaming through glazing can quickly increase room temperatures, particularly in south-facing rooms, kitchen extensions and homes with large windows or roof lanterns.

Adding a blind or shutter creates an extra insulating layer between your room and the window, helping to regulate the indoor temperatures throughout the year.

According to independent BBSA testing, the following products reduced heat loss through a modern double-glazed window:

Product	Heat loss reduction*
Cassette roller blind with low-e fabric	Up to 33%
Honeycomb pleated blind in a framed system	Up to 32%
Plantation shutters	Up to 28%
Cassette roller blind	Up to 22%
Standard roller blind	Up to 13%

Source: British Blind & Shutter Association.

Pleated Blinds: One of the best choices for insulation

If thermal performance is your priority, honeycomb pleated blinds are one of the best window covering options available.

Unlike standard blinds, pleated honeycomb fabrics feature a cellular design made up of pockets of air. These trapped air pockets create an insulating barrier between the window and your room, helping to reduce heat entering your home during summer while also retaining warmth during winter.

It’s no surprise that pleated blinds were among the highest-performing products in the BBSA’s testing, reducing heat loss by up to 32%.

Honeycomb pleated blinds are particularly popular for conservatories, living rooms, kitchens and large glazed areas such as skylights where maintaining a comfortable temperature can be more challenging.

Why homeowners are choosing skylight blinds

One of the biggest trends we’ve noticed in recent years is the growing demand for made-to-measure skylight blinds.

Modern extensions, open-plan kitchens and loft conversions often feature roof lanterns and skylights that flood a room with natural light. While they look fantastic, they can also be one of the biggest sources of heat build-up and glare during the summer months.

We’ve recently installed several skylight blinds for homeowners who already had air conditioning but still found their rooms becoming too bright and uncomfortably warm. By reducing direct sunlight before it enters the room, skylight blinds help tackle the problem at its source, creating a cooler, more comfortable living space while allowing cooling systems to work more efficiently.

Can blinds reduce your reliance on air conditioning?

Air conditioning can be an effective way to cool your home, but it also comes with ongoing running costs that vary depending on electricity prices, room size, insulation and how long the unit is used.

Rather than relying solely on cooling systems, shading your windows helps reduce solar heat gain naturally. Closing your blinds during the hottest part of the day can help keep rooms cooler, reduce glare and create a more comfortable living space.

blackout blinds behind shutters in bedrooms

Other energy-efficient blinds & shutters

Alongside honeycomb pleated blinds, other window furnishings can also help improve insulation.

Thermal roller blinds, particularly cassette systems with side channels, help minimise heat transfer thanks to their specialist fabrics and close-fitting design.

Plantation shutters provide an extra insulating layer while offering excellent control over light, privacy and ventilation. BBSA testing found they can reduce heat loss by up to 28%.

A smart choice for every season

Energy-efficient blinds aren’t just for winter. By helping to reduce heat build-up during summer and retain warmth in colder months, they can improve comfort throughout the year.

If you’re looking for advice on the best energy-efficient blinds for your home, our team is always happy to help. From honeycomb pleated blinds and skylight blinds to thermal roller blinds and plantation shutters, we’ll help you find the right solution to suit your home, lifestyle and budget.

To chat with our team – contact us using either our enquiry form or by phone
020 8662 0126 and we will be more than happy to help!