Choosing the Right Blinds for Your Conservatory or Orangery

What’s the difference between a conservatory and an orangery?

Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, conservatories and orangeries have some key differences.

A conservatory typically has a higher proportion of glazing, including large windows and a glazed, pitched or sloping roof. This can make the room feel bright and spacious, but it can also lead to increased heat and glare when the sun is shining.

An orangery generally has more brickwork, with windows along the sides but fewer window panes than a conservatory. Many orangeries feature a roof lantern, which brings plenty of light into the room.

Because the glazing is different, the most suitable shading solution can vary between the two.

Thermal conservatory roof blinds

The roof is often one of the biggest sources of heat and glare in a conservatory, as well as a large area of heat loss in winter. Conservatory roof blinds provide a way to control incoming sunlight and heat while creating a more comfortable environment inside.

Pleated blinds are a popular choice for pitched conservatory roofs. Their slim profile works particularly well with glazed roof panels, with individual blinds fitted neatly to each pane. This creates a clean, streamlined finish across the roof while helping to minimise gaps between the blinds.

The honeycomb structure of the fabric also provides useful thermal properties. The cells create pockets of trapped air within the fabric, helping to reduce heat transfer through the glazing. This can be beneficial during warmer months when you want to limit heat entering the room, while also providing an additional layer of insulation during colder weather.

For larger or harder-to-reach conservatory roofs, electric conservatory roof blinds can make everyday operation much easier, allowing the blinds to be opened and closed at the touch of a button.

Roof blinds for orangeries

Skylight lantern blinds are a popular option for orangery roof lanterns. These blinds feature pleated fabric and are installed horizontally at the base of the lantern, creating a neat finish while helping to control sunlight and glare.

Similar to the conservatory pleated blinds, the skylight blinds have a honeycomb structure which helps to improve thermal performance. This makes skylight lantern blinds a useful option for helping to reduce heat entering the room during warmer months, while also providing an additional layer of insulation in cooler weather.

These skylight blinds can be operated manually using an extension pole or they can be motorised for ease of use.

Which blinds are best for your conservatory or orangery?

The best solution will depend on the style of your space, the amount of glazing and how you want to use the room.

• Conservatory roofs: Pleated conservatory roof blinds provide effective light and glare control, fitting snug to shaped and pitched windows while offering thermal properties.
• Large or hard-to-reach windows: Electric or motorised blinds make operation more convenient.
• Orangery roof lanterns: Skylight lantern blinds provide an excellent solution to control light and glare while the pleated honeycomb fabric provides an extra insulating layer.
• Orangery windows: Perfect Fit pleated blinds are ideal if you want a neat, no-drill option that sits close to the glazing, while free-hanging pleated blinds and roller blinds offer a wide choice of fabrics and operating methods.