Heat & glare control
Conservatory Solar Shading
A conservatory can be unbearable in July and freezing in January. Conservatory solar shading uses heat-reflective made-to-measure blinds across the roof and sides to even out the temperature and cut glare, so the room is usable all year.
What they are
Conservatory solar shading is a fitted system of blinds designed for the roof pitches and tall side glazing of a conservatory, orangery or garden room. The fabrics are chosen for their solar-reflective properties, not looks alone.
Roof blinds do most of the work, because the majority of unwanted heat and glare comes straight down through the glass roof. Pleated and cellular fabrics are popular here: their honeycomb structure traps a layer of air that also slows heat loss in winter.
How the solar shading works
Solar-reflective fabrics carry a metallised or specially woven backing that reflects a large proportion of the sun's radiant heat back out through the glass before it can warm the room.
Cutting that solar gain at the roof keeps the conservatory far cooler on a bright day and takes the glare off screens and surfaces. In winter, cellular fabrics work the other way — the trapped air reduces heat escaping through the glass.
For roof blinds that are awkward to reach, add a solar-powered or mains motor so the whole system opens and closes together at the touch of a button.
Where they fit
- Glass and polycarbonate conservatory roofs
- Orangeries and garden rooms with a lantern roof
- Tall conservatory side windows and French doors
- South- and west-facing rooms that overheat through the afternoon
Why choose them
Usable in summer
Reflecting heat at the roof can drop the temperature dramatically on a bright day, turning an unusable sun-trap back into a room.
Warmer in winter
Cellular fabrics trap insulating air, cutting the heat that pours out through conservatory glass on cold nights.
Glare-free
Shading takes the harsh glare off televisions, laptops and dining tables without making the room dark.
Motorised options
High roof blinds can be automated with a solar or electric motor, so there are no cords to reach or trailing wires.
Conservatory Solar Shading — FAQs
Do I need roof blinds, or will side blinds do?
Roof blinds make by far the biggest difference, because most heat and glare comes down through the glass roof. Side blinds add privacy and finish the look, but on their own they do little for temperature.
What fabric is best for a hot conservatory?
A solar-reflective pleated or cellular fabric. The reflective backing bounces heat away in summer, and the honeycomb structure of cellular fabric also insulates against heat loss in winter.
Can the roof blinds be motorised?
Yes. Because roof blinds are hard to reach, most people motorise them — with a solar-powered motor to avoid wiring, or a mains motor where a supply is already close by.
Get a quote for conservatory solar shading
Send us your window sizes and the room, and tell us if you'd like supply-only or fitting. We'll reply by email with a recommendation and a price.