MADE TO MEASURE
FIVE STAR RATED
WOMAN-OWNED
10-YEAR WARRANTY

Buying Blackout Blinds for Bay Windows? Read This First!

Category:
Author: Amaya Reynolds
Date: January 26, 2025

Before you buy blackout blinds for your bay windows, think about the styles that block light best (pleated or honeycomb) and add features like thermal lining for energy efficiency and motorisation for ease of use.

Go for a local expert for a professional installation to ensure a perfect fit that keeps the warranty. Blackout blinds not only improve sleep quality by creating a darker environment but also save you energy.

Make sure they’re made to measure so there’s minimal light to bleed, and the perfect fit enhances both function and style in your beautiful home.

You’ll find the perfect combination of style and practicality, tailored to you.

Quick guide summary

  • Custom-fitted blinds: to prevent light leakage and energy saving in bay windows.
  • Blackout blinds: with internal lining and pleated design for the best light blockage.
  • Motorised: blackout blinds for easy adjustment in hard-to-reach bay windows.
  • Professional installation: key to getting a perfect fit and keeping the warranty of blackout blinds.
  • Blackout blinds with shutters: for extra style and insulation.
blackout shutters in bedroom

You do you! Choose the most effective style

When choosing blackout blinds for your bay windows, you need to choose a style that blocks most light. Pleated blinds with their honeycomb cellular design are your best bet.

When you lower these blinds, the cells expand and form a solid barrier against the sun. This design not only blocks light but also reduces light bleed, which is common with other types of blinds.

studio image of shutters with an integrated blackout blind that fits in the recess of the frame

Shutters with blackout are an energy-saving investment.

When you add shutters with blackout to your bay windows, you’re not just getting privacy and light control; you’re also making an energy-saving decision.

These reduce heat loss, which can add up to real savings on your utility bills over time.
Plus, they contribute to the overall energy efficiency of your home and more benefits beyond just the savings.

blackoutoffer

The ultimate bay window blinds for your bay windows!

Roller, Venetian, and Roman blinds do offer some light control but may not be as effective in your bay windows. These styles have gaps at the edges where light can creep in. If you want near-total darkness, those gaps can be a problem.

To get the best light control, focus on pleated blinds with internal lining. This adds to their blackout ability so your room stays dark when you want it to.

Heat loss reduction

Shutters with blackout aren’t just about blocking light; they’re an energy-saving investment. When you choose blackout blinds or shutters for your bay windows, you’re not just styling your home but also making it more energy efficient.

shutter and shade window shutters

Blinds for bay windows with a contemporary design in mind.

Window treatments reduce heat loss significantly and are more effective than standard window coverings.

Here’s how they make a difference:

  • Window Shutters: According to the University of Salford, internal plantation shutters can reduce heat loss through windows by up to 28%. Their solid structure acts as a barrier and prevents warm air from escaping.
  • Blackout Blinds: Choosing honeycomb blackout blinds, especially in a framed bead or perfect fit system, can cut heat loss by up to 32%. Their design traps air in the cells and is an excellent insulator.
  • Combined Benefits: Using plantation shutters and blackout blinds together gives you even more insulation, energy savings, and comfort in your home all year round.
Close-up image of person adding coins to their savings jar from the potential real cost savings for blackout shutter blinds.

The potential real cost in savings

Blackout blinds or shutters for your bay windows can save you a lot on your energy bills. Well-fitting shutters alone can save you £40.60 a month, which is £487.20 a year on heating.

Similarly, reflective roller blinds, which work like blackout blinds, can save you £39.90 a month or £478.80 a year.

You can get even more savings by combining these window treatments. By having shutters with blackout lining, you’re not just getting privacy and light control; you’re also creating a thermal barrier.

This barrier keeps your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer so you don’t need to turn up the heating or air conditioning.

This dual function of light and temperature control makes these treatments a smart investment for energy savers.

Close up image of young persons lying on a grass field with the sun reflecting there shadows in front of them.

These additional benefits pretty much help everyone!

Beyond the big energy savings, choosing shutters with blackout for your bay windows gives you more benefits.

These shutters block out light completely when you need darkness and also make your home more comfortable and protected.

Here are three benefits you’ll get:

  • Better Sleep: Having trouble sleeping? Blackout shutters might be the answer.
    By blocking out the light completely, they create a perfect dark environment that promotes better sleep and helps you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to go.
    With this flexibility to control light entry easily, blackout shutters are not just practical but also upgrade your living space.
  • Temperature Control: Imagine your home being at a pleasant temperature all year round—cooler in the hot summers and warmer in the cold winters.
    Blackout shutters regulate temperature perfectly; you don’t need to constantly use aircon or heating.
  • UV Protection: You’ve invested a lot in your furniture and decor.
    Blackout shutters prevent harmful UV rays from bleaching your beautiful fabrics and wall coverings and extend the life and beauty of your interiors.
Graphic image of a outline of a house with the energy rating table sitting within the inside of the outline The background is of a blue sky and green field.

It's all about maximising energy-efficiency these days

Blackout shutters for your bay windows aren’t just about blocking light; they’re a smart choice for energy efficiency. These shutters have thermal properties that reduce heat loss in winter and keep your home cool in summer. Selecting made-to-measure shutters results in reduced light bleed and improved insulation, leading to reduced utility bills.

You can use these shutters to your advantage. On sunny winter days, open them to let in solar heat and close them at night to trap that heat inside and add extra insulation. This simple adjustment uses the unique shape and orientation of your bay windows to turn them into an energy-saving feature of your home.

In summer, do the opposite. Close the shutters during the hottest part of the day to prevent heat buildup. Once the temperature cools down in the evening, open them to let in the cooler air.

This keeps the temperature comfortable and reduces the need for air conditioning, which means lower energy consumption.

Image of a female person measuring a baywindow for blackout blinds

Choosing a local expert ensure's perfect measurements

Measuring your bay windows accurately is crucial when choosing blackout blinds. With angled bay windows, measuring is key to preventing light bleed.

The general thought on this is its always best to have a professional measure your bay windows to ensure the perfect fit. Many companies offer this service for free, so you won’t have to worry about measurement mistakes.

Here are three reasons to get it right the first time:

  • Perfect Fit: Accurate measurement means the blackout blinds will fit snugly into the unique shape of your bay windows and block out the light.
  • Cost-Effective: Get it right the first time to avoid additional costs of blinds that don’t fit; save time and money.
  • Aesthetics: Properly fitted blinds will enhance the overall look of your room and maintain the beauty of your bay windows without gaps or overlaps.

To avoid common mistakes, get a free design appointment from a professional. This will not only ensure a perfect fit for your blinds but also that your room benefits from comfort and style with minimal light leakage.

Image of cosy living room with bay window shutters ideal for blackout blinds.

For that stress-free approach, go for a professional installation!

The next step is to contact your local shutter expert.!

image of the shutter tree, the all-women team in a pro-studio setting with white background and surround

"Of course, you can always call your local shutter expert in Dartford, Amaya #theshuttertree." : )

Professional installation not only ensures perfect light blocking but also preserves your window dressing and the product’s warranty.

"To be totally transparent, I have over 20 years in the shutters and blinds or window treatment industry!" "They call me the shutter queen." : )

Anyway, "perfect light blocking or blackout" does not always mean 100% blackout, and industry standards typically range from 95% to 99% blockage.

This is crucial to understand when buying blackout shutters for your home."There will always be macro signs of light bleed around most frames, but this should be the very minimum.

You will see the terms "total blackout" and "room-darkening," and this will apply to all of these products or offerings.

Some vendors offer professional installation as part of their service. It’s a good idea to use this service to ensure your blinds fit your bay windows perfectly and maximise light control.

Here’s a quick rundown of why professional installation is important:

Opting for a local expert is more than just convenience; it’s about getting the most out of your money and enjoying blackout blinds with perfect light control for your bay windows or any room window in your space!

image of blackout shutters combined with a roman blind

This is right on trend!
Go for a window treatment combo

Combining blackout blinds with other window treatments will enhance both the functionality and style of your bay windows.

Blackout blinds are great for light control, but when paired with other window dressings, like the Roman blinds in the picture above. They’re better for privacy and style.

"Layering will maximise light blocking and add depth to your windows!"

Here are three reasons to consider this:

  1. Aesthetics: Blackout blinds with curtains or shutters will transform your room. You can play with colours and textures and create a more interesting space.
  2. Light Control: Layering blackout blinds with sheer curtains gives you even more control over light and privacy throughout the day. Adjust layers as needed.
  3. Insulation: The extra layers will insulate your windows, keep your room warmer in winter and cooler in summer, and potentially save you money on energy bills.
Close-up image of remote control

Look for additional features

As you’re considering blackout blinds for your bay windows, don’t forget to look for additional features that will enhance functionality and comfort.

Motorisation: just press

Motorisation is a big plus, especially for those hard-to-reach windows. With a simple press of a button, you can control the light in your room. It’s not just about convenience; it’s about transforming your space to suit your needs at any time.

And consider thermal lining. This isn’t just a nice to have; it’s a smart move. With thermal fabrics, your blackout blinds will block out the light and insulate your room.

Keeping warm in the winter and cool in the summer!

This means keeping the warmth in during the winter and the heat out during the summer, which will save you energy and make your home a more comfortable space all year round.

Image of young, cute child sitting near a window

Child safety

Don’t forget child safety. Cordless options are available, so your blackout blinds are safe for all family members. No cords means no risk of accidents, and your bay windows will be safer, and you’ll have peace of mind.

So there you have it!

shutters in bedroom

Final Words

As you go ahead and dress your bay windows in blackout blinds, remember you’re not just blocking out the light; you’re creating a haven.

By selecting the appropriate style, taking precise measurements, and adopting a professional approach, you are establishing a space that serves both aesthetic and functional purposes.

These are not just window treatments; they’re protectors of your peace and creators of atmosphere. Make sure they reflect you, not just your needs.

Request a free design appointment

We'd be delighted to visit you and provide a personalised free design appointment, sharing our expert guidance for your new shutters.
chevron-downchevron-leftchevron-rightarrow-right