Best blinds for keeping heat out
The best blinds to block heat are cellular blinds, solar reflective blinds, and blackout blinds. These options are specifically designed to reduce indoor temperatures by insulating your windows and reflecting sunlight. Whether you’re dealing with a conservatory that overheats or a bedroom that stays warm well into the night, the right blinds can make a noticeable difference. In this guide, we’ll break down how each type works and help you choose the best fit for your home.
The best blinds to keep heat out can significantly reduce indoor temperatures by blocking solar gain, reflecting sunlight, and insulating windows. Broadview has over 50 years of experience helping homeowners choose the best blinds to keep the heat out of your home.
Contact us today for your free blind design and consultation.
Why Traditional Blinds Fall Short in Hot Weather
Basic blinds – like thin aluminium Venetians or standard roller shades – might offer privacy, but they often fail to combat heat effectively. Common issues include:
- Light fabrics that let UV rays pass through
- Poor fit, which allows sunlight and warmth to seep in
- Minimal insulation to slow heat transfer
For real performance, you need heat-resistant blinds engineered with smart materials and structural design – such as cellular, solar-reflective, or Perfect Fit™ blinds that snugly cover window frames.
What to Look for in Heat-Blocking Blinds
Not all blinds are built for rising temperatures. Look for these features when choosing the best option for your home:
- Reflective or metallic backing to deflect sunlight and heat
- Honeycomb or cellular design that traps air and insulates
- UV-resistant fabrics to reduce glare, fading, and solar gain
- Tightly fitted systems like Perfect Fit™ or Intu™ to block edge leaks
- Motorised options for easy control during peak heat hours
Cooling Tip: Installing the right blinds can reduce solar heat gain by up to 45% and make rooms feel up to 5°C cooler.
The best types of blinds for keeping heat out
Blackout Blinds
While traditionally used for blocking light, blackout blinds also limit heat when made with thermal materials. They’re an easy upgrade with tangible cooling effects.
- Perfect for: Bedrooms, nurseries, or home cinemas
- Tip: Keep them drawn during the hottest hours for maximum impact
- Which blinds are best for keeping the light out? Blackout blinds remain the top choice when darkness and heat control are priorities. Learn more in our guide: Do blackout blinds keep the heat out?
We offer traditional blackout blinds, which when left closed all day will provide a noticeable difference in room temperature – the longer you leave your blackout blinds closed, the cooler your room will be.
Roller Blinds with Solar-Protective Coating
Modern roller blinds can be made with high-performance coatings that reflect sunlight and block UV rays, helping keep rooms noticeably cooler.
- Perfect for: Home offices, kitchens, and minimalist interiors
- Tip: Automate with motorised controls (Smart electric blinds) for smart heat management during the day
Our range of roller blinds are available in solar protective coated fabrics to effectively reflect sunlight.
Vertical & Venetian Blinds: Light Control with Airflow
Both types offer adjustable slats that let you tilt away direct sunlight while still allowing cross-ventilation – a balance between shade and breeze.
- Perfect for: Patio doors, large windows, and lofts
- Tip: Choose UV-coated, pale-coloured materials to reflect heat
Whilst blackout and roller blinds are great for keeping the heat out, we recommend our Venetian blinds as a strong alternative, thanks in large part to its ventilation features.
Similar to venetian blinds, our vertical blinds can be finished in a light colour to provide protection from direct sunlight. These blinds also offer ventilation as well as privacy benefits through the well-positioned louvres.
With their rotating louvred slats, venetian blinds block out sunlight while allowing a breeze to aerate into your room.
Wooden Venetian Blinds: Classic with Climate Control
Wooden Venetians don’t just look good – their slatted design lets you angle light away while still enjoying airflow. And yes, they offer insulation benefits.
- Perfect for: Bedrooms and lounge areas needing light control and style
- Tip: Go for lighter finishes to reflect sunlight
- Do wooden Venetian blinds keep heat in? Yes, they offer moderate insulation and help block heat entry when slats are closed.
Perfect Fit™ & Intu™ Blinds: Sleek and Seamless
These clip-in blind systems fit flush to the window frame, eliminating gaps where sunlight usually sneaks in. Available in Venetian, roller, or pleated formats with solar-reflective fabrics.
- Perfect for: Conservatory doors, tilt-and-turn windows, children’s rooms
- Tip: Pair with pleated thermal fabrics for better insulation
- Which blinds are best for direct sunlight? Perfect Fit™ systems combined with solar fabrics block harsh UV and direct heat at the source.
Duette® Shades: Stylish & Temperature-Smart
Duette® blinds. use a honeycomb structure that traps air, acting as a barrier against heat in summer and cold in winter. Their unique design helps reduce energy bills by up to 25%.
- Perfect for: Conservatories, south-facing living rooms
- Tip: Choose a light colour with a thermal backing for even greater sun protection
- Are blackout blinds good for summer heat? Duette® blinds offer both blackout and heat control benefits, making them a smart dual-purpose option.
Best Blinds by Room: Quick Reference
Make your decision easier with these room-specific recommendations:
- Conservatories: Duette® or Perfect Fit™ with solar-reflective pleats
- Loft bedrooms: Blackout or cellular blinds to block heat and light
- South-facing living rooms: Wooden Venetians or solar roller blinds
- Children’s bedrooms: Intu™ blackout blinds for comfort and safety
- Home offices: Roller blinds with UV coatings for screen glare reduction
Need help with a conservatory space? Check out our tips on the best blinds for conservatories.
Added Comfort: Glare & Noise Reduction
Blinds that reduce heat often deliver extra comfort perks:
- Glare reduction: Great for TVs, monitors, and improved sleep quality
- Noise dampening: Especially with multi-layered options like Duette® or Perfect Fit™
- Fade protection: Prevents furniture and flooring from sun damage
Frequently Asked Questions
Do blinds work better than curtains for heat control?
Yes – blinds like Duette® and Perfect Fit™ form a tighter seal and use heat-reflective materials that outperform standard curtains.
Can light-coloured blinds still block heat?
Absolutely. Light tones paired with solar-backings reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat than darker options.
Are blackout blinds good for hot weather?
They’re excellent for blocking light and some heat, especially when made with thermal linings or combined with other insulating materials.
Broadview are specialists designing and installing heat reducing blinds
Are you looking for blinds that prevent the heat from coming in? Broadview are a leading supplier of premium-quality blinds that will suit both your budget and style. Our clients choose us because our high-quality materials and colours can cater for a variety of interior design ideas, along with an installation service that is unrivalled in the area.
To find out more about how we can design and install the right blinds and shading solutions for your property, get in touch via our contact webpage or call our friendly team on 01202 679012.