What Blinds Are Best for Bedrooms?

A practical guide to the most suitable Blinds, Curtains & Shutters for a cosy Bedroom.

What Blinds Are Best for Bedrooms?

Bedrooms need window coverings that help you sleep better, create a relaxing atmosphere and provide the right balance of privacy, light control and warmth. While many people search for “bedroom blinds”, the best solutions often include Blinds, Curtains & Window Shutters, depending on the room layout and how dark or cosy you like the space to feel.

Based on years of manufacturing and installing window dressings across thousands of bedrooms, here are the options that consistently work well. Each one has its own strengths and limitations, and we’ve included clear guidance on where Blinds, Curtains & Shutters perform best in a typical bedroom.

Need Help Choosing the Right Blinds, Curtains or Shutters for Your Bedroom?

Our team can guide you through the best options for creating a cosy, relaxing space, whether you need blackout, improved privacy, softer light or a layered look for warmth and style.

What Bedrooms Need From Their Blinds, Curtains & Shutters

Bedrooms have requirements that other rooms simply don’t. They need window coverings that support better sleep, manage early-morning light, provide privacy from neighbours and help create a warm, relaxing atmosphere. The right choice often depends on how dark you like the room, where the windows are positioned, the depth of the window recesses, the necessary space around the windows and whether the bedroom faces the street or the garden.

In bedrooms, light control, privacy, warmth and comfort matter far more than ease of cleaning or moisture-resistance. Good bedroom window dressings should reduce light bleed, soften the space, help regulate temperature and contribute to a cosy, peaceful feel, especially if you’re sensitive to early-morning light.

With these bedroom-specific needs in mind, here’s how different Blinds, Curtains & Shutters perform in real homes, starting with Cassette Blackout Roller Blinds, one of the most effective options for controlling light in any bedroom.

Cassette Blackout Roller Blinds – Near-Total Darkness for Bedrooms

Cassette blackout blinds offer the highest level of darkness for bedrooms. The blind sits inside a full cassette with side channels that prevent light leaking around the edges. When fitted into a suitable recess, they can deliver near-total darkness, ideal for light-sensitive sleepers, nurseries, young children and shift workers who need daytime sleep.

These are the same reasons many top hotels now install cassette blackout systems in their rooms, often connected to the smart controls for effortless, fully automated darkness.

Strengths:

  • Exceptional blackout performance

  • Side channels dramatically reduce light bleed

  • Fabric stays fully enclosed within the system

  • Available in a range of cassette and fabric colours

  • Clean, built-in appearance once fitted

  • Suitable for medium to large bedroom windows

Limitations:

  • Works best on straight, square recesses

  • Not suitable for bay windows

  • A small halo of light may appear around the cassette

  • More expensive than standard blackout roller blinds

Blackout Blind Screen – Outstanding Darkness & Thermal Comfort

The blackout version of Blind Screen is a side-sliding blackout system that moves horizontally across the window rather than rolling up and down. The fabric sits under constant tension, keeping it smooth and evenly supported, while the built-in guide channels help reduce the light gaps you would normally see with standard blackout blinds.

When fitted inside a straight, square recess, the Blackout Blind Screen creates a very dark bedroom environment with noticeably less glow-through compared to ordinary blackout roller blinds. The layered honeycomb fabric also adds valuable thermal insulation, helping bedrooms stay warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

Strengths:

  • Excellent blackout performance with minimal glow-through

  • Smooth sliding action with no cords or chains

  • Guide channels reduce side light gaps

  • Thermal honeycomb fabric improves warmth and comfort

  • Ideal for most bedroom window styles

Limitations:

  • Works best on straight, square recesses

  • Not suitable for bay windows

  • One continuous blind is usually better value than multiple Perfect Fit blackout blinds

  • Slight light halo may appear depending on recess shaping

Want a Darker, Cosier Bedroom?

From blackout solutions to luxurious curtains and shutters, we can guide you through the options that will make your bedroom feel more restful and comfortable.

Perfect Fit Cellular Blackout Blinds – Neat, Modern & Highly Insulating

Perfect Fit blackout cellular blinds are a neat, modern blackout option designed specifically for uPVC bedroom windows and doors. They’re a true no-drill system, clipping directly into the window’s glazing bead with no screws, making them ideal for new-build homes and rooms with multiple window panes.

The cellular (honeycomb) blackout fabric is naturally energy-efficient, helping bedrooms stay warmer in winter and cooler in summer. The air pockets inside the fabric create a thermal barrier, reducing heat loss at night and improving overall comfort. The latest Perfect Fit frame design also helps reduce light seepage, giving stronger overall darkness compared to older Perfect Fit styles.

Strengths:

  • Excellent thermal performance for cosier bedrooms

  • Neat, cordless and child-safe design

  • No drilling – perfect for uPVC windows and doors

  • Works well on multi-pane bedroom windows and bays

Limitations:

  • Some light seepage may still occur around the frame edges

  • Multiple blinds are required for multi-pane windows

  • Less economical than a single Blind Screen on large recess windows

Curtains (with Blackout Lining) – Warm, Cosy & Perfect for Layering

Curtains are one of the most effective ways to make a bedroom feel warm, soft and relaxing. When lined with blackout or thermal lining, they can significantly reduce light bleed around blinds, improve warmth at night and help dampen sound, ideal for creating a restful sleep space.

Curtains are also excellent for layering. When paired with Blinds or Plantation Shutters, they help block the remaining light around the edges of the blind and add an extra layer of warmth and cosiness. Layering is especially useful for light sleepers, children’s rooms and bedrooms facing streetlights or early-morning sun.

Because Curtains hang outside the window frame, they’re effective at reducing light coming from the top, sides and bottom of the window – something most blinds can’t fully achieve on their own. Bedroom curtains also bring texture, colour and softness to the room, making them a popular choice for both modern and traditional homes.

You can choose from a wide range of heading styles, including Wave, Pinch Pleat, Pencil Pleat, and Eyelet, depending on the look you want and the space available around the window.

Strengths:

  • Excellent for reducing light bleed when layered with blackout blinds

  • Adds warmth, softness and a cosy feel to the bedroom

  • Large choice of fabrics, textures and linings

  • Helps improve insulation and reduce draughts

  • Works well on bay windows, large windows and feature walls

  • Multiple heading styles let you tailor the look to your room

Limitations:

  • Not a standalone blackout solution without the right lining

  • Requires space above and beside the window for a pole or track

  • Not suitable for very tight or obstructed recesses

  • Fabric choices vary in how much light they absorb or block

Need a Bit of Expert Guidance? We Can Help.

If you’re unsure which of these bedroom-friendly blinds will work best in your space, we’re here to offer clear, practical advice.

Shutters & Shutter-and-Shade – Privacy, Style & Strong Light Control

Plantation Shutters are a popular choice for bedrooms because they provide excellent privacy, daytime light control and a calm, stylish look that suits both modern and traditional homes. The solid frame helps reduce light and drafts with the adjustable louvres letting you control early-morning light without fully opening the shutters – ideal for front-facing bedrooms or rooms overlooked by neighbours.

For customers who love the shutter look but want stronger darkness, the Shutter-and-Shade system adds a blackout honeycomb blind discreetly behind the shutter panels. This improves warmth, reduces light bleed and gives much better darkness than shutters alone, without losing the clean shutter aesthetic.

Strengths:

  • Excellent privacy for front-facing bedrooms

  • Adjustable louvres give flexible daylight control

  • Helps reduce drafts and soften outside noise

  • Clean, timeless look that suits most interiors

  • Shutter-and-Shade gives much stronger darkness than Shutters alone

Limitations:

  • Standard shutters are not blackout (light passes through louvres)

  • Shutter-and-Shade is better but still not as dark as a Blind Screen or Cassette Blackout blind

  • Not suitable for very shallow recesses

  • More expensive than most blind options

Other Popular Choices for Bedrooms

Alongside the main blackout and layering solutions, there are several other window dressing styles that remain popular in bedrooms for their looks, practicality and flexibility. While they may not offer the same level of darkness as a full blackout system, they can work beautifully for bedrooms that don’t require a completely dark environment or where style and softness are just as important as light control.

These options are often chosen for their appearance, the way they complement décor, or how well they work in rooms that benefit from softer daylight rather than total blackout.

Roman Blinds (Blackout Lined) – Soft, Elegant & Cosy

Roman blinds bring warmth, softness and a more decorative feel to a bedroom, making them a popular choice for creating a cosy, luxurious look. When blackout lining is added, the fabric itself becomes fully opaque, no light passes through the cloth, which provides strong darkness and a comfortable bedtime environment.

However, as with all Roman blinds, some light seepage will still occur around the edges, whether the blind is fitted inside or outside the recess. Because the face fabric and blackout lining are stitched together, tiny pinholes can appear where the stitching meets the fabric. We use stab stitching to minimise these points (machine stitching creates a continuous line of light), but small pinholes are normal when strong sunlight hits the blind.

Roman blinds work particularly well when layered with Blinds and Curtains, helping reduce edge light and adding extra warmth and softness to the room.

Strengths:

  • Soft, stylish and ideal for creating a cosy bedroom

  • Blackout lining provides strong fabric darkness

  • Wide choice of fabrics, colours and textures

  • Works beautifully when layered with blinds or curtains

  • Excellent for feature windows or adding softness to minimal décor

Limitations:

  • Light seepage around the edges, even with blackout lining

  • Tiny pinholes visible in bright sunlight due to stitching

  • Not suitable for very shallow recesses

  • Heavier fabrics may require more robust headrails

  • When the blind is raised, the window is fully visible from outside, offering no daytime privacy

Roller Blinds – Simple, Versatile, Popular & Available in Blackout Fabrics

Roller blinds remain one of the most popular choices for bedrooms thanks to their simplicity, versatility and wide choice of blackout and dim-out fabrics. They can be fitted as a standard roller or upgraded with a cassette at the top, which helps reduce the top light gap and gives a cleaner, more built-in appearance.

Even with blackout fabric, Roller Blinds will still allow a small amount of light to enter the room – usually down the sides and occasionally from the top. For this reason, Roller blinds are not a full blackout solution on their own, but they can work extremely well in bedrooms when used as part of a layered setup with Curtains or a secondary blind. This combination improves darkness, warmth and overall comfort.

Strengths:

  • Simple, neat and cost-effective

  • Huge choice of colours, textures and blackout fabrics

  • Optional cassette for a cleaner, neater finish

  • Can be automated, allowing you to open or close the blind from bed

  • Works well when layered with curtains

  • Suitable for most standard bedroom windows

Limitations:

  • Not a full blackout solution due to side light gaps

  • Some top light may appear without a cassette

  • Single roller blind provides no privacy when fully raised

  • Not ideal for unusually shaped or very shallow recesses

Looking to Give Your Bedroom a Softer, More Premium Finish?

Our team can guide you through bedroom-friendly blind styles that add warmth, texture and comfort without compromising practicality.

Venetian Blinds (Wood & Faux Wood) – Stylish, Adjustable Privacy

Venetian blinds are a popular choice for bedrooms where flexible privacy and daytime light control are important. The adjustable slats allow you to angle light up or down, making them ideal for front-facing bedrooms or rooms overlooked by neighbours. Wood and Faux Wood Venetians also add a clean, stylish look that works well in both modern and traditional interiors.

Although they offer great control over daylight and privacy, Venetians are not designed for blackout. Light will always pass between the slats, making them better suited to bedrooms where some natural light is welcome in the morning, or where the priority is appearance and privacy rather than total darkness.

They can also be paired with Curtains to soften the room and reduce the light gaps, giving a warmer, more finished bedroom feel.

Strengths:

  • Excellent adjustable privacy for front-facing bedrooms

  • Allows soft, controlled daylight without fully opening the blind

  • Stylish, timeless look in both Wood and Faux Wood options

  • Easy to coordinate with bedroom décor

  • Works well when layered with curtains for added warmth

Limitations:

  • Not suitable for blackout (light passes between slats)

  • May darken the room slightly when slats are tilted closed

  • Not ideal for rooms needing full darkness in the morning

  • Wood versions are heavier and less suitable for large windows

Other Blinds to Consider

While these blind styles aren’t the most practical choice for a typical kitchen sink window, some homeowners do prefer them for specific layouts, larger windows or for achieving a particular interior style.

They can work well in kitchens where the sink area isn’t splash-heavy, where windows sit away from cooking zones, or where design is a higher priority than everyday practicality.

Below are the main alternatives, with a clear look at their strengths and limitations to help you decide whether they may be suitable for your kitchen.

Night Shade blackout cellular blind fitted on a bedroom window

Night Shade – Low-Cost Bedroom Darkening

Night Shade is a simple, low-cost option for darkening a bedroom when budget is the main priority. It fits neatly inside the window recess and reduces a good amount of light coming into the room, although it does not offer the same level of darkness as a Cassette Blackout Blind or a Blind Screen.

Because Night Shade has maximum size limitations and works best on smaller windows, it’s often used as a practical alternative when a full blackout system isn’t required or when other options exceed the customer’s budget.

Strengths:

  • Very cost-effective

  • Neat and lightweight design

  • Good light reduction for the price

  • Fits well on smaller bedroom windows

Limitations:

  • Width and drop limitations – not suitable for large windows or bays

  • Not suitable for doors or oversized bedroom windows

  • Small light seepage around the outer frame

  • Not as dark as cassette or side-channel blackout blinds

White vertical blinds with a matching fascia fitted to a bedroom window.

Vertical Blinds – Flexible Light Control, Limited Darkness

Vertical blinds can work in some bedrooms where flexible daylight control is more important than blackout. The tilting louvres allow you to soften the light or improve privacy without fully closing the blinds, which can suit larger windows or bedrooms overlooking shared spaces.

However, Vertical Blinds are not suitable for blackout. Light will always pass between the louvres, and even blackout fabrics cannot prevent glow-through or the gaps that appear when the louvres overlap. This makes them a weaker choice for customers who need full morning darkness.

They remain a practical option for wide bedroom windows, home office/guest rooms, or spaces where a softer level of daylight is preferred.

Strengths:

  • Good light and privacy control through tilting louvres

  • Suitable for wide or tall bedroom windows

  • Large choice of fabrics, including dim-out options

  • Practical for rooms that don’t require full darkness

  • Louvres can be stacked to one side to open up the view

Limitations:

  • Not suitable for blackout (light passes through and between the louvres)

  • Light gaps remain even with blackout fabric

  • Louvres move when windows are opened

  • Less insulation and warmth compared to other bedroom options

  • Can feel less cosy than curtains or blackout blinds

White Day & Night Blinds in Bedroom Bay Window

Day & Night Blinds – Stylish Light Control, Not Suitable for Blackout

Day & Night blinds offer a modern, layered look for bedrooms and are ideal for softening daylight while maintaining privacy. The alternating sheer and opaque fabric stripes allow you to control how much light enters the room without fully lifting the blind, making them a popular choice for customers who like the style and want a gentle level of privacy.

However, Day and Night blinds are not suitable for blackout. Even when made with “blackout” fabrics, the design of the blind means:

  • light will always pass through the sheer stripes

  • gaps between the fabric layers remain

  • the blind cannot seal to the window or stop light bleed

This makes them a poor choice for anyone who needs a dark bedroom, but they can work well in spaces where some morning light is welcome.

Strengths:

  • Modern, stylish design

  • Flexible light and privacy control

  • Works well where daylight is preferred over darkness

  • Good option for bedrooms that don’t need blackout

  • Available in a range of colours and fabric textures

Limitations:

  • Not a blackout blind (light passes through sheer areas and gaps between layers)

  • Even “blackout” fabrics do not prevent morning light

  • Not suitable for light-sensitive sleepers

  • Provides less insulation compared to other blind types

Conclusion – Choosing the Right Window Dressing for Your Bedroom

Choosing the right window dressing for your bedroom depends on how dark you want the room to be, the direction your windows face and how much privacy and warmth you need. Some styles provide exceptional blackout for light-sensitive sleepers, while others offer softer daylight, improved insulation or a more decorative, cosy finish.

By understanding how each made to measure Blind, set of Curtains or Plantation Shutter performs in a real bedroom environment, you can choose an option that gives you the right balance of darkness, comfort, privacy and style.

If you’re unsure which solution will work best for your bedroom layout, light levels or sleep routine, we’re here to help with clear, personalised guidance.

Let’s Help You Create a Bedroom You Love

If you’re unsure where to start, our friendly team can walk you through the styles, fabrics and blackout levels that will make your bedroom feel calmer, cosier and more comfortable. You’re also welcome to visit our Wickford showroom to see all the options in person and get expert advice.

FAQs about Bedroom Blinds

The most effective blinds for blocking light in bedrooms are blackout Roller Blinds, blackout Roman Blinds and layered options such as curtains paired with blinds.

Blackout fabrics help reduce early morning light, streetlights and car headlights, which is especially useful if you’re a light sleeper or work shifts.

They’re not essential for everyone, but blackout blinds can make a big difference to sleep quality.

If your bedroom faces the street, gets early morning sun or you have children who go to bed before sunset, blackout fabrics help keep the room darker and more comfortable.

Yes. Roller Blinds are a simple, practical option for bedrooms and work particularly well in smaller rooms or where you prefer a neat, minimal look.

They are available in dim-out and blackout fabrics, so you can choose the level of light control that suits how you sleep.

Yes. Venetian Blinds, especially Faux Wood, are popular in bedrooms where adjustable privacy and daylight are important.

You can tilt the slats to let natural light in during the day while keeping the room private, then close them fully at night for extra darkness and comfort.

The best bedroom blinds for privacy are Plantation Shutters, Venetian Blinds and Day & Night (Vision) Blinds.

These styles allow you to control how much you can see out – and how much others can see in – without completely sacrificing natural light during the day.

Yes. Cordless and automated blinds are safer options for children’s bedrooms as they remove the need for loose cords and chains.

Motorised blinds can also be programmed to open and close at set times, which is useful for maintaining a good bedtime routine and keeping the room comfortable year-round.

For bay or feature windows, Plantation Shutters, Roman Blinds and carefully fitted Roller or Venetian Blinds all work well.

Shutters highlight the shape of the window, while Romans and Rollers soften the room and add warmth through fabric and pattern.

Think about how you use the room and the mood you want to create. Softer, neutral tones tend to feel calm and relaxing, while darker fabrics can make the room feel cosier and help reduce light.

Fabric choice also matters: blackout or dim-out fabrics are ideal for main bedrooms, while lighter sheers or voiles can work in guest rooms where complete darkness is less important.

If you have any other questions, please call us on 01268 949255 and our team will be happy to help.

Why Trust This Bedroom Guide?

For 50 years, we’ve helped homeowners across Essex choose Blinds, Curtains and Plantation Shutters that genuinely work in real bedrooms. From front-facing rooms needing better privacy, to south-facing bedrooms affected by early-morning light, to cosy spaces needing extra warmth, our team deals with every type of bedroom layout and light issue every single day.

We manufacture many of our blinds at our Wickford HQ and install them in homes of all shapes and sizes – including bay windows, uPVC frames, large feature windows and tricky recesses. Every recommendation in this guide is based on real bedrooms, real light levels and hands-on experience and not generic advice.

Our goal is to give you clear, reliable guidance so you can choose window dressings that improve your sleep, comfort and privacy for years to come.

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