Best 10 Types of Blinds That Every Home Needs

Blinds are not merely functional coverings that shield your windows; they’re one of the unsung heroes of modern interior design. A good blind shapes how your room feels, diffusing light to create atmosphere, insulating against drafts, offering privacy when you need it most, and providing the finishing touch that can make an ordinary space look considered, polished, and complete.
But here’s the challenge: with so many options on the market, especially when it comes to blinds in the UK, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Should you opt for the timeless appeal of Roman blinds, the practicality of roller blinds, or the high-tech allure of motorised designs? The right choice depends on your lifestyle, your room, and even the unique quirks of British weather.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through 10 popular blind styles that every UK home should consider, exploring their materials, costs, installation, lifespan, and why they’re particularly useful. By the end, you’ll be better equipped to decide which blind belongs in which room of your home.

10 Types of Blinds That Every Home Needs

1. Venetian Blinds

Available Materials/Material Options: Aluminium, PVC, real wood, faux wood.
Approximate Cost (UK): From £6 - £13 depending on size and finish.
Installation Time: 30 - 60 minutes for a standard window.
Lifespan: 7- 10 years with proper maintenance.
Why it’s useful:
Venetian blinds are a classic for good reason. With horizontal slats that tilt to let in just the right amount of light, they’re versatile enough for kitchens, living rooms, and even bathrooms. Aluminium versions are lightweight and moisture-resistant, while PVC Venetian blinds (see The Benefits of PVC Venetian Blinds) are practically indestructible in humid environments. Wooden and faux wood versions add warmth, pairing beautifully with both traditional and contemporary interiors.

2. Roller Blinds

Available Materials: Polyester, PVC, blackout fabrics, patterned textiles.
Approximate Cost (UK): £19 - £29 for ready-made; for made-to-measure pice may vary
Installation Time: 20 - 40 minutes.
Lifespan: 5 - 8 years.
Why it’s useful:
Few blinds are as fuss-free as the roller blind. A single sheet of fabric rolls up neatly when not in use, making it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and minimalist interiors. Blackout roller blinds are excellent in bedrooms or nurseries, while moisture-resistant PVC rollers are practical for kitchens.

Browse our Roller Blinds Collection for designs that balance simplicity with performance.

3. Roman Blinds

Available Materials: Cotton, linen blends, polyester, luxury silks.
Approximate Cost (UK): £50 - £150, depending on fabric choice.
Installation Time: 30 - 45 minutes.
Lifespan: 6 - 10 years.
Why it’s useful:
Roman blinds are the tailor-made suits of the window world. They fold into neat, soft pleats when raised, offering elegance and insulation in equal measure. Perfect for bedrooms, dining rooms, or formal sitting areas, they bring warmth and sophistication. For a deeper dive, read our blog: Guide to Roman Blinds: Styles, Materials and Benefits.

4. Vertical Blinds

Available Materials: Fabric, PVC, aluminium.
Approximate Cost (UK): £30 - £90.
Installation Time: 40 - 60 minutes.
Lifespan: 7 - 10 years.
Why it’s useful:
Ideal for wide windows and patio doors, vertical blinds provide flexible light control and are surprisingly easy to clean. Their vertical slats collect less dust than horizontal blinds, making them popular in open-plan kitchens or conservatories.

5. Day & Night (Zebra) Blinds

Available Materials: Polyester fabrics with alternating opaque and sheer panels.
Approximate Cost (UK): £15 - £20.
Installation Time: 30 - 45 minutes.
Lifespan: 5 - 8 years.
Why it’s useful:

Also known as zebra blinds, these combine sheer and opaque stripes in one blind, letting you control privacy and daylight with a single adjustment. They’re sleek, modern, and perfect for offices or living rooms. 

6. Wooden Blinds

Available Materials: Real hardwoods such as oak, basswood, or bamboo.
Approximate Cost (UK): £33-£200, depending on size and wood.
Installation Time: 40-60 minutes.
Lifespan: 10-15 years with care.
Why it’s useful:
Nothing beats the warmth and texture of real wood blinds. They suit living rooms, home offices, and bedrooms, lending character and timeless elegance. Best avoided in humid kitchens or bathrooms unless well treated.

7. Faux Wood Blinds

Available Materials: PVC, composite wood substitutes.
Approximate Cost (UK): £12–£20.
Installation Time: 30-45 minutes.
Lifespan: 7–12 years.
Why it’s useful:
All the beauty of real wood, none of the risk. Faux wood blinds resist moisture and warping, making them ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, or any room that needs durability without sacrificing style.

8. Pleated Blinds

Available Materials: Polyester, paper blends, performance fabrics.
Approximate Cost (UK): £30 - £70.
Installation Time: 30 - 40 minutes.
Lifespan: 4 - 6 years.
Why it’s useful:
Compact and elegant, pleated blinds fold into neat stacks when raised. They’re especially suited to conservatories, skylights, and smaller windows where space is limited.

9. Cellular (Honeycomb) Blinds

Available Materials: Polyester with double or single-cell honeycomb structure.
Approximate Cost (UK): £50 - £120.
Installation Time: 30 - 45 minutes.
Lifespan: 8 - 12 years.
Why it’s useful:
These blinds are designed with insulating air pockets that trap heat in winter and block heat in summer. They’re a favourite for north-facing rooms, draughty period properties, or eco-minded households.

10. Motorised Blinds

Available Materials: Available across roller, Roman, pleated, or Venetian designs.
Approximate Cost (UK): £150 - £500 depending on technology.
Installation Time: 60–90 minutes (may require professional fitting).
Lifespan: 10+ years with proper maintenance.
Why it’s useful:
Welcome to the future. Motorised blinds bring convenience, accessibility, and smart-home integration. Operated via remote control, smartphone app, or even voice command, they’re excellent for hard-to-reach windows or for those who simply value ease.

The right blind is more than a covering; it’s a solution. Whether you need blackout blinds for comfort in the bedroom, Kitchen blinds for moisture resistance in the kitchen, or energy efficiency in the conservatory, there’s a blind tailored to the task.

Before deciding, think carefully about your room’s unique demands:

• Does it get direct sunlight or sit in shade?
• Is it exposed to moisture or cooking odours?
• Do you prioritise insulation, style, or low maintenance?

By answering these questions, you’ll know whether to choose Venetian, Roman, roller, or any of the other nine blinds we’ve explored.

At Lister Cartwright, we specialise in made-to-measure blinds that take the guesswork out of fitting and the compromise out of design. Browse our collections today and bring precision, beauty, and function to every window.

FAQs

What type of blinds are best for bedrooms in the UK?

Blackout roller blinds, Roman blinds with blackout lining, or honeycomb blinds are ideal for controlling light and ensuring restful sleep. See also: A Guide to Choosing Blackout Blinds for Bedrooms.

Which blinds are easiest to clean?

The easiest blinds to clean are PVC Venetian, faux wood, and aluminium blinds. Their smooth surfaces mean dust and splashes can be wiped away in seconds. For step-by-step tips, check out our full guide on cleaning your blinds.

Are motorised blinds worth the cost?

For convenience, accessibility, and integration with smart homes, yes. Particularly useful for large or hard-to-reach windows.

Which blinds are best for humid areas like kitchens and bathrooms?

The best choices are PVC Venetian, aluminium, or faux wood blinds as they are resistant to moisture, easy to clean, and won’t warp over time. If you’re focusing on your cooking space, explore our full range of kitchen blinds designed to handle steam and spills. You can also read our guide on How to Choose the Right Blinds for Your Kitchen for more tips before you buy.

Can I fit blinds myself, or do I need a professional?

Most blinds can be installed DIY with a drill and measuring tape, but motorised or oversized blinds may require professional fitting.

Are made-to-measure blinds better than ready-made ones?

Yes, made-to-measure blinds are better as they ensure a perfect fit, superior finish, and improved performance compared to ready-made options. They’re built to your exact window size, preventing gaps and enhancing both style and function. Learn more in our guide on the benefits of made-to-measure blinds for your home