Blinds for Sloping Windows

Why sloping windows are different

A standard blind hangs under its own weight, so on sloping or angled glass it sags away from the window. That's why blinds for sloping windows are held in side channels or tensioned top and bottom — so they sit flat against the glass at any angle.

Common situations

• Attic and loft bedrooms: blackout fabrics help keep the room dark on light summer mornings.
• Loft offices: light-filtering fabrics reduce glare on screens.
• Converted barns and angled glazing: made-to-measure blinds can be planned around unusual shapes.

Options to consider

• Roof and skylight blinds: designed specifically for roof windows — see roof & skylight blinds.
• Tensioned pleated blinds: slim and light, which suits angled glazing — see pleated blinds.
• Vertical blinds: these can suit some sloping-top windows where the headrail (the track the blind hangs from) is fitted level.
• Motorised control: useful for windows that are out of reach — see motorised blinds.

Measuring

Roof window blinds depend on the make and size of the window, so at your appointment we check the window details as well as the measurements. You don't need to work this out beforehand.

Roof windows, skylights and lanterns

"Sloping window" covers quite a few different types of glazing, and each needs a slightly different approach.

• Pitched roof windows: the windows set into a sloping roof in many loft conversions. Blinds for these are usually made to suit the specific window and fit to the window itself, running in side channels.
• Flat skylights: windows set into a flat roof, often in extensions. Because they're overhead and frequently out of reach, motorised or pole-operated blinds are worth considering.
• Roof lanterns and conservatory roofs: glazed roofs made of several angled panels. These are usually covered with tensioned blinds made for each panel. Our conservatory blinds page has more on this.
• Angled or raked windows: windows with a sloping top edge, often in gable ends and barn conversions. These are usually planned around the shape of the frame.

Heat, light and condensation

Roof glazing faces the sky, so it lets in more light and heat than an upright window of the same size. That can make loft rooms bright and pleasant, but also hot in summer and cool in winter.

• Blackout fabrics help bedrooms stay dark on long summer evenings and early mornings. See our blackout blinds for more.
• Pleated and honeycomb fabrics (honeycomb blinds have a cellular structure that traps a layer of air) can help a room feel more comfortable through the year.
• Reflective or solar fabrics help with glare and heat. Our heat and glare control page explains the options.

Roof windows can also be prone to condensation. Choosing a fabric that copes with moisture, and keeping the room ventilated, helps the blind last.

Mistakes to avoid

• Using a standard blind: without side channels or tension, it will sag away from the glass and won't stay in place.
• Forgetting how the window opens: some roof windows pivot or swing outwards, and the blind needs to suit that.
• Choosing a fabric that's too light: in an attic bedroom, a light-filtering fabric may not be dark enough for good sleep.
• Not planning for reach: a blind you can't easily reach is one you won't use, so think about poles or motorised control early.

Loft conversions are common across Stockton-on-Tees, Yarm and Middlesbrough, and we see plenty of angled glazing in extensions around Teesside too, so these are windows we're used to dealing with. For design ideas, take a look at our loft room blinds ideas.

Common questions

Can you get blinds for roof windows?

Yes. Roof window blinds are made to suit the make and size of the window, and fit into it so they stay in place at an angle. We check the window details at your appointment.

Can I still open the window with the blind fitted?

In most cases, yes, because roof window blinds are usually fitted to the opening part of the window. We'll confirm how yours will work before anything is ordered.

Do skylight blinds help with heat?

They can make a noticeable difference. Blinds with reflective or insulating fabrics help reduce heat coming in during summer and keep warmth in during winter.

Will a blackout blind make a loft bedroom completely dark?

A blackout fabric in side channels blocks most of the light, though a little may show at the edges. It's usually more than enough for a good night's sleep.

Get advice at home

Every window is measured individually. Request a free home appointment and we'll call you to arrange a convenient time, then bring samples to your home.