Blinds for Tall Windows

Think about proportion and operation

On a tall window, the blind is a large part of what you see, so the fabric and how it stacks when raised both matter. It also needs to be easy to raise and lower — a long chain on a very tall blind can be awkward to use every day.

Options that work well

These are the options we'd usually suggest:

• Roller blinds: a slim profile that rolls away neatly, with blackout fabrics for bedrooms — see roller blinds.
• Roman blinds: a softer look, with folds that stack at the top — see Roman blinds.
• Vertical blinds: these draw to the side rather than lifting, which suits very tall glazing — see vertical blinds.
• Venetian blinds: precise light control, though the stack of slats is deeper on tall windows — see Venetian blinds.
• Full-height shutters: a premium alternative — see full-height shutters.

Motorised control

For stairwells, double-height rooms and large glazing, motorised blinds remove the need for long chains and make daily use easier. It's well worth considering if a window is hard to reach.

Common mistakes on tall windows

Tall windows are lovely to live with, but a few things catch people out. These are the ones we see most often.

• Forgetting the stack: when a Roman or Venetian blind is raised, the folded fabric or slats sit at the top of the window. On a long drop that stack is deeper, so it can cover more glass than you'd expect. Fitting the blind a little above the window, rather than inside the recess (the opening the window sits in), lets it clear the glass when it's up.
• A chain that's too long to manage: a very long chain can hang in a loop, tangle and get in the way. It needs to be held securely with a tensioner (a small device fixed to the wall that keeps the chain taut), or you can avoid it altogether with motorised control.
• Choosing a heavy fabric for a big drop: a large Roman blind in a thick, lined fabric can feel heavy to raise. We'll suggest fabrics and mechanisms that suit the size.
• Forgetting the view from outside: tall windows are often seen from the street or garden, so the back of the blind and how it looks when lowered matters as much as the front.

Room-by-room advice

Where a tall window is in the house often decides which blind works best.

• Stairwells and landings: these windows are usually hard to reach, so simple operation is the priority. A roller blind or a motorised blind is often the most practical choice, and a light-filtering fabric keeps the stairs bright during the day.
• Double-height living rooms: very large glazing can be split into two or more blinds that line up neatly, which keeps each one a manageable size. Our large window blinds page covers this in more detail.
• Bedrooms: a tall bedroom window lets in a lot of early light. Blackout blinds help, and fitting them outside the recess reduces light gaps around the edges.
• Period homes: tall sash windows in older houses often suit Roman blinds or shutters. See sash window blinds for options that work with sliding sashes.

What happens at the appointment

When we visit, we'll measure each window ourselves, so you don't need to climb a ladder to do it. We'll also check what's above the window, because the wall over a tall opening can be plasterboard, timber or masonry, and that affects how the blind is fixed.

We'll talk through how often you'll open and close each blind, whether you want it to stack away completely, and whether motorised control makes sense. We bring samples to your home, so you can see fabrics against your own walls and in your own light. If you'd like to understand the process first, our measuring and fitting guide explains it step by step.

We measure and fit across Stockton-on-Tees, Yarm, Middlesbrough and the wider Teesside area, so whether your tall window is in a Victorian terrace or a new-build with a double-height hallway, we can come to you.

Common questions

Can you get blinds for very tall windows?

Yes. Because our blinds are made to measure, tall windows aren't a problem. For very large windows we may suggest splitting the glazing into two or more blinds, or using vertical blinds, so each one is easy to operate.

Are motorised blinds worth it for tall windows?

If a window is hard to reach, they usually are. You raise and lower the blind with a remote, wall switch or app instead of a long chain, and there's no cord to manage. We'll check whether a battery or mains-powered motor suits your window.

What's the best blind for a tall, narrow window?

Roller and Roman blinds tend to suit tall, narrow windows best, because they lift straight up and keep the proportions neat. Vertical blinds are better on wider glazing, where there's room for the louvres to stack to the side.

How do you make long chains and cords safe?

Internal blinds should meet the safety standard BS EN 13120, which means chains and cords must be secured or kept out of reach. On tall windows we fit a chain tensioner, or you can choose cordless or motorised control. Our child safety guide explains more.

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.