What are lantern blinds and do I need them?

Lantern blinds are made specifically for roof lanterns, the raised glass structures often found on kitchen extensions and orangeries. A roof lantern is a skylight that sits above the roofline, typically with four sloped glass panels and sometimes a flat top panel.

Without blinds, roof lanterns let in a large amount of heat and glare. In summer, the room below can become unusably hot. The glass acts like a greenhouse, trapping warmth. In winter, the large glass area loses heat rapidly.

Lantern blinds solve both problems. They are fitted inside the lantern frame with a tensioned fabric that covers each glass panel. Pleated fabric is the most common choice because it can follow the slope of the glass. Roller blinds are used for flat-top panels.

Most lantern blinds are electric because the blinds are mounted overhead and cannot be reached by hand. A remote control lets you open and close individual panels or all of them together.

The fabric choice matters. A reflective-backed fabric rejects solar heat before it enters the room. A translucent fabric softens glare while still letting natural light through. Blackout options are available but less common for lanterns.

If your kitchen extension gets too hot in summer or you find yourself squinting at screens because of overhead glare, lantern blinds are well worth considering.

We measure and fit lantern blinds to any shape or size. Fitting is included.