Loft rooms are a brilliant way to get more space in your home without building an extension or moving, but they have some large drawbacks. In winter they leak heat. In summer, the early morning sun makes it impossible to get a lie in. Velux blackout energy pleated blinds tackle both of these problems in one tidy, good-looking package. Here’s how they can make your loft room feel more comfortable and usable all year round.
In a nutshell…
Winter benefits – The pleated, honeycomb-style fabric and reflective lining adds a pocket of still air at the window, which reduces heat loss and draughts. Your rooms feel warmer, and the money you spend on heating is less likely to escape out of the window.
Summer benefits – Blackout fabric blocks early-morning light and helps to cut solar gain, so you can sleep for longer and keep your room from overheating on warm summer mornings.
All year – As they’re manufactured by Velux, these blinds guarantee a flawless fit for your loft windows. They offer smooth operation and a tidy look; no messy cords like we see on older styles of blinds.
Why loft rooms can feel uncomfortable
More glass = more exposure
While those big windows fill your loft room with plenty of natural light, the windows face the sky directly so they take on intense sun in summer.
Heat escapes fastest at the window
Even high-quality roof windows are much less insulated than the rest of the roof, so they act as a weak spot where heat can easily escape.
Early sunrise
East-facing or south-facing roof windows can turn a 4-5am sunrise into an unwanted alarm clock in summer.
All of these issues can be solved with just one window treatment: Velux blackout energy pleated blinds. They’re built to fit Velux windows perfectly, with a cellular construction for energy efficiency and blackout fabric to block morning light.
Winter benefits of Velux blackout energy pleated blinds
Extra thermal barrier
The pleated “honeycomb” design creates a layer of still air between your blind and the glazing. That trapped air provides insulation for your window, preventing heat from escaping your room.
Reflective lining
A subtle reflective backing helps bounce radiant heat back into your room, rather than letting it seep out into the cold night. The effect is most noticeable at dusk and overnight when temperatures drop.
Fewer draughts, comfier corners
By providing a layer of insulation against the cold surface of the glass, you often feel fewer draughts and cold spots near the window. That means you can use your loft room to work from home during the day, create a reading nook below the window or use this room as a play space even during the winter.
Potential energy savings
While exact numbers will depend on your window size, glazing type, and how you heat the space, adding an insulating blind is one of the simplest upgrades you can do to help your heating do less work. This is especially valuable in open-plan lofts that are costly to warm.
How to get the best winter results
- Close your blinds as soon as it gets dark to keep daytime warmth inside.
- If there’s sun during the day, open your blinds to let in free solar heat. Make sure you remember to close them again before dusk.
Summer benefits of Velux blackout energy pleated blinds
True blackout for better sleep
Blackout fabric and precise side channels block the light that standard roller or venetian blinds let through. That means no more early sunrises waking you on the weekend! Great for shift workers, light-sensitive sleepers, and kids’ rooms under the eaves.
Helps reduce solar heat gain
By blocking and reflecting sunlight at the glass, these Velux blinds reduce the amount of heat pouring in. You can keep your blinds closed in the early morning hours and open them when you want to enjoy the sunlight, keeping your room noticeably cooler on bright days.
Glare control for screens
If your loft doubles as an office or snug, the blackout fabric kills screen glare instantly. You’ll be able to watch movies in a darkened room, even in the middle of the day.
Summer routine for Velux blinds
- Keep your blinds down during the hottest part of the day on your sun-facing windows.
- Ventilate in the evening when outside air is cooler, then lower your blinds before bed to maintain darkness and keep heat out.
Year-round benefits of Velux blackout energy pleated blinds
- These blinds are designed specifically by Velux for Velux windows. You’ll get a snug fit with tidy side channels and a clean finish (no gaps around the edges to let light through)
- Options for operation include manual control or smart home operation, which is perfect for large or hard-to-reach roof windows.
- With no dangling cords, these blinds are child-safe by design.
- The pleated texture adds a softer, more “furnished” feel compared to bare glazing or stark, ill-fitting rollers.
- If you opt for a Duo variant, you’ll be able to shift your blind over to the light-filtering option for privacy in the daytime.
How to choose the right blind for your Velux window
- Confirm your window code
Open the window and check the plate (usually found on the sash). You’ll see a model and size (e.g. GGL MK04). Order using that code for a perfect fit. - Choose your colour and finish
Darker fabrics are better for improved sleep, lighter tones provide an airy look for daytime use. Pleats add texture that works well with both modern and vintage-style lofts. - Pick a control type
Manual Velux blinds are simple and reliable for windows that are easy to reach.
Electric or solar options are perfect for high windows. You can pair them with a remote control or app with scheduling capability (especially useful if you plan to lower them every day at dusk to keep heat in).
How to care for your Velux blackout energy pleated blinds
No special cleaning is required. Light dusting or a gentle vacuum with the soft brush attachment keeps your pleats fresh. You should also keep your blinds dry. Avoid prolonged moisture on the fabric. For bathrooms, check the product notes for humidity suitability or choose a moisture-resistant variant.
If your loft room swings from too cold in the winter to too bright and hot in the summer, Velux blackout energy pleated blinds are a simple fix that also looks great on your windows. They add insulation when temperatures drop and deliver deep darkness and heat blocking when the sun is up. You can turn your tricky loft room into a proper bedroom, office, or hideaway. No renovation required!
Sleep better and stay cosy all year round. Contact us to find your Velux code and get blackout energy-saving blinds, or visit our showroom to see these blinds in action.
