What are skylight blinds & solar control?
Skylight blinds and solar-control options manage glare, heat and darkness under rooflights: integral blinds sealed inside the glass, fitted electric blinds, blackout blinds for bedrooms, and solar-control glass or films that cut heat gain.
A rooflight over a bedroom needs blackout; one over a south-facing kitchen may need shade in summer. Blinds made for rooflights hold flat against gravity, which ordinary blinds cannot.
We measure and fit blinds to existing rooflights and roof windows, and advise when solar-control glass would do more than a blind.
- Types
- Pleated, roller, blackout, integral
- Operation
- Manual, electric or solar
- Fit
- Within the reveal or the frame
- Control
- Switch, remote or app
- Fitting time
- 1–3 hours per blind
- Typical lead time
- 1–3 weeks from order
Why choose skylight blinds & solar control?
- Blackout for bedrooms and nurseries
- Glare control over workspaces
- Cuts summer heat gain
- Electric or solar-powered operation
- Integral blinds never need dusting
- Retrofit to most rooflights
What options are there?
- Electric pleated or roller blinds
- Blackout blinds
- Integral blinds within the glass
- Solar-powered remote blinds
- Solar-control glass replacement
- Insect screens on opening units
What should you check before you order?
- Retrofit blinds depend on reveal depth and access
- Integral blinds are specified with a new glass unit
- Electric blinds need a power supply or solar panel
- Cord safety rules apply to blinds in homes with children
Planning and building-regulation rules differ between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Our planning guide and building regulations guide set out each nation's position.
How much do skylight blinds & solar control cost?
| Option | Guide price inc VAT | Ex VAT |
|---|---|---|
| Integral blind in a new glass unit | £715 – £1,435 | £595 – £1,195 |
| Electric or solar blind Typical | £595 – £1,075 | £495 – £895 |
| Manual pleated or blackout blind | £355 – £595 | £295 – £495 |
Guide prices per blind, supplied and fitted. Your fixed price follows a free survey for new installations.
Skylight blinds & solar control: common questions
Can you fit a blind to my existing rooflight?
Usually, yes — if there is enough depth in the reveal for the cassette and rails. We measure first.
Will a blind stop a rooflight getting hot?
An internal blind helps with glare but some heat still gets in behind it. Solar-control glass or an external shade does more for heat.
What is an integral blind?
A blind sealed between the panes of the glass unit. It never gets dusty or damaged, but is ordered with the unit.
Are electric blinds worth it?
For high rooflights you cannot reach, yes. Solar-powered models avoid new wiring.
Can I get full blackout?
Blackout fabrics in side channels give near-total darkness.
Do blinds work on roof lanterns?
Lantern blinds exist but are complex; solar-control glass is often the better answer.
