Decorating and personalizing your child’s nursery is one of the most exciting moments for new parents. However, an often overlooked aspect is the selection of nursery blinds. Many seasoned parents will recount the challenges they’ve faced—trying to block out light for those essential naps and nighttime routines. To save you some frustration, here’s an overview of the leading types of nursery blinds available in the UK.
This guide highlights the importance of nursery blinds, key factors to consider when selecting them, the top choices on the market, and answers to some of your key questions regarding sleep and safety.
• Best overall nursery blinds: Tommee Tippee Sleeptight Portable Blackout Blind – Available on Amazon
• Top portable blinds: Easynight Blackout Blind – Available on Amazon
• Best design for a nursery: Sweet Dreams Blackout Roman Blind – Available at John Lewis
• Most thematic nursery blinds: Jungle Twist Safe Natural Blackout Roller Blind – Available at Dunelm
Why Are Nursery Blinds Important?
Managing Light: Babies are born without a circadian rhythm, which helps them differentiate between day and night. Fortunately, we can assist them in gradually developing this rhythm right from birth, and effective light control plays a significant role in this process.
Child Safety: Ensuring your child’s safety is paramount. Blind cord accidents continue to pose serious risks for young children. Since 2014, all blinds sold in the UK must comply with safety regulations regarding window blinds. If blinds have chains or cords, they are required to include a safety device.
Temperature Regulation: Managing the temperature in your baby’s room is crucial for their comfort and safety during sleep. Blinds are effective at regulating room temperature throughout the year. Thermal blinds come with a special backing that helps reflect heat outside in the summer and retain warmth during winter.
Aesthetic Value: Blinds can enhance your nursery’s decor, featuring striking colors or patterns. The market offers a variety that allows you to balance functionality with style.
Key Features to Consider When Choosing Nursery Blinds
Cordless vs. Corded: According to UK regulations, it’s best to use cordless blinds in nurseries. If you opt for corded varieties, ensure they come with safety devices to keep your child secure, giving you greater peace of mind.
Blackout Effectiveness: Many customers have reported issues with the ‘blackout’ capabilities of various blinds. We’ve done the research for you, and our recommended models truly deliver on blackout performance.
Ease of Cleaning: Are the blinds machine washable or easy to wipe clean? When you have little ones, laundry can become overwhelming, so select a product that fits your cleaning routine.
Installation Simplicity: Not confident with tools? Some blinds are quick and easy to install, requiring minimal DIY skills, while others may be more complex. We highlight which blinds can be installed quickly versus those that require detailed instructions.
Portability: Do you travel frequently or visit relatives? Some blinds are designed for a fixed fit and are immovable, while others are portable and can be adjusted for different window sizes. Be sure the size you choose effectively covers the window; even a small amount of light can disrupt your child’s sleep.
Top Nursery Blinds
Best Overall Blind
Tommee Tippee presents a blind that is both stylish and practical. Family life demands adaptability, which is the key feature of this blind, making it suitable for any window. Users have praised its durability, ease of installation, and effectiveness. However, it does not offer thermal insulation, so consider alternatives if you need something to keep the room cool. It stands out as our top portable option due to its size and performance.
- Strong suction cups allow for multiple removals and reattachments
- Lightweight design makes it easy to pack and take on trips
- Flexible fit, with fasteners that adjust to any window
Disadvantages
- Lacks thermal insulation, making it less ideal for very hot rooms
| Dimensions: | Standard: 130x99cm Large: 130x198cm |
| Installation: | Utilizes suction cups |
| Weight: | 680g |
| Care: | Machine washable |
Ideal for Keeping Your Baby’s Room Cool
This product is adaptable to different window sizes and is completely portable, making it easy to move around the house or take on outings. While some users reported that the suction cups could be weak, many also praised its excellent quality and attractive design. It features a reflective surface designed to help keep your baby’s room cooler, despite some concerns about its durability over time.
Benefits
- The reflective layer helps maintain a cooler atmosphere while repelling heat
- Lightweight design that is easy to install
- Aesthetically pleasing design with star motifs
Drawbacks
- Several users have commented that the suction cups seem fragile and inadequate for their purpose
| Dimensions: | Available in sizes from 60x 80cm to 130x 200cm |
| Installation: | Suction cups complemented by optional frame fasteners |
| Weight: | 745 grams |
Best Portable Shades
The Easynight portable shade presents a slightly distinctive design when compared to its competitors. It comes in multiple sizes, from small to extra-large, enabling customization to fit your specific needs. This product is particularly suitable for non-standard or large windows, making it a fantastic option for a variety of window configurations. You can choose between a mobile and a more permanent version, so be sure to specify your preference. Reviewers have highlighted its effectiveness in temperature control and adaptability.
Pros
- The reflective surface efficiently helps to keep the indoor temperature comfortable
- Versatile design fits nearly all window types
Cons
- Requires some effort to cut this shade to the appropriate size, but achieving the perfect fit may be beneficial in the long run
- Limited to spot cleaning only, which may not be ideal for portable use
| Dimensions: | 1x 1.45m to 3x 1.45m |
| Installation: | Suction cups or removable self-adhesive fasteners |
| Cleaning: | Spot clean only |
Perfect for various window types
This exceptionally straightforward design is an advantage for those with standard window sizes or multiple areas that require darkening. It employs a static cling approach for adhering to windows, allowing for incredibly quick setup, in mere seconds. The design is minimalistic and lacks the insulating properties necessary to maintain a comfortable temperature in your space. Among our options, it is the most portable due to its lightweight sheets, making it reusable. However, if the sheets become wrinkled, their adhesive properties may diminish, making this option less environmentally friendly than some fabric alternatives.
Advantages
- Simple to install without the need for special skills or tools
- Reusable sheets suitable for multiple applications
- Comes with a pack of 10 sheets
Disadvantages
- Not appropriate for textured or decorative windows
- Less eco-friendly compared to fabric options
- Lacks the thermal insulation benefits of other blackout shades
| Size: | 60x 80cm for each sheet (10 sheets per pack) |
| Mounting: | Static cling |
