Selecting the appropriate window treatments for the bedroom is arguably the most critical design decision you will have to make when decorating your house. Bedrooms in Australia face a specific set of issues, which include strong sunlight in the morning, very hot summers, and very cold winters.
In case your bedroom window treatments don’t satisfy all these criteria, chances are that you’ll end up with sleepless nights, high bills and an uncomfortable room no matter the season.
Being the professionals in bedroom blind installation, covering homes in Bathurst, Orange and Blue Mountains region of Australia, one question we hear most frequently from our clients is “which one is better?” The following guide will answer all your questions on choosing the right bedroom blinds.
Quick Answer: What is the best blind for an Australian bedroom?
Duette blinds, which have also been referred to as honeycomb blinds, are recommended for use in the Australian bedroom setting due to their unique honeycomb structure that allows air pockets to be created, providing excellent insulation properties. They keep the rooms cold during summer and warm during winter, as well as blocking out light.
Why Bedroom Window Coverings Matter
Bedrooms require a different strategy than the one used for living rooms or kitchens.
The guidelines provided by the Australian Government on Energy.gov.au indicate that unshaded windows account for up to 87% of heat gained by a home in summer and around 40% of heat lost in winter. With its wide range of climatic zones, window coverings in Australia act as a barrier against temperature changes and light.
Aims for bedroom window treatments:
- Complete light control to block lights at night and sunlight in the early hours of the morning.
- Thermal insulation to maintain a constant temperature.
- Privacy, as outsiders should not be able to look in.
- Noise reduction to minimise noise from outside sources.
Quick Comparison: Bedroom Window Furnishings
Before moving on to specific details, take a look at this comparison table and see how popular materials stack up against the needs of a bedroom.
| Blind Type | Light Control | Thermal Insulation | Privacy | Maintenance | Best Use Case |
| Duette Blinds | Excellent (Blockout) | Exceptional | High | Low | Climate control & total darkness |
| Blockout Curtains | Excellent | Very Good | High | Medium | Soft aesthetics & layering |
| Roller Blinds | Good to Excellent | Moderate | Medium to High | Very Low | Modern minimalism & tight budgets |
| Plantation Shutters | Moderate (Light bleed) | Good | High | Low | Ventilation & street appeal |
| Roman Blinds | Good | Moderate | High | Medium | Classic design & formal styling |
| Venetian Blinds | Moderate (Light bleed) | Low | Adjustable | High | Home offices or guest rooms |
Deep Dive: The Best Bedroom Window Coverings
It’s now time to analyse the best selections for Australian houses, starting with the top performers.
1. Duette Blinds (Honeycomb Blinds)
For the bedroom setting in particular, Duette blinds represent one of the best choices for window coverings you could ever make.
Cellular blinds were initially invented by Hunter Douglas back in the 1980s to deal with an energy crisis. The distinguishing feature of these blinds is their honeycomb pleats pattern. Unlike regular blinds made of one layer of fabric, cellular blinds have pockets that retain air.
Why they are best for bedrooms:
Air does not conduct heat very well. The Duette shades act as a physical insulator by creating an air layer between the cold glass of the window and the warm room, or vice versa. In case of houses in the Central West area that experience extremely cold winters, thermal insulation works quite effectively. Also, with the help of blockout materials, they block any light from coming inside the room.
Pros:
- Highest energy efficiency and reduced cost of cooling and heating.
- Exceptional sound insulation which helps to reduce outside noises.
- Available in both Top-Down and Bottom-Up styles allowing you to open the upper sash to admit sunlight and keep the lower one shut to maintain privacy.
- Stacks well when opened, maintaining your view.
Cons:
- More expensive than standard roller blinds up front.
Expert Tip: Want to go all out in your bedroom? Look into our Luxaflex Duette Architella range, featuring a patented two-cell-in-one-cell structure for maximum energy efficiency.
2. Blockout Curtains
Though not a true “blind,” blockout curtains form a standard part of Australian décor and should receive some mention. Very thick and weighty, with an internal lining providing the blockout aspect, these curtains provide an extremely luxurious appearance.
Why they are best for bedrooms:
Curtains add warmth to your bedroom, thus giving you cosiness. Curtains are ideal for blocking out light since they hang past the frame of the window thus reducing the halo effect, which is where light seeps through the edges of the window coverings.
Pros:
- Superior light blocking when fitted wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling.
- Adds architectural softness and acoustic dampening.
- Highly customisable with endless fabric choices.
Cons:
- Can make small bedrooms feel slightly enclosed.
- Requires more maintenance (dry cleaning or careful spot cleaning).
The Layered Approach: The use of layers in window treatments has become very common in today’s world. We install thin blockout roller blinds in the window recess and use sheer curtains around them. This gives us privacy during the day through sheers and total darkness during the night when the roller blind is lowered.
3. Roller Blinds
Roller blinds are the most popular window furnishing in Australia, largely due to their sleek profile, low cost, and ease of use.
Why they are best for bedrooms:
The blockout roller blind is very sleek in design and adds an element of simplicity to modern day architectural designs. This type of blind is extremely easy to use and folds away neatly when it is being raised up.
Pros:
- Extremely economical to buy.
- Very easy to clean (suitable for kids’ bedrooms).
- Could even be used together in a two-bracket system.
Cons:
- Standard roller blinds often allow a small gap of light around the sides.
- Minimal thermal insulation compared to cellular options.
Expert Tip: In case you like roller blinds but need total darkness, consider choosing the latest systems. For example, Luxaflex® Roller Blinds with EDGE® Technology feature side channels that secure the fabric without any side light gaps.
4. Plantation Shutters
There is much to appreciate about plantation shutters, particularly those constructed of durable materials like PolySatin shutters.
Why they are best for bedrooms:
Shutters allow precise adjustment of privacy and ventilation. The louvers may be tilted to allow cool summer breezes to flow through without letting the sunlight in.
Pros:
- Exceptional durability (ideal for wet areas and humid environments).
- Increases the perceived value of your property.
- Excellent for cross-ventilation.
Cons:
- They are not 100% blockout. Even when fully closed, some light will bleed between the louvres.
- Higher price point.
5. Roman Blinds & Venetian Blinds
Both Roman and Venetian blinds seem to be an afterthought when it comes to designing modern bedroom windows, despite being quite attractive.
- Roman Blinds: Roman blinds offer a custom look that resembles curtains but uses less material. On the downside, they stack up high and thick near the top of the window.
- Venetian Blinds (Timber or Aluminium): They are ideal if you require adjusting the sunlight angle, but they do not provide total darkness and require regular cleaning from dust. It makes them more appropriate for use in offices and living rooms.
In case you are looking for quality light-filtering blinds for other areas in your house, you may find our article on Pirouette Vs Silhouette Blinds: What Is TheDifference?.
Motorisation: A Worthwhile Investment?
Automatic blinds for the bedroom are getting common. By having motorisation, one is able to program the blinds to wake up at 7 o’clock automatically each morning. In the evening, one does not need to manually operate the blinds; they will be able to do this by themselves for heat retention after sunset. Although motorisation adds to initial costs, it makes it worthwhile.
Common Window Furnishing Mistakes
Be wary of mistakes when selecting furniture for your bedroom:
- Choosing light filtering fabrics for the bedroom: Light-filtering materials may appear great, but they won’t shield you from the early sunlight. Ensure that the material description indicates either “blockout” or “room-darkening.”
- Measuring incorrectly: Home measurements often lead to blinds being a bit smaller, thus leading to small gaps. Professional measuring services should always be preferred.
- Ignoring the street view: Remember that the bedroom blinds will be visible to outsiders. Using different designs for each room will create a mismatch on the exterior part. Using neutral backing for all the exterior blinds is highly recommended.
Cost Considerations
Curious about pricing for bedroom blinds? Here is a rough guide based on window size, quality of the materials, and installation requirements; costs can vary.
- Entry Level (Budget): Inexpensive but without any sophisticated thermal benefits.
- Mid-Range: Custom Roman blinds, double roller blinds, or basic cellular blinds.
- Premium: Luxaflex Duette blinds, motorised blinds or custom PolySatin Plantation Shutters. They may cost more upfront but you will save money in the long run due to energy savings, 20-year warranty and appreciation of the value of your home.
Best Options By Budget and Need
- Most economical option: Face-fit Blockout Roller Blinds.
- Shift worker’s best option: Duette blinds featuring LightLock side channels.
- For luxury option: Layering effect of blockout curtains and sheer curtains.
- For hot or cold climatic conditions: Luxaflex Duette Architella blinds.
Key Takeaway
Selecting the right window coverings for your bedroom comes down to finding the perfect combination of light management, insulation and aesthetics.
Sure, roller blinds can be an inexpensive choice, but Duette blinds and double layer blockout curtains remain the benchmark when it comes to bedroom window coverings in Australia. They provide the best protection from cold winter mornings, hot summers and early risers.
Ready to upgrade your home?
Window treatments selection can be made easy through the assistance of professionals. Blinds by Design provides personal consultations at your home in Bathurst, Orange, and Central West.
Give us a call today to see our wide variety of high quality and energy-saving solutions. We will help you create an oasis of comfort in your bedroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Duette blinds?
Duette blinds refer to high-quality cellular blinds that have been manufactured through the honeycomb construction process. The unique feature of having air trapped within the individual cells results in high levels of thermal insulation provided by the blinds. They perform exceptionally well during summer and winter seasons.
Are Duette blinds worth it?
It is a good idea to buy duette blinds. The only problem that arises here is the cost; it is more expensive than regular roller blinds. However, its good insulation ensures that you save on your heating and cooling expenses.
Which bedroom blinds block the most heat?
If you are looking for something that will provide insulation during Australian summers, the best options available include insulated cellular blinds, blockout curtains, or PolySatin shutters. The main reason behind their selection is that all these materials provide protection against harmful ultraviolet radiation.
Which blinds are best for Australian summers?
For Australian summer months, the best window coverings options to be considered are the insulating cellular blinds, block out curtains, or the Polysatin shutters. These window covering options ensure that there is no transmission of harmful UV rays and heat through the windows.
Can you see through blockout roller blinds at night?
No, you will not be able to see anything out of the blind at night. These blinds come with blockout materials that are totally opaque, giving you complete privacy despite having lighted bedroom windows.
How do I stop light coming down the sides of my blinds?
In order to fill the gaps where there is light coming through, you should install your blinds with a face fit approach (blinds mounted on the outside of the window frame and hanging over the wall). Another solution would be to go for the side channel technology used by Luxaflex EDGE technology.