The Ultimate Guide to Lantern Roof Blinds: Enhancing Your Home with Style and Functionality

Lantern roof blinds are an increasingly popular choice for homeowners in Kent and beyond looking to add a touch of elegance and practicality to their living spaces. These blinds not only provide aesthetic appeal but also offer numerous functional benefits, making them a worthwhile investment for any home. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the key features, benefits, and considerations when choosing lantern roof blinds.

What Are Lantern Roof Blinds?

Lantern roof blinds are specialized window coverings designed for lantern roofs, which are architectural features typically found in conservatories, extensions, or orangeries. A lantern roof consists of a raised section of roof with multiple glass panes, allowing natural light to flood into the room below. While the influx of natural light is a major advantage, it can also lead to issues such as excessive heat, glare, and lack of privacy. This is where lantern roof blinds come into play. Lantern roof blind products are also used on flat glass roof applications. Building this type of blind into the structure of the recess is always the neatest way to approach an install but more often than not, lantern roof blinds are retro fitted into the recess of the lantern. 

Top tip from Gary Emanuel is to have the lantern or flat roof recess made with a ledge built into the recess. That way when the blind is mounted onto the ledge you will not see any of the blind profile or have the need for an 'L Angle' ledge to support the blind in some cases. More often than not a lantern is finished and plastered meaning a retro fit install will thus be carried out. If preparation is put into first fix stages plus the addition of a mains power spur then the best possible system and power option can be connected with ease and look exceptional.*

Benefits of Lantern Roof Blinds

1. Temperature Regulation

One of the primary benefits of lantern roof blinds is their ability to regulate temperature. During the summer months, the sun’s rays can cause the temperature in your room to rise significantly. Lantern roof blinds help to block out the intense heat, keeping your space cool and comfortable. In winter, they provide an additional layer of insulation, helping to retain warmth and reduce heating costs. 

2. Glare Reduction

Natural light is wonderful, but too much of it can cause glare, making it difficult to watch TV, work on a computer, or simply relax. Lantern roof blinds allow you to control the amount of light entering your room, reducing glare and creating a more pleasant environment.

3. Privacy

Lantern roofs offer stunning views of the sky, but they can also compromise your privacy. By installing lantern roof blinds, you can enjoy the beauty of your surroundings without worrying about prying eyes.

4. Aesthetic Appeal

Lantern roof blinds are available in a variety of styles, colors, and materials, allowing you to choose an option that complements your home’s decor. Whether you prefer sleek and modern designs or something more traditional, there is a lantern roof blind to suit your taste.

5. UV Protection

Extended exposure to UV rays can cause furniture, flooring, and artwork to fade over time. Lantern roof blinds offer protection against harmful UV rays, preserving the quality and longevity of your interior furnishings.

Types of Lantern Roof Blinds

1. Honeycomb Blinds

Honeycomb blinds, also known as cellular shades, are designed with a unique cellular structure that traps air, providing excellent insulation. They are an energy-efficient option that helps to regulate temperature and reduce energy costs. A chosen colour and design from a fabric brand such as Duette, Lienesch, Louvolite or Eclipse can face into the room, adding to the design element whilst a white reflective side of the cell facing up to the sky deflects the uv and heat. Emanuel's number one selling lantern roof blind system is the Skytrack. 

Skytrack is a full cassette Roof Blind system and is belt driven unlike many other types on the market which are tensioned. This product does not have any of the guide wires showing and has proved to be the best selling Lantern roof blind of recent. Tensioned products will have guide wires showing once they reach a certain width and drop. The skytrack can be solar powered, mains 240v or standalone battery. A DC charging point has been added to the blind above in case the suns does not sufficiently charge the blind. More often than not its never used but is a great just in case feature to have. 

2. Roller Roof Blind 

The Roller roof blinds are an effective means of creating a solid, more flat coverage whereas the Honeycomb cells create a more patterned and indented look. Roller roof blind systems require a tensioned cassette at one end followed by a motorised cassette at the other. Emanuel's have installed roof systems with dual motors at 6m x 5m down to lantern roofs of 1m x 3m. The profiles for this type of blind mean that they take up more room around the lantern. Most cassette headboxes are around 70mm to 90mm in depth. 

Roller roof blinds are best used in larger lanterns where there is an abundance of glass and the larger shelf an profiles can be used an not impact the reveal. These systems are usually heavier so the method of creating a ledge in L angle or building them in during build phase is a must. 

Fabrics often used for roller roof blinds are screen fabrics which allow for slight visibility through the fabric while still eliminating a large amount of UV and heat below. Room darken fabrics are the next popular choice, ideal if the flat roof blind or lantern roof blind is in a bedroom or living room where a TV or projector could be affected by the inbound light. 

3. Motorized Blinds

For the ultimate in convenience, motorized lantern roof blinds can be operated at the touch of a button. They are perfect for hard-to-reach areas and can be integrated with smart home systems for automated control. Emanuel's provide Somfy, Ellard and Motion motorised options for roof blind installs. All can be app controlled, used stand alone on wall switch or remote and can also integrate popular Home Automation Systems such as Control 4, Lutron, Crestron, Loxone, Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa for smart control and voice activated control.

Choosing the Right Lantern Roof Blinds

When selecting lantern roof blinds, consider the following factors:

• Material: Choose a material that suits your needs in terms of light control, insulation, and aesthetics.
• Operation: Decide whether you prefer manual or motorized operation.
• Style: Select a style and color that complements your existing decor.
• Budget: Consider your budget and look for options that offer the best value for your investment.

Installation and Maintenance

Proper installation is crucial to ensure the effectiveness and longevity of your lantern roof blinds. It is recommended to hire a professional to ensure a perfect fit and smooth operation. Maintenance is generally straightforward, with most blinds requiring occasional dusting or vacuuming to keep them looking their best.

Conclusion

Lantern roof blinds are a stylish and practical addition to any home with a lantern roof. They offer numerous benefits, including temperature regulation, glare reduction, privacy, aesthetic appeal, and UV protection. With a variety of styles and materials to choose from, you can find the perfect blinds to enhance your living space. Invest in quality lantern roof blinds today and enjoy a more comfortable, beautiful, and functional home.

Contact Emanuel's Interiors with any questions you may have regarding Lantern roof blinds and Roof blinds in general.