Large, statement pieces of glazing look incredible and are fantastic at flooding inside spaces with light. However, when the time inevitably comes for some privacy or light and heat control, you’ll need some shading to help you. Therefore, it’s crucial to plan for the inclusion of shading from the very beginning of your project – prevention is better than a cure! Here, the British Blind and Shutter Association (BBSA) looks at the most suitable shading options for large pieces of glazing. 

Let’s begin with a type of shading that you’ll likely be familiar with. Vertical blinds are popular for all sizes of glazing but are ideal for larger installations because the lightweight headrail and louvres can easily span great distances.

The louvres can be tilted to control the amount of light and heat entering the room and can be fully closed for privacy.

Like vertical blinds in style and operation, panel blinds use much larger sections of fabric which stack one in front of the other when retracted. When drawn, they overlap slightly to ensure there are no light gaps between the panels.

The width of each panel and how many you have is determined by the size of your windows and, of course, your individual preference.

Roller blinds are a popular choice too for large installations. When fitted externally they will provide a high degree of protection against solar heat and glare, keeping you comfortable even on the hottest days.

If you’re looking for shutters to shade a large piece of glazing, it’s likely tracked shutters will be the most appropriate. Being fitted to a track means they can concertina to one side – or both sides – of the window rather than open out into the room, saving space and making them ideal for large sections of glazing.

Sail blinds are visually amazing and are popular in residential buildings which have large areas of glazing. They were initially used to simply create areas of shade; however modern fabrics mean they can help reduce heat gain and glare in buildings while maximising the amount of natural light allowed into a space.

They are used to shade roof lights as well as in conservatories, lanterns, orangeries and glass rooms.

Shading can help by prevent rooms from overheating and from losing heat too, helping to reduce energy consumption for heating and cooling, and contributing to greater comfort in all weather conditions.