With 63% of Aussie homes using aircon, taking about 20–50% of home energy, smart blinds help cut heat and glare before you touch the thermostat.
When looking for the right blind, you might be faced with some of theses concerns – harsh west arvo sun, glare on TVs and laptops, lack of privacy from the neighbours, wet areas in the home, salty coastal air, and roller chains that jam. People want blinds that look streamlined, are easy to clean, child-safe, and sized right for their windows in Aussie houses.
Use this guide to match each blind style to real rooms and conditions, learn what to ask at the measure and quote, and compare like-for-like so you land on blinds that keep your place cooler, private and comfy across Australia’s seasons.
How to Choose Blinds for Privacy and Light
- Pick light filtering fabrics to allow more light through but maintain privacy.
- Choose 1% openness for more privacy or 5% for clearer views.
- Use double rollers or dual blinds to switch between light and full blockout.
- Go for neutral colours to brighten rooms with a soft natural glow.
- Select child-safe cordless or wand controls for safer homes.
- Match moisture-friendly materials in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundries.
- Ensure a snug fit to minimise side gaps and light bleed.
- Test fabric samples in daylight to check real light and privacy levels.
Best Blinds for Privacy That Still Let In Natural Light
These options keep natural light while protecting privacy in real homes across Australia. Pair daytime screen fabrics or tilting louvres with full cover where night privacy matters.
- Motorised Blinds (All Shutters & Blinds): Indoor motorised rollers with light-filtering options for daytime privacy + natural light.
- Light-Filtering Roman Blinds (Dunelm): Fabric folds soften glare while maintaining privacy.
- Panel Glide Blinds (Wynstan): Wide panels screen views across big sliders and doors.
- SheerFold Blinds (Kresta): Sheer folded panels that filter daylight for daytime privacy with a neat, compact stack.
- Double Roller Blinds sunscreen plus blockout (DIY Blinds): Quick switch from day glow to full night privacy with a neat finish.
- Zebra / Dual-Sheer Blinds (Forever Blinds): Alternate sheer/opaque bands to fine-tune brightness and privacy.
- Light-Filtering Roman Blinds (Blindo): Fabric folds soften glare and maintain privacy without going dark.
- Faux-Wood Venetian Blinds (Spotlight): Timber-look privacy and easy care.
- Translucent Pleated Blinds (VELUX): Smooth light diffusion; neat on tricky windows.
- Venetian Blinds (Luxaflex): Angle slats to blur sightlines without darkening rooms.
Comparison of Blinds for Privacy That Still Let In Natural Light
| Blind style | Best for | Daytime privacy | Night privacy | Natural light | Pricing |
| Motorised Blinds (All Shutters & Blinds) | Hard-to-reach or busy rooms | Strong with light-filtering fabric | Strong when paired with blockout or curtains | Bright to soft glow (fabric-dependent) | Medium to High |
| Light-Filtering Roman Blinds (Dunelm) | Living rooms, bedrooms | Good with translucent fabrics | Limited unless lined or paired with a blockout | Soft, even glow | Medium |
| Panel Glide Blinds (Wynstan) | Large sliders and doors | Good—panels overlap to obscure views | Limited – pair with a blockout partner | Moderate to bright | Medium |
| SheerFold Blinds (Kresta) | Living and dining areas | Good – filters views while keeping rooms bright | Limited unless layered | Soft, even glow that reduces glare | Low to Medium |
| Double Roller Blinds sunscreen plus blockout (DIY Blinds) | Any room needing day+night control | Strong by day (sunscreen/light-filter) | Excellent with a blockout roll | Bright by day / dark at night | Medium |
| Zebra / Dual-Sheer Blinds (Forever Blinds) | Living areas, studies | Adjustable—from sheer to private | Limited at night unless combined with drapes | Bright to soft | Medium |
| Light-Filtering Roman Blinds (Blindo) | Lounges, dining | Good with light-filter fabrics | Limited unless lined/paired | Soft, elegant glow | Medium |
| Faux-Wood Venetian Blinds (Spotlight) | Kitchens, bathrooms (easy care) | Good when slats are tilted | Good when fully closed | Moderate to bright when tilted | Low to Medium |
| Translucent Pleated Blinds (VELUX) | Skylights and tricky windows | Good with translucent fabric | Limited at night | Soft, filtered | Medium |
| Venetian Blinds (Luxaflex) | Versatile across the home | Good when slats are angled | Good when fully closed | Moderate to bright when tilted | Medium to High |
1. Motorised Blinds (All Shutters & Blinds)
Motorised indoor blinds give instant privacy and light control at the press of a button, with no cords or chains. They suit hard-to-reach windows and let you keep natural light during the day while managing glare.
These are made to measure, with fabrics from light-filtering to sunscreen and full blockout. Systems can use rechargeable battery motors or be hardwired, and multiple blinds can be grouped for whole-room control.
Key Features
- Slim roller systems with fabric openness options to tune brightness and view-through
- Remote and wall switch control, plus app or voice when paired with a smart hub
- Rechargeable lithium battery motors for a wire-free look, hardwired for large or heavy spans
- Soft start and stop with precise top and bottom limits for consistent alignment
- Cord-free operation for child safety and a clean, minimalist finish
- Scene scheduling and group control for everyday routines
When to Use
- High, wide or awkward windows such as stairwells and over kitchen benches
- Bedrooms and nurseries where quiet operation and hands-free use are preferred
- Open-plan living spaces that need synchronised raising or lowering to cut screen glare
- Homes that benefit from one-touch or voice control for accessibility
Pricing
Typical Australian range is AUD 800 to 1,400 per blind for battery-motorised setups, and AUD 1,200 to 2,000 plus for large or hardwired installations.
2. Light-Filtering Roman Blinds (Dunelm)
Light-filtering Roman blinds soften daylight into a calm, even glow that flatters textures and colours in living areas and bedrooms. The tailored folds add a dressy, curtain-like look without the bulk, keeping the window feeling open and refined.
They balance brightness and privacy for daytime use, reducing glare on screens and tabletops while keeping rooms feeling alive and welcoming.
Key Features
- Tailored fabric panels with tidy stack depth for a neat reveal when raised
- Choice of translucent fabrics and weave densities to fine-tune brightness and view-softening
- Optional blockout or dim-out lining available for night-time privacy when paired or layered
- Discreet headrail with smooth cord or chain control, and safety hardware included
- Made-to-measure sizing for bay windows, French doors, and standard openings
- Easy coordination with matching cushions or soft furnishings for a cohesive look
When to Use
- Living rooms and dining spaces that need softened daylight rather than full shade
- Bedrooms where you want a gentle daytime glow and a more decorative finish than rollers
- Street-facing windows that benefit from diffused views without feeling closed in
- Homes aiming for a classic or boutique-hotel aesthetic with minimal hardware
Pricing
Typical Australian range is AUD 250 to 650 per blind for made to measure light-filtering styles, with premium fabrics and linings increasing the total.
3. Panel Glide Blinds (Wynstan)
Wide fabric panels slide smoothly across big doorways, keeping privacy while letting soft light in. When open, the panels stack compactly so walk-throughs stay clear.
They suit busy family areas with sliding doors or wide openings. The clean tracks and tidy panels give a modern look without bulky hardware.
Key Features
- Custom panel widths and multi-track rail options
- Light filter and sunscreen fabrics for daytime use
- Wand control with no loose chains for child safety
- Left right or split draw layouts to suit the doorway
- Low projection with optional pelmet for a finished look
When to Use
- Large sliders and stacker doors that need easy daily operation
- Open plan living where simple screening beats heavy drapery
- High-traffic areas that benefit from clear floor clearance
- Rooms needing gentle glare control without going dark
Pricing
From about AUD 300 per m² with typical ranges AUD 250 to 500 per m² depending on number of panels, fabric selection, and track configuration.
4. SheerFold Blinds (Kresta)
Soft sheers with integrated fabric louvres give daytime privacy and a calm, even glow. A simple twist refines the view so large openings feel screened yet open.
They suit wide doors and living areas where curtains feel heavy and standard verticals feel too stark. The look is clean and tailored with smooth walkthroughs.
Key Features
- Sheer fabric panels with rotating louvres for precise light control
- Dry-cleanable fabric options in contemporary colours
- Left, right or centre stack to suit doors and traffic flow
- Wand control with no loose cords for child safety
- Optional designer valance for a neat, finished headrail
When to Use
- Large sliders and alfresco doorways that need soft screening
- Street-facing living rooms seeking privacy without losing brightness
- Formal spaces where a refined fabric look is preferred
- Layering with a separate blockout treatment when full night privacy is required
Pricing
From about AUD 350 per m², with typical ranges AUD 300 to 650 per m², depending on fabric selection, opening width, and stack configuration.
5. Double Roller Blinds sunscreen plus blockout (DIY Blinds)
Double roller blinds pair a sunscreen or light filter with a blockout on one bracket. You get soft daylight by day and full privacy at night.
They are custom-made in Australia and can be motorised or chain-driven. Set up and care are simple for busy homes.
Key Features
- Day and night control in one neat fitting.
- Choice of sunscreen, light filter, and blockout fabrics.
- Optional motorisation for cord-free use and child safety.
- Wide colour and texture ranges to match most rooms.
When to Use
- Living rooms and home offices that need daylight with privacy.
- Bedrooms that need a quick switch to full night privacy.
- Street-facing windows where glare and privacy change through the day.
Pricing
About AUD 200 to 500 per window depending on size, fabric and hardware.
6. Zebra / Dual-Sheer Blinds (Forever Blinds)
Dual-sheer fabric runs in alternating sheer and solid bands so you can slide to align or offset them for instant privacy control. The look is clean and modern, giving a light, contemporary finish without bulky layers.
They’re great for spaces that switch modes through the day, open for view-through, then a quick adjust for screening. The compact roll and neat cassette keep windows looking tidy and uncluttered.
Key Features
- Precision-woven fabric with matched sheer/opaque bands for crisp alignment
- Low-profile cassette and bottom rail for a sleek, built-in feel
- Multiple band heights and fabric opacities to suit window size and brightness
- Smooth chain or wand operation; cordless upgrades for child safety
- Easy surface dusting; fabrics resist creasing and hold shape over time
When to Use
- Multi-use living areas that need fast shifts between view-through and privacy
- Street-facing rooms where you want daytime screening without heavy drapery
- Home offices that benefit from glare control on screens
- Bedrooms, when layered with a separate blockout treatment for full night privacy
Pricing
From about AUD 250 per m² with typical ranges AUD 200 to 450 per m², depending on band size, fabric selection, cassette style, and controls.
7. Light-Filtering Roman Blinds (Blindo)
Cascading fabric folds create a calm, tailored finish while the cloth gently diffuses daylight. When lowered, the weave softens outlines so rooms feel secluded yet bright.
They bring texture and warmth to bedrooms and studies without bulky hardware. A neat headrail and compact stack leave more glass exposed when raised.
Key Features
- Tailored fabric panels with sewn-in battens for crisp, repeatable folds
- Slim headrail and compact stack to clear window views
- Wide fabric library, including easy-care poly blends
- Optional thermal or room-darkening lining built into the same blind
- Child-safe operation (cordless/wand or chain with safety device)
When to Use
- Bedrooms and study nooks seeking a soft, textile look
- Narrow recesses or French doors where low projection helps
- Period or contemporary interiors that benefit from a fabric accent
- Spaces needing a gentle glow by day; add a separate blockout if full darkness is required at night
Light-Filtering Roman Pricing
From about AUD 280 per m² with typical ranges AUD 220 to 450 per m², depending on fabric choice, lining, and overall width/drop.
8. Faux-Wood Venetian Blinds (Spotlight)
Timber look without the upkeep gives a warm style with simple tilt privacy. Slats angle to filter daylight so rooms stay bright and comfortable.
They work well where real wood is not ideal. The finish wipes clean quickly, which suits busy homes.
Faux Wood Venetian Key Features
- PVC slats in popular widths, including 50 mm and 63 mm
- UV stable material that resists fading and bowing
- Tilt wand for precise light control with optional lift
- Matching valance and colour-coordinated headrail
- Simple wipe clean care with a soft cloth or duster
When to Use Faux Wood Venetians
- Kitchens and laundries that need easy cleaning
- Bathrooms where regular steam is common
- Street-facing windows that need daytime screening
- Rentals that benefit from durable, low-maintenance blinds
Faux Wood Venetian Pricing
From about AUD 180 per m² with typical ranges AUD 150 to 300 per m² depending on slat width, colour finish, and overall size.
9. Translucent Pleated Blinds (VELUX)
Translucent pleated blinds for VELUX roof windows soften overhead daylight so it feels calm and usable, while still letting you keep a sense of sky. They tame glare on benches and floors, which is especially helpful in kitchens, lofts, and stairwells with strong sun angles.
Designed for pitched ceilings, the fabric holds position on the window frame so it stays neat at any tilt. The result is privacy and gentle brightness without closing the room in.
Translucent Pleated Blinds Key Features
- Frame-mounted side rails that guide the fabric smoothly on sloped windows
- Stay put positioning so you can set the blind anywhere on the glass
- Manual tab control as standard, with optional solar or electric operation for high installs
- Translucent fabrics that cut glare and soften views while keeping rooms bright
- Click in style hardware for quick, tidy installation on compatible VELUX frames
- Low-maintenance surfaces that clean with regular dusting and a light wipe
When to Use Translucent Pleated Blinds
- Attics, loft conversions, and stair voids that need softer daylight rather than blackout
- Kitchens and dining areas with overhead windows where you want to reduce glare on worktops
- Bedrooms that already have night privacy elsewhere, but benefit from gentle daytime light
- Pitched roof windows where cords would dangle or standard blinds would sag
Translucent Pleated Blinds Pricing
Typical Australian range is AUD 300 to 600 per blind for manual versions, and AUD 600 to 1,000 plus for solar or electric models and larger sizes.
10. Venetian Blinds (Luxaflex)
Venetian blinds use adjustable horizontal slats to control views and brightness with a quick tilt. Angle them to soften sightlines and keep rooms bright, or close them for privacy without needing heavy fabrics.
They suit a wide range of interiors, from kitchens to home offices, because you can fine-tune light for tasks while keeping a clean, architectural look at the window.
Venetian Blinds Key Features
- Slat options in aluminium or timber-look materials for different rooms and cleaning needs
- Multiple slat widths to match scale, from slim profiles to wider, more contemporary looks
- Tilt and lift controls that set precise light levels without blocking airflow
- Durable finishes with UV and moisture resistance for kitchens and bathrooms
- Colour-matched headrails and optional ladder tapes for a tailored finish
- Made-to-measure sizing, including wide spans with centre support where required
When to Use Venetian Blinds
- Street-facing rooms that need daytime privacy while staying naturally lit
- Home offices and media areas where glare control on screens matters
- Kitchens and bathrooms that benefit from easy wipe surfaces and humidity tolerance
- Spaces where you want an uncluttered, minimalist finish without extra drapery
Venetian Blinds Pricing
Typical Australian range is AUD 400 to 900 per blind for aluminium and timber-look styles, with premium finishes, oversized spans and specialty options adding to the total.
Quick Checklist Before You Order Blinds for Privacy
- Measure each window twice for width and height in millimetres.
- Check for any obstructions like handles or tiles that may affect fitting.
- Decide between a recess fit for a clean look or a face fit for full coverage.
- Match fabrics with room needs, such as moisture-friendly in wet zones.
- Confirm openness level and colour for privacy and natural light balance.
- Choose safe control types like cordless or wand tilt for child safety.
- Compare at least two written quotes for similar fabric and fitting quality.
- Review warranty terms and aftercare support before final approval.
FAQs
Do sunscreen blinds give privacy at night?
Sunscreen and light filter fabrics are great for daytime privacy but they show silhouettes at night when lights are on. Pair with a blockout layer for full night privacy.
What fabric openness should I choose for day privacy?
Lower openness like 1% gives stronger privacy and more glare reduction, while 5% gives a clearer view with less privacy. Pick based on the view needs and the sun.
Are PVC shutters good for wet rooms?
Yes, PVC shutters resist moisture and humidity, which suits bathrooms, kitchens and coastal areas. They do not warp or crack like many timbers in damp zones.
How do I measure for a good fit?
Decide on recess or face fit then follow the supplier steps for width and drop. Face fit often extends past the recess to improve coverage.
Do track guided outdoor blinds give privacy at night?
They screen views by day but at night backlighting can reveal silhouettes. For night privacy plan lighting or add curtains or interior blockout.
Are chain cords safe for kids?
Loose cords are a known strangulation risk in Australia. Choose cordless or compliant safety devices and keep cords secure and out of reach.
Will blinds help with heat and comfort?
Window coverings reduce heat gain and heat loss, which helps comfort and bills. Windows account for almost 90% of heat gain and up to 40% of heating energy loss.
How should I clean roller blinds?
Regular dusting and a gentle wipe down keep them fresh. Use mild cleaners and follow the fabric guide to avoid marks and damage.
Is a double roller a good choice for privacy and light?
Yes, it combines a day screen with a night blockout so you can switch between daylight and full privacy on the same window.
Recess fit or face fit for better privacy?
Face fit can cover the frame for fewer side gaps, while recess fit gives a neat built-in look. Choose based on light gap tolerance and style.
