Stylish shutters and blinds for sunny rooms

1 Versatile shutters

Though tier-on-tier shutters look smart all year round they come into their ownduring sunny spells since the top and bottom sections can be opened and closed independently throughout the day to follow the sun as it tracks across the sky, or to enjoy a sunset. When making your choice, bear in mind that this style has more solid sections than full height shutters, and so is less streamlined in looks.

2 Subtle pattern

‘With their simple design, roller blinds can be regarded as a blank canvas forunleashing your creativity,' says Ruth Newman, Design Consultant, Appeal.‘Available in a vast array of colours and in plain or patterned designs, theycan make a bold statement or, as here, bring subtle style to your interior scheme. This design of scrolling leaves and flowers, in neutral shades, teams beautifully with limed wood furniture, creating a calm, country scheme.'

3 Close ties

‘Swedish blinds are charming in their simplicity,' says Samantha Baker, Design Adviser, Clover & Thorne. ‘Because the blind rolls up on itself exposing the reverse there is the opportunity to team two fabrics together such as a patterned face fabric with a plain reverse or two patterns likegingham checks and stripes which would also work well together.' Swedish blinds with ties rather than cords are most successful when they dress awindow as they are not intended to be operated often.

4 Half and half

‘Café-style shutters, which cover just the lower part of the window, are a brilliant way to gain complete privacy but keep your room feeling open and spacious,' says Mark Carter, Director, Shutterly Fabulous. ‘Tilting the slats at an angle will give you instant privacy, which is useful if you're close to a road or are overlooked and since the upper portion of the window is left openmaximum light can flood into the space.'

5 Loft extension solution

‘Designed for maximum light control and heat efficiency, the Skye range of roof blinds features an aluminium fascia and side channels that work, in combination with a blackout fabric, to effectively lock the light out,' saysNichola McFall, Brand Manager, The Fabric Box. ‘As well as a ready-made range consisting of eight blackout fabrics including the one shown here,blinds can be made to measure in any of our fabrics.'

6 Classic Roman

‘A quintessential French-style toile print brings a touch of luxury to theseRoman kitchen blinds,' says Sarah Quilliam, Head of Product Design,Hillarys. ‘Too much pattern can give visual overload so the key is to use it sparingly, with white or cream as the base colour. The ones shown have astandard lining but we also offer interlined blinds which give a subtle padded effect that's great for lightweight fabrics such as faux silk, or a blackout lining which also has thermal properties.'

7 Direct the light

‘Now that more of us are working from home, good shading for a home office window is essential,' says Murray Clark, Director, The Shutter Store. ‘Shutterslats can be angled to optimise natural light while preventing glare on your screen, closed to block out distractions and opened when you're in need of inspiration. Our colour match service allows you to choose any shade that takes your fancy. White is a perennial favourite but colourful shutters are increasingly popular.'

For more amazing home improvement ideas visit the Country Homes & Interiors website.