Our Top 10 Best Picks for Sash Window Blinds & Curtains

There’s something quietly majestic about a sash window. You see them everywhere in London – tall, balanced, and framed by the kind of Georgian or Victorian detailing that stops you mid-walk. 

These windows don’t just let in light; they let in history. But with all that character comes a challenge: how do you dress a sash window without losing its charm?

Curtains can overwhelm. The wrong blind can feel too modern, too boxy, too nothing. What you want is something that respects the bones of the house while still working for how you actually live – privacy on a busy street, blackout for sleep, softness where it counts.

This guide trims the fluff and gets straight to it. Ten exceptional options. Stylish, functional, and chosen with the quirks of sash windows in mind. Whether you’re restoring a townhouse or just trying to block out the streetlamp glare – this is for you.

1. Classic Roman Blinds for Sash Windows

Roman blinds are a timeless choice that complements the charm and character of period homes. With their clean lines and tailored finish, they work beautifully with both Georgian sash windows and Victorian sash windows.

Why Choose Roman Blinds?

• Elegant & Understated: Unlike slatted or modern blinds, Roman blinds offer a refined, uncluttered look.
• Tailored Finish: Designed to align seamlessly with the proportions and style of sash windows.

Customisation with Fabrics

One of the standout features of Roman blinds is the wide range of fabric options, allowing you to tailor the function and aesthetic of each room:

• Light-filtering linens: Ideal for living rooms where you want natural light without glare.
• Heavier velvets or interlined cottons: Great for bedrooms – adds insulation and keeps out drafts.
• Luxury options: Silk blends or hand-stitched textures offer a more elevated, opulent finish.

Fit and Flexibility

Roman blinds are adaptable to various window depths and placements:

• Inside the recess: For a crisp, minimalist look.
• Mounted above the window: Adds visual height and greater coverage.
  

In short, Roman blinds bring together style and practicality in a way that respects the heritage of sash windows – simple, smart, and always timeless.

2. Blackout Blinds for Sash Windows

If you live in the city, you know: light pollution is real. When you’re trying to get proper rest or dial in the perfect movie-night atmosphere, blackout blinds are non-negotiable. But they don’t have to be clunky or dull. For sash windows, look for design-led options that respect the frame’s heritage while delivering total darkness.

Flat-fronted blackout roman blinds in a matte linen blend are a strong choice. They look sharp when pulled up and disappear neatly into the recess. If your windows lack depth, opt for wall-mounted brackets and choose a slim profile. Think brushed brass chain pulls, subtle textures, and tailored edges.

Used right, blackout blinds don’t just block light – they add weight and sophistication to a room. Especially in bedrooms, they’re the quiet luxury you didn’t know you needed.

3. Venetian Blinds: A Timeless Fit for Sash Windows

Venetian blinds offer elegant, functional control – making them a natural pairing with sash windows, especially in living rooms, bedrooms, and front-facing home offices.

Why They Work

• Light Control: Easily adjust slats to manage sunlight throughout the day without sacrificing privacy.
• Architectural Balance: Their horizontal lines sit neatly within the classic proportions of sash windows.
• Low Profile: Sleek and unobtrusive – ideal for showcasing the original window frame.

Styling Tips

• Warm Woods: Timber or faux-wood finishes add character while respecting the period aesthetic.
• Layer with Softness: Pair with linen curtains or a simple valance to soften the look and add texture.
• Neutral Colours: Off-whites, creams, or soft greys complement sash windows without overpowering the room.

Venetian blinds aren’t just practical – they enhance the beauty of timber sash windows by offering clean lines and refined control.

4. Floor-Length Sash Window Curtains

There’s something unapologetically grand about full-length curtains on a tall sash window. When done right, they don’t just dress the window – they become the room’s anchor.

Make a Statement

Choose fabrics that elevate the space:

• Rich velvet in deep navy for drama
• Heavyweight linen in oatmeal for understated elegance
  

These aren’t just soft furnishings – they’re bold design choices.

Ideal for Period Homes

Long curtains shine in:

• Georgian and Victorian homes with soaring ceilings
• Spaces where proportions are generous and architectural details are celebrated
  

Practical Benefits

Style doesn’t mean sacrificing function. Floor-length curtains can also:

• Offer insulation for draughty heritage windows
• Dampen city noise
• Provide evening privacy

For added softness and flexibility:

• Pair with a sheer voile or a lightweight blind underneath

Final Thought

This is the choice for those who want their interiors to feel:

• Layered
• Luxe
• Quietly confident

Go big – or don’t bother.

5. Shutters for Sash Windows: Classic Looks, Everyday Comfort

Shutters are a standout choice for sash windows – offering light control, insulation, and a clean, architectural finish that complements both period and modern interiors.

Why Choose Shutters?

• Structure and Style: Shutters highlight the elegant proportions of sash windows, especially tall or bay styles.
• Light and Privacy Control: Adjustable louvres let you fine-tune light throughout the day without compromising on privacy.
• Insulation and Durability: Solid timber shutters help with thermal efficiency and reduce outside noise – ideal for draughty period homes.
  

Ideal Settings

• Shutters work beautifully in:
• Rooms with high ceilings
• Properties with original mouldings or traditional detailing
• Any space where you want clean lines and long-term practicality

Style Tip: Go for full-height white shutters to keep the space feeling light and open, while still showing off the character of your sash frames.

Installation Advice

Mount shutters inside the recess for a seamless, built-in look. This enhances the symmetry of sash windows and keeps the focus on their original detailing.

6. Minimalist Roller Blinds Sash Windows Can Wear Well

Sometimes less is all you need. Minimalist roller blinds are a sharp, unfussy option that works surprisingly well in period homes – especially when you want those original sash details to take centre stage. Clean lines, no frills, and a smooth silhouette let the architecture do the talking.

Stick to neutral tones like soft greys, whites, or muted taupes. They won’t compete with your mouldings or skirting boards, and they play nicely with most colour schemes. For sash windows, go with a fabric that filters light without washing out the room – think matte finish, not plasticky sheen.

These blinds sit close to the frame, making them ideal if you’ve got limited recess depth or if you’re going for a barely-there aesthetic. Pair with a discreet chain or spring mechanism to keep things tidy. It’s all about restraint – done right, it’s quietly luxurious.

7. Made-to-Measure Blinds for Sash Windows

Sash windows are rarely uniform. The charm of period properties often comes bundled with quirks – slight tilts, uneven frames, or non-standard dimensions. Off-the-shelf blinds might fit, but they won’t fit well. Made-to-measure blinds solve that. You get a tailored finish that hugs the frame precisely, eliminating gaps that let in drafts or kill the look.

Beyond fit, custom blinds let you choose fabrics, linings, and finishes that actually work with your space – not just what’s in stock. It’s also your best bet for insulation. A snug fit means better temperature control, especially in older homes where energy efficiency can be a weak spot.

Expect a proper consultation. The good suppliers will come out, measure up, and talk you through options – everything from discreet roller mechanisms to layered roman styles. It’s a bit more time and money, but the result is clean, cohesive, and built to last. Worth it every time.

8. Double Roller Blinds for Privacy + Light Control

Double roller blinds are the quiet overachievers of the sash window world. Two layers – one sheer, one blackout – work together to give you full control over light and privacy. During the day, the sheer layer softens sunlight and keeps prying eyes out. At night, pull down the blackout layer and you’re sealed in for sleep, movies, or a bit of peace.

They’re especially handy for street-facing sash windows where privacy is non-negotiable. The slim profile means they don’t steal space or attention from your windows original detailing. No fuss, no frills – just clean, functional design.

For London townhouses, where ground-floor living rooms and bedrooms often sit right on the pavement, these blinds are a smart, space-saving solution. Go for neutral tones to keep things simple, or a dual-texture fabric for a dash of contrast. Either way, you get flexibility without sacrificing style.

9. Best Blinds for Sash Windows in Bay Configurations

Bay sash windows are stunning – until it’s time to dress them. With three or more sash windows meeting at angles, standard blinds often fall short. The key is to treat each sash as its own unit while maintaining a cohesive look across the bay.

Recommended Blind Options

Roman Blinds

• Sit neatly within each window frame
• Can be raised or lowered individually
• Maintain symmetry while allowing light and privacy control

Roller Blinds

• Offer a minimalist, modern silhouette
• Ideal for smaller or contemporary spaces
• Don’t overwhelm the architecture

Design Enhancements

To soften the look or add warmth, consider:

• Pairing blinds with lightweight curtains between windows
• Adding floor-length panels at each end of the bay to frame the space

Installation Tips

• Use slim, recess-mounted hardware to maintain clean lines
• Avoid bulky fixtures that disrupt the bay’s natural angles
• Prioritise treatments that highlight, rather than compete with, the original architecture

The goal is simple: clean, uninterrupted light and a tailored design that elevates the beauty of your bay windows.

Conclusion

Sash windows deserve more than a one-size-fits-all solution. From Roman to roller, blackout to sheer, the right blind or curtain doesn’t just dress a window – it elevates the whole room. The right choice respects the period charm while upgrading your daily comfort.

Investing in quality blinds or curtains means better insulation, smoother function, and a look that lasts. Whether you live in a Georgian townhouse or a Victorian terrace, tailor your window treatments to suit how you use each room. Think blackout for bedrooms, sheer for street-facing lounges, motorised for hard-to-reach bays.

In the end, go for what aligns with your lifestyle and your home’s story. Don’t rush it. Measure properly, consider layering, and when in doubt – made-to-measure never fails. Your sash windows have stood the test of time; now it’s your turn to match them with timeless style.