Furnishing and decorating your child’s nursery is one of the most exciting parts of becoming a new parent, but one aspect that often gets overlooked is the nursery blinds. Any veteran parent will tell you the struggles they faced- trying to block out light for those precious naps and summer bedtimes. Save yourself some trouble and find out here, which are the best nursery blinds on the UK market.
This guide will highlight why nursery blinds are important, which factors to look out for when choosing blinds for your nursery, the best blinds on the market and answer some of your burning questions regarding sleep and safety.
Best nursery blinds UK of 2024 at a glance:
• Best nursery blinds overall: Tommee Tippee Sleeptight Portable Blackout Blind – Buy now from Amazon
• Best transportable blinds: Easynight Blackout Blind – Buy now from Amazon
• Best blind design for nursery: Sweet Dreams Blackout Roman Blind – Buy now from John Lewis
• Best animal nursery blinds: Jungle twist safe natural blackout roller blind – Buy now from Dunelm
Why are nursery blinds important?
Light Control: Babies are born without a circadian rhythm, which helps them differentiate between night and day. Luckily, we can help them slowly develop this ability from birth onwards, and one of the ways to do this is through light control.
Safety: Your child’s safety is your biggest priority, especially knowing that blind cord accidents still pose as one of the biggest childhood accidents. Since 2014, all blinds sold in the UK must comply with window blind safety standards. If blinds have chains or cords, they must be fitted with a safety device.
Temperature Regulation: Optimising your baby’s room temperature can affect their sleep, andkeep them safe at night. Blinds are a good way of regulating the temperature in their room, in the summer and winter. Thermal blinds have a special backing fabric which reflects heat out of the room during the summer, but also keeps warmth in the room during the winter.
Aesthetics: Blinds can accent your nursery wall décor, by having a statement colour or design. Balancing function and style doesn’t have to be a compromise with the selection of blinds currently on the UK market.
Key features to consider when buying blinds for a nursery room
Cordless vs. Corded: In line with UK regulations, it is recommended that nursery blinds do not have a cord, but if they do, they must be fitted with a safety device. This is to keep your little one safe, giving you peace of mind when they start sleeping in their own room.
Blackout Capability: Many of the reviewers were disappointed in the ‘blackout’ capabilities of some blinds on the market. We’ve done the research, so you don’t have to. With our selected models, blackout means blackout.
Ease of Cleaning: Machine washable or wipe down? Laundry is a daunting subject when you have little ones, so make sure you choose an option that suits your lifestyle.
Installation: Not so good with a screwdriver? Some blinds require minimal DIY skills, while others are more complex. We’ve highlighted which blinds you can get up and running in minutes compared to ones with slightly more complex installation instructions.
Customisability: Do you travel a lot? Visiting family or grandparents? Some blinds have a fixed size and can’t be moved, and others are designed to travel with you and fit any window. Just make sure that the size you choose covers the entire window, because even a small slither of light will feel blinding if left open.
The best nursery blinds
Best overall blind
Tommee TippeeTommee Tippee comes up trumps with a blind with a slick design and practical application. Family life needs flexibility, which is the main consideration of this blind, because you can use it on any window. Reviewers highly rate its durability, ease of installation and performance. It does not have thermal properties so might be worth getting a different product if you are trying to keep your room cool. It is our best transportable blind because of its size and performance.
Pros
- Strong suction cups mean it can be taken down and reinstalled over and over again
- Lightweight so you can pop it in your suitcase and bring it anywhere with you
- Versatile, as the fastenings allow you to adjust the blind to fit any window
Cons
- No thermal properties, so not suitable for rooms which get really hot
| Dimensions: | Regular: 130x99cm Large: 130x198cm |
| Installation: | Suction cups |
| Weight: | 680g |
| Care: | Machine washable |
Best for keeping baby's room cool
Nomadic Star This product is one size fits all, to fit any window. It is fully portable and can be moved around the house or taken on adventures. Some reviewers were disappointed with the quality of the suction cups, whilst others complimented it strong quality and good design. Despite falling short in durability, it has the nice addition of a reflective surface to keep your baby’s room cooler.
Pros
- Reflective surface will help keep your room cool and deflect heat
- Portable and easy to install
- Attractive design with star motifs
Cons
- Some reviewers thought the suction cups were a bit flimsy and not strong enough for its purpose
| Dimensions: | From 60x 80cm to 130x 200cm |
| Installation: | Suction cups and optional frame fasteners |
| Weight: | 745g |
3.
Easynight Blackout Blind
Best transportable blinds
EasynightThis Easynight transportable blind has a slightly different design to its competitors. Coming in a variety of sizes, ranging between small or extra-large, you can cut it to your required size. Perfect for custom or unusually shaped windows and a great buy for those with large windows. A portable or more fixed version can be purchased, so be careful to specify which one you need. Reviewers raved about its temperature control capabilities and versatility.
Pros
- Reflective side is effective at maintaining a comfortable temperature in the room
- Versatile design fits almost any window
Cons
- A little more effort to cut this blind to size, which might pay off in the long run when it perfectly fits your window
- Spot cleaning only so not ideal if you are likely to travel with it
| Dimensions: | 1x 1.45m to 3x 1.45m |
| Installation: | Removable self-adhesive attachments or suction cups |
| Care: | Spot cleaning only |
Best for multiple windows
Magicwww.zoro.co.uk
This ultra-simple design can be a winner if you have regular windows or multiple rooms to blackout. It uses a static cling to stick to windows, taking only seconds to install. It’s a basic design, lacking the thermal functions which keep your room temperature comfortable. It is the most portable of all our options- because the sheets are so light. Although it can be reused, it doesn’t stick to the window as effectively if the sheets get creased- making it less eco-friendly than other options.
Pros
- Easy to fit- no extra skills or equipment needed to install
- Reusable sheets can be used more than once
- Comes with 10 sheets per package
Cons
- Can’t be used on textured or patterned windows
- Less eco-friendly than its fabric competitors
- Lacks thermal functions found in other blackout blinds
| Dimensions: | 60x 80cm per sheet (pack of 10) |
| Installation: | Static-cling |
Best design for a nursery
John Lewiswww.johnlewis.com
John Lewis pulls it out of the bag with this beautiful design for your baby’s nursery. Available in a wide range of sizes, it can also be trimmed to size if necessary. It is a permanent fixture for your child’s room, so you don’t need to worry about loss of suction or taking it down. Worth the initial installation effort if you are looking for something for one specific room. They are on the more expensive side of the products we looked out, but well worth it for the quality, according to reviewers.
Pros
- Gorgeous, unisex pattern, perfect for a nursery
- Blackout coating to block out the light
Cons
- Requires some DIY for installation
- A bit pricey, so not the one for you if you are on a tight budget
| Dimensions: | From 60x 140cm to 180 x 140cm |
| Care: | Wipe down to clean |
Reviewers are raving about this skylight blackout blind, which blocks light and controls room temperature perfectly. It is a drill-free design, so most reviewers were really happy with its low-maintenance set up. Cord and chain-free allows optimal safety for your child, but if you don’t have a Fakro skylight, I’m afraid this one is not for you.
Pros
- Designed for Fakro roof windows, so will fit these perfectly
- Drill-free installation, making this permanent fixture easy to assemble
- Cord and chain-free to enhance safety
Cons
- Only made for specific windows, so make sure you check before you buy
| Fit: | Suits a variety of Fakro models |
| Safety: | Cord and chain-free |
| Colours: | Comes in a variety of 6 stylish colours |
Easiest blind to install
ergopouchwww.ergopouch.co.uk
Boasting stylish white outer layers, this blind was designed with aesthetics in mind. It is the only stick-on design that will look attractive from in and outside your home. With a static-cling blind, it claims to be reusable and transportable, provided you are moving it to a similar-sized window of course. Reviewers loved the design, and some got on really with the static stick, but others complained that there was some significant shrinkage to the product, diminishing its blackout capabilities. Using it a couple of times before cutting should remedy this. Overall, the function was slightly lacking but for those wanting to maintain the aesthetics of your home, these could be perfect.
Pros
- Pleasing aesthetics for proud homeowners
- Blocks out the light and controls temperature successfully
Cons
- Labour-intensive to put up and down for every nap time
- Some reviewers struggled to control the shrinkage of the product so cut with caution
| Dimensions: | 46 x 183cm- comes in packs of 2 or 3 |
| Installation: | Static-cling bind |
Best animal themed blind
John Lewiswww.johnlewis.com
John Lewis’ gorgeous dinosaur design wins the prize for best animal nursery blinds. It can be installed in or outside of the window recess and to the wall or ceiling- suiting a huge variety of homes. Including a safety device, it is designed with your child’s safety in mind. Reviewers loved how this blind successfully blocked out light and heat from their little one’s room.
Pros
- Gorgeous design to transform your child’s nursery
- Thermal properties to keep your room comfortable
Cons
- Requires some DIY for installation
| Dimensions: | From 61x 190cm to 183 x 160cm |
| Mechanism: | Roller style |
| Care: | Wipe down to clean |
Best affordable blind
Dunelmwww.dunelm.com
This blackout blind from Dunelm has impressed customers, being easy to install and attractive looking. Its attractive design is perfect to complement a jungle-themed nursery. At a very appealing price point, and coming in a wide variety of sizes, this could be a good option for budget buyers. Some reviewers were disappointed with the mechanism, so it might be worth investing in the higher-quality product from John Lewis if you can afford it.
Pros
- Attractive jungle-themed design
- Blackout properties
Cons
- Requires some basic DIY skills to fit it
- Safety cord included to keep your little one safe
| Dimensions: | 5 sizes from 61 x 162cm to 183 x 162cm |
| Fitting: | Fixtures and fittings provided |
| Care: | Wipe clean with a soft cloth |
We spoke to Dr Natalie Barnett, an expert on infant sleep, who helps Nanit with their sleep insights. We asked her a few of the common questions parents need answered about nursery blinds.
Are blinds safe in a nursery?
“In terms of safety, the most important thing is that the cords of the blind are not within reach of the baby. The blind cord should be at least 3 feet from the crib/cot.”
Are blackout blinds good for babies?
“Blackout blinds are great for babies. They are a great indication to a baby that it is time to sleep and the dark room can become a nice sleep association for the baby, making it easier for them to fall asleep and stay asleep. A dark room for sleep also helps regulate a baby's circadian rhythm and helps develop their sleep cycles.”
Do I need blackout blinds for nursery?
“I recommend using blackout blinds for nights as well as for naps so that the environment is consistent for them, making it easier to fall asleep at night and during the day. Consistency is key with babies, a consistently dark room for sleep is great for the development of healthy sleep habits.”
Selecting the right nursery blind for your child’s bedroom is an important decision. The right one will support you and your child to get a good night's sleep. Light reduction, temperature control and beautiful aesthetics are all features of the UK’s best blinds for a nursery.
Every family will have different requirements but luckily our guide has something for everyone to achieve a peaceful sleep environment. Examine your space and child’s needs, browse the options above and enjoy a good night’s sleep!
About the expert
Natalie Barnett, PhD has an extensive work history in the field of sleep and neurogenetics and currently works as the VP of Clinical Research at Nanit, overseeing research efforts.
Geraldine Bauer is a psychology graduate and registered nurse specialising in oncology and palliative care. She is a mum of two children (aged 5 and 2) and spends most of her time balancing her passions and enjoying time with her family.