Blinds for composite front door

henrygregory

Hi, I have a door simlar to this, it is composite. During the winter months, people outside can see if I am in as the light from inside shines through the two windows.

Has anyone found or could recommend suitable curtains, blinds or similar that can be pulled down/rolled down from inside over the glass at night?

Thanks in advance.

CliveOfIndia

Probably the simplest and cheapest would be a cheap roller-blind from Dunelm or similar.  Fix it above the door, either to the ceiling or on the wall above the door (as long as there's room enough that the door can open without catching on it).

You could potentially put up some curtains (again, just standard, cheap, ready-made ones) instead, but it might be a bit more awkward as the door would tend to catch on them every time you opened it - unless you've got plenty of room either side of the door to allow them to be pulled back right out of the way.

But either option would probably be a simple and cheap way of giving you a bit of privacy.

henrygregory

CliveOfIndia said:

Probably the simplest and cheapest would be a cheap roller-blind from Dunelm or similar.  Fix it above the door, either to the ceiling or on the wall above the door (as long as there's room enough that the door can open without catching on it).

You could potentially put up some curtains (again, just standard, cheap, ready-made ones) instead, but it might be a bit more awkward as the door would tend to catch on them every time you opened it - unless you've got plenty of room either side of the door to allow them to be pulled back right out of the way.

But either option would probably be a simple and cheap way of giving you a bit of privacy.

Thank you. Yes I had thought of curtains, but I think they would catch on the door when pulled back - though a great heat saving option too.
I will take a look at blinds and see if I can find something which would fit. Thank you 

maman

If you want privacy, what about film that I've seen people put on windows to give an opaque/frosted effect.🤔

CliveOfIndia

henrygregory said:

I will take a look at blinds and see if I can find something which would fit. Thank you 

The thing with the standard ready-made roller blinds is you can just buy one that's either the right size or just a bit wider than you need.  If it's wider, they come with instructions on how to cut them down to size.  Although, if you're putting it over a door rather than into a window-reveal, you might not even need to trim it at all.

I only suggested it because they're easily available at loads of places - Dunelm, as I mentioned, The Range usually have quite a decent selection, any of the well-known DIY shops, etc. etc.  They're not expensive, easy to put up and will do what you need.

But that's a great suggestion from maman as well, I hadn't thought of that.  Again, cheap and easily available.

Albermarle

Is it not a good thing that people think that the house is occupied, as less likely to try and burgle the place?
When we go out at night we deliberately leave a light on, and the curtains open a bit for that reason.

Newbie_John

We have one of these simple over door hangers, 2-3 coats and nobody can see you 😊

Emmia

Personally I'd go for some privacy film, a blind will look odd from the inside I think.

Patterned or frosted ones are better than the one way mirror versions. 

Albermarle

Emmia said:

Personally I'd go for some privacy film, a blind will look odd from the inside I think.

Patterned or frosted ones are better than the one way mirror versions. 

The OP seemed more concerned about light escaping, and patterned or frosted film will not stop that.

Emmia

Albermarle said:

Emmia said:

Personally I'd go for some privacy film, a blind will look odd from the inside I think.

Patterned or frosted ones are better than the one way mirror versions. 

The OP seemed more concerned about light escaping, and patterned or frosted film will not stop that.

Is the issue with the house being occupied i.e. someone can see the light is on and someone may be inside (from a smudgy outline), or the OP being clearly observable??

A roller blind isn't ideal as it would need to be pulled up to open the door, and would probably need to be left up if the OP is out so it doesn't impede getting back in.

Albermarle

Emmia said:

Albermarle said:

Emmia said:

Personally I'd go for some privacy film, a blind will look odd from the inside I think.

Patterned or frosted ones are better than the one way mirror versions. 

The OP seemed more concerned about light escaping, and patterned or frosted film will not stop that.

Is the issue with the house being occupied i.e. someone can see the light is on and someone may be inside (from a smudgy outline), or the OP being clearly observable??

A roller blind isn't ideal as it would need to be pulled up to open the door, and would probably need to be left up if the OP is out so it doesn't impede getting back in.

From the OP this seems to be the issue, but they would need to come back and clarify.