For over 45 years, Solar Sunshades has been transforming homes across the South West with beautiful, high-quality blinds, shutters, and curtains. Now serving Bristol and surrounding areas with the same dedication to excellence that’s made us a household name.

Free Home Consultation | Expert Measurement | Professional Installation

 

 

 

Why Bristol Homeowners Choose Solar Sunshades

Local Expertise, Trusted Service

We understand Bristol’s unique mix of Georgian grandeur, Victorian charm, Edwardian elegance, and contemporary new builds. From Clifton townhouses to Southville terraces, we’ve been solving Bristol’s window challenges for decades.

Complete Range Under One Roof

Quality You Can Trust

✓ 45+ years of experience
✓ Physical showroom you can visit
✓ In-house design experts
✓ Our own employed, fully insured fitters
✓ 12-month fitting guarantee
✓ Up to 10-year product warranties
✓ Approved dealers: Luxaflex, Markilux, Weinor

Hassle-Free Service

✓ Free home consultations with no obligation
✓ Expert measurement for perfect fit
✓ Transparent pricing, no hidden costs
✓ Professional installation by our own team
✓ 0% finance available on orders over £500

 


Problems We Solve for Bristol Homes

Privacy in High-Density Areas

Bristol’s terraced streets and new build estates mean neighbours are close. Our bespoke solutions give you privacy without sacrificing Bristol’s famous natural light or your property’s character.

Listed Building Expertise

Working on a listed Georgian property in Clifton or a Victorian villa in Redland? We have extensive experience navigating conservation requirements whilst delivering modern comfort and energy efficiency.

Sash Windows & Period Features

From tall Georgian sashes to bay windows and unusual architectural details, we create made-to-measure solutions that complement Bristol’s beautiful period properties whilst solving modern problems.

The Clifton Suspension Bridge Glare Problem

West-facing properties with stunning Avon Gorge views face intense afternoon sun. Our light-filtering solutions let you enjoy the view without the glare, eye strain, or fading furniture.

Student Let Durability

Landlords serving Bristol’s vibrant student population need robust, easy-clean solutions that survive high turnover. We specialise in durable, neutral treatments that satisfy tenants and last for years.

Energy Bills in Period Properties

Bristol’s beautiful Victorian and Edwardian homes are notorious for draughty windows and sky-high heating bills. Our thermal blinds and insulated shutters can reduce heating costs by up to 25%.

Harbourside Apartment Living

Modern Harbourside developments feature floor-to-ceiling glass that’s stunning but challenging. We solve heat gain, privacy, and glare issues whilst maintaining those million-pound views.

Work-From-Home Challenges

Bristol’s thriving creative and tech scene means thousands work from home. Light-filtering blinds solve screen glare whilst keeping your workspace bright and professional for video calls.

Child Safety Standards

Cordless and motorised options eliminate strangulation risks completely, giving Bristol families peace of mind in every room whilst meeting all UK safety standards.

 


Our Products

Blinds for Every Bristol Room

Roller Blinds
Clean, contemporary style perfect for Bristol’s modern apartments and renovated period properties. Available in blackout, light-filtering, and thermal fabrics. Ideal for Harbourside flats and Stokes Croft lofts.

Venetian Blinds
Timeless elegance in wood, faux wood, or aluminium. Perfect for precise light control in Clifton’s Georgian properties and Redland’s Victorian villas.

Roman Blinds
Soft, luxurious folds that add warmth and texture. Ideal for living rooms and bedrooms in Cotham, Bishopston, and Westbury-on-Trym homes.

Vertical Blinds
Practical solutions for patio doors and large windows. Perfect for Bristol’s modern developments in Bedminster and Southville.

Vision & Mirage Blinds
Innovative designs combining privacy and light. Make a statement in Bristol’s creative neighbourhoods whilst maintaining functionality.

Perfect Fit Blinds
Neat, unobtrusive solutions that fit within the window frame. Perfect for tilt-and-turn windows in new builds across Bristol.

Explore Our Blinds Range

 

Plantation Shutters

Transform Your Bristol Home with Timeless Elegance

Shutters are the perfect complement to Bristol’s architectural heritage, offering:

  • Superior insulation (tackle those draughty period windows)
  • Enhanced security and privacy • Increased property value
  • Timeless style that suits Georgian, Victorian, and modern Bristol homes
  • Easy-clean, low-maintenance durability

Our Shutter Collections:

Urban Shutters – UK-made, 10-year warranty, fast turnaround
Vinyl Shutters – 100% waterproof, perfect for bathrooms and kitchens
Full Height Shutters – Maximum impact for tall Georgian and Victorian windows
Café Style – Privacy whilst maintaining natural light (perfect for ground-floor Clifton properties)
Tier-on-Tier – Ultimate flexibility for traditional sash windows

Perfect for:

✓ Clifton’s grand Georgian terraces
✓ Redland’s Victorian villas
✓ Cotham’s Edwardian family homes
✓ Contemporary Harbourside apartments

Explore Our Shutter Range

 

Made-to-Measure Curtains

Elegance Tailored for Your Bristol Home

Off-the-peg curtains simply don’t do justice to Bristol’s diverse and beautiful windows. Our made-to-measure service offers:

  • Stunning fabric collections from traditional to contemporary
  • In-house design consultation
  • Pencil Pleat, Wave, Eyelet, and Tab Top headers
  • Thermal and blackout linings available
  • Matching Roman blinds for coordinated rooms
  • Professional measurement and installation

Perfect for:

✓ Period properties requiring specific drops
✓ Bay windows (so common in Bristol terraces)
✓ Energy efficiency with thermal linings
✓ Complete blackout for bedrooms
✓ Unusual window shapes in converted properties

Discover Our Curtains Range

 

Smart Motorised Solutions

Welcome to Effortless Living

Control your blinds, shutters, and curtains with:

  • Smartphone app (iOS & Android)
  • Voice commands (Alexa, Google Home)
  • Remote control
  • Automated schedules (open at sunrise, close at sunset)
  • Scene programming

Perfect for:

✓ Hard-to-reach windows in tall Georgian townhouses
✓ Roof windows in Clifton conversions
✓ Complete home automation for tech-savvy Bristolians
✓ Enhanced security (blinds move when you’re away)
✓ Elderly or less mobile residents
✓ Bristol’s creative professionals working from home

Learn About Smart Shading

 

Outdoor Shading & Awnings

Extend Your Bristol Living Space

Make the most of your garden, terrace, or balcony with premium German and Dutch engineering:

Patio Awnings – Markilux & Weinor systems, 10-year warranties
Pergolas – Create stunning outdoor rooms
Dutch Canopies – Classic style with modern convenience
Victorian Awnings – Period-appropriate elegance for Bristol’s heritage homes

All with optional:

  • Motorised operation
  • Wind and sun sensors
  • LED lighting
  • Heating elements

Perfect for:

✓ Clifton terraced gardens with Gorge views
✓ Harbourside apartment balconies
✓ Southville and Bedminster courtyards
✓ Henleaze and Westbury beer gardens

Explore Outdoor Solutions

 


Areas We Serve

Solar Sunshades proudly serves Bristol and surrounding areas including:

Central Bristol | Clifton | Redland | Cotham | Montpelier | St Paul’s | Stokes Croft | Harbourside | Hotwells | Southville | Bedminster | Bishopston | Horfield | Filton | Westbury-on-Trym | Henleaze | Southmead | Lockleaze | Easton | St George | Brislington | Knowle | Totterdown | Windmill Hill | Clifton Wood | Sneyd Park | Stoke Bishop | Sea Mills | Shirehampton

Plus: Keynsham, Portishead, Clevedon, Nailsea, Thornbury, Chipping Sodbury, Yate, Bradley Stoke, Filton, Patchway, Winterbourne, Frampton Cotterell, and surrounding villages.

 


Our Process

1. Free Home Consultation

Book your no-obligation visit. We’ll bring samples to your home, discuss your needs, and provide expert advice tailored to your Bristol property’s unique character and challenges.

2. Expert Design & Quotation

Our in-house designers will help you choose the perfect styles, fabrics, and colours. You’ll receive a clear, transparent quote with no hidden costs. We understand Bristol property values and work with all budgets.

3. Professional Measurement

Our experts take precise measurements to ensure a perfect fit, especially important for Bristol’s period properties with unique window shapes, depths, and architectural features.

4. Quality Installation

Our own employed, fully insured fitters install your treatments to the highest standards. We respect your Bristol home and leave it spotless. Most installations complete in a single day.

5. Enjoy Your Transformation

Relax knowing your investment is protected by our 12-month fitting guarantee and up to 10-year product warranties. We’re local, so we’re here when you need us.

Contact Us Today

 


Finance Options

Transform Your Home Today, Pay Over Time

We offer 0% interest-free finance for 12 months on all orders over £500. Spread the cost with affordable monthly payments whilst enjoying your beautiful new window treatments immediately.

No hidden fees. No catches. Genuine interest-free credit.

Perfect for larger projects like whole-home coordination, conservatory transformations, or complete shutter installations in Bristol’s spacious period properties.

Apply for Finance

 


Why Bristol Homes Need Professional Window Treatments

The Bristol Property Challenge

Bristol’s diverse property portfolio presents unique window treatment challenges:

Georgian Grandeur (Clifton, Hotwells) – Tall sash windows, listed building restrictions, conservation area requirements
Victorian & Edwardian (Redland, Cotham, Bishopston) – Bay windows, original features, draughty single glazing
Harbourside Modern – Floor-to-ceiling glass, heat gain, privacy in high-rise living
Terraced Living – Close neighbours, narrow rooms, privacy concerns
Student Lets – Durability requirements, neutral styling, easy maintenance
New Builds (Bradley Stoke, Yate) – Modern materials, standard fittings, neighbourhood density

Our Bristol Expertise

With over 45 years of experience serving the South West, we understand:

  • Conservation area and listed building requirements
  • Period-appropriate styling that maintains property value
  • Modern performance in heritage properties
  • Energy efficiency solutions for Bristol’s climate
  • Balancing stunning views with practical comfort
  • Landlord requirements and tenant expectations

 


Bristol-Specific Solutions

For Clifton Properties

The Challenge: Grade II listed Georgian townhouses with tall sash windows, conservation restrictions, and stunning Gorge views that come with intense afternoon sun.

Our Solution: Conservation-approved shutters that enhance period features whilst providing modern insulation and light control. Tier-on-tier designs allow view enjoyment with lower privacy and upper light control. We’ve worked with Bristol Conservation Advisory Panel for 20+ years.

For Harbourside Apartments

The Challenge: Floor-to-ceiling glass walls offering spectacular views but creating heat gain, glare, and privacy concerns in high-density living.

Our Solution: Motorised roller blinds in high-performance fabrics that block heat and glare whilst maintaining views. Smart home integration means your blinds adjust automatically as the sun moves across the floating harbour.

For Student Landlords

The Challenge: High tenant turnover, robust performance requirements, neutral styling, and budget consciousness across multiple Clifton and Redland properties.

Our Solution: Durable, easy-clean blinds with child-safe mechanisms. Neutral colours that appeal to all tenants. Volume pricing for multiple properties. Quick turnaround between tenancies. 5-year+ lifespan even with student use.

For Victorian Terraces (Southville, Totterdown, Bedminster)

The Challenge: Bay windows, close neighbours, draughty single-pane glass, and beautiful original features that deserve complementary treatments.

Our Solution: Made-to-measure solutions that fit Bristol’s non-standard Victorian proportions perfectly. Thermal linings that dramatically reduce energy bills. Bay window specialists who understand the angles and curves.

For New Build Estates (Bradley Stoke, Emersons Green)

The Challenge: Modern estates with houses close together, large windows, and the “fishbowl” effect where neighbours see everything.

Our Solution: Privacy-focused solutions that don’t block natural light. Perfect Fit blinds that work with tilt-and-turn windows. Contemporary styling that suits modern interiors. Quick installation for newly occupied homes.

 


Frequently Asked Questions

How long does installation take?
Most Bristol installations are completed in a single day. Larger projects (whole-house shutters, multiple rooms) may require 2-3 days, but we’ll give you a clear timeline upfront. We respect your schedule and minimize disruption.

Do you work on listed buildings in Clifton and Bristol’s conservation areas?
Absolutely. We have extensive experience with Bristol’s listed properties and conservation areas. We can guide you through the approval process and recommend solutions that satisfy conservation officers whilst delivering modern functionality.

Can you match Bristol’s period architectural features?
Yes, it’s our speciality. Whether it’s Georgian elegance, Victorian detail, or Edwardian charm, we create solutions that enhance rather than detract from Bristol’s beautiful architecture.

What about unusual Bristol window shapes?
Bristol’s property stock includes arched windows, circular features, bay windows, and all sorts of architectural quirks. We create bespoke solutions for every unusual shape and size.

Do you offer same-day quotations?
Often, yes. For straightforward projects, we can provide quotes during your free home consultation. More complex projects (listed buildings, whole-house coordination) may need a day or two for detailed specifications.

What if I’m renting in Bristol?
We offer temporary, non-damaging solutions perfect for Bristol renters. Tension-fit blinds, removable options, and solutions that don’t require drilling. Take them with you when you move.

Can you help with Harbourside apartment regulations?
Yes, we’re familiar with the various management company requirements for Bristol’s apartment developments. We’ll ensure any external fixtures comply with building regulations.

Do you serve Bristol student landlords?
Absolutely. We work with numerous Bristol landlords and letting agents. We offer volume discounts, quick turnaround, and robust solutions designed for high-turnover student properties.

What about Bristol’s hills and weather?
Bristol’s unique topography means different areas face different light and weather challenges. Clifton gets different sun angles than Totterdown. We factor in your specific Bristol location when recommending solutions.

How do I book a consultation?
Call us on 0800 158 8819, fill in the form below, or visit our showroom. All consultations are completely free with no obligation. We serve all Bristol postcodes.

 


About Solar Sunshades

Creating Beautiful Homes Since 1978

For over four decades, Solar Sunshades has been the trusted name for quality window treatments across the South West. What started as a family business in 1978 has grown into the region’s leading provider of bespoke blinds, shutters, and curtains.

Bristol has always been special to us. This city’s unique blend of Georgian elegance, Victorian charm, creative energy, and maritime heritage inspires everything we do. From Clifton’s grand crescents to Harbourside’s modern developments, from Southville’s colourful terraces to Stoke Bishop’s family homes, we’ve helped thousands of Bristol homeowners transform their properties.

Our Promise to Bristol Homeowners: 

✓ Honest, transparent advice tailored to your property and area
✓ Quality products that last for years, not months
✓ Professional installation by our own employed team
✓ Local accountability – we’re here for the long term
✓ Deep respect for Bristol’s architectural heritage
✓ Understanding of Bristol-specific challenges (listed buildings, conservation areas, student lets, new builds)

We’re not just suppliers, we’re your local window treatment experts who genuinely care about getting it right. We live and work in the communities we serve, and we’re proud to be part of Bristol’s story.

Family-owned. Locally trusted. Quality obsessed.