For over 45 years, Solar Sunshades has been transforming homes across the South West with beautiful, high-quality blinds, shutters, and curtains. Now serving Cheltenham and the Cotswolds with the same dedication to excellence and craftsmanship.

Free Home Consultation | Expert Measurement | Professional Installation

 

 

 

Why Cheltenham Homeowners Choose Solar Sunshades

Local Expertise, Trusted Service

Family-owned and locally based, we understand Cheltenham’s elegant Regency architecture, Cotswold stone properties, and modern developments. From Montpellier’s grand terraces to Prestbury’s village charm, we’ve been enhancing Cheltenham homes 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 Cheltenham Homes

Regency Architecture Expertise

Cheltenham’s stunning Regency properties feature tall sash windows, grand proportions, and listed building status. Our solutions honour architectural heritage whilst delivering modern comfort and energy efficiency.

Listed Building & Conservation Area Compliance

Working on a Grade II listed property in Montpellier, The Park, or Pittville? We have extensive experience navigating Cheltenham Borough Council’s conservation requirements and can guide you through approved solutions.

Cotswold Stone Properties

Traditional Cotswold stone homes are beautiful but can be cold and draughty. Our thermal solutions reduce energy bills whilst complementing honey-coloured stone and traditional features.

Racecourse Views & Western Sun

Properties overlooking Cheltenham Racecourse or facing the Malvern Hills enjoy spectacular views but intense western sun. Our solutions manage glare and heat whilst preserving those enviable vistas.

The Festival Traffic Challenge

During Cheltenham Festival and other events, privacy becomes paramount for properties near the racecourse or town centre. Smart motorised solutions provide instant privacy at the touch of a button.

Period Property Energy Costs

Cheltenham’s elegant period properties often have single glazing and high ceilings, leading to substantial heating bills. Our insulated shutters and thermal curtains can reduce energy costs by up to 25%.

New Build Estates

Modern developments in Oakley, Springbank, and Up Hatherley need privacy solutions for close-packed housing. We prevent the “goldfish bowl” effect whilst maintaining natural light.

Prestbury & Bishops Cleeve Village Character

Village properties require sympathetic treatments that respect local character whilst providing modern functionality and comfort.

Smart Home Integration

Cheltenham’s professional community embraces technology. Our smart motorised solutions integrate seamlessly with Alexa, Google Home, and complete home automation systems.

Child Safety Standards

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

 


Our Products

Blinds for Every Cheltenham Room

Roller Blinds
Clean, contemporary style perfect for modern Cheltenham homes and renovated period properties. Available in blackout, light-filtering, and thermal fabrics. Ideal for apartments and contemporary extensions.

Venetian Blinds
Timeless elegance in wood, faux wood, or aluminium. Perfect for precise light control in Regency properties across Montpellier, Lansdown, and The Suffolks. Complement period features beautifully.

Roman Blinds
Soft, luxurious folds that add warmth and sophisticated texture. Ideal for living rooms and bedrooms in Pittville, Charlton Kings, and Leckhampton homes.

Vertical Blinds
Practical solutions for patio doors and large windows. Perfect for Cheltenham’s garden rooms and conservatories with views across the Cotswolds.

Vision & Mirage Blinds
Innovative designs combining privacy and light. Make a statement in Cheltenham’s character properties whilst maintaining functionality and style.

Perfect Fit Blinds
Neat, unobtrusive solutions that fit within the window frame. Perfect for tilt-and-turn windows in new builds and UPVC replacements in period properties.

Explore Our Blinds Range

Plantation Shutters

Transform Your Cheltenham Home with Timeless Elegance

Shutters are the perfect complement to Cheltenham’s Regency and Cotswold architecture, offering:

  • Superior insulation (essential for period properties)
  • Enhanced security and privacy
  • Increased property value (crucial in Cheltenham’s premium market)
  • Timeless style that suits Regency grandeur and village charm
  • 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 Regency windows
Café Style – Privacy whilst maintaining natural light (perfect for ground-floor Montpellier properties)
Tier-on-Tier – Ultimate flexibility for traditional sash windows

Perfect for:

✓ Montpellier’s grand Regency terraces
✓ Pittville’s elegant villas
✓ The Park’s substantial family homes
✓ Prestbury and Charlton Kings village properties
✓ Listed buildings throughout Cheltenham

Explore Our Shutter Range

 

Made-to-Measure Curtains

Elegance Tailored for Your Cheltenham Home

Off-the-peg curtains simply don’t do justice to Cheltenham’s elegant 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:

✓ Regency properties requiring specific drops
✓ Bay windows (common in Cheltenham terraces)
✓ Energy efficiency with thermal linings
✓ Complete blackout for bedrooms
✓ Cotswold stone properties needing warmth
✓ High-ceiling period rooms

Discover Our Curtain 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 Regency properties
✓ Roof windows in converted properties
✓ Complete home automation for tech-savvy Cheltonians
✓ Enhanced security during Festival week (blinds move when you’re away)
✓ Elderly or less mobile residents
✓ Privacy control during major events

Learn About Smart Shading

 

Outdoor Shading & Awnings

Extend Your Cheltenham Living Space

Make the most of your garden, terrace, or patio 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

All with optional:

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

Perfect for:

✓ Montpellier terraced gardens
✓ Pittville Lawn-facing properties
✓ Charlton Kings hillside terraces
✓ Prestbury village gardens
✓ Racecourse-view balconies

Explore Outdoor Solutions

 


Areas We Serve

Solar Sunshades proudly serves Cheltenham and surrounding areas including:

Central Cheltenham | Montpellier | The Park | Pittville | Lansdown | The Suffolks | Charlton Kings | Leckhampton | Prestbury | Southam | Whaddon | Benhall | Springbank | Oakley | Up Hatherley | Hatherley | Hesters Way | St Paul’s | St Mark’s | St Peter’s | Battledown | College | Priors | Fairview

The Cotswolds: Bishops Cleeve, Winchcombe, Woodmancote, Gotherington, Shurdington, Brockworth, Churchdown, Innsworth, Staverton, Tewkesbury, 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 Cheltenham property’s architectural style and conservation requirements.

2. Expert Design & Quotation

Our in-house designers will help you choose the perfect styles, fabrics, and colours that complement Cheltenham’s elegant aesthetic. You’ll receive a clear, transparent quote with no hidden costs.

3. Professional Measurement

Our experts take precise measurements to ensure a perfect fit, especially important for Cheltenham’s Regency properties with tall sash windows and non-standard proportions.

4. Quality Installation

Our own employed, fully insured fitters install your treatments to the highest standards. We respect your Cheltenham home’s character 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 complete shutter installations in Regency properties, whole-home coordination, or conservatory transformations.

Apply for Finance

 


Why Cheltenham Homes Need Professional Window Treatments

The Cheltenham Property Challenge

Cheltenham’s unique property portfolio presents distinctive window treatment challenges:

Regency Architecture (Montpellier, Pittville, Lansdown) – Tall sash windows, listed building restrictions, conservation area requirements, grand proportions

Cotswold Stone Properties (Charlton Kings, Prestbury, villages) – Traditional features, thermal challenges, village character requirements

The Park & Suffolk Properties – Substantial family homes, conservation considerations, high-value market expectations

New Developments (Oakley, Springbank) – Modern materials, privacy in high-density estates, contemporary styling

Racecourse Proximity – Event-related privacy needs, traffic considerations, western sun exposure

Conservation Areas – Multiple conservation zones throughout Cheltenham requiring sensitive solutions

Our Cheltenham Expertise

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

  • Cheltenham Borough Council conservation requirements
  • Listed building and planning considerations
  • Period-appropriate styling that enhances property value
  • Regency architectural proportions and features
  • Cotswold village character and expectations
  • Energy efficiency solutions for Cheltenham’s climate
  • Festival week and event considerations
  • Premium market expectations

 


Cheltenham-Specific Solutions

For Montpellier & Regency Properties

The Challenge: Grade II listed Regency townhouses with exceptionally tall sash windows, strict conservation requirements, and elegant proportions that demand sophisticated solutions.

Our Solution: Conservation-approved full-height shutters that enhance Regency grandeur whilst providing modern insulation and light control. We’ve worked successfully with Cheltenham Borough Council for decades and understand exactly what’s required for listed building consent.

For The Park & Suffolk Square

The Challenge: Substantial family homes in prestigious conservation areas requiring premium solutions that maintain property values and satisfy conservation officers.

Our Solution: Bespoke shutters and high-quality curtains in traditional styles with modern performance. Our designs complement these substantial properties whilst delivering energy efficiency and sophisticated light control worthy of Cheltenham’s most desirable addresses.

For Pittville Properties

The Challenge: Elegant villas surrounding Pittville Park with tall windows, period features, and the need for privacy without losing views across the park and Pump Room.

Our Solution: Tier-on-tier shutters allowing lower privacy with upper light, or café-style solutions for ground floors. Made-to-measure curtains for bedrooms. All solutions designed to complement Pittville’s gracious architecture.

For Cotswold Stone Properties (Charlton Kings, Prestbury)

The Challenge: Traditional stone cottages and houses requiring sympathetic treatments that respect village character whilst tackling thermal inefficiency and modern comfort needs.

Our Solution: Thermal-lined curtains and insulated shutters that reduce heat loss dramatically. Natural fabrics and traditional styling that complement honey-coloured stone. Solutions approved by parish councils and conservation officers.

For Racecourse-Area Properties

The Challenge: Homes near Cheltenham Racecourse need instant privacy during Festival week and major events, whilst enjoying views and natural light the rest of the year.

Our Solution: Smart motorised blinds offering one-touch privacy. Schedule automatic closing during event times. Remote control when away. Security-enhancing automation that deters opportunistic crime during busy periods.

For New Build Estates (Oakley, Springbank, Up Hatherley)

The Challenge: Modern developments with close-packed houses creating “fishbowl” effects, standard UPVC windows, and contemporary interiors requiring stylish, functional solutions.

Our Solution: Privacy-focused designs using Vision blinds, Perfect Fit systems, or contemporary shutters. Clean lines and modern fabrics that suit new build aesthetics whilst preventing the goldfish bowl effect.

For Listed Buildings Throughout Cheltenham

The Challenge: Multiple conservation areas and hundreds of listed buildings requiring expert knowledge, planning sensitivity, and period-appropriate solutions.

Our Solution: Specialist listed building service including pre-application advice, conservation-approved designs, traditional materials where required, and full support through the consent process. 45 years’ experience working with heritage properties.

 


Frequently Asked Questions

How long does installation take?
Most Cheltenham installations are completed in a single day. Larger projects (whole-house shutters, multiple rooms) may require 2-3 days. We respect Cheltenham’s residential character and work to minimise disruption.

Do you work on listed buildings and conservation areas in Cheltenham?
Absolutely. We have extensive experience with Cheltenham’s numerous listed buildings and conservation areas. We can guide you through the Borough Council approval process and recommend solutions that satisfy conservation officers.

Can you match Regency architectural proportions?
Yes, it’s our speciality. Cheltenham’s Regency properties feature exceptionally tall windows and elegant proportions that demand bespoke solutions. We create treatments that enhance rather than detract from this architectural heritage.

What about Cotswold stone properties?
We work extensively with traditional Cotswold stone properties throughout Charlton Kings, Prestbury, and surrounding villages. We understand the thermal challenges and create solutions that respect village character whilst dramatically improving comfort and efficiency.

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

Can you help during Cheltenham Festival week?
We often schedule installations outside of Festival week to avoid traffic challenges, but we’re flexible. Many clients specifically request smart blinds for instant privacy during racing events – we can accommodate these needs.

What if I’m unsure about conservation approval?
Don’t worry – we’ll guide you through the entire process. We can provide pre-application advice, recommend conservation-appropriate solutions, and supply documentation to support your application if needed.

Do you understand Cheltenham Borough Council requirements?
Yes, we’ve worked with the Council’s conservation team for many years and understand their requirements for different conservation areas and listed building grades throughout Cheltenham.

Can you create solutions for very tall Regency windows?
Absolutely. Cheltenham’s Regency architecture features some of the tallest residential windows in the country. We specialise in these impressive proportions and create bespoke solutions that fit perfectly.

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 Cheltenham postcodes and surrounding Cotswold villages.

 


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.

Cheltenham holds a special place in our hearts. This elegant spa town, with its unrivalled Regency architecture, Cotswold stone charm, and vibrant community, demands window treatments of exceptional quality and sensitivity. From listed townhouses in Montpellier to village cottages in Prestbury, from The Park’s substantial villas to modern family homes in Charlton Kings, we’ve helped thousands of Cheltenham homeowners enhance their properties.

Our Promise to Cheltenham Homeowners: ✓ Honest, transparent advice tailored to your property type 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 Cheltenham’s architectural heritage
✓ Expert knowledge of conservation and listed building requirements
✓ Understanding of Cheltenham-specific challenges (Festival week, conservation areas, Regency proportions)

We’re not just suppliers, we’re your local window treatment experts who genuinely care about getting it right. We understand what makes Cheltenham special and we’re proud to help preserve and enhance this beautiful town.

Family-owned. Locally trusted. Heritage-conscious. Quality obsessed.