Plan a bedroom around the way you sleep.

Opaque fabric blocks light through the material, but light can still enter beside a roller, through a gap between shutters or around a Roman blind. The size of the recess and the position of the brackets affect the finished coverage.

We can discuss overlap outside the recess, a suitable cassette and channel system, or curtains used alongside a blind. The right choice depends on the window rather than a promise that every product will make every room completely dark.

A street-facing bedroom may need privacy while you dress without losing all morning daylight. Tilting slats or a separate daytime treatment can be useful; an ordinary sunscreen fabric should not be relied on for privacy when the room is lit after dark.

Radiators, bedside furniture and opening windows also matter. A blind that is awkward to reach every evening will soon become frustrating, so we discuss the control side or suitable motorised operation before ordering.

For rooms where children live or visit, discuss operating methods without accessible hanging cords or chains. Any safety devices required by the chosen system must be fitted correctly and kept in use.

Move beds, cots and climbable furniture away from blind cords and chains. If you are planning the room before decoration, include the furniture layout in your enquiry so that the controls and fixing position can be considered together.