Every winter we get calls from homeowners across Barnsley, Wombwell and Hoyland with the same problem: water running down the windows in the morning and black mould appearing on blinds and curtains. Condensation is common in cold, damp weather, but the right blinds, and a few habits, make a real difference.
Why winter windows get wet
Warm, moist air from cooking, showers, drying clothes and breathing hits the cold glass and turns back into water. The colder it is outside, the worse it gets. Blinds and curtains that sit against wet glass stay damp, and that's when mould starts.
Blinds that cope best with condensation
- PVC blinds: fully waterproof and wipe clean.
- Aluminium Venetian blinds: won't rot or warp, and you can tilt the slats to let air circulate.
- Hollywood shutters: waterproof, so they won't swell in damp rooms.
- Moisture-resistant roller fabrics: treated to resist mould and easy to sponge down.
Blinds to avoid on wet windows
- Real wood blinds, which can warp and stain
- Unlined fabric blinds that stay pressed against the glass
- Curtains that sit on a wet windowsill
Tips to reduce condensation
- Open blinds in the morning so air can reach the glass and dry it.
- Wipe windows first thing and wring the cloth out down the sink.
- Use extractor fans when cooking and showering.
- Dry washing outside or in a vented room where possible.
- Keep some background heat on rather than letting rooms go very cold.
- Open trickle vents on your windows.
Already got mouldy blinds?
Mould on fabric blinds is often hard to remove completely. If yours are past saving, replacing them with a moisture-resistant option is usually the cheapest long-term fix. If you have persistent damp or mould on walls, speak to your landlord or a damp specialist, as blinds alone won't solve it.
Frequently asked questions
Do blinds cause condensation?
No, but blinds kept closed tight against cold glass can make the glass colder and slow drying. Open them during the day.
What's the best blind for a damp bathroom?
PVC blinds or waterproof shutters.
Free measure and quote across Barnsley and South Yorkshire
We measure, supply and fit across Barnsley, Penistone, Wombwell, Hoyland, Darton, Royston, Cudworth and Dodworth, as well as Wakefield, Rotherham and Sheffield. Book your free home visit and we'll bring samples to you, so you can see colours and fabrics in your own light before you decide.