Boost your lockdown privacy without breaking the bank with our top tips

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HAS lockdown turned us into a nation of curtain-twitchers?

Neighbour-watching has hit an all-time high, with almost 200,000 of us reporting nearby households to police for suspected rule-breaking in the first five weeks of the first lockdown.

Neighbour-watching has hit an all-time high during lockdown

And since then neighbourhood watch groups on social media have been full of us tattling on each other.

So to boost your privacy, it may be worth getting those windows covered — and I can help you do it for less.

BLINDING BARGAIN: If you fancy some new blinds to keep those busy-bodies at bay, check out blindsdirect.co.uk.

I love its faux wooden Venetian blinds and it currently has up to 70 per cent off various options.

You can order free samples to check the style first, which is so handy.

CURTAIN CALL: Matalan.co.uk has some lovely curtains that won’t break the bank, plus you can currently get up to 11 per cent back via topcashback.co.uk.

The Fusion Sorbonne eyelet curtains start at £35 and will freshen up your home while guarding against prying eyes.

With topcashback you’ll save at least £3.85, depending on size.

TOTAL BLACKOUT: If you want to totally block out those peepers (or just enjoy a lie-in, now the mornings are lighter) try a set of blackout curtains.

I’m a big fan of Dunelm and it currently has 20 per cent off neutral, on-trend Solar Grey Blackout Curtains, which now range from £24 to £88, depending on sizing.

SHUTTER SAVINGS: If you prefer a more “open” window covering, shutters may be the option for you — plus they add a nice “shabby chic” touch.

I like cafe-style shutters that cover the lower portion of the window and leave plenty of light coming in.

See shuttershop.co.uk, where these cost from £43.50, one of the lowest prices I’ve seen.

It’s also worth checking out ebay.co.uk, where you often find people flogging shutters second hand at great prices — just make sure you check the measurements.

I spotted a perfect-looking set for just £25, with the seller open to offers.

  • Prices correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.

Deal of day

The Vileda Turbo Smart mop and bucket are just £19.99 at Robert Dyas

CLEAN up with the Vileda Turbo Smart mop and bucket for £19.99, down from £24.99 at Robert Dyas.

SAVE: £5

Cheap treat

A Muller Frijj chocolate milkshake is now 75p at Morrisons

PICK up a Muller Frijj chocolate milkshake for 75p at Morrisons, down from £1.

SAVE: 25p

Top swap

Why spend £34.99 for the Pawhut fleece pet stairs at Amazon…
…when you can get B&M’s set for £12

PAMPER your pooch with his own set of pet stairs.

But instead of the Pawhut fleece ones for £34.99 at Amazon, head to B&M, where you can get this set for £12.

SAVE: £22.99

Shop & save

Asda’s 8 large poppadoms are now just £1

TAKEAWAY tonight?

Add Asda’s 8 large poppadoms for £1, usually £1.15.

SAVE: 15p