Your Questions Answered About Blackout Blinds | FAQs & Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Blackout blinds are extremely effective at blocking out the light and darkening a room. Whilst their opaque material blocks 100% of the light, their effectiveness depends on the type of blind and how it's installed. If it is installed inside the window recess, there will be light leakage around the sides of the blind. This can be overcome to a large degree by hanging the blind outside of the window recess and ordering a blind that’s bigger than the recess by a reasonably generous margin on all four sides. Blackout roller blinds and Roman blinds with blackout lining are generally the most effective options for most windows.

Do blackout blinds keep a room cool?

Yes, blackout blinds do help keep a room cool during the summer. They’re completely opaque so they’re perfect for blocking out the sunlight, which is the major source of heat. Their thick fabric also acts as an insulator and thermal barrier preventing heat transfer through the window. Blackout blinds with a lighter-coloured backing will also reflect the sunlight rather than absorb it, helping to make the room a more comfortable temperature.

Do blackout blinds help you sleep?

Blackout blinds help you to sleep by blocking out the light signalling to your body that it’s time to rest. They’re particularly helpful for people who struggle to get off to sleep when it’s light, shift workers, people with irregular sleep schedules, parents of young children and children themselves. They can however make it harder to wake up naturally by keeping the room dark in the morning, so consider using a sunrise alarm clock for a gentler wake-up call.

Can you see through them from outside?

No, you cannot see through blackout blinds from outside either during the day or at night, as the fabric is completely opaque. They’re designed to provide privacy as well as block out external light, which also means they prevent shadows from being visible. The only time it may be possible to see inside is if they don’t fit the window properly and have gaps at the sides. This is more likely with ready-made blinds that haven’t been trimmed to the correct size. Made to measure blackout blinds are made to precisely fit the window, so there will be no gaps.

How long do they last?

Their lifespan will vary greatly depending on the materials used, usage, and overall quality. High-quality, made-to-measure blackout blinds typically last about 12-15 years, whereas lower-quality readymade ones may only last up to 5 years. Regular cleaning, maintenance and proper care will help extend their life.

What's the difference between blackout and dimout blinds?

Dimout blinds filter or reduce the amount of light entering a room but do not block it out entirely, whereas blackout blinds are designed to completely block out the light. The amount of light that dimout blinds let in will vary significantly depending on the fabric and its density. Some dimout blinds can create an almost blackout effect, whilst others will diffuse or just soften the light.

Which blinds are best for blackout?

Various types of blinds are available with blackout options including roller blinds, Roman blinds and vertical blinds. The most popular, effective and budget-friendly are blackout roller blinds followed by blackout vertical blinds then blackout Roman blinds.

Do you need them in bedrooms?

It depends on how much sunlight the bedroom receives, if there is artificial light outside at night or if you find that the rising sun wakes you up before you need or want to. If any of these are true, you probably do need blackout blinds. Blackout blinds are not for everyone, some people find waking up in a dark room a little disorienting. Alternatives like dimout blinds made from thicker fabric may be more suitable if this is the case.

Are they waterproof?

Blackout blinds can be both waterproof and not, depending on the material they’re made from. PVC and vinyl blackout blinds are 100% waterproof and ideal for bathrooms, kitchens and shower rooms. Blackout blinds made from polyester are not waterproof and are better suited to bedrooms, living rooms and dining rooms.

Are they energy efficient?

Yes, blackout blinds are a great way to improve your home's energy efficiency. Their thick, opaque thermal lining acts as an additional layer of insulation at the windows. This prevents heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, helping to regulate a room's temperature all year round and reducing energy costs. For maximum effectiveness, choose made-to-measure blackout blinds to ensure a snug fit at the windows.

Is it better to have blackout curtains or blinds?

Both are effective at blocking out the light. However, if installed correctly, blackout blinds are better at achieving near-total blackout, are easier to adjust for varying light and privacy needs, take up less space, and are more budget-friendly. Ultimately the best choice will depend on which look you prefer, room style and budget. If you're looking for a total blackout, you can always install both.

What colour is best, do they have to be black?

The colour of blackout blinds doesn't have any impact on their ability to block out light, so they don’t have to be black. They can be any colour you choose, including white and patterns, as long as they have a special blackout lining. It’s more important to make sure they’re measured and made to fit the window correctly.

Are they better inside or outside recess?

Whether fitted inside or outside the window recess, blackout blinds block out most external light. Fitting them inside the recess gives them a neater more finished look, but there will be a small amount of light leakage around the edges of the fabric. To block out as much light as possible, hang them outside the window recess, making sure they are bigger than the recess by at least 5cm on all four sides.

Do I need them in the living room?

They’re not necessary for most living rooms, but they can be beneficial if you want to block out harsh sunlight, create a home theatre atmosphere, take afternoon naps, or stop glare on your TV or computer screen. They can also help to reduce heat buildup on sunny days, reduce heat loss on cold days and provide complete privacy if your living room is overlooked.

What’s the difference between thermal and blackout blinds?

Thermal blinds help to insulate your home, whilst blackout blinds block out the light. Most blackout blinds are also thermal blinds, but not all thermal blinds are blackout blinds. This is because the coating or lining used to achieve a blackout is completely opaque and also has thermally insulating properties.

What are the disadvantages of blackout blinds?

Blackout blinds excel at blocking out the light, their design does however limit precision light control. Unlike venetian blinds, whose slats can be raised, lowered and tilted to almost any angle, creating the perfect balance of light and shade, blackout blinds are either up, down or somewhere in between.

Blackout Blinds FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Benefits of Blackout Blinds?

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