Blackout blinds have become, and continue to be, one of the most popular options when it comes to window dressings. From bedrooms to offices and kitchens, these high-quality window blinds work effectively to control the amount of light that gets into your home. When closed, they help to create an entirely private and dark haven for the entire family.
As with any household purchase, it is important to understand everything you can about the product you’ll be investing in. Here at Shop4Blinds, window blinds are our speciality. So, that’s why we’ve pulled together this comprehensive buyers guide with everything you need to know about the ever popular blackout blind. So, before you make this purchase, take a few moments to browse through and have your questions answered here today.
What are blackout blinds?
It is important to understand that the term ‘blackout’ refers to the material used. Other than cassetted roller blinds, there will always be a slither of light that comes through the side of the blind where it does not touch the wall. So, although the room will be significantly darker, there is a chance that a small amount of light may get in due to the installation.
The brilliant thing about blackout blinds isn’t just their control of light. In addition, they can create an entirely private environment – perfect for bedrooms or offices alike. On hotter days, they can be used to keep the harsh sunlight glare out of a room. This helps to maintain a cool environment and reduces a risk of those heat box rooms we all remember as children.
What materials are commonly used?
Blackout blinds are usually made from a number of different fabrics layered together. Normally, the internal fabric will be opaque and light blocking while the external fabrics make up the stylish finish.
With blackout blinds found here at Shop4Blinds, we use a 100% polyester material combined with an ‘intelligent’ blackout backing which effectively blocks out all light. This backing material comes in a range of different colours to suit individual needs. It can be coloured to heighten the external material or to add a warm hue to a room. It can also be white which combines blackout features with thermal benefits. This is because white reflects the heat out and keep the room cool and dark during the Summer months.
Where to use blackout blinds
There is no limit to the number of rooms you can have blackout blinds installed in. With their stylish design, they are both a convenient and practical way to finalise any kitchen, bedroom or dining room.
Bedrooms
Getting a full and revitalising night sleep is usually down to the environment around you. A dark and cool room is the perfect set up for those wishing to catch as many hours as possible. Blackout blinds are the ideal accompaniment to this – effectively blocking out that light evening glow or early morning sunshine.
Nurseries
Any new parent knows the importance of good sleep for their little ones. It helps to support their healthy growth and brain development alongside many other things. Blackout blinds help to create a pitch black environment – similar to that within the womb and one that helps to calm and soothe overactive minds.
Offices
Blackout blinds are a brilliant choice for both at home or business-situated offices. The opaque material gives you the ultimate privacy – ideal for closing those important deals or catching up with your biggest clients. And, if you’re thinking about sneaking in a cheeky mid-afternoon nap, the boss need be none the wiser.
Living Rooms / TV Rooms
Snuggle down with the entire family or your loved one after a hard day. Blackout blinds are a great way to create that cinema-like experience within your own home. Even late at night, they keep the distracting glow of street lights outside so you can focus on that latest blockbuster you’ve been dying to watch.
Do they always have to be dark in colour?
The great thing about blackout blinds is the variety of colours and patterns they are available in. As they are normally constructed from at least 3 layers of fabric, there is no restriction on colour. The light blocking feature is achieved through the inclusion of an ‘intelligent’ light blocking centre layer. This can be chosen in a specific colour to heighten the external pattern or kept white to help reflect harsh heat out and keep the room cool. However, this versatility means you’ll never be restricted to blacks or darker colours.
From bright and vibrant reds through to subtle creams, blackout blinds come in such a vast array of colours, they fit into any room effortlessly.
Why choose made-to-measure over ready made?
Similar to all roller blinds, blackout blinds can either be made-to-measure or purchased directly from a stores shelves. Although the word ‘bespoke’ may throw up red flags in terms of price, it is important to understand that this is rarely an issue. Bespoke blackout roller blinds are usually an affordable option for all homes, with the added benefit of improving energy efficiency and reducing household bills.
Ready made blackout blinds, such as those you find in Argos, B&Q or Argos, may be cheaper, however they will usually provide a poorer fit. This is due to the fact that many windows aren’t a standard shape or size. You may find one that offers a relatively close fit but, as it is the fabric that creates the light barrier here, any gaps around the edges will allow light to seep through. In turn, this reduces the effectiveness of your blackout blinds.
Bespoke or ready made blackout blinds are constructed upon your order and to your exact measurements. They are stitched to the same high quality as those found in stores but are entirely built to suit your windows. When installed, they’ll fill the entire window or recess to offer a highly effective light barrier and a pitch black room as a result.
How to measure for blackout blinds?
When ordering bespoke or made-to-measure blackout blinds, you will need to submit accurate measurements for the windows in question. It is easy and simple to take these measurements. All you will need is a full-length tape measure or ruler and a sheet of paper to take notes.
For a detailed guide on how to measure your windows for blackout roller blinds, click here.
For a detailed guide on how to measure your windows for blackout vertical blinds, click here.
It is important to note where you want your blackout blind to sit before taking these measurements. Where there is a deep recess, you may choose to install your blackout blind at the edge or outside to make the window look larger. Alternatively, the closer you install your blinds to the window, the most effective the light and thermal control will be.
How to style blackout blinds
For any interior designer, the great thing about blackout blinds is how effective they look on their own. With a simple and streamlined design, these modern window dressings slip effortlessly into most homes without fuss. However, there are a number of ways you can add your own unique touch to any room.
Double up with a sheer blind behind
If you like the practicality of blackout blinds but want something most subtle for during the day, consider installing sheer or voile blinds further into the recess than your blackout blinds. Not only does this give your windows an added dimension, it allows light to be muted during the day and then blocked out at a later date.
Pair with curtains
Although not essential, blackout blinds look great when partnered with floor length or decorative curtains. They add a homely feel to any home and can be used to block out even more heat when the Summer months turn up their intensity.
Maintenance
As with every item in your home, blackout blinds need some level of maintenance to keep them looking pristine. As they have been designed for convenience, there are a number of quick and practical ways to keep them looking brand new over time.
Regular dusting
Add your blackout blinds into your weekly dusting routine. This will help to shift any dust or dirt from the surface in seconds and keep them in full working order. Any microfibre cloth or dusting cloth will do and a quick wipe over takes no time at all.
Stubborn spot removal
Occasionally, you’ll find a mark or soil on your blackout blinds that won’t come off with dusting. In this situation, we recommend lightly dampening a sponge or cloth and wiping away at the mark. It is not recommended to soak or submerge your blind as it has a unique structure not designed for such cleaning. However, a more focused wipe is usually enough to shift more stubborn stains. After cleaning, blot the spot dry with a clean cloth or kitchen roll.
Vacuum with a soft brush
For a more intense, spring clean, run the soft brush attachment on your vacuum over the blinds. Without using excessive force, this will remove higher levels of dust and is a much quicker manner.
Blackout blinds are a brilliant way to effectively control and monitor the light, privacy and heat distribution in your home easily. They can be used in all rooms in the house – including on skylight windows in loft conversions or ground floor conversions – and have a number of undeniable benefits. In comparison to traditional blinds, they help to create a sleeping environment that is calming and relaxing for people of all ages. And, with modern processes continuing to advance, they are a stylish and contemporary addition to your home.
If you’ve decided that blackout blinds are for you, head over to the Shop4Blinds website where we have an extensive range of blackout roller blinds and blackout vertical blinds to suit your individual style. All of our window blinds are made-to-measure using the finest materials and come with full instructions for installation.