Blackout Blinds: A Complete Guide to Styles, Features & Installation

Table of Contents

1. What Are Blackout Blinds?

2. What Does "Blackout" Really Mean?

3. Types of Blackout Blinds

4. Choosing the Right Blackout Blinds for Your Home

5. Do Blackout Blinds Keep Heat Out?

6. How to Blackout Windows

7. Why Add Blackout Window Coverings?

8. Who Should Consider Blackout Blinds?

9. How to Blackout a Window Without Curtains

10. Blackout Blinds vs Curtains

11. Do Blackout Blinds Work?

12. How to Care for Blackout Blinds

13. FAQs

What if the only thing preventing you from getting a good night’s sleep was that little bit of light seeping into your room through your window? For most people, this small amount of light is actually the problem, and blackout blinds are the best solution that really does the work. Unlike regular curtains or light-filtering window treatments, blackout blinds feature thick layers of fabric meant to completely block any outside light. This guide covers the types, benefits, installation, and the questions people search for most before buying.

What Are Blackout Blinds?

Blackout blinds are window treatments made up of thick, tightly woven fabrics or foam-backed fabrics that block all exterior light from entering. This concept originates from the woolen curtains used in older houses in Europe, as well as the blackout curtains used during war times. Today’s blackout blinds have additional features such as soundproofing and insulation.

What Does "Blackout" Really Mean?

The term "blackout" is quite loosely applied in the business, and it is worth saying that we need to understand what benefits can really be offered by it. There is no way to close all windows with blindboards, meaning that there will always be a little light coming through the seams between the fabric and the frame. That is why some manufacturers use the term "room-darkening blinds" rather than "blackout ones." The actual difference between a blackout and other blinds is the tightness of the seams.

Types of Blackout Blinds

The different types of blackout blinds are not one product; they come in a few different builds depending on the window and room. 

The roller blackout blinds use a single coated fabric in a spring or motorized roller system. These can be used in bedrooms and offices. The variety includes different finishes such as solid black blinds.

Honeycomb or cellular blackout blinds trap air inside. This air layer acts as an extra layer of insulation besides blocking the light completely. Thus, this is a great choice for a nursery.

The sliding blackout blinds work perfectly in a wider space such as a patio door. A special track will keep the fabric always sealed to the frame.

Roman blackout shades are a soft fabric shade that folds into layers when opened. It blocks light well but can leak at the sides if it is not custom-made.

Faux wood blinds use slats instead of a single fabric and add design to the space along with light control but not complete blackout.

Choosing the Right Blackout Blinds for Your Home

Choosing the right blackout blinds for your home starts with the purpose of the room. Bedrooms, nurseries, and theaters require blackout blinds, but kitchens or living rooms would require only dark window blinds or room-darkening blinds. Custom blackout blinds online let you enter exact measurements instead of relying on off-the-shelf sizes. The measuring guide or a free consultation can help match the fit to your window.

Do Blackout Blinds Keep Heat Out?

Do blackout blinds keep heat out? Yes. The thick material reflects sun rays during the hot season while retaining heat during winter, and that is why blackout blinds are worth more than just sleeping at night. Haven Shades uses a dual-layer honeycomb fabric for extra insulation on top of the light-blocking layer.

How to Blackout Windows?

Learning how to blackout windows depends on the density of the fabric and the perfect sealing at the corners. Pick up the material, which is designed for total light blockage, not just room-darkening shades, and use it with the frame that fits the wall tightly. A full blackout blinds installation guide covers the exact mounting steps so no gaps form.

Why Add Blackout Window Coverings?

Why add blackout window coverings in the first place? Apart from blocking light, they reduce energy costs; provide privacy blinds can never give; and reduce outdoor noise with honeycomb constructions. It is normally shift workers, new mothers, and people who are light sensitive that realize the benefits most.

Who Should Consider Blackout Blinds?

Night-shift workers and night nurses require daytime sleep and use blackout curtains to create a nighttime environment irrespective of the time of day. They help new parents as well because darkness in the nursery helps infants have regular sleep. Individuals suffering from migraines or light sensitivity also benefit from them because even a little bit of sunlight can cause headaches.

How to Blackout a Window Without Curtains

Wondering how to blackout a window without curtains? Blinds mounted to the frame with an edge seal track act as blackout shades for windows without needing a rod. The Haven Shades system installs in under 15 minutes with no tools.

Blackout Blinds vs Curtains

When it comes to blackout blinds vs curtains, curtains appear softer but rarely close tightly without a track that is both wide and overlapping. A properly sealed blind frame allows for an exact fit, ensuring that dark window blinds keep out all light. Blind frames are easy to clean, whereas curtains must be washed.

Do Blackout Blinds Work?

Do blackout blinds work as well as advertised? Yes, when the fabric and the fit are correct. The main problem with less expensive room-darkening blinds is that there are always gaps at the sides. Sleep research has continued to show that darkness promotes melatonin and reduces interruptions.

How to Care for Blackout Blinds

Most blackout blinds just require a light dusting or wiping with a slightly wet cloth because the fabric coating of the blinds does not collect dust as curtains do. It is important not to drench the blinds, as moisture will eventually damage the blackout backing of the blinds. When dealing with automatic blinds, it is necessary to keep the rail clean so that there is no obstruction to their movement.

Final Thoughts

From temperature regulation and sound absorption to privacy and improved sleeping patterns, blackout blinds serve many more functions than what homeowners think at first glance. After knowing your style and measuring correctly, the results will be noticeable immediately. Explore Haven's custom blackout blinds and get a size built for your exact window.

FAQs

Do blackout blinds completely block out light? 

High-quality blackout blinds with a sealed edge track will prevent almost 100 percent of all light from coming through. Blinds without a sealed edge track will generally allow some light in.

What is the difference between blackout blinds and blackout curtains? 

The difference between blackout blinds and blackout curtains is that the former fit directly into the frame and prevent light from seeping around the edges. The latter hang on a rod and will create some gaps.

Are blackout blinds good for a nursery? 

Yes, because they allow for regular sleep schedules and add an extra dimension of regulating temperature, since they make the room dark irrespective of the time of day.

How much do blackout blinds cost? 

It all depends on the type and mechanism of the blind. The roller type is the cheapest, and motorized and made-to-order blackout blinds are slightly more expensive.

Can blackout blinds be installed without drilling? 

Yes, tension-mounted adhesive frame options install without any drilling, which suits rentals well.