How annoying is it waking up to a blinding ray of light? Pretty annoying right? Well luckily there is a solution, the solution is blackout blinds.
Blackout blinds are exactly the same as regular blinds except the fabrics used are much better at blocking out light, similar to the effect of thick curtains. Ironically regular blackout blinds suffer the same fate as curtains, they let the light in round the sides and bottom. Although the more heavy duty blackout blinds are available in 100% complete light blackout.
A common misconception is that blackout blinds are made by using dark fabrics, maybe that was true ten years ago, but nowadays fabric manufactures have the ability to create fabrics in any colour or pattern with the blackout effect.
Roller blinds with a blackout fabric are the most common type of blackout blinds, although there are quite a few others available too. Blackout blinds can be split into two categories, blinds with blackout fabrics and complete blackout blind systems.
Blinds with Blackout Fabrics
Although with a roller blind and a good blackout fabric you can get a good percentage of light exclusion, you will never be able to get 100% as there is nothing restricting the light coming around the sides and bottom of the blind.
- Roller Blinds
As I said before, blackout roller blinds are the most popular type, they are relatively cheap, there is a good range of fabrics, and they do the job. Unless you are in an area which requires 100% blackout then roller blinds should satisfy your needs.
- Roman Blinds
Blackout roman blinds are becoming an increasingly popular option in terms of blackout blinds. Roman blinds are well known for their contemporary look which compliments most décor. Most suppliers now offer blackout lining and stitching on all there roman blinds which is a great addition to an already fantastic product.
- Vertical Blinds
I’ve left these to last for a reason, they’re crap. If you are seriously looking for a blackout blind just ignore verticals completely. Yes, you can get blackout fabrics for use in vertical blinds, or blackout louvres to be more technically correct. But vertical blinds were not made to block out light, louvres blow around with even the slightest breeze rendering them completely useless in most applications.
Complete Blackout Blind Systems
Unlike blinds with blackout fabrics, complete blackout blind systems are designed specifically with light exclusion in mind. These are usually a much more heavy duty product, made specifically for areas such as theatres or home cinemas where 100% blackout is required.
- Cassette Blinds
Cassette blinds are similar to blackout blinds except a lot more heavy duty, they are often used large contract projects, although light weight versions are also available for domestic use. Cassette blinds feature side channels made out of aluminium which allow up to 100% light exclusion depending on the model.
Roundup
If you are looking for a functional blind that blocks out enough light for you to lay in bed all day then a roller or roman with a blackout fabric will do fine, however if you are looking to start your own secret laboratory at home you may need to go the extra distance and purchase cassette blinds.
Tags: Blackout Blinds, cassette blinds, Roller Blinds, Roman Blinds, Vertical Blinds