Blinds
Black Out Blinds: How to Choose the Best Option for a Darker Room
Whether it’s the early morning sun waking you up before your alarm, streetlights shining through the window at night, or glare making it impossible to enjoy a film, unwanted light can quickly become pretty annoying. That’s why black out blinds remain one of the most popular choices for bedrooms, nurseries and home cinemas.
But choosing the right product isn’t always as straightforward as it sounds. Terms such as blackout blinds, dimout blinds and room darkening blinds are often used interchangeably, even though they can offer very different levels of light control.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that the fabric alone determines how dark a room will be. In reality, the style of blind, how it’s fitted and the overall system design all play an important role. In fact, the British Blind and Shutter Association (BBSA) now uses the term room darkening blinds to describe products designed to provide very high levels of light exclusion. Understanding what that means can help you choose a solution that matches your expectations.
What are blackout blinds?
When most people talk about black out blinds, they’re usually referring to blinds that reduce as much incoming light as possible. Many blackout fabrics are designed to prevent light passing directly through the material.
However, even when a fabric blocks light completely, light can still enter around the edges of the blind. Small gaps at the top, sides or bottom of the window can allow daylight, streetlights or security lighting to filter into the room. This is why the performance of a blind depends on two things:
- The fabric itself
- How the blind operates and fits the window
A blind made with blackout fabric may dramatically reduce light levels, but if light leakage around the edges is a concern, additional design features may be needed.
Black out blinds are commonly chosen for:
- Bedrooms
- Nurseries
- Home cinemas
- Guest rooms
- Spaces affected by glare
- Rooms exposed to external lighting
The darker you need the room to be, the more important it becomes to consider the complete blind system rather than focusing on fabric alone.
Blackout, Dimout and Room Darkening Blinds: What’s the difference?
These terms often sound similar, but they describe different levels of light control.
Blackout blinds
Blackout blinds use fabric designed to stop light passing through the material itself. They are highly effective at reducing brightness and are a popular choice throughout the home.
However, depending on the blind style and installation method, some light may still enter around the edges.
Dimout blinds
Dimout blinds are designed to soften and reduce incoming light rather than block it completely. They’re ideal for creating a more comfortable environment while still allowing some natural light into the room. Many homeowners choose dimout blinds for living rooms, dining rooms and home offices where total darkness isn’t necessary.
If your goal is reduced glare, improved privacy and a softer atmosphere, dimout blinds can be a great option.
Room darkening blinds
Room darkening blinds are designed to provide a higher level of light exclusion. Rather than relying solely on specialist fabric, room darkening systems are often engineered to minimise light leakage around the blind itself.
This may include:
- Room darkening fabric
- A head box
- Side channels
- Bottom channels
Together, these features help reduce the gaps where light can enter. A standard blackout blind may do an excellent job of darkening a room, but a room darkening system is specifically designed to tackle those pesky strips of light that often appear around the edges.
Which blind styles work best?
Of course, different blind styles offer different benefits, so the best option will depend on how dark you need the room to be and the look you’re trying to achieve.
Blackout roller blinds
Blackout roller blinds are one of the most popular choices for good reason. Simple, practical and easy to operate, they work well in bedrooms, children’s rooms and everyday living spaces. They can be fitted inside or outside the window recess, with installation methods helping to influence overall light control. For many homes, blackout roller blinds provide an effective and affordable solution.
Blackout roman blinds
If appearance is just as important as light control, blackout roman blinds can be an excellent choice. Their soft folds and fabric finish create a warmer, more decorative look than a roller blind. They can be made with blackout lining to reduce light passing through the fabric, but some light may still enter around the sides due to the way they operate.
Specialist room darkening systems
If you’re trying to block out bright streetlights, create the perfect movie room or improve sleep conditions in a particularly bright bedroom, a specialist room darkening system may be worth considering.
One option we regularly recommend is Blindscreen. It’s specifically designed to provide excellent light-blocking performance and can deliver a much higher level of light control than many standard blind systems. For customers looking for a darker room rather than simply a darker blind, it can be a particularly effective solution.
Manual and motorised options
Light control isn’t the only consideration. How you operate your blinds matters too.
Many blackout and room darkening blinds are available in both manual and motorised versions. Motorisation can be especially useful for:
- Home cinema rooms
- Bedrooms
- Large windows
- Hard-to-reach windows
- Smart home systems
For home cinema enthusiasts, motorised blinds can even be linked to a cinema setup, helping create the right atmosphere at the touch of a button. They’re also ideal for bedrooms, allowing blinds to be opened and closed without leaving the comfort of the bed.
Safety, comfort and energy benefits
If blinds are being installed in a nursery or children’s bedroom, safety should always be part of the decision-making process. The BBSA recommends blinds without operating cords or chains where possible.
Where cords are necessary, concealed or tensioned systems should be considered to help reduce potential risks. Beyond light control, room darkening blinds can also improve day-to-day comfort around the home. Depending on the product chosen, they can help:
- Reduce glare on screens and televisions
- Create a more restful sleeping environment
- Limit excessive solar gain during warmer weather
- Provide an extra layer of insulation during colder months
While they shouldn’t be viewed as a substitute for heating or cooling systems, they can contribute to a more comfortable room throughout the year.
How to choose the right black out blinds
The best blind for your home really comes down to what you’re trying to achieve. Before making a decision, consider:
- How dark you need the room to be
- Whether you prefer a practical or decorative style
- Whether light leakage around the edges will be an issue
- Whether manual or motorised operation would suit your lifestyle
- Whether child safety is an important consideration
- Whether a specialist product such as Blindscreen would provide the performance you need
Most importantly, remember that fabric is only one part of the solution. A blackout fabric can reduce a huge amount of light, but the design of the blind and the way it’s fitted often determine the final result. If you’re unsure which option is right for your space, getting some expert advice can save time and disappointment.
Need help choosing the right black out blinds? You can speak to our team for advice on blackout roller blinds, blackout roman blinds, dimout blinds, room darkening blinds and specialist light-blocking options such as Blindscreen.