By Katherine Brown · Published 26 February 2025
Blackout blinds FAQ is here to answer all those questions that have been bothering you. If you think blackout means ugly and functional, then this guide should reassure you – you can get all the function you need with all the style you want.
Yes, blackout blinds are absolutely worth it if you want to control light, improve sleep quality, and enhance privacy. Their key benefits include:
When selecting blackout blinds, four considerations are paramount:
When we do a consultation and people want blackout, the first thing we really need to establish is how black. How much blackout do they really need? That is the most important thing to establish, because people may start off by saying it’s got to be completely black, otherwise I can’t sleep.
But that takes us down a different path, and your hardware options are then fewer. For example, sometimes people will say, ‘I have to have complete darkness, but I’d really like a curtain pole.’ Well, the two don’t go together, because a curtain pole will always let in an element of light.
There are things you can do to help that. You can position the pole as high as possible above the window, and that will help. Curtains can be returned to the side of the wall, as you would on a track as well. But if it’s for complete blackout, or for a baby’s bedroom, we wouldn’t advise using a curtain pole. In that instance, a track is so much better. And if you want to enhance that even further, use a track with a covered lath and fascia, or a track with a pelmet.
There are other tricks we can play. If somebody really wants a pole, we can add a blackout roller blind behind. We can use zipped blinds as well, where a roller blind is zipped into channels at the sides and at the bottom, and has a cassette at the top. They’re a great piece of kit.
We often use those alongside Roman blinds, where people want a Roman blind but they want blackout. A Roman blind, by its very nature, unless it’s set into a recess, will always let light in at the sides. So we often use a zipped blind behind it for that purpose.
So there’s a whole series of questions we need to go through with people to find the absolute right blackout solution for them.
Not all blackout blinds offer the same level of blackout: Roller blinds, Roman blinds, and even those made in blackout fabrics will still allow some light to bleed around the sides.
Depending on the style of your window, you may be able to minimise this by fitting the blinds inside the window recess, but if you want complete blackout—for example, for a nursery or if you work shifts—then the only way to achieve complete blackout is with zipped blinds.
These blinds have side and bottom channels to seal out light entirely and provide total blackout.
There are two great options here:
Kurolock by Umbra Shading is so well-engineered that you can leave the window open without risking the blind coming out of its zips. This brand also offers many ways to customise your blinds from frame colour to fabric textures and colour choices. However, these blinds must be professionally measured and fitted.
Bloc Blinds are a more cost-effective option, with less customisation opportunities but we find them to do the job perfectly well – and can be a great option especially when paired with more decorative curtains or Roman blinds. They also have the advantage of not needing to be professionally measured or fitted.
Both of these brands offer motorised versions.
Our Blackout Blinds FAQ continues below.
There is no denying that blackout blinds are built for function more than form. Often, we would use these with a secondary blind that is more decorative. It is not unusual for clients to say, ‘Actually I don’t need 100% blackout – I’d prefer something more attractive and I’m willing to settle for 90% blackout’
At this point, your options become much wider – customised roller blinds, Roman blinds or shutters.
Blackout blinds can also be thermally lined, but their thermal effectiveness is also determined by how well they fit. No matter how efficient your fabric and linings are, they will not offer thermal insulation if there is a big gap around them.
This is where professional measuring and fitting can be worth its weight in gold – or in this case, reduced energy bills! A professional measure and fit service will result in enhanced blackout and thermal benefits and will no doubt look better as well.
Many of the same points that apply to thermal efficiency apply here. It depends on the fabric, the lining, and the fit. Road noise can be significantly reduced with the right materials and professional fitting.
Our clients rarely use shutters for blackout. In our experience, shutters play more of a privacy role alongside curtains because they offer flexibility—you can open the louvres as much or as little as you like. However, the blackout isn’t very good, given that shutters are made up of many parts, which means lots of light gaps!
Katherine says: Blinds are better if you want total blackout. Shutters might be a better choice if flexibility and aesthetics are priorities. Blackout blinds with curtains can be the most stylish of all.
No Blackout Blinds FAQ would be complete without answering this question! Generally, curtains are our go-to choice when our clients want the ultimate blackout. Full-length curtains on a corded track or with a covered lathe or pelmet provide excellent blackout. If you prefer the look of a curtain pole, just be aware that this will offer more opportunity for light leakage.
Blackout blinds can be a better choice in certain circumstances:
Katherine says: If you want complete blackout with a modern look, go for zipped blinds. Curtains are a better option for added warmth and a luxurious feel. Remember that blackout blinds can be used with curtains, and this combination can offer a stylish, layered look.
Yes, electric blackout blinds are available. These are motorised blinds that can be controlled via a remote, smartphone app, or even voice assistants like Alexa and Google Home. They are great for:
Yes, blackout blinds are perfect for bedrooms. They block out early morning sunlight, making them ideal for:
Good news: Blackout blinds and curtains can be both effective and beautiful, especially if you get professional help. We’re experts in making things absolutely gorgeous without compromising performance. Get in touch – we would love to discuss your project.
