What Does Blackout Mean in Window Coverings?
Blackout means that a window covering is designed to block light as effectively as possible – both direct sunlight and indirect daylight. The goal is to create a dark or nearly light-free environment, regardless of the time of day.
It is important to understand that blackout does not always mean 100% total darkness. The final result depends on several factors such as fabric/material, construction, installation method, and possible light leakage around the sides, top, or bottom. For this reason, blackout is often described as a degree of light blocking rather than absolute darkness.
What Determines How Well a Product Blocks Light?
- Blackout fabrics have a dense structure or a light-blocking backing.
- Light colors can block light just as well as dark colors if the fabric is correctly constructed.
- Screen and transparent fabrics provide no blackout effect.
- Cassette systems reduce light entering from above.
- Side channels or guide rails limit light leakage from the sides.
- Open systems will always allow more light around the edges.
- Wall or ceiling mounting usually provides better blackout performance.
- Recess mounting inside the window reveal can allow light leakage.
- Wall and ceiling colors can increase light reflection in the room.
Products Suitable for Blackout
Blackout Roller Blinds
Roller blinds with blackout fabric are one of the most popular solutions for light blocking. For the best result, a cassette and/or side channels are recommended to reduce light leakage around the edges.
Blackout Pleated Blinds
Pleated blinds with blackout fabric, often with a honeycomb (cellular) structure, combine effective light blocking with a clean and elegant appearance. Side guiding can further improve blackout performance.
Vertical Blinds with Blackout Fabric
Vertical blinds can be equipped with light-blocking fabrics and are well suited for large windows and sliding doors. They offer flexible light control, although some light may pass between the slats.
Venetian Blinds – Mainly Light Control
Venetian blinds provide excellent light control and privacy, but they are generally not a full blackout solution. Light can pass between the slats and around the edges.
Best Results: Combined Solutions
For maximum blackout performance, many customers combine a blackout blind with curtains. This helps reduce both direct light and reflected daylight.
Common Areas of Use
Summary: Which Solution Blocks Light Best?
| Product | Blackout level |
|---|---|
| Blackout roller blind with cassette/side guides | ★★★★★ |
| Blackout pleated blind (preferably honeycomb) | ★★★★☆ |
| Vertical blind with blackout fabric | ★★★☆☆ |
| Venetian blinds | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Screen / transparent fabrics | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Tip: To achieve the darkest possible result, the construction (cassette and side guides) and installation method are often just as important as the fabric itself.