What Are Blackout Curtains and Blinds?
Blackout describes fabrics and window treatments designed to reduce light transmission to a very high degree. The actual room-darkening performance depends on measurements, installation, edge gaps and the chosen system as well as the fabric itself.
Blackout and dim-out: the difference
Dim-out or room-darkening fabrics substantially reduce light but should not be expected to provide complete darkness in every installation. Blackout solutions aim for a higher degree of light control. A fixed, unverified percentage would be misleading: performance varies with the fabric, system and installation details.
Is blackout only available as a roller blind?
No. Blackout options can be considered for fabric curtains, roller blinds, suitable pleated fabrics and other blind systems. The mechanism, measurements and installation method influence the result as well as the fabric’s properties.
What determines complete darkness?
Blackout fabric alone does not always guarantee a completely dark room. Light entering at the edges, gaps above and below, installation method, cassette or side-channel solutions and window geometry together determine the actual blackout performance.
Quick selection guide
Which option is suitable, and when?
- Blackout fabric curtainsDecorative appeal with a high degree of light control
- Blackout roller blindsCompact, controlled room darkening
- Blackout pleated blindsA compact solution for suitable window shapes
- Dim-out and room-darkening fabricsGentler light reduction where complete darkness is not required
Related solution