Do blackout blinds really block all light?

Blackout blinds block up to 99% of light passing through the fabric itself. The fabric is coated or layered to prevent light transmission. Hold a blackout fabric up to a light and you will see nothing through it.

However, most blackout blinds still let some light around the edges. This is the gap between the blind and the window frame. It is most noticeable with roller blinds, where a thin strip of light shows at the sides and sometimes at the bottom.

There are ways to reduce edge light. Fitting the blind inside the window recess rather than on the face of the wall closes the gap significantly. Side channels, available on some roller blinds, seal the edges completely. A blind fitted slightly wider than the recess also helps.

Perfect Fit blackout blinds are one of the best options for bedrooms. They sit inside the window frame with no gaps at the sides. The trade-off is that they are only compatible with uPVC frames.

For nurseries and children's bedrooms, a blackout roller with side channels gives the closest thing to total darkness. This is particularly useful in summer when daylight starts before 5am and lasts past 9pm.

The colour of the fabric does not affect blackout performance. A white blackout blind blocks the same amount of light as a black one. The coating on the back does the work.

We supply blackout blinds in roller, Roman, and Perfect Fit styles. Fitting is included.